The highly anticipated TV anime adaptation of Rocket Shokai’s “Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004” (Yūsha-kei ni Shosu: Chōbatsu Yūsha 9004-tai Keimu Kiroku) will receive a special premiere screening of its 60-minute first episode at Lucca Comics & Games 2025 in Italy. The event is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. local time, offering fans an early look at the series before its official broadcast.
Exclusive First Look at Lucca Comics & Games
Lucca Comics & Games, one of Europe’s most significant pop culture events dedicated to comics, games, video games, animation, and fantasy, will host this exclusive premiere. The festival, which runs from October 29 to November 2, 2025, in Lucca, Italy, is a prominent platform for international entertainment releases. This early screening provides attendees with a unique opportunity to experience the anime’s extended first episode, which promises a rich introduction to its dark fantasy world.
About “Sentenced to Be a Hero”
“Sentenced to Be a Hero” is based on the light novel series written by Rocket Shokai and illustrated by MEPHISTO. The story presents a grim twist on the traditional hero narrative, where “heroism” is a punishment reserved for the worst criminals. Those condemned to this fate are forced into mandatory military service, battling on the front lines against deadly contagion centers that corrupt the land and its creatures. Death offers no escape, as these “heroes” are continuously resurrected to resume their never-ending battle.
Plot Overview
The narrative centers on Xylo Forbartz, a former head of the Order of the Holy Knights and a convicted goddess killer, who leads a penal unit of deplorable fighters. Amidst these dire circumstances, he encounters Teoritta, a powerful weapon. Their unlikely alliance, and a pact forged between Xylo and a new goddess, may hold the key to changing the fate of their war-torn world. Yen Press publishes the official English version of the light novels, making the story accessible to a global audience.
Production and Broadcast Details
The anime television series is produced by Studio Kai. Originally slated for an October 2025 premiere, the broadcast was later delayed to January 2026 to further enhance the series’ overall quality. Crunchyroll is confirmed to stream the series as it airs, ensuring accessibility for international viewers.
The key staff for the anime includes Hiroyuki Takashima as the director, with Yoshitake Nakakōji serving as assistant director and creature designer. Kenta Ihara is handling the series composition and scripts, and Takeshi Noda is designing the characters. Shunsuke Takizawa is composing the music, while Nobutaka Ike is credited for worldbuilding and Kouta Sugawa as prop designer.
The main cast features:
- Yōhei Azakami as Xylo Forbartz
- Mayu Iizuka as Teoritta
- Shizuka Ishigami as Patausche Kivia
- Shun Horie as Dotta Luzulas
- Shunichi Toki as Venetim Leopool
- Yōji Ueda as Noragalle Senridge
- Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Tatsuya
- Jun Fukushima as Tsav
- Shōya Chiba as Jayce Partiract
- Yōko Hikasa as Neely
In addition to the Lucca Comics & Games screening, “Sentenced to Be a Hero” will also have a special stage event at the Anime x Game Festival 2025 (AGF) in South Korea on December 7, featuring Jun Fukushima. This international rollout demonstrates the anticipation surrounding the anime’s unique take on the hero fantasy genre.
