The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Scum of the Brave (Yūsha no Kuzu) is officially slated to premiere in January 2026, with a new teaser video confirming the broadcast window and unveiling the core production team. Studio OLM will animate the series, bringing the dark fantasy action to screens.
Production Studio and Key Creative Staff
Leading the production for Scum of the Brave is Studio OLM, known for its work on series such as The Apothecary Diaries and Pokémon. The studio was previously announced to be handling the animation.
At the helm as director is Shinji Ushiro, recognized for his work on DON’T TOY WITH ME, MISS NAGATORO 2nd Attack. Yoichi Kato, acclaimed for his contributions to the Duel Masters franchise, is in charge of series composition and scripts. Character designs will be handled by Rika Murakami, who previously worked on Zoids Wild. Composing the musical score for the supernatural action series is Kenichiro Suehiro, known for his work on Fire Force.
Additional Staff Details
Further key staff members confirmed for the anime include:
- Color Designer: Naoto Kondo
- Art Director: Kazuhiro Inoue
- Director of Photography: Tsunetaka Ema
- Editor: Naoki Watanabe
- Sound Director: Takahiro Enomoto
The anime is set to broadcast on Nippon Television (NTV) and its affiliates.
Plot Synopsis and Original Work
Scum of the Brave is based on the web novel by Rocket Shokai, which was initially serialized on Kadokawa’s Kakuyomu platform. The story also inspired a manga adaptation illustrated by Nakashima723, published in Leed Publishing’s Comic Border magazine, with an English digital release available from Manga Planet.
The narrative unfolds in an alternate 21st century where affluent mafia members undergo “ether-enhancement surgery” to transform into powerful “Demon Kings.” To combat this threat, “Braves,” who are bounty hunters, are tasked with taking them down. The series centers on Yashiro, an independent enforcer nicknamed “the Reaper,” who primarily seeks simple pleasures like pizza, beer, and card games. His life takes an unexpected turn when three young aspiring Braves offer him a substantial sum to become their private tutor, drawing him into a whirlwind of deadly conflicts.
