The humanity has been at war with different kinds of monsters for so long that people are used to it now. For those who want to take part in this, there is a guild of adventurers, where everyone can accept a quest and fight monsters for a reward. Among all those monsters, goblins are believed to be the weakest creatures to fight, which makes rewards for killing them quite minimal. Being alone goblins are easy to kill, since they are not smart and lack any strategy whatsoever. However, among these stupid creatures there are goblins who are much more powerful, smarter and deadlier than theirsmall and foolish brothers. Together, they form a power that is able to trouble even experienced adventurers. The problem is that only a few understand it. Goblin Slayer, Orcbolg, or Beard-cutter is underappreciated silver-ranked adventurer, who, for some reason, only accepts goblin-killing quests. What is his story?
Goblin Slayer is a rather controversial title that is still criticized a lot today. Indeed, its RPG-like image is something anime fans will not find new today. However, the difference is Goblin Slayer’s new take on how it is portrayed. Goblin Slayer cannot be called a colorful adventure anime where heroes use flashy attacks and spells to get rid of monsters in glorious combat. It is very dark. Goblins do not respawn as in Sword Art Online, or any other anime series similar to Goblin Slayer, they actually kidnap females to reproduce. Bullseye, that is the main reason for criticism of this series. The problem with anime fans today is that they want blood and they cannot stand anything that has to do with rape.
But is Goblin Slayer the only example which portrayed such disturbing pictures? It is not. Check The End Of Evangelion, Texhnolyze, Berserk and many others. Anyways, I am not trying to defend Goblin Slayer, it does have its problems and I am going to touch upon them later. What I am trying to do, is to make you understand that you should not avoid this title only because of the rape scenes. This anime is not for kids and for those who like when everyone survives and the evil only loses. Life is not always like that. Goblin Slayer uses all these hideous scenes only for one reason, to explain actions of the main protagonist. Watch this series and think for a second what you would do, if you were Goblin Slayer. Would you stay the same person after such things? You would not.
Character wise it is also good. It offers enough character development and you see that their characters are changing as the series progresses. Even Goblin Slayer himself changes his views and is trying to rely more on the others than on himself. He is the main protagonist of the series and a silver ranked adventurer, who only accepts quests to kill goblins. The reason for that is vengeance. All things he went through, everything he has seen in his life is a perfect explanation for his actions. He is not Guts like type, he is, of course, strong, but he is that type of adventurers who is trying to rely on his power, wits, and his companions. Yet, it takes him some time to rely more on his companions and it makes that series that enjoyable. Characters change, they become more interesting and you are starting to sympathize them. Even a timid priestess becomes a veteran goblin hunter, as the series progresses. However, I do not appreciate the fact that the supporting characters, as well as the Priestess did not receive as much development as Goblin Slayer did. But at the same time it might be too early to criticize Goblin Slayer for it, since there will a continuation that might cover it. What I am trying to say is that it should not be a reason for you to avoid this title.
Animation wise it is nice, though the CGI Slayer looks wonky when overused, and a lot of the cartoonish anime-girl designs clash with what is supposed to be grimy. The OST and voice acting, however, are on the level and fit the overall atmosphere well.
All in all, Goblin Slayer is not a masterpiece, because it has its flaws. Though, there are not that many flaws. There is nothing unique, but it is unique. Goblin Slayer is what I needed after all these clichés and you might also appreciate. Give it a try!
8/10