The highly anticipated first season finale of the dark fantasy anime series Clevatess, Episode 12, aired on September 17, 2025, bringing a brutal and cathartic conclusion to its initial storylines and immediately announcing a second season. The episode wrapped up key character arcs, particularly the intense rivalry between Alicia and General Drel, while further developing the enigmatic demon king Clevatess, also known as Clen.
A Bloody Conclusion to Season One’s Epic Saga
The twelfth and final episode of Clevatess delivered on its promise of dark fantasy action, concluding the long-standing conflict between the revived hero Alicia Glenfall and General Drel. Alicia’s victory over Drel was achieved not merely through brute force, but by outsmarting him, proving her resilience and conviction in a chaotic world. This decisive battle saw Drel’s defeat with gruesome detail, as his power diminished and he disintegrated after Alicia exploited a weak point in his sword.
Central to the finale’s emotional weight was the continued evolution of the titular demon king, Clevatess (Clen). Initially indifferent to humanity, Clen’s journey throughout the season, heavily influenced by the orphaned baby Luna, culminated in a pivotal moment where Alicia challenged his nihilistic views. This confrontation led Clen to reconsider abandoning humanity, choosing instead to stay by Luna’s side and potentially help build a new world, a stark contrast to his earlier isolation. The episode emphasized the profound impact Luna has had on Clen, acting as a tether to his newfound empathy.
Critical Acclaim and Fan Reception
The Clevatess season finale has been met with generally positive reviews from critics and fans alike, many praising its satisfying character conclusions and effective setup for future narratives. Reviewers highlighted the episode’s ability to provide closure for certain characters, both through resolution and death, while leaving major players like Alicia and Nelluru with ongoing journeys, anticipating their return in a potential second season.
Despite earlier expectations that the series might lean heavily into deconstructive dark fantasy, the finale underscored that Clevatess is fundamentally a story about a demon’s discovery of his own humanity. Its strength lies in its compelling narrative, world-building, and character exploration, culminating in an ending described as a “fantastic spectacle.” The animation quality during fight sequences, particularly those involving Alicia, also garnered praise for its intensity and ability to convey the emotional depth of the narrative.
A Second Season Confirmed for Crunchyroll
Fans won’t have to wait long for more of the demon king’s adventures, as a second season of Clevatess was officially announced immediately following the broadcast of the final episode. A celebratory visual, illustrated by character designer Soichiro Sako, was released to mark the announcement. While a release date and further details are yet to be revealed, Crunchyroll has confirmed it will stream the new season when it premieres in Japan, ensuring international accessibility for viewers.
The World of Clevatess: A Dark Fantasy Overview
Clevatess: Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha (The King of Magical Beasts, the Baby, and the Corpse Hero) is an anime adaptation of the manga series written and illustrated by Yūji Iwahara, which began serialization in August 2020. The anime, produced by studio Lay-duce and directed by Kiyotaka Taguchi, premiered on July 2, 2025, and aired for 12 episodes.
The story is set in a world where humanity is surrounded by the nations of Dark Beasts. When 13 heroes are dispatched to defeat Clevatess, one of the Four Lords of Dark Beasts, they are swiftly annihilated. In retaliation, Clevatess destroys the kingdom of Haiden. Before leaving, he reluctantly agrees to care for an orphaned baby, Luna, and revives one of the slain heroes, Alicia Glenfall, to help him navigate the human world and understand humanity more deeply. This unlikely trio forms the core of a dark fantasy adventure that blends action, drama, and psychological elements, exploring themes of morality, revenge, and the complexities of human nature. The series has been praised for its ability to weave together various genres, from superhero elements to poignant character studies.
