English Dub Season Review: The Ossan Newbie Adventurer, Trained to Death by the Most Powerful Party, Became Invincible Season One

Based on the Japanese fantasy light novel series by Kiraku Kishima and illustrated by Tea, this story follows 30-year-old Rick Gladiatol (yes his last name is spelled with an “L” at the end), who abandons his modest job as a guild clerk to chase his childhood dream of becoming an adventurer. Despite starting a decade later than most, Rick’s fate changes when he encounters Reanette Elfelt, an attractive yet emotionless dark elf lady who’s an elite member of the legendary Orichalcum Fist party. Under their brutal training, Rick transforms from a novice F-rank to a formidable warrior with S-rank strength. Two years later, as he takes the E-Rank exam, Rick must overcome the stigma of his age and the limits of raw magical development to prove his worth, silencing doubters with the results of his relentless perseverance.

This anime was produced by Yumeta Company and directed by Shin Katagai, with scripts written by Kasumi Tsuchida, character designs handled by Mari Eguchi, and music composed by Tomotaka Ōsumi. The opening theme song is “Bloom in the Wasteland O Adventurers” performed by Akira Kushida, while the ending theme song is “Looking for Something” performed by Chiai Fujikawa.

In a nutshell, the series follows the journey of Rick, a former office worker in his early thirties who decides to leave his stable job to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming an adventurer. Rick’s late start seems like a disadvantage in a world dominated by swords, magic, and rigorous training from a young age. However, his relentless determination and years of self-imposed training propel him to an S-rank level of strength. Alongside his diverse and overpowered party, known as Orichalcum Fist, Rick embarks on a thrilling quest to summon and battle the legendary dragon, Kaiser Alsapiet. While the premise may sound typical of action-fantasy anime, it carries a refreshing message about taking a chance and pursuing your dreams at any age.

Despite embracing predictable anime tropes, it does so with a sense of self-awareness. The occasional fan service is strongly present but doesn’t overshadow the storytelling. Similarly, the humor evolves throughout the series, shifting from somewhat grating jokes about Rick’s age to more organic comedy derived from the antics of the Orichalcum Fist members, who often steal the spotlight with their antics and larger-than-life personalities. (Basically, the same running jokes you’d expect from shows like “One Punch Man” where much of the humor is everyone constantly underestimating the protagonist due to his appearance.) The 2nd half of the story is a “Tournament Arc” which just so happens to align with the goals of the Orichalcum Fist themselves.

On the subject, the heart of the anime also lies in its characters and their camaraderie. The members of Orichalcum Fist are composed of uniquely overpowered adventurers, each bringing their distinct quirks to the table. While also conveying familiar themes like perseverance and self-improvement, blending these with its lighthearted humor and action-packed sequences while also striking a balance between action, comedy, and slice-of-life moments, showcasing a world rich with magic, swords, and unique elements like a vampire loli, a gun-crafting dwarf, and an orc healer. Although Rick’s “Inborn skill” occasionally undercuts the show’s core message, the storytelling mostly stays on track, delivering a mix of nostalgia and contemporary anime sensibilities.

The animation and music are definite highlights of the series. The smooth, fluid animation, free from clunky CGI, does justice to the swordplay, magic, and action sequences. The character designs are distinctive, making the cast visually memorable while evoking a sense of nostalgia. Meanwhile, the soundtrack by Tomotaka Oosumi complements the tone perfectly, with thrilling battle themes and a standout opening track by Akira Kushida that captures the adventurous spirit of the show. Together, these elements elevate the series, making it visually and audibly engaging despite its otherwise formulaic story beats.

Overall, “Ossan Newbie Adventurer” is a nostalgic yet modern take on the action-fantasy genre. Despite its simplicity, the show captures the spirit of old-school shonen, modernized with themes of redemption and personal growth for older protagonists. For those who grew up on anime like Dragon Ball or Naruto, this series will feel like a comforting throwback. With its likable characters, entertaining battles, and underlying message of self-improvement with a sense of adventure, it carves out a space as a solid, if not standout, addition to the genre. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the action, or the trip down memory lane while resonating with viewers who’ve ever felt it’s too late to start something new. If a Season 2 ever does happen, I’d be willing to see where it goes next!