The appeal and evaluation of "Maoyuu: The Devil is a Hero": A unique world view and character depth

"Maoyu: The Hero and the Demon King": A story of a hero and a demon king who change the times of war

"Maoyuu Maou Yuusha" is a TV anime series based on the light novel by Mamare Touno, and aired from January 4th to March 29th, 2013. The series depicts a new story that begins with the meeting of a hero and a demon king, set against the backdrop of a long-lasting war between humans and demons. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and highlights of this series, as well as the world view and characters that lie behind it.

■Overview of the work

The story of "Maoyu: The Demon King and the Hero" begins when a hero arrives at the Demon King's castle amid a 15-year war between humans and demons. However, the Demon King proposes to the hero, "Become mine, hero," to which the hero replies, "No!" - a development that sets it apart from conventional fantasy works. This work is an epic tale of wisdom and courage needed to end the age of war, and of the coexistence of humans and demons.

■Broadcast information

"Maoyuu Maou Yuusha" was broadcast on the following stations:

• TOKYO MX: January 4, 2013 - March 29, 2013, Fridays 25:00 - 25:30
• Mie Television: January 4, 2013 - March 29, 2013, Fridays 25:50 - 26:20
• tvk: January 6, 2013 - March 31, 2013, Sundays 25:00 - 25:30
• Sun TV: January 7, 2013 - April 1, 2013, Mondays 24:35 - 25:05
• KBS Kyoto: January 7, 2013 - April 1, 2013, Mondays 25:00 - 25:30
• Gifu Chan: January 8, 2013 - April 2, 2013, Tuesdays 25:00 - 25:30
• BS Animax: January 10, 2013 - April 4, 2013, Thursdays 22:00 - 22:30
• BS Animax: January 12, 2013 - April 6, 2013, Saturdays 22:00 - 22:30 (free broadcast)

It was also streamed online on the following platforms:

• Anime Store: January 11, 2013 - April 5, 2013, Fridays 12:00 - 12:30
• Showtime: January 11, 2013 - April 5, 2013, Fridays 16:00 - 16:30
• Niconico Video: January 11, 2013 - April 5, 2013, Fridays 23:00 - 23:30

■ Story

15 years have passed since the war between humans and demons began. The human army entered the demon realm and seized a key demon base, but the demon army took advantage of the opportunity and occupied part of their territory. In the frigid southern kingdoms, skirmishes between humans and demons were frequent, and the damage and chaos caused by monsters was tormenting the people. In the midst of all this, one brave man rose up and set out to defeat the demons with three companions. Their rapid advance brought great hope to the people living in the central countries, but the brave man left his companions and headed alone to the castle where the demon king lived.

When the hero arrives at the Demon King's castle, the Demon King proposes to him, "Become mine, hero," but he replies, "No!" However, the Demon King makes a new proposal to the hero, "Turn us into humans," and the hero understands his true intentions and together they set out on a journey to end the age of war. This story depicts the epic adventure of the hero and the Demon King working together to achieve coexistence between humans and demons.

■ Characters

There are many unique characters in "Maoyu: The Devil is a Hero." Below, we will introduce the main characters.

Demon King

The 43rd Demon King who rules over the Demon World. He has neither great strength nor magical power, and has a human form with low combat ability, but he has deep knowledge and a glamorous body. Although he is concerned about his "puni-puni" flesh, he uses his wisdom and insight to devise a strategy to end the age of war with the hero.

Hero

The strongest human and the sworn enemy of the demons. As the hope of the human world, he ventures into the demon world with the goal of defeating the Demon King. He is quite popular with the opposite sex, but he still has a beautiful body (virgin). Through his encounter with the Demon King, he begins to walk a new path to end the age of war.

Head Maid

She is a close aide who has looked after the Demon King since he was a child, and is also a relative of the Demon King. She devotes herself every day to mastering the "way of the maid," and serves as the Demon King's right-hand man.

Maid sister

A former serf, she escapes to the Demon King's mansion and is saved by him. Together with her sister, she serves the Demon King under the head maid.

Maid Sister

She and her sister serve the Demon King as the head maid in his mansion. Although she is a glutton and a crybaby, she has a strong loyalty to the Demon King.

Female Knight

A knight belonging to the Lakeside Monastery, she once traveled with the hero. Although she is concerned about her flat body, she plays an important role as the hero's trusted companion.

Young Merchant

A young merchant who is part of the "Alliance" organized by merchants. He supports the plans of the Hero and the Demon King, and devise strategies to end the era of war from an economic perspective.

Female Wizard

A former companion of the hero, he has legendary magical skills but always looks sleepy. He has three personalities and accompanies the hero on his journey, providing him with important assistance.

Prince of Winter (King of Winter)

The young king of the cold region of Winter Country in the southernmost part of the continent. He ascended to the throne after the death of the previous King Tojaku in battle. He cooperates with the Hero and the Demon King's plan and struggles to protect the future of Winter Country.

■ Staff

The following staff members were involved in the production of Maoyu:

• Original author: Mamare Touno ("Maoyuu Maou Yuusha" published by Enterbrain)
• Director: Takeo Takahashi
• Series Composition: Toshihisa Arakawa
• Character design: Masashi Kudo, Hiroaki Karasu
• Chief animation director: Karasu Hiroaki
• Assistant Director: Sanpei Sei
• Music: Matakeshi
• Sound Director: Toshiki Kameyama
• Art Director: Toshihiro Kohama
• Art setting: Kaoru Aoki
• Color design: Hitomi Sano
• Animation Production: ARMS

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode of "Maoyuu Maou Yuusha" are as follows:

• #1: "Be mine, hero." "No!"
• #2: "Make us human"
• #3: "Where have you been wandering around all this time?"
• #4: "If that happens, I'll bite the hero!"
• #5: "The Demon King smells nice" "It's relaxing in the arms of the hero"
• #6: "Welcome home, hero!" "Oh, grandpa... I'm back!"
• #7: "I'll be back soon, I'll see you again soon"
• #8: "Take up your sword, my lord"
• #9: "Because I'm a human being"
• #10: "Will the steps that person laid out finally come to fruition?"
• #11: "All I do is destroy and kill, and never create anything."
• #12: "Sorry to keep you waiting, my hero." "You overslept too much, my demon king."

■ Theme songs and music

The theme songs and music for "Maoyuu Maou Yuusha" are as follows:

Opening Theme

• Song Name: Headwind
• Lyricist: Dan Miyagawa
• Composer: Dan Miyagawa
• Arrangement: Dan Miyagawa
• Sung by: YOHKO

Ending Theme

• Song Name: Unknown Vision
• Lyricist: Akino Arai
• Composer: Akino Arai, Hisaaki Hokari
• Arrangement: Hisaaki Hokari
• Vocals: Akino Arai

■The appeal and highlights of the work

The appeal of "Maoyu: The Demon King and the Hero" lies in its story and characters, which are different from conventional fantasy works. The storyline in which the hero and the demon king are not enemies, but work together to end the age of war, provides a fresh surprise to viewers. In addition, the scenes where the wisdom of the demon king and the courage of the hero intersect are moving and touching.

The characters are also rich in personality, and there is an exquisite blend of humor and seriousness, such as the Demon King's glamorous body and the Hero's virginity. Each character, such as the head maid, maid sisters, female knight, young merchant, female magician, and winter prince, plays their own role and adds excitement to the story.

The music also adds to the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Headwind" is a powerful song that symbolizes the departure of the hero and the demon king, and the ending theme "Unknown Vision" is a beautiful song that conveys the profoundness of the story. These songs play an important role in evoking the emotions of the viewer.

■ Background and worldview of the work

"Maoyu: The Hero" is set in a fantasy world where humans and demons have been at war for a long time. It depicts the conflict between the human world and the demon world, as well as the suffering and hopes of the people living within them. The story begins with the encounter between the hero and the demon king, and depicts an epic adventure that seeks wisdom and courage to end the age of war, and the coexistence of humans and demons.

The world of this work has a deep history and culture, and the background of each region and power is described in detail. The characteristics and culture of each region, such as the frigid southern kingdoms, the central countries, and the important base of the demon world, add depth to the story. Economic, political, and social issues are also addressed, and one of the attractions of this work is that it deals with realistic themes despite being a fantasy work.

■ Character growth and relationships

The characters in "Maoyu: The Hero" grow and their relationships change as the story progresses. Through his encounter with the Demon King, the Hero finds a new way to end the age of war, and the Demon King trusts the Hero's courage and wisdom and resolves to carve out a new future together. Each character, including the head maid, maid sisters, female knight, young merchant, female magician, and winter prince, grows while fulfilling their own roles, adding excitement to the story.

The relationships between the characters are also an important highlight. The friendship between the hero and the demon king, the bond between the head maid and the maid sisters, the trust between the female knight and the hero, the cooperative relationship between the young merchant and the female magician, and other relationships between the characters deepen the story. These relationships are an important element in moving the viewer.

■ Work evaluation and recommendation

"Maoyu: The Devil is a Hero" has been highly praised as a fantasy work and has garnered a lot of support from viewers. It has been praised for various elements, such as the development of the story, the appeal of the characters, and the quality of the music. Viewers are also moved by the depiction of the wisdom and courage required to end the age of war, and the grand adventure of humans and demons striving for coexistence.

Here are some reasons why I recommend this film:

• The story and characters are different from traditional fantasy works.
• The friendship between the hero and the demon king and the growth and relationships of each character are moving.
• The music is of high quality and enhances the appeal of the story.
• It depicts an epic adventure that seeks wisdom and courage to end the age of war, and the coexistence of humans and demons.

"Maoyu: The Demon King and the Hero" is a recommended work for those who like fantasy works and those who are looking for a moving story. Please watch the epic adventure that begins with the departure of the hero and the demon king.