The anime adaptation of Rocket Shokai’s light novel series, “Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004” (Yūsha-kei ni Shosu: Chōbatsu Yūsha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku), is set to premiere in October 2025. A new promotional video unveiling the staff and a key visual have been released.
Key Staff Behind “Sentenced to Be a Hero” Anime
The production team for “Sentenced to Be a Hero” includes:
- Anime Director: Hiroyuki Takashima (Studio KAI). Takashima’s previous work includes episode direction on “Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation” and assistant direction on “The IDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls U149 OVA”.
- Assistant Director and Creature Designer: Yoshitake Nakakōji.
- Scriptwriter: Kenta Ihara. Ihara is also known for their work on “Tsukimichi -Moonlit Fantasy-,” “Ishura,” and “Nukitashi the Animation.”
- Character Designer: Takeshi Noda (DAN DA DAN sub-character designs).
- Music Composer: Shunsuke Takizawa.
- Worldbuilding: Nobutaka Ike.
- Prop Designer: Kouta Sugawa.
Main Cast
The main cast includes:
- Yōhei Azakami as Xylo Forbartz, the disgraced knight-turned-hero.
- Mayu Iizuka as Teoritta, the sword goddess bonded to Xylo.
- Shizuka Ishigami as Patausche Kivia.
- Shun Horie as Dotta Luzulas.
- Shunichi Toki as Venetim Leopool.
What is “Sentenced to Be a Hero” About?
“Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004” is a dark fantasy series that presents a unique take on the hero trope. In this world, heroism is not a noble calling but a punishment for the worst criminals.
Story Premise
Convicts sentenced to be “Heroes” are forced to fight on the front lines against the Demon King’s army. These “heroes” face brutal battles and are revived even after death to continue their unending punishment.
Key Plot Points
The story centers on Xylo Forbartz, a former commander of the Holy Knights who was convicted of killing a goddess. As a “hero,” he is thrust into the war against the demon king’s army. Xylo’s fate takes an unexpected turn when he forms a contract with Teoritta, a sword goddess, a partnership that could potentially change their grim world.
Yen Press, which publishes the light novel series in English, describes the story as follows:
“Heroism—a punishment for only the worst criminals. Those sentenced to the fate of a hero are forced to fight at the front lines against the demon king’s army—and if they die, they can expect to be revived and continue the battle. But when their leader, convicted of killing a goddess, meets another goddess himself, the contract they forge may be enough to change the world…”
Light Novel and Manga Information
- Light Novel: The light novel series, written by Rocket Shokai and illustrated by Mephisto, began serialization as a web novel on Kakuyomu in October 2020. Kadokawa began publishing it in print under their Dengeki no Shin Bungei imprint in September 2021. As of January 17, 2025, seven volumes have been released. Yen Press licenses the light novels in English.
- Manga: A manga adaptation, illustrated by Natsumi Inoue, began serialization in ASCII Media Works’ Dengeki Comic Regulus web magazine on March 25, 2022. As of April 26, 2024, it has been collected in two volumes. Kadokawa’s BookWalker website publishes the manga digitally in English.
Production Studio
Studio KAI, known for its high-quality animation, is producing the anime series. Their previous work includes “Skeleton Knight in Another World.”
Accolades
The original novel series has received several awards, including the “2020 Kakuyomu Awards” and the “2021 Tsugirano Awards.”
