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Dear readers if you're like me, just a simple anime watcher, that heard rumors about a anime called Goblin slayer, that was so dark, that it triggered a ton of people, and that you just had to learn more or watch it to see for yourself, then I suggest you stop reading this review and go watch the first episode of GS, but I assure you once you do, you will not be able to stop until you finish the first season , the movie and season 2 in one binge. I usually am weary of dark anime, and this one sounded like it would be very dark, but I decided to test my stomach and give it a watch, and like I just said I binged watched the entire first season in one night and now I crave more. Let me start by saying the first episode is probably the darkest, and as the show goes on the darkness decreases and you can begin to see the nuance and even wholesome moments more. The first episode introduces us to a priestess who joins a group of young adventurers who are given the quest to wipe out a nest of goblins in a cave, despite being confident that this should be an easy task, the group is ambushed and mutilated by the goblins, and only the priestess is able to crawl away, and is rescued by a solo adventurer called Goblin Slayer, who is immediately shown to be a badass, as he wipes out the horde all by himself, and not just the men, but the women and the children too. The priestess then decides the best way to get over her traumatic experience is to join goblin slayer on his quests. Hilariously it turns out, goblin slayer only takes goblin quests, because he has made it his sole duty to commit genocide against the goblins, and the show reveals his reasons for this and the psychological trauma that it has left on him. Also, despite the show starting out with the priestess, the title named character becomes the central focus of the show, except for a few subplots that focus on minor characters. GS is portrayed as a mysterious, stoic man who is obsessed with killing goblins and always wears his helmet, and even when he takes off his helmet, his face is never shown, which will drive you crazy by the end, but the purpose of this is because his helmet is his true identity. And by God, does he look incredible, his aesthetics are clever and almost practical, what's interesting despite the show being 2d, sometimes hes made up of cgi that is obvious but doesn't ruin the scene. And when GS goes into berserker mode, it is just incredible to watch. Despite all this GS is still portrayed as a compassionate man who despite being very skilled and strong is not invincible, and throughout the show many characters attempt to reduce his blood lust and act more like a human being again. Every other character in the show is not given as much character development as GS, but their simplicity is enough, and everyone is likeable. Despite being a loner, GS eventually gains a team made up of the priestess, an elf archer, a dwarf, and a lizardman shaman, who compose a fun ragtag group. Also, GS is shown to live with his childhood friend called farmgirl, who provides him with emotional support and also most of the fanservice in the anime. Despite not being considered a harem anime, GS still manages to gain a few admirers, but personally i feel he is already married to farmgirl. Like I said the show does have many wholesome moments, but still has many dark moments throughout, that reminds the viewer that this is a dangerous work, where anyone can die even GS. This risk level is what drives the show and makes every adventure that would just be a simple quest in another adventure anime, seem like a life-or-death situation for the characters, because it is. The first episode is the darkest because it needed to establish this dangerous fantasy world and the risks that come from hunting goblins, which is why the rape scenes, brutal killings and torture of female prisoners is necessary so you know how vile and evil the goblins are, and why you should support GS killing them in so many creative ways. This anime has great worldbuilding, excellent fight scenes, and compelling dialogue. The voice acting is incredible, the English dub is actually better than the original and the reason why is because Brad Hawkins gives GS a sense of humanity and personality over the original scary stoic voice, and when he talks about killing goblins, he either does it hilariously or passionately. Despite this technically being a dark anime, I believe the level of darkness it's been branded with, was greatly exaggerated. Yes, the violent action scenes are a staple, there are a few horrific moments, but they are not used for shock value but instead to carry the story. Despite this, the show maintains a sense of hope, has many wholesome moments, not to mention the humor is golden, especially when goblin slayer interrupts conversations to only talk about goblins, but you can see the show is a character study on making GS less intense and self-destructive. Lastly, I hope they make the second season fast, because I am in the mood to go hunting for some goblins alongside GS.
5 years later and we finally got season 2!
While the goblins crown movie was an excellent adventure, i was still craving for more goblin slayer adventures, thankfully season 2 continues the story from the movie and even brings back some of the characters that were introduced in that story. Right off the bat the most noticeable difference from season 1 is the art change, instead of improving on the art style of the first season, sadly season 2 took a downgrade, with the loss of that dark style i loved and the lack of the same prominent CGI that was in season which in my opinion is a plus. During the hiatus, goblin slayer gained a new studio, so the characters are drawn differently but mostly have their exact designs, the girls all look the same, but the men have these awful looking faces and even my goblin slayer looks so cheap looking at times. Thankfully the art style grows on you and the animation improves with each episode, with the action scenes obtaining the highest priority. Another small change is the voices, whole it has been 5 years the change in tone is noticeable, Brad Hawkins as goblin slayer is always amazing but some of the other VAs sound off. There are some truly heartfelt moments where we see the psychological toll his revenge genocide takes on him and how his friends want to help him grow past it, but he refuses to. This extra level of drama proved that this show was so much deeper than just its violent action, but rest assure we don't lose any amount of action, there is still plenty of gore and even a variety of new enemies besides goblins including orcs, a dinosaur, a sea serpent and even a secret dark cult. The dark tone from the first season is downplayed, but the danger of this fantasy world is always present, still demonstrating the lust and brutality of the goblins and why they need to be exterminated. Many of the side characters get their moment in the spotlight, especially priestess whose character developments makes her quite capable and even farm girl is given some more depth and my ship of her with goblin slayer is even more enforced by some romantic moments they share together this season (Hopefully they become a couple in season 3). Season 1 was so incredible that it is impossible for this season to surpass it, but at least this show continued the adventure, sometimes I even forget that this is a show and i feel i am just watching a slice of life from these characters. Despite the art style being frustrating at times, the story pretty much continues goblin slayers arc of becoming more human instead of the goblin slaying machine that he is. It took so long to get this season 2, that I am grateful for what I got, this anime is still one of my all-time favorites that balances the wholesome and dark moments very well and I hope season 3 won't take as long to come out as season 2 did. This world still needs some goblinating!