The light novel series, The Kept Man of the Princess Knight (Hime Kishi-sama no Himo), is officially being adapted into a TV anime series. This exciting news was announced recently by Kadokawa, sending waves of anticipation through the fantasy and anime communities.
From Light Novel to Animated Series
The Kept Man of the Princess Knight began as a Japanese light novel series, penned by Tōru Shirogane and brought to life with illustrations by Saki Mashima. The series debuted in February 2022 under ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Bunko imprint and has quickly gained popularity.
The Creative Team Behind the Anime
The anime adaptation is being produced by studio Blade. Chihiro Kumano will be directing the series, with Deko Akao handling series composition and Hisao Ishii in charge of character designs.
Voice Cast Announcement
Adding to the excitement, it has been confirmed that Junichi Suwabe and Mikako Komatsu will be reprising their roles as Matthew and Arwin, respectively. They previously voiced the characters in promotional videos for the light novel series, and their return promises to bring authenticity to the anime adaptation.
Storyline: A Princess, a Dungeon, and an Unlikely Hero
The Kept Man of the Princess Knight is set in a dark fantasy world centered around the Dungeon City, a place rife with crime, corruption, and danger. The city’s one beacon of hope is Arwin, the beautiful and courageous Crimson Princess Knight. Arwin bravely ventures into the depths of a treacherous dungeon in search of a legendary treasure that holds the power to restore her fallen kingdom.
Matthew: More Than Meets the Eye
Beside Arwin stands Matthew, a man widely scorned as a cowardly weakling. He’s perceived as someone who leeches off Arwin’s hard-earned money, squandering it on booze, gambling, and brothels. However, beneath this deplorable façade lies a hidden strength and cunning that no one, not even Arwin herself, suspects. Matthew often works behind the scenes, using his wits and secret abilities to solve problems and protect his princess.
Themes of Loyalty, Deception, and Hidden Potential
The story explores themes of loyalty, deception, and the potential that lies hidden beneath the surface. Matthew’s true capabilities and his reasons for maintaining his “kept man” persona are central to the narrative, creating a compelling mystery that unfolds as the series progresses.
A Prize-Winning Series
The Kept Man of the Princess Knight has garnered significant acclaim, including winning the Grand Prize at the 28th Dengeki Novel Awards. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding works of light novel fiction and highlights the series’ quality and appeal.
Popularity and Reach
Since its debut, The Kept Man of the Princess Knight has achieved impressive sales figures, with over 200,000 copies in circulation. This widespread popularity has undoubtedly contributed to the decision to adapt the series into an anime.
Other Media
Aside from the light novel and upcoming anime, The Kept Man of the Princess Knight has also been adapted into a manga series. Illustrated by Keyyang, the manga began serialization on Kadokawa’s ComicWalker website in September 2022, further expanding the series’ reach and fanbase.
English Release
For English-speaking fans, Yen Press has licensed The Kept Man of the Princess Knight light novel series. This allows readers outside of Japan to enjoy the story in their native language.
What to Expect from the Anime
With a talented creative team, a compelling storyline, and a dedicated fanbase, the The Kept Man of the Princess Knight anime adaptation has the potential to be a major hit. Fans can expect:
- Faithful adaptation of the source material.
- High-quality animation by studio Blade.
- Engaging voice acting from Junichi Suwabe and Mikako Komatsu.
- Exploration of the series’ themes of loyalty, deception, and hidden potential.
- A captivating blend of action, mystery, and dark fantasy elements.
A Deep Dive into the World of The Kept Man of the Princess Knight
To truly appreciate the upcoming anime adaptation, it’s worth exploring the rich world and characters of The Kept Man of the Princess Knight in more detail.
The Setting: Dungeon City
The Dungeon City is not your typical fantasy metropolis. It’s a gritty, morally ambiguous place where the line between right and wrong is often blurred. The city owes its existence to the vast dungeon that lies beneath it, a source of both danger and opportunity.
Arwin: The Crimson Princess Knight
Arwin is a complex and admirable character. Despite her royal lineage, she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty. She is a skilled warrior, she is determined to restore her kingdom, but she is also kind and compassionate. Her unwavering belief in Matthew, despite his flaws, is a testament to her character.
Matthew’s Hidden Depths
Matthew’s true nature is one of the series’ central mysteries. While he appears to be a lazy, irresponsible freeloader, there are hints that he possesses incredible strength and strategic brilliance. His reasons for concealing his abilities are yet to be fully revealed, but it’s clear that he has a deep loyalty to Arwin and a desire to protect her.
The Dungeon’s Secrets
The dungeon itself is a character in its own right. It’s a labyrinthine environment filled with dangerous monsters, ancient traps, and forgotten treasures. The dungeon holds the key to Arwin’s quest, but it also harbors secrets that could change the fate of the Dungeon City.
Why This Anime is Worth Watching
The Kept Man of the Princess Knight offers a fresh and intriguing take on the fantasy genre. It subverts traditional tropes by presenting a flawed hero in Matthew and a strong, independent heroine in Arwin. The series also explores complex themes of morality, social class, and the nature of power.
Audience Reception
The series has garnered positive attention. Reviewers have praised the characters, world-building, and unique premise.
Anticipation Builds
As the premiere of the The Kept Man of the Princess Knight anime draws closer, excitement within the anime community continues to surge. Fans eagerly await the chance to see this captivating story brought to life on screen. With its blend of action, mystery, and compelling characters, the anime promises to be a must-watch for fans of the fantasy genre.
