Crunchyroll has announced the English dub cast for the anime series The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows, which began streaming on April 17, 2025. This fantasy anime, adapted from the light novel series by Sakaku Hishikawa and illustrated by Daburyu, tells the story of Zenos, a self-taught healer who finds himself cast out and forging a new path in the shadows.
From Light Novel to Anime Sensation
The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows started as a web novel on Shōsetsuka ni Narō in November 2020. It was later acquired by SB Creative, who published it as a light novel under their GA Novel imprint starting in October 2021. As of November 2024, seven volumes have been released. The series also has a manga adaptation by Ten Jūnoichi, which began serialization in January 2022, and a webtoon adaptation that launched in January 2025. The anime television series, produced by Makaria, premiered in April 2025.
Story Overview
Zenos is a healer born in the slums, learning his skills from a mysterious man. Despite his talents, he’s kicked out of his adventurer party, Golden Phoenix, for being “useless” and a liability. Determined to prove his worth, Zenos opens an underground clinic in the slums, offering his services to those who can’t obtain healer licenses. He soon finds himself living in a rundown house inhabited by a wraith named Carmilla, and assisting the three top gang leaders in the slums. As Zenos heals and helps those around him, his reputation grows, eventually attracting the attention of even the royal palace.
Meet the English Dub Cast
The English dub features a talented cast bringing the characters to life:
- Eli Farmer as Zenos
- Nia Celeste as Lily
- Molly Zhang as Carmilla
- Chris Ryan as Forbes
- Cassie Ewulu as Loewe
- Mary Morgan as Lynga
- Kara Edwards as Til
- Jesse Pinnick as Zonde
- Mallorie Rodak as Zophia
Behind the Scenes
The English dub is directed by Jason Lord, with Susie Nixon as the producer. Audrey Drake Rigg handled the adaptation, while Rickey Watkins was the mixer and Jamal Roberson the engineer.
Anime Production Details
Joe Yoshizaki directs the anime at Makaria Inc., with scripts by Taika Miyagi. Denpuougi and Yoshihiro Sawada are responsible for character designs, and Harumi Fuuki (known for Management of a Novice Alchemist) composes the music.
The opening theme song, “Light Maker,” is performed by Bokula, and the ending theme song, “Tsuki ni Negau (To Wish Upon the Moon),” is performed by sorato.
Japanese Voice Cast
The original Japanese voice cast includes:
- Shōgo Sakata as Zenos
- Miharu Hanai as Lily
- Yōko Hikasa as Carmilla
- Anna Nagase as Zophia
- Yuki Nakashima as Krishna
- Taku Yashiro as Zonde
- Masaaki Mizunaka as Aston
Themes and Reception
The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows explores themes of self-worth, community, and challenging societal norms. The series blends adventure, fantasy, and harem elements, focusing on the interactions between Zenos and the demi-human girls.
Anime News Network’s Rebecca Silverman gave the light novel series a positive review, praising Zenos as a protagonist and the lack of status screens. Richard Eisenbeis, also from Anime News Network, gave the first two episodes of the anime adaptation a mixed review.
One reviewer noted the series is a light-hearted fantasy harem anime. The reviewer also pointed out that the interactions between Zenos and the demi-human girls are the focus of the show with action and intrigue being secondary.
Premise and Initial Impressions
The anime follows Zenos, who, after being deemed useless by his party, opens a secret clinic in the slums. With his unique healing abilities, he quietly becomes a legend, attracting attention from various factions, including the royal palace. This premise has been compared to Osamu Tezuka’s Black Jack, with Zenos operating as an unlicensed healer who challenges the system.
Some viewers have praised the anime for its unorthodox approach, particularly in its handling of the slavery trope. The first episode introduces the main characters and sets the stage for Zenos’s journey as an underground healer. However, some critics have noted the slow pacing and the initial focus on the harem aspect.
Where to Watch
The Brilliant Healer’s New Life in the Shadows is available for streaming on Crunchyroll.
