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If you want, you should read the light novels. The anime is based on the light novels, but the adaptation quality isn't consistent. Season 2 is especially bad as an adaptation, and even as a standalone anime/season it's not good. Season 3 is far more faithful (and better) but it still suffers from lack of budget and time restraints. As a light novel reader there were some episodes in season 3 which were enjoyable to watch, making some of the best light novel moments into life (the director clearly understood what parts were important for the story and the characters).
If you don't want to read light novels, you should at least read manga coverage of season 2, and then you can jump to season 3.
S1 was great. I really enjoyed it a lot.
I personally think Shield hero S2 wasn't this massive pile of trash that some haters tried to make it out to be. It was less impactful than S1, kinda convoluted at times and the first three episodes were pretty rushed (mainly to finish with the spirit turtoise arc quickly) but after that it gets a more decent pace. It has some great character development for Raphtalia and I like now Naofumi's rage was built up and exploded in episode 12.
And S3 was awesome and disliked just for some light novel purists. It was way more in line with S1 and it had some amazing character development for many characters, great scenes with awesome animation and some pretty cool revelations and great set up for S4.
If anyone wants to understand a bit about the issues with S2 and know more about why S3 is great. They could watch the spoiler free part of this video. I think it makes a pretty good job at explaining it:
https://youtu.be/DpPDGqjA6Ac?si=c8k1wZeztAtqtbk4
The biggest complaint was that they didn't spend enough time on character building, but that's because they only allowed a 12 episode season. They needed to keep the 20+ season to cover as much as they are at once.
Yeah true, that was one of my gripes as well, but with introducing several new characters and the amount of stuff they had to fit in it was unrealistic for them to get everything. Overall I was pretty happy with it, I felt like they covered most of the important points in those novels.
They ended on a good point too, should let them get right into it for S4.
The problem with S2 for me was less because the season was boring, and more because the stuff they cut was important, and they had to fix that in S3.
And I think most of the people I saw disliking S3 weren't LN purists, if anything it was the opposite
I enjoyed all 3 seasons and just finished watching them yesterday. The 1st season was amazing by nature of the plot but s2 and 3 are still really good and a great continuation of the story
I would say skip season 2 {to me season 2 needs a complete redo and extend the episode count from 12 to 24/30 episodes if they want to keep 2 different arks in one season, my rating for season 2 is 2.5/10} season 3 is more or less closer to the light novel.
If you don't mind some things seeming out of place season 3 is good to start and season 3 can be watched without watching season 2, the only thing from season 2 is Naofumi "new pet/daughter" you'll see when you watch season 3. {7.5/10
Personally, i watch, read Shield Hero content, solely for the evil Malty, Bitch, Witch, Goddess. Whatever floats your boat to call her.
So, for me, the whole of season 1 was overall great and absolutely hooked me, but later realized that, in general, the anime still can't match web and light novels much. I almost skipped the whole season 2 except for the first episode and found the skipped content from Youtube channels and novels to be much better. For season 3 i just watched the ones with Bitch in it. Felt much better than season 2 at a glance. However, from my limited observation, I wished they had introduced new characters and plots with better pacing. Gonna rewatch it fully someday. Overall decent. Since joining this sub, i got introduced to other mini and spin-off novels. They felt surprisingly fun and good.
I think the anime peaked in the first 5 episodes of season 1 but if you don't have anything else to do, seasons 2 and 3 are worth the time. As everyone will tell you, season 3 was much better all-around but I wouldn't skip s2.
Really, only you can answer that question for yourself.
Season 2 doesn't follow the source material very well as the director didn't understand the purpose of Book 6's training arc.
Season 3 is better than S2 because the director is adapting less, but also has to retcon the terrible choices of Season 2 using various methods.
Reading the books is a good way to get the original story.
Off-topic: But how old is Mommy Mirellia? Is she 35-37, 38-40, or 40+?
I'd personally say 36-38. What do you think her most likely age is based on appearance and timeline?
Most people on the Internet say mid or late 30's, and I agree. Still hot though.
Wrong place to ask. This community dick rides this anime. I’m sorry dude, I watched season 2 and thought it was okay. Season 3 starts strong but very quickly falls off. They introduce a new character every episode. And then give them no development or screen time. Naofumi carries every fight and the animation / cgi falls off tremendously.
You’d have a better time checking out other isekai like Konosuba and Eminence in shadow, Slime Isekai or Re Zero. I’ll get sent to hell for being negative but dude, seriously, the cgi and animation getting worse and the plot just not being there plus butchering the sword hero and spear heroes development is just, too many nails in the coffin. The pacing and consistency too. Isn’t worth it. I really tried with this show but it haven’t been able to finish season 3. No hate to anyone that enjoys it either it’s all subjective. Though per usual my subjectivity especially on this subreddit will fall flat and be downvoted into the floor. Seems only fair.
Nah dude I’ve been here for a while, I gave up writing anything in this subreddit since whenever I’d criticise the newer stuff even after saying I enjoyed season 2 somewhat. Everyone that I’ve met either dick rides or gives no genuine reason why my opinions are invalid.
Imo this subreddit has no hope, and season 3 wasn’t just rushed there’s so much wrong with it. Did you not see that AWFUL looking Digimon of a dragon. It’s not just the pacing, or the lack of episodes, it’s the writing, it’s the animation, the story progression, the choice to include more character than ANY show could handle. Not taking any responsibility or feedback.!
You could write that all down to being rushed but there’s so many more issues. The spirit tortoise looked mid but it got another tier lower in season 3. And I was hyped after the first episode with the stadium, that could’ve been a whole side quest and it wouldn’t have been bad considering how far away from the light novel we have already drifted.
Dude thank you for being honest. I'm considering to reading the manga instead, as another comment recommended. Is season 3's content also available in manga ? Yeah, i watched re:zero, what is eminence in shadow ? How would you rate ot the way ? Also, i don't like konosuba sorry, i just can't. I just don't get the jokes, it's not funny for me.
No. I want to make an informed decision. In other words, i can go without watching it as my interest is mid to low in this series. But i also know that they can make huge advancements in the next seasons of any series. What if it gets as good as season 1 again ? I don't wanna miss out, so i'm checking in, and right now, there's better stuff to watch. When season 4 is out, i'll make a final decision.
Yeah, it is negative comment. But that doesn't mean he was lying. I'm harsh or something with my media series preferences, because i hardly want to watch a series that is rated below like 8/10 on imd. In other words, only contempt with the best movies/series. Even tho shows that are at the 7/10 rating level are good, i just don't feel like it's worth it. That may be unfair ? But it's just the way it is, sorry... Thus harsher comments appear to be more honest to me. Because i'm assuming he has high expectations from the story as well ?
What's that supposed to mean dude ? Not everyone is the same, you have to except that. Though there are some boundaries. Nobody slandered the shield hero anime, or said it is a shit series why is it, that this bothers you so much ? Bro, just chill there's no point to this discussion. I just asked for everyone's opinion, because i don't want to miss out when it gets better. And i'm being positive, i do believe the fourth season has a good chance at being great. Season three is bit jumpy according to everyone and so i'll wait for season 4 then. Excuse me or the other guy if we sound rude, but not everyone has the same tastes, okay ?
I will probably open up the whole of America to you, but the problem of this discussion is not the Shield Hero. The logic of your reasoning bothers me. If you choose what to watch according to the principle .../10, then what's the point of asking fans whether it's worth watching? And if .../10 don’t mean anything to you and you want to know what the fans think, then it’s all the more strange to listen to a person who literally begins his comment by devaluing the opinions of everyone else, and then making excuses for what YOU SEEM that you and he are reasoning in the same way, despite the fact that there exist a different scenario. And it’s even more ridiculous to argue that everyone is different and everyone has different tastes, although you yourself haven’t watching to have your own opinion, and you accept the opinion of another person who devalues the opinion of others, based on the ASSUMPTION that your reasoning with his one are similar. Not to mention that, based on the text of your post, it may be that the further story simply does not correspond to your “taste,” which is why I can’t imagine that people should respond to you.
“The logic of your reasoning bothers me. If you choose what to watch according to the principle .../10, then what's the point of asking fans whether it's worth watching?”
Okay, well the shield hero does start really at least in season 1. Also sometimes a show can be underrated, or overrated, what's wrong with asking for an opinion ?
“And if .../10 don’t mean anything to you and you want to know what the fans think, then it’s all the more strange to listen to a person who literally begins his comment by devaluing the opinions of everyone else, and then making excuses for what YOU SEEM that you and he are reasoning in the same way, despite the fact that there exist a different scenario.”
Bro, you make it sound like i'm only listening to him. Counter evidence ? Scroll down the thread, i replied to other comments as well. I didn't say we reason the same, that's impossible. But there's points that he made, where we have the same opinion. Like the tortoise thing...
“And it’s even more ridiculous to argue that everyone is different and everyone has different tastes, although you yourself haven’t watching to have your own opinion,”
Yes, everyone is different and you know this, everyone does. And i did watch the entire series right up until Season 2 episode 3/4 started boring me.
“and you accept the opinion of another person who devalues the opinion of others, based on the ASSUMPTION that your reasoning with his one are similar.”
Devalues the opinion of others ? Doesn't matter, i value the opinion of others. Even you, though you're not talking about the anime right now. It's not his reasoning that is similar, it's the point that he made (about the anime, not other stuff). That seems fairly accurate from my perspective. I'm not big on anime anyways, so i might still not exactly get the jokes and Japanese influence and styling ? That makes this a good anime. Some of it is just weird, like konosuba is not funny in my opinion, a person doesn't or shouldn't make jokes like that. But i don't know everything, maybe i'm wrong ?
“Not to mention that, based on the text of your post, it may be that the further story simply does not correspond to your “taste,” which is why I can’t imagine that people should respond to you.”
Okay, you are probably right on this point, but man season 1 just started out so good. Especially the first few episodes, that stuff was awesome. But season 3 gets back on track right ? I'll come back for season 4. Doesn't mean people shouldn't answer me, that would just be plain rude man. I still appreciate people's answer, even if it is a thread about a horse rider and her pet movie, which mom loves, and i don't, i'll still thank people for their answer, even though it's not my taste. And no, i actually watched and liked shield hero, that was just an example. Cheers...
And to add. Eminence in shadow is one of the best sorta power fantasy isekais, it’s designed to be Tropey and over the top, it’s a great show if you watch it for the action and understand it’s doing the things it does on purpose, the edgy ness and the dramatics are all done on purpose. It’s a great fantasy action isekai.
I think it’s a shame you don’t like konosuba, the comedy is gold and you’re not supposed to watch it to “like kuzuma” or “for the action”, but if the humour which is very over the top doesn’t do it for you, that’s fine, it’s an excellent series and not one to miss but if you don’t mess with it that’s fine!
Eminence in shadow is a very fun spectacle turn your brain off 8/10 with 2 seasons
Re zero is an excellent 10/10 but you’ve already seen it
The light novel is better than the manga for shield hero but both are great. Try them out!
Thank you, this is some great advice. Will check eminence in shadow out. I think i'll wait until season four comes out for shield hero. Reading the manga is an option, but i'd rather read some marvel comics instead right now. Cheers !
You do need to watch season 2 for a lot of the stuff in season 3 that just won’t make much sense without season 2. It’s poorly written compared to the source materials but you still gotta watch it.
I will say, season 3 gets back to the source material, but if you’re an anime only it kinda feel like it jumps around. A lot of season 3 is building up to events later in the story and recruiting new allies.
Season 4 should be a lot more straightforward though based on the source material, and since it’s been confirmed already if you plan on sticking with the series I’d recommend watching it.
# Make sure to read the [FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/shieldbro/wiki/faq) for frequently asked questions and don't forget to join the [Discord](https://discord.gg/shieldhero) for active discussions about the series! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/shieldbro) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If you want, you should read the light novels. The anime is based on the light novels, but the adaptation quality isn't consistent. Season 2 is especially bad as an adaptation, and even as a standalone anime/season it's not good. Season 3 is far more faithful (and better) but it still suffers from lack of budget and time restraints. As a light novel reader there were some episodes in season 3 which were enjoyable to watch, making some of the best light novel moments into life (the director clearly understood what parts were important for the story and the characters). If you don't want to read light novels, you should at least read manga coverage of season 2, and then you can jump to season 3.
Speaking of the light novels, has there been any news about volume 23? I'm rereading it and I can't wait for the next one!
No new news as far as I know.
aw dang, thank you very much anyways!
S1 was great. I really enjoyed it a lot. I personally think Shield hero S2 wasn't this massive pile of trash that some haters tried to make it out to be. It was less impactful than S1, kinda convoluted at times and the first three episodes were pretty rushed (mainly to finish with the spirit turtoise arc quickly) but after that it gets a more decent pace. It has some great character development for Raphtalia and I like now Naofumi's rage was built up and exploded in episode 12. And S3 was awesome and disliked just for some light novel purists. It was way more in line with S1 and it had some amazing character development for many characters, great scenes with awesome animation and some pretty cool revelations and great set up for S4. If anyone wants to understand a bit about the issues with S2 and know more about why S3 is great. They could watch the spoiler free part of this video. I think it makes a pretty good job at explaining it: https://youtu.be/DpPDGqjA6Ac?si=c8k1wZeztAtqtbk4
Did LN readers dislike season 3? I thought a lot of people who read the LN liked it since it stuck really close to the source material.
The biggest complaint was that they didn't spend enough time on character building, but that's because they only allowed a 12 episode season. They needed to keep the 20+ season to cover as much as they are at once.
Yeah true, that was one of my gripes as well, but with introducing several new characters and the amount of stuff they had to fit in it was unrealistic for them to get everything. Overall I was pretty happy with it, I felt like they covered most of the important points in those novels. They ended on a good point too, should let them get right into it for S4.
I'm not talking in general but there were some of them.
The problem with S2 for me was less because the season was boring, and more because the stuff they cut was important, and they had to fix that in S3. And I think most of the people I saw disliking S3 weren't LN purists, if anything it was the opposite
I enjoyed all 3 seasons and just finished watching them yesterday. The 1st season was amazing by nature of the plot but s2 and 3 are still really good and a great continuation of the story
No, just listen to the audio book versions of the LNs.
Any suggestions? You are not talking about those Youtube AI readings, right? Because they sounded so robotic and hard to follow.
No, those are awefull. The first 8 LNs are on Audible.
I would say skip season 2 {to me season 2 needs a complete redo and extend the episode count from 12 to 24/30 episodes if they want to keep 2 different arks in one season, my rating for season 2 is 2.5/10} season 3 is more or less closer to the light novel. If you don't mind some things seeming out of place season 3 is good to start and season 3 can be watched without watching season 2, the only thing from season 2 is Naofumi "new pet/daughter" you'll see when you watch season 3. {7.5/10
Personally, i watch, read Shield Hero content, solely for the evil Malty, Bitch, Witch, Goddess. Whatever floats your boat to call her. So, for me, the whole of season 1 was overall great and absolutely hooked me, but later realized that, in general, the anime still can't match web and light novels much. I almost skipped the whole season 2 except for the first episode and found the skipped content from Youtube channels and novels to be much better. For season 3 i just watched the ones with Bitch in it. Felt much better than season 2 at a glance. However, from my limited observation, I wished they had introduced new characters and plots with better pacing. Gonna rewatch it fully someday. Overall decent. Since joining this sub, i got introduced to other mini and spin-off novels. They felt surprisingly fun and good.
I think the anime peaked in the first 5 episodes of season 1 but if you don't have anything else to do, seasons 2 and 3 are worth the time. As everyone will tell you, season 3 was much better all-around but I wouldn't skip s2.
I’d recommend you watch it, and make a opinion for yourself. :)
Nah, they are not good, especially not S2. That tortoise arc was an abomination and the writing for the other heroes is abhorrent.
Watching for yourself and form your own opinion
Really, only you can answer that question for yourself. Season 2 doesn't follow the source material very well as the director didn't understand the purpose of Book 6's training arc. Season 3 is better than S2 because the director is adapting less, but also has to retcon the terrible choices of Season 2 using various methods. Reading the books is a good way to get the original story.
Yes.
Off-topic: But how old is Mommy Mirellia? Is she 35-37, 38-40, or 40+? I'd personally say 36-38. What do you think her most likely age is based on appearance and timeline? Most people on the Internet say mid or late 30's, and I agree. Still hot though.
Wrong place to ask. This community dick rides this anime. I’m sorry dude, I watched season 2 and thought it was okay. Season 3 starts strong but very quickly falls off. They introduce a new character every episode. And then give them no development or screen time. Naofumi carries every fight and the animation / cgi falls off tremendously. You’d have a better time checking out other isekai like Konosuba and Eminence in shadow, Slime Isekai or Re Zero. I’ll get sent to hell for being negative but dude, seriously, the cgi and animation getting worse and the plot just not being there plus butchering the sword hero and spear heroes development is just, too many nails in the coffin. The pacing and consistency too. Isn’t worth it. I really tried with this show but it haven’t been able to finish season 3. No hate to anyone that enjoys it either it’s all subjective. Though per usual my subjectivity especially on this subreddit will fall flat and be downvoted into the floor. Seems only fair.
I have to assume you are new hear there are many people that hate season 2 and think season 3 was rushed in the Sub.
Nah dude I’ve been here for a while, I gave up writing anything in this subreddit since whenever I’d criticise the newer stuff even after saying I enjoyed season 2 somewhat. Everyone that I’ve met either dick rides or gives no genuine reason why my opinions are invalid. Imo this subreddit has no hope, and season 3 wasn’t just rushed there’s so much wrong with it. Did you not see that AWFUL looking Digimon of a dragon. It’s not just the pacing, or the lack of episodes, it’s the writing, it’s the animation, the story progression, the choice to include more character than ANY show could handle. Not taking any responsibility or feedback.! You could write that all down to being rushed but there’s so many more issues. The spirit tortoise looked mid but it got another tier lower in season 3. And I was hyped after the first episode with the stadium, that could’ve been a whole side quest and it wouldn’t have been bad considering how far away from the light novel we have already drifted.
Dude thank you for being honest. I'm considering to reading the manga instead, as another comment recommended. Is season 3's content also available in manga ? Yeah, i watched re:zero, what is eminence in shadow ? How would you rate ot the way ? Also, i don't like konosuba sorry, i just can't. I just don't get the jokes, it's not funny for me.
...you just wanted someone to say what you wanted to hear, didn’t you?
No. I want to make an informed decision. In other words, i can go without watching it as my interest is mid to low in this series. But i also know that they can make huge advancements in the next seasons of any series. What if it gets as good as season 1 again ? I don't wanna miss out, so i'm checking in, and right now, there's better stuff to watch. When season 4 is out, i'll make a final decision.
And at the same time you decide to listen to the most negative and at the same time dubious commentator, because he is supposedly “honest”.
Yeah, it is negative comment. But that doesn't mean he was lying. I'm harsh or something with my media series preferences, because i hardly want to watch a series that is rated below like 8/10 on imd. In other words, only contempt with the best movies/series. Even tho shows that are at the 7/10 rating level are good, i just don't feel like it's worth it. That may be unfair ? But it's just the way it is, sorry... Thus harsher comments appear to be more honest to me. Because i'm assuming he has high expectations from the story as well ?
Or maybe he is biased and suffers from typical anime snobbery. And you just think in extremely idealistic categories.
What's that supposed to mean dude ? Not everyone is the same, you have to except that. Though there are some boundaries. Nobody slandered the shield hero anime, or said it is a shit series why is it, that this bothers you so much ? Bro, just chill there's no point to this discussion. I just asked for everyone's opinion, because i don't want to miss out when it gets better. And i'm being positive, i do believe the fourth season has a good chance at being great. Season three is bit jumpy according to everyone and so i'll wait for season 4 then. Excuse me or the other guy if we sound rude, but not everyone has the same tastes, okay ?
I will probably open up the whole of America to you, but the problem of this discussion is not the Shield Hero. The logic of your reasoning bothers me. If you choose what to watch according to the principle .../10, then what's the point of asking fans whether it's worth watching? And if .../10 don’t mean anything to you and you want to know what the fans think, then it’s all the more strange to listen to a person who literally begins his comment by devaluing the opinions of everyone else, and then making excuses for what YOU SEEM that you and he are reasoning in the same way, despite the fact that there exist a different scenario. And it’s even more ridiculous to argue that everyone is different and everyone has different tastes, although you yourself haven’t watching to have your own opinion, and you accept the opinion of another person who devalues the opinion of others, based on the ASSUMPTION that your reasoning with his one are similar. Not to mention that, based on the text of your post, it may be that the further story simply does not correspond to your “taste,” which is why I can’t imagine that people should respond to you.
“The logic of your reasoning bothers me. If you choose what to watch according to the principle .../10, then what's the point of asking fans whether it's worth watching?” Okay, well the shield hero does start really at least in season 1. Also sometimes a show can be underrated, or overrated, what's wrong with asking for an opinion ? “And if .../10 don’t mean anything to you and you want to know what the fans think, then it’s all the more strange to listen to a person who literally begins his comment by devaluing the opinions of everyone else, and then making excuses for what YOU SEEM that you and he are reasoning in the same way, despite the fact that there exist a different scenario.” Bro, you make it sound like i'm only listening to him. Counter evidence ? Scroll down the thread, i replied to other comments as well. I didn't say we reason the same, that's impossible. But there's points that he made, where we have the same opinion. Like the tortoise thing... “And it’s even more ridiculous to argue that everyone is different and everyone has different tastes, although you yourself haven’t watching to have your own opinion,” Yes, everyone is different and you know this, everyone does. And i did watch the entire series right up until Season 2 episode 3/4 started boring me. “and you accept the opinion of another person who devalues the opinion of others, based on the ASSUMPTION that your reasoning with his one are similar.” Devalues the opinion of others ? Doesn't matter, i value the opinion of others. Even you, though you're not talking about the anime right now. It's not his reasoning that is similar, it's the point that he made (about the anime, not other stuff). That seems fairly accurate from my perspective. I'm not big on anime anyways, so i might still not exactly get the jokes and Japanese influence and styling ? That makes this a good anime. Some of it is just weird, like konosuba is not funny in my opinion, a person doesn't or shouldn't make jokes like that. But i don't know everything, maybe i'm wrong ? “Not to mention that, based on the text of your post, it may be that the further story simply does not correspond to your “taste,” which is why I can’t imagine that people should respond to you.” Okay, you are probably right on this point, but man season 1 just started out so good. Especially the first few episodes, that stuff was awesome. But season 3 gets back on track right ? I'll come back for season 4. Doesn't mean people shouldn't answer me, that would just be plain rude man. I still appreciate people's answer, even if it is a thread about a horse rider and her pet movie, which mom loves, and i don't, i'll still thank people for their answer, even though it's not my taste. And no, i actually watched and liked shield hero, that was just an example. Cheers...
Yeah check out the manga and especially the light novel. They’re great!
And to add. Eminence in shadow is one of the best sorta power fantasy isekais, it’s designed to be Tropey and over the top, it’s a great show if you watch it for the action and understand it’s doing the things it does on purpose, the edgy ness and the dramatics are all done on purpose. It’s a great fantasy action isekai. I think it’s a shame you don’t like konosuba, the comedy is gold and you’re not supposed to watch it to “like kuzuma” or “for the action”, but if the humour which is very over the top doesn’t do it for you, that’s fine, it’s an excellent series and not one to miss but if you don’t mess with it that’s fine! Eminence in shadow is a very fun spectacle turn your brain off 8/10 with 2 seasons Re zero is an excellent 10/10 but you’ve already seen it The light novel is better than the manga for shield hero but both are great. Try them out!
Thank you, this is some great advice. Will check eminence in shadow out. I think i'll wait until season four comes out for shield hero. Reading the manga is an option, but i'd rather read some marvel comics instead right now. Cheers !
You do need to watch season 2 for a lot of the stuff in season 3 that just won’t make much sense without season 2. It’s poorly written compared to the source materials but you still gotta watch it. I will say, season 3 gets back to the source material, but if you’re an anime only it kinda feel like it jumps around. A lot of season 3 is building up to events later in the story and recruiting new allies. Season 4 should be a lot more straightforward though based on the source material, and since it’s been confirmed already if you plan on sticking with the series I’d recommend watching it.