The TV Anime 'Sentenced to Be a Hero' is Confirmed to Air in 2025
Yōhei Azakami and Mayu Iizuka have been confirmed to star!
A new project revealing behind-the-scenes production of the TV anime is also underway.
January 2025 (Tokyo, Japan): The original story has won numerous awards, including the "Kakuyomu Award 2020", "Next Light Novel Award 2021", and "This Light Novel is Amazing! 2023". We are thrilled to announce that the TV anime "Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004-" is confirmed to air in 2025.
Today, the second teaser visual has been revealed, showing the protagonist, Xylo Forbartz, standing bravely against a powerful enemy. The main characters will be voiced by newly announced cast members Yōhei Azakami and Mayu Iizuka. Cast comments have also been shared.
Stay tuned for detailed battle scenes, animated by the renowned animation studio "Studio KAI" and a gripping tale of punishment heroes fighting against despair!
Official Website: https://yushakei-pj.com/
Teaser PV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siRFn3n4zCs
New character and cast information announced!
Special comments from the cast also revealed.
The cast information for the lead roles has been revealed. Yōhei Azakami has been confirmed as the voice of Xylo Forbartz, and Mayu Iizuka will voice Teoritta. Special comments from the cast have also been shared.
■Xylo Forbartz (CV: Yōhei Azakami)
Affiliation: Penal Hero Unit 9004
Charges: Assault and Murder of a God, etc.
Once the leader of the Holy Knights, Xylo became a Punishment Hero after committing the grave sin of killing a "Goddess". He possesses exceptional combat skills and leadership abilities, handling the front lines of battle with calm and precision. While he has a rough and aggressive side, he also has a compassionate nature, making it difficult for him to ignore those in need.
[Comment]
"First, please watch the teaser PV."
Honestly, this one sentence sums it all up.
Although it was released before the recording session, I was immediately drawn into the world of the work by its beautiful animation and dynamic soundtrack.
The joy and pressure of playing Xylo.
Amidst the chaotic emotions and the flow of blood coursing through my body, I am preparing for battle.
To the fans of the work and those who will become fans in the future, I sincerely hope you will fully enjoy the world of the Punishment Heroes, starting with this "despair." Thank you very much.
■Teoritta (CV: Mayu Iizuka)
Teoritta is the "Goddess" of swords who has formed a contract with Xylo. She can summon a wide range of swords, including Holy Swords and demonic swords.
While she has a high sense of pride and loves being praised, she also shows self-sacrificing behavior, epitomizing the classic traits of a "Goddess".
She enjoys having her head patted.
[Comment]
The battles of the unique and diverse prisoners sentenced as Punishment Heroes! As I read the original work, I was completely drawn into its world. I'm so happy to be a part of such a project.
Have you all seen the teaser PV!? As the "Goddess", I'm really looking forward to seeing Teoritta's dignified battle scenes and her cute, innocent moments in daily life. I'm excited for everyone to see all sides of her in the animation!
A new project showcasing behind-the-scenes production for the TV anime is also launching in preparation for the broadcast.
Starting today, a new project titled ”Sentenced to Be a Hero Animation Production Chronicles" has been launched to showcase behind-the-scenes process of creating the TV anime. This project will include illustrations, design concepts, and even interviews with the production staff, all of which will be released gradually. Be sure to check it out!
Additionally, starting today, we are launching a project called "Explanation Chronicles", offering detailed explanations of unique terms from the series. This will allow you to enjoy the story on a deeper level, so don't miss it!
——————— About Sentenced to Be a Hero ———————
Introduction:
"The "Sentenced to Be a Hero" novel series by Rocket Shokai is a dark fantasy where Heroes—criminals sentenced to heroism service in a penal military unit—must wage war against a demon king's army.
The series began in October 2020 on the self-publishing site kakuyomu.jp, and by September 2021 it had received an official release with illustrations by MEPHISTO under Kadokawa's Dengeki no Shin Bungei imprint.
After winning a string of accolades, including first place in the User Recommendations category in the 2020 Kakuyomu Awards and second place overall in the Tsugirano Awards for up-and-coming light novel series, ""Sentenced to Be a Hero"" is soon to become an anime!
The curtain is about to rise on these compulsory Heroes' fierce battle against despair..."
Synopsis:
"Hero" is the worst punishment in the world.
For those convicted of heinous crimes, they are sentenced to become a “Hero" and forced to enter the mandatory military service in the war against the Demon Lords.These convicts are not even allowed to die—if killed, they will be resurrected to fight another day.
Hero Xylo Forbartz, former head of the Order of the Holy Knights, leads a penal unit of deplorables fighting on the front lines. It's in these direst of circumstances that he meets Teoritta, one of the world's the strongest weapons.
"When every last enemy has been defeated, you are to shower me with praise and pat my head."
In order to survive and to take revenge on those who wronged him, he makes a pact with the goddess and launches headfirst into a maelstrom of war and intrigue.
Staff:
Original Work: Rocket Shokai (Dengeki no Shinbungei / KADOKAWA)
Original Illustration: MEPHISTO
Animation Studio: Studio KAI
Cast:
Xylo Forbartz: Yōhei Azakami
Teoritta: Mayu Iizuka
Original Light Novels:
Volume 1 ~ 3 available from Yen Press!
Volume 4 coming May 2025.
https://yenpress.com/titles/9781975391362-sentenced-to-be-a-hero-vol-4-light-novel
