English Dub Review: Rising of the Shield Hero “Humming Fairy”

Overview

Naofumi’s party is teleported to Sikul, where Kizuna introduces the Vassal Weapon Hero, Ethnobalt. He says he can use a piece of Raphtalia’s hair and Naofumi’s blood as a catalyst that can create a shikigami to find her. He creates the shikigami, and makes an unexpected discovery…


Our Take

Aside from losing Raphtalia last episode, we now know the whereabouts of Filo and it’s terrifying. On the plus side, Naofumi encounters one of Kizuna’s friends Ethnobalt who uses who creates a “Shikigami” (later named “Raphi”) which basically looks very Pokemon-inspired creature designed to seek out Raphtalia and its mere existence puts Naofumi and his crew’s worries to rest because as long as the Shikigami is alive so would be the Raphtalia.

Getting back to how they rescue Filo, You begin to see the return of Naofumi’s iconic “Wrath shield” and Naofumi seems pissed. I’m hoping we get to see more of it later on as it was easily one of the best highlights of Season One. And apparently Naofumi’s infamy this time is different: the Vassal and Cardinal Heroes aren’t looked eye to eye, the seeker and destroyer of their concurrent world, and consequently, certain people within Kizuna’s world perceive Naofumi as a threat that doesn’t come as a surprise to Naofumi given that he’s jaded enough to be used to the unwanted shit-storm of hate…

While it’s refreshing to see Filo again, We now we just need to find Raphtalia. In response to the post-credits scene, I fear Raphtalia will have to go through this for the third time as well. Just because Kyo wants to make Raphtalia his plaything, it doesn’t mean he had the time for it right at the moment. Kyo could summon her whenever he wants. We’ll just have to wait and see if they’ll find her now.