English Dub Review: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime: “Demon Lords’ Banquet Walpurgis”

Overview: Clayman (John Bergmeier) accuses Rimuru (Brittany Karbowski) of breaking certain rules set forth by the Demon Lords at Walpurgis. 

Our Take: Whenever the anime opening is cut from an episode’s beginning minutes, you know you are in for a meaty affair that needs all the time a run time can spare. That very much pays off for this as Walpurgis meeting is called to order and sets Clayman apart from his Demon Lord brethren, by just showing just how much he doesn’t belong. Clayman’s display in making accusations against Rimuru and Carrion show just how much Cromwell’s criticisms hit the nail on the head as we see those brought to life in how pathetic he truly is. Especially with not only how undignified he is comparatively but how easy it is to poke holes in his narrative like Demon Lord Dagruel did so eloquently. Clayman’s fabrication is him putting on a skit that shows just how much of a complete joke everyone knew him to be, one that we are most certainly not laughing with but is funny as hell to watch nonetheless. 

It’s even more fun when the vast power difference between Clayman and Rimuru is evident in how even Shion pummeled to bloody pulp. Slime continues to deliver speedy, impactful frames too with Eight Bit being a master of momentum. The battle does take the odd break to unpack more of Beretta, the Arch Doll created by Rimuru for Ramiris, as she and the fairy Demon Lord ask for Guy to allow her into the brawl with Clayman. It is interesting to unpack her mind in how she views her two masters in Rimuru and Ramiris not to mention her disposition but it, unfortunately, pumps the brakes hard on the pacing of the battle. It’s an insightful conversation but one that could have been saved for some other time or before the battle commenced. 

Malim’s sheer power is just as monstrous as we have all seen, making her near misses to Rimuru pretty riveting and is spring boarded by excellent animation. But the fight truly takes an exciting turn as it comes to an end with Veldora thrown into the mix albeit with a hit on the noggin from Malim being a good comedic transition.