Seija Musou: Salaryman, Isekai de Ikinokoru Tame ni Ayumu Michi

The Great Cleric

Characters

Luciel

MAIN

Gulgar

SUPPORTING

Cattleya

SUPPORTING

Galba

SUPPORTING

Brod

SUPPORTING

Monica

SUPPORTING

Lumina

SUPPORTING

Kururu

SUPPORTING

Nanaella

SUPPORTING

Ousutoraria Un Sensei

BACKGROUND

The Great Cleric Season 1: A Heartwarming Isekai Adventure

The Great Cleric (Japanese: 聖者無双, Seija Musō) is a delightful addition to the isekai genre, blending slice-of-life charm, comedy, and fantasy adventure. Based on the light novel series by Broccoli Lion, with illustrations by Sime, the anime adaptation by Yokohama Animation Laboratory and Cloud Hearts aired from July to September 2023. Directed by Masato Tamagawa, with scripts supervised by Keiichirō Ōchi and character designs by Guonian Wang, the 12-episode first season introduces viewers to a refreshing take on the isekai formula, centered on a healer protagonist striving to make a difference in a corrupt fantasy world. Available on platforms like Crunchyroll and Amazon Prime Video, The Great Cleric Season 1 has captivated audiences with its engaging story and likable characters.

Plot Overview

The story follows a Japanese salaryman who, moments after celebrating a big sale, meets an untimely end when he’s shot by a mugger. Reincarnated by a goddess into a fantasy world as Luciel, a 15-year-old healer blessed with holy magic, he resolves to live a long, peaceful life—unlike his previous one cut short by tragedy. The catch? In this world, healers are distrusted, and the Healers’ Guild is riddled with greed and corruption. Determined to succeed, Luciel joins the Healers’ Guild in the Republic of Saint Shurule, only to discover that mastering his healing abilities requires grueling effort.

Luciel’s journey takes an unexpected turn when he enrolls in the Adventurers’ Guild to bolster his survival skills. Under the tutelage of the tough-but-fair instructor Brod, Luciel endures intense martial arts training and is forced to consume “Substance X,” a revolting drink that enhances his abilities but comes with peculiar side effects, like stunting his level progression. As Luciel grows as a healer, he uses his powers to help those in need, challenging the corrupt practices of the Healers’ Guild and working to restore the church’s tarnished reputation. Along the way, he makes allies like the kind-hearted Nanaella, the beastman brothers Gulgar and Galba, and the Valkyrie Knight Captain Lumina, while also attracting the ire of unscrupulous guild leaders.

The season follows Luciel’s transformation from a cautious newcomer to an S-rank healer, weaving themes of perseverance, self-improvement, and compassion. The narrative, driven by a bet between Earth’s God of Destiny and Galdardia’s Chief God, hints at larger cosmic stakes, though the focus remains on Luciel’s grounded, personal growth.

Characters and Voice Acting

Luciel, voiced by Reiji Kawashima (Japanese) and Justin Briner (English dub), is a standout protagonist. His pragmatic mindset, shaped by his past life as a businessman, makes him relatable and distinct from typical overpowered isekai heroes. Luciel’s commitment to hard work—epitomized by his motto, “Hard work is the foundation of success”—and his humorous struggles with Substance X add depth and levity to his character.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Brod (Akio Otsuka) is a gruff but supportive mentor, while Nanaella (Yuki Nakashima) brings warmth as Luciel’s study partner and potential romantic interest. Lumina (Julie Cleburn in the dub) adds a noble presence as a knight captain, and the beastman brothers Gulgar and Galba inject humor and camaraderie. The voice acting, both in Japanese and the English dub, is praised for bringing these characters to life, with the dub earning particular acclaim for its comedic timing.

Animation and Soundtrack

Yokohama Animation Laboratory and Cloud Hearts deliver solid animation, with vibrant depictions of the fantasy world’s landscapes and creatures. While the combat scenes are not the focus, they’re well-executed, and the character designs by Guonian Wang capture the essence of Sime’s original illustrations. The opening theme, “Bagu-chan” by Nasuo☆, is catchy and playful, perfectly matching the show’s lighthearted tone, while the ending theme, “A New Day” by Yuki Nakashima, adds an uplifting note.

Themes and Reception

The Great Cleric Season 1 shines as a slice-of-life comedy isekai, emphasizing character development over flashy battles. Its exploration of a corrupt medical system—where healers exploit the poor—mirrors real-world issues, giving the story a subtle layer of social commentary. Luciel’s determination to provide free healing and reform the church resonates with viewers, earning praise for its heartwarming narrative.

The series has a 6.8/10 rating on IMDb and a 6.778/10 on MyAnimeList, reflecting a generally positive reception, though some note its slower pace compared to action-heavy isekai. Fans on platforms like Reddit have lauded Luciel’s training arc and evolution, comparing it favorably to other healer-centric anime like The Saint’s Magic Power is Omnipotent. Reviewers highlight the show’s balance of action, comedy, and a hint of romance, making it a fun watch for fantasy fans.

Why It Stands Out

Unlike many isekai that focus on overpowered protagonists, The Great Cleric celebrates an underdog who relies on diligence and compassion. Luciel’s role as a healer/paladin is rare in anime, joining the ranks of titles like Wrong Way to Use Healing Magic. The series’ humor, particularly around Substance X, and its focus on world-building and character relationships make it a refreshing entry in the genre.

Availability and Future Prospects

Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video, and Apple TV, with both subbed and dubbed options. The Blu-ray release, containing all 12 episodes, has been well-received for its quality. While no official announcement for Season 2 has been made as of July 2025, fan demand and the abundance of source material (10 light novel volumes as of January 2022) suggest potential for continuation. Industry insiders hint at a possible 2026 release, with the series reportedly in post-production.

Final Thoughts

The Great Cleric Season 1 is a must-watch for fans of isekai and fantasy anime seeking a character-driven story with heart. Luciel’s journey from a reincarnated salaryman to a beacon of hope in a flawed world is both inspiring and entertaining. With its mix of humor, heartfelt moments, and a unique healer protagonist, the series carves out a distinct niche in the crowded isekai landscape. Whether you’re drawn to its world-building, likable characters, or subtle critique of systemic corruption, The Great Cleric offers a rewarding 12-episode adventure that leaves you eager for more.

*Have you watched *The Great Cleric* Season 1? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!*