English Dub Review: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: “Adalman, the Index Finger”

Overview: Shuna (Tia Ballard), Hakurou (Charlie Campbell) and Souei (Ian Sinclair) make their way to Clayman’s castle, but not before Adalman, the Index Finger and his skeleton army stand in their way. Meanwhile, Rimuru (Brittany Karbowksi) makes his way to Walpurgis where he gets his first impression of the other Demon Lords like that of Leon Cromwell (Christopher Wehkamp) and Guy Crimson (Anthony Bowling). 

Our Take: The lovely princess Shuna has always been a kind and considerate crutch supporting Rimuru as well as her trusted friends and companions. Not accounting for her and Shion at each other’s throats competing for Rimuru’s recognition, she has not been focused on in any capacity since her, Benimaru, Souei and the rest of her Kaijin family joined Rimuru, The raid on Clayman’s castle with Hakurou and Souei, specifically the battle with Clayman’s Index Finger, Adalman, gives her some much needed spotlight. 

Shuna has never been in the forefront in really any battle, other than support. Therefore, getting to see a clearer picture of her true magical capabilities was a treat indeed, especially coming off of the more hand-to-hand centric brawls with Falmuth. But while she put on a hell of light show against Adalman with some striking vibrant colors, it was Tia Ballard who voices Shuna, that really manages to go above and beyond. Her performance is subtle but very strong in showcasing what everyone has known for quite some time in that she is not helpless and she sure as shit does not need to be coddled, demonstrating her very real self. There is also an attempt to give Adalman a backstory. While it’s serviceable enough in making you feel bad for his plight, it’s told so quickly and abruptly throughout their battle that one can’t fully appreciate the result of him and his men gaining salvation through his battle with her. With him in service of Shuna and her “God” Rimuru, if anything it just shows how Rimuru doesn’t even have to lift a finger to strengthen his forces.  

With the meeting of Walpurgis having finally commenced, Rimuru gets first impressions of the other demon lords. It’s pretty exciting as all members in one way or another seem to be more than what’s on the surface and/or have an air of mystery surrounding their abilities. The confrontation between Leon Cromwell and our blue Slime was a long time coming. It’s one that I’m glad is being given the proper time and respect to culminate with the big impact Shizue had on him. And without moment to waste, Rimuru looks to be chomping at the bit to chew Clayman’s head off in how he mistreats Malim, which is a just dessert that I cannot wait to devour and savor with not only how well-deserved it will be, but how stunning it will no doubt look as well.