Clevatess: Majuu no Ou to Akago to Kabane no Yuusha

Clevatess

Characters

Alicia

MAIN

Clen

MAIN

Clevatess

MAIN

Luna

MAIN

Katz

SUPPORTING

Rodd

SUPPORTING

Mirlo

SUPPORTING

Maynard

SUPPORTING

Haiden Ou

SUPPORTING

Neruru

SUPPORTING

Gart

SUPPORTING

Stefan

SUPPORTING

Broco

SUPPORTING

Mudo

SUPPORTING

Margo

SUPPORTING

Minark

SUPPORTING

Dorel

SUPPORTING

Holgas

SUPPORTING

Naie

SUPPORTING

Narrator

BACKGROUND

Clevatess Season 1: A Dark Fantasy Masterpiece Redefining Anime Storytelling

Clevatess: Majuu no Ou to Akago to Shikabane no Yuusha (Clevatess: The King of Magical Beasts, the Baby, and the Corpse Hero), based on Yūji Iwahara’s manga, is a bold, genre-defying dark fantasy anime that premiered in July 2025. Season 1, produced by Lay-duce, delivers a narrative so distinct and emotionally complex that it stands as one of the most compelling entries in the Summer 2025 anime season. This review explores the series’ innovative storytelling, rich world-building, and unflinching approach to heavy themes, offering a fresh perspective on what makes Clevatess a standout without resorting to promotional fluff.

A Premise That Defies Convention

At its core, Clevatess is a story about unlikely alliances and moral ambiguity. Set in the isolated continent of Edthea, guarded by four Lords of Dark Beasts, the series follows Clevatess (voiced by Yuichi Nakamura), a demon king who, after slaughtering a kingdom in retaliation for an attack on his domain, spares an orphaned royal baby named Luna and resurrects a slain hero, Alicia Glenfall (Haruka Shiraishi), to care for her. This trio—beast, undead warrior, and infant—embarks on a journey to understand humanity’s worth, with Clevatess adopting the guise of a frail boy named Klen (Mutsumi Tamura) to observe the world incognito. The premise alone is a daring blend of high-stakes fantasy, psychological drama, and unexpected domesticity, as the demon king grapples with childcare while questioning humanity’s redeemability.

What sets Clevatess apart is its refusal to adhere to a single genre. It seamlessly weaves superheroic action, kaiju-scale battles, and grounded moments of caregiving, creating a narrative rhythm that feels both chaotic and deliberate. The series’ ability to pivot from visceral combat to tender scenes of Luna’s care without losing coherence is a testament to its structural brilliance.

World-Building That Breathes

Edthea is a richly realized world, steeped in lore that unfolds organically. The continent’s isolation, enforced by the four Dark Beast Lords, creates a claustrophobic yet expansive backdrop. The series introduces factions like the Ravens, a morally bankrupt bandit group, and the Hiden Kingdom, whose Arcanacite weapons hint at a deeper technological and political history. Unlike many fantasy anime that rely on exposition dumps, Clevatess reveals its world through character interactions and environmental storytelling. For instance, the contrast between Luna Mountain’s shadowy lair and Hiderat’s bustling capital paints a vivid picture of a world teetering between hope and despair.

The show’s world-building shines in its refusal to glorify its setting. Edthea is gritty, violent, and morally gray, reminiscent of Berserk or Made in Abyss, but with a distinct flavor that avoids generic fantasy tropes. The absence of stat screens or isekai clichés is a refreshing departure, grounding the narrative in a pure fantasy framework that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

Characters That Challenge and Compel

The heart of Clevatess lies in its complex characters, each driven by conflicting motives. Clevatess/Klen is a fascinating antihero—an all-powerful demon king who oscillates between genocidal rage and genuine curiosity about humanity. His decision to raise Luna as an experiment to judge humanity’s worth adds layers to his character, making him neither a villain nor a savior but a force of nature seeking purpose. Yuichi Nakamura’s commanding performance, contrasted with Mutsumi Tamura’s softer tones as Klen, amplifies this duality.

Alicia, resurrected as an undead bound to Clevatess’ will, is a tragic figure whose heroism is tainted by her loss of agency. Her regenerative powers come at the cost of excruciating pain, a narrative choice that underscores the series’ willingness to explore suffering without sensationalizing it. Haruka Shiraishi’s performance captures Alicia’s defiance and vulnerability, making her a compelling foil to Clevatess.

Luna, though an infant, is more than a plot device. Her royal lineage and potential as Edthea’s “last hope” imbue her with symbolic weight, while her presence humanizes Clevatess and forces Alicia to confront her own purpose. The addition of Nell (Aoi Yuuki), a slave girl introduced in Episode 2, further enriches the dynamic, her tragic backstory exposing the darkest facets of humanity and challenging Clevatess’ worldview.

A Visual and Auditory Triumph

Lay-duce’s animation is a visual feast, blending gritty 1980s fantasy aesthetics with modern polish. The action sequences are a highlight, with smaller-scale fights featuring quick, graphic violence bathed in a striking red hue, while larger battles evoke chaotic, kaiju-like spectacles. The use of Arcanacite weapons and Clevatess’ shadowy powers creates a distinct visual language that feels both raw and cinematic.

Nobuaki Nobusawa’s score elevates the series, crafting an epic yet haunting atmosphere. The opening theme, “Ruler” by Mayu Maeshima, pulses with energy, while Ellie Goulding’s “Destiny” as the ending theme adds an unexpected emotional depth, grounding the fantastical in human resonance.

Tackling Heavy Themes with Care

Clevatess doesn’t shy away from dark themes—slavery, abuse, and trauma are central to Episode 2’s narrative, particularly through Nell’s harrowing story. These elements are handled with a raw honesty that avoids voyeurism, though some scenes are undeniably difficult to watch. The series’ willingness to confront these issues head-on, while maintaining a focus on character-driven drama, sets it apart from peers that might exploit such topics for shock value. However, the show’s pacing occasionally stumbles, with Episode 2’s heavy focus on Nell’s trauma feeling abrupt compared to the premiere’s broader scope.

The moral complexity of Clevatess is its greatest strength. It poses uncomfortable questions about humanity’s capacity for good and evil, using Clevatess’ journey as a lens to explore whether redemption is possible in a world scarred by violence. The Ravens’ brutality contrasts with Nell’s compassion, creating a nuanced portrait of humanity that neither glorifies nor condemns it outright.

A Few Stumbles, But a Strong Foundation

While Clevatess excels in ambition, it’s not flawless. The shift to darker themes in Episode 2 can feel jarring, and the series occasionally leans too heavily on shock to drive its point home. Some viewers may find the pacing uneven, particularly when balancing world-building with character drama. Additionally, the show’s reliance on Alicia’s suffering as a plot device risks overshadowing her agency, though later episodes hint at her reclaiming her strength.

Despite these hiccups, Clevatess Season 1 lays a robust foundation for what could be a defining dark fantasy series. Its 12-episode run promises to delve deeper into Edthea’s mysteries, Clevatess’ motives, and Luna’s destiny, with early episodes suggesting a willingness to take narrative risks.

Why Clevatess Stands Out

Clevatess Season 1 is a rare anime that feels both timeless and innovative. It evokes the gritty charm of classic fantasy while carving its own path with a story that’s as much about introspection as it is about spectacle. By blending intense action, profound character dynamics, and a world that feels alive with history and conflict, it offers a viewing experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling. For fans of dark fantasy who crave something beyond the ordinary, Clevatess is a journey worth taking—one that challenges, unsettles, and ultimately captivates.

Where to Watch: Clevatess Season 1 is available on Crunchyroll, with episodes streaming weekly. It’s also accessible on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV for purchase.