This is yet another time for the I.D analysis check up time due to the fact that I am getting a bit tied up with the re-watching of Manabi Straight until every single one of my clones die from an overdose of cuteness. This summary by the way is a very abridged version, since I am not really keen on blogging this series. Of course, if no one is interested in blogging the series, I will pick it up as usual, but I am sure this show will have its fans. I confess to be a really crazy AD&D tabletop player when I was young due to influences from my elder brother as well as friends who are interested in medieval settings. After that, I am always on the lookout for a good medieval fantasy series.

This looks like good stuff honestly on that line of thought, and I will start off with Deltora Quest, which is based on a series of fantasy books.

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Summary

We started with the history of the invasion by the shadow lord. A strong blacksmith named Adin wearing the magical Belt of Deltora infused with the seven magical stones of Deltora, defeated the Shadow lord. However, the Shadow Lord waited and when the royals slowly forgot about the belt, the shadow lord took full advantage and destroyed the belt, as seven of his evil beasts carried the important magical jewels to seven places of evil. The king left the kingdom and was never heard again.

16 years later, we saw a kid mocking at the soldiers of the Shadow lord when they attempted to stop the villagers from reaping the labor of the apple trees there. As he teased them, he was chased to a dead end. However, a rope appeared as he was able to return back home.

Back at home, we realize that the name of the boy was Lief and his father was Jarred. Lief asked why everyone was always hiding behind in fear of the shadow lord when they could fight. Jarred said that the Shadow lord was not restrained by the power of the belt anymore as he took out a box, asking Lief to open it.

As Lief opened it, a beam of light appeared as it was the magical belt of Deltora. Jarred explained that he was the young companion of the former king and had retrieved the belt during the time of the invasion. It was broken before, but he had mended it and kept it in secret possession, awaiting for the next king to save Deltora from the shadow lord. He then entrusted Lief to wear the belt and save Deltora.

With that, he was given a fine sword by Jarred and a magical cloak by his sword as he set forth. Before he went, we were introduced to Barda, who looked like a rundown man until he got rid of his disguise as he showed himself to be an able man. He was in fact one of the guards who escaped during the invasion and was rescued back by Jarred. After that, he waited for the time to protect Lief and train him in order for the awakening of Lief to protect Deltora and find the seven gems

As they set forth to the nearest place, Lief was getting ahead of himself, rushing forward only to stumble onto a shadow guard. He started to panic in fear and was about to be cleaved when Barda rushed ahead to kill the man. As they moved forth, they were trapped by creatures with devilish red eyes while the environment immediately changed. Lief was getting nervous, as it became apparent that Lief was not used to actual fighting as he charged ahead recklessly, swinging his sword all around. Barda warned him about it as the creatures emit a high-pitch ultrawave sound that was starting to hurt them. Slowly, the noise caused Barda to be unconscious as the creatures with the devilish red eyes started to gather around the body of Barda.

What will happen to our warriors at such an early stage?

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Thoughts

The starting of this episode has a very nice CG added to it, when the battle of the Deltora world came about. I personally like the slightly “boring” style of introduction with the world of Deltora, giving us the setting of where the series is situated. The battle scene also gives me the feeling of a great classic anime, Record of Lodoss War, which I consider to be one of the greatest medieval fantasy series ever produced.

The graphics are pretty decent, with a good mixture of CG and the use of simple graphics to illustrate it. To be honest, I like the fact that the hero knows from episode 1 that something is seriously wrong. He is also not a spoiled brat, which I really hate for a stereotype. I mean, we have Naruto in Naruto who is basically a brat (of course he’s matured slightly for now, but…), Ueki in Law of Ueki and well, if I must stretch it, Ichigo from Bleach. For once, there is a hero that knows what he wants right at the start and sets forth. I like this because it reeks of an adventure of a mature 16 year old kid, rather than a reluctant hero that eventually turns stronger and all that. It breaks the mold of a general shounen series, and turns it into a pure fantasy fest.

What else can a medieval loving anime fan ask for?

I have to admit that I like the old school sword fighting and hopefully, a bit of magic too. Most shounen series have way too much mega powers and all that rubbish that it becomes like just a leveling up rpg where you gain more and more skills. I am more akin to good old school Dungeons and Dragons style of summoning and conjuring. For now, they have a pure swordsman in Barda while the main protagonist looks a bit like an average hero, which I am fine with.

In all, I fully enjoyed this series and I hope it does not succumb to over-bearing stuff and sticks to old school magic and swashbuckling sword fighting. If they have that, this will be a great series to love, a good change from all the loli-infused series.

So, back to that big question. Why should you watch this?

1. Enjoyable first episode that starts off with a more serious tone than most other shounen, with a clear focus on adventure rather than comedy.

2. Seems to be old school sword fighting and magic, with mystical creatures that look pretty interesting from the synopsis for next week.

3. Compelling characters, and the main lead is not a fricking spoiled brat.

4. Nice use of CGs, with decent graphical level for the style of anime that it is portraying.

Is this your cup of tea? If so, I will await you in the world of Deltora.

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