The highly anticipated television anime adaptation of Rocket Shokai’s Sentenced to be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004 light novel series is set to receive a special premiere screening of its 60-minute first episode at Lucca Comics & Games 2025 in Italy. The event will take place on October 30 at 12:00 p.m. local time, offering attendees an early look at the anime ahead of its official broadcast debut in January 2026.
An Early Glimpse at Lucca Comics & Games
Anime fans attending Lucca Comics & Games, one of Europe’s most significant pop culture festivals, will have the exclusive opportunity to witness the extended first episode of “Sentenced to be a Hero.” The screening is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at noon. This special event serves as a significant preview, building anticipation for the full series release early next year.
About “Sentenced to be a Hero”
The anime adapts the light novel series Yūsha-kei ni Shosu: Chōbatsu Yūsha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku by Rocket Shokai, which began serialization as a web novel in October 2020. Yen Press publishes the light novel series in English, describing the premise: “Heroism—a punishment for only the worst criminals. Those sentenced to the fate of a hero are forced to fight on the front lines against deadly centers of contagion that rot the land and turn its creatures into roving armies of violent beasts. And if a hero dies, their only reward is being brought back to life so they can continue the never-ending battle.” The story follows Xylo Forbartz, a convicted goddess killer and member of Penal Hero Unit 9004, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he forms a pact with a new goddess, potentially changing their grim world.
Production and Broadcast Details
Studio KAI is producing the animation for “Sentenced to be a Hero.” Hiroyuki Takashima is directing the anime, with Yoshitake Nakakōji as assistant director and creature designer, and Kenta Ihara handling the series’ scripts. Takeshi Noda is responsible for character designs, and Shunsuke Takizawa is composing the music.
The series was initially slated for an October 2025 premiere but was later delayed to January 2026 to further enhance its quality. Crunchyroll has confirmed that it will stream the series as it airs, making it accessible to a global audience.
The main voice cast includes:
- Yōhei Azakami as Xylo Forbartz
- Mayu Iizuka as Teoritta
- Shizuka Ishigami as Patausche Kivia
- Shun Horie as Dotta Luzulas
- Shunichi Toki as Venetim Leopool
- Jun Fukushima as Tsav
Lucca Comics & Games: A Premier Pop Culture Event
Lucca Comics & Games, held annually in Lucca, Italy, from late October to early November, is a major international festival dedicated to comics, games, video games, animation, and fantasy. The 2025 edition is scheduled from October 29 to November 2. The event attracts hundreds of thousands of fans, artists, and industry professionals from around the world, making it an ideal platform for high-profile anime premieres.
