Let This Grieving Soul Retire! Season 1: A Witty, Chaotic Dive into the Misadventures of a Reluctant Hero

Let This Grieving Soul Retire! (Nageki no Bōrei wa Intai Shitai: Saijaku Hunter ni Yoru Saikyō Party Ikusei-jutsu), adapted from Tsukikage’s light novel series, burst onto the anime scene in October 2024 with a premise that flips the fantasy hero archetype on its head. Directed by Masahiro Takata at Zero-G, this 13-episode adventure-comedy delivers a unique blend of humor, mystery, and fantasy RPG tropes, centered around Krai Andrey, a self-proclaimed talentless treasure hunter desperate to escape the perilous life he’s been roped into. With its irreverent tone, quirky characters, and a knack for subverting expectations, Season 1 is a refreshing take on the genre that doesn’t take itself too seriously—yet still manages to leave you intrigued. Here’s an in-depth review of what makes this anime stand out, its strengths, weaknesses, and whether it’s worth your time.

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The Premise: A Reluctant Leader in a World of Misunderstandings

Set in a golden age of treasure hunting, where adventurers raid dangerous vaults for wealth, fame, and power, Let This Grieving Soul Retire! follows Krai Andrey, the reluctant leader of the Grieving Souls, the most powerful treasure-hunting party in the imperial capital of Zebrudia. As a young boy, Krai made a pact with his five childhood friends—Liz Smart, Sitri Smart, Ansem Smart, Luke Sykol, and Lucia Rogier—to become the greatest heroes. However, Krai quickly realized he lacked the raw talent for combat or magic that his overpowered companions possessed. His dream? To retire and live a quiet life. The problem? Everyone around him, from his party members to the massive First Steps clan he founded, believes he’s a genius strategist dubbed “Thousand Tricks,” whose every move is part of a grand, prophetic plan.

The humor and heart of the series stem from this core misunderstanding. Krai’s attempts to dodge danger, shirk responsibilities, and pawn off tasks to others are consistently misinterpreted as brilliant leadership or cunning schemes. Armed with an arsenal of “defective” relics (magical artifacts that often backfire) and an uncanny knack for stumbling into solutions, Krai navigates a world where his reputation far exceeds his actual abilities. The show thrives on this comedic disconnect, blending slapstick, witty banter, and subtle character drama to keep viewers entertained.

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What Works: A Fresh Spin on Fantasy Tropes

1. Krai Andrey: The Anti-Hero You Can’t Help But Root For

Krai, voiced by Kenshō Ono, is the beating heart of the series. Unlike the typical overpowered isekai or fantasy protagonist, Krai is painfully aware of his limitations. He’s not a warrior, mage, or even particularly brave—he’s just a guy with a knack for survival, a collection of quirky relics, and an overwhelming desire to avoid trouble. His internal monologues, filled with exasperated complaints and sarcastic quips, are a highlight, making him relatable to anyone who’s ever felt out of their depth in a high-stakes environment. Yet, Krai’s not entirely useless; his ability to manage a chaotic group of powerful misfits and his unintentional knack for turning disasters into victories hint at a deeper competence that even he doesn’t recognize.

The show cleverly plays with the “accidental hero” trope, drawing comparisons to characters like Cid Kagenou (The Eminence in Shadow) or Masayuki (That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime), but Krai stands out for his sheer honesty. He never pretends to be something he’s not, yet his bluntness and attempts to weasel out of situations only amplify his legendary status. This dynamic creates a unique comedic rhythm where Krai’s failures are his greatest successes.

2. A Colorful Cast of Misfits

The Grieving Souls and the broader First Steps clan are a delightful ensemble of eccentrics, each with distinct personalities that amplify the show’s chaotic energy. Liz Smart, a level 6 thief with a sadistic streak, is a whirlwind of violence and loyalty, treating her apprentice Tino Shade with a mix of tough love and outright torture. Sitri Smart, Liz’s alchemist sister, hides a manipulative streak behind her innocent facade, while Luke Sykol, the “Thousand Swords” swordsman, is a troublemaking hothead. Lucia Rogier, Krai’s non-blood-related sister and a prodigious mage, adds a layer of familial tension with her unique magic inspired by Krai’s childhood stories. Tino, a level 4 thief with a crush on Krai, brings a mix of earnestness and terror to the group, constantly caught between her devotion to “Master” and fear of Liz.

The supporting cast, including Rhuda Runebeck (a plucky level 3 thief), Greg Zangief (a retired level 4 hunter turned merchant), and Eva Renfield (the competent vice clan master), adds depth to the world, with each character contributing to the comedic and dramatic beats. While not all characters get equal screen time—Ansem and Luke, in particular, feel underutilized in Season 1—their quirks and interactions keep the show lively.

3. Comedy Through Misadventure

The humor in Let This Grieving Soul Retire! is its strongest asset, driven by Krai’s knack for provoking misunderstandings. Whether he’s dodging a duel by passing it to Tino, accidentally exposing a secret mage hideout while chasing ice cream, or bankrupting a noble house through an impulsive bidding war, Krai’s actions ripple outward in absurdly beneficial ways. The show leans heavily into this “blind leading the blind” dynamic, with episodes dedicated to grandiose misunderstandings rather than traditional action sequences. This focus on situational comedy over flashy battles sets it apart from typical fantasy anime, offering a refreshing change of pace.

The series also pokes fun at RPG tropes, like the arbitrary level system (which measures reputation more than strength) and the absurdity of treasure-hunting culture. Krai’s reliance on relics, such as his “chain dog” or Sitri’s dangerous slime capsule, adds a layer of unpredictability, as these artifacts often save the day in ways Krai never intends.

4. A Touch of Mystery

While primarily a comedy, Season 1 weaves in enough mystery to keep viewers engaged. The two main arcs—the White Wolf Den rescue mission and the Akashic Tower conflict—hint at larger conspiracies involving hidden factions and Krai’s relics. The show doesn’t delve deeply into world-building, but it plants seeds for future exploration, particularly around Krai’s past and the true extent of his “Thousand Tricks” reputation. The cliffhanger ending, teasing a new character and unresolved plot threads, ensures anticipation for Season 2, set to premiere in October 2025.

5. Solid Production Values

Zero-G’s animation is serviceable, with vibrant character designs by Yūsuke Isouchi and Shingo Fujisaki that capture the series’ playful tone. The art style doesn’t reach the heights of top-tier fantasy anime like Frieren, but it’s appealing, with expressive character animations and colorful backgrounds that bring the treasure vaults and imperial capital to life. The soundtrack, composed by Ryōhei Sataka, complements the comedic and adventurous moments, while the opening theme, “Kattō Tomorrow” by Lezel, is an energetic earworm. The voice acting, particularly Kenshō Ono’s exasperated delivery as Krai and Satomi Amano’s blend of innocence and menace as Sitri, elevates the characters’ personalities.

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What Doesn’t Work: Stumbles in Execution

1. Uneven Pacing and Lack of Resolution

Season 1’s 13 episodes cover two short arcs, which can feel disjointed due to the show’s episodic nature. While the comedy carries the narrative, the plot often meanders, with some episodes feeling like filler as Krai stumbles from one misunderstanding to another. The season’s ending is notably inconclusive, leaving major questions—such as the Akashic Tower’s motives or Krai’s true potential—unanswered. For viewers seeking a cohesive story, this lack of closure can be frustrating, though it aligns with the series’ laid-back, non-serious tone.

2. Underdeveloped World-Building

The show’s focus on character-driven comedy comes at the expense of world-building. Details about the treasure-hunting culture, the level system, or the broader political landscape are sparse, making the world feel like a backdrop rather than a living entity. While this suits the series’ lighthearted vibe, it limits the stakes and makes some conflicts feel arbitrary. Viewers hoping for a richer fantasy setting may find this aspect lacking compared to more lore-heavy series.

3. Polarizing Characters

While the Grieving Souls are entertaining, their exaggerated personalities can be divisive. Liz’s sadistic tendencies and Sitri’s manipulative schemes may alienate viewers who prefer more likable or morally grounded characters. Krai himself, despite being sympathetic, can come across as a “mooch” who exploits his friends’ talents, which some reviewers found frustrating rather than endearing. The limited screen time for certain party members, like Ansem and Luke, also leaves the cast feeling unevenly developed.

4. Niche Appeal

The series’ reliance on misunderstanding-based humor and minimal action may not resonate with fans of traditional fantasy anime. Those expecting epic battles or deep emotional arcs might find the show’s “nonsense” approach ridiculous or unsatisfying. It’s a niche offering that thrives on absurdity, which won’t appeal to everyone.

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Themes and Takeaways: A Lighthearted Look at Expectations

At its core, Let This Grieving Soul Retire! explores the pressure of living up to others’ expectations. Krai’s struggle to escape his inflated reputation mirrors real-world anxieties about imposter syndrome and the fear of letting others down. The show doesn’t dive deeply into these themes, but they add a subtle layer of relatability to Krai’s plight. The Grieving Souls’ dysfunction also highlights the idea that strength comes in many forms—not just combat prowess but also leadership, resourcefulness, and sheer luck.

The series also pokes fun at the absurdity of hero worship and the myths that surround “great” figures. Krai’s “Thousand Tricks” moniker is less about his actual skill and more about how others project their ideals onto him, a commentary on how reputations can spiral out of control. It’s not a profound narrative, but it’s clever enough to keep you thinking between laughs.

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Reception and Community Buzz

Season 1 has garnered a mixed but generally positive response from fans. On Reddit, viewers praised its unique humor and Krai’s relatable anti-hero status, with some calling it their “favorite of the season” for its blend of comedy and mystery. However, others found it “meh,” criticizing its lack of action and inconsistent pacing. On MyAnimeList, it holds a modest rating, with some users noting it was unfairly review-bombed on certain platforms, sitting at 3.5/10 on one site despite not being “that bad.” The announcement of Season 2, confirmed on December 24, 2024, sparked excitement, particularly for fans eager to see more of the Grieving Souls and the teased dark elf character.

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Should You Watch It?

Let This Grieving Soul Retire! Season 1 is a delightful oddball in the fantasy anime landscape. It’s not for everyone—fans of action-packed epics or intricate world-building may find it lacking—but those who enjoy character-driven comedies with a dash of mystery will find plenty to love. Krai Andrey’s misadventures, paired with the Grieving Souls’ chaotic energy, make for a fun, low-stakes watch that’s perfect for unwinding. Its biggest strength is its refusal to take itself seriously, embracing absurdity in a way that feels fresh and unpretentious.

Rating: 8/10 (B+). A witty, unconventional fantasy that’s worth a try if you’re in the mood for something light and laugh-out-loud funny.

Where to Watch: Available on Prime Video, Crunchyroll, and other streaming platforms, with episodes streamed two days early on ABEMA and d-anime Store starting September 29, 2024.

Looking Ahead: With Season 2 confirmed for October 2025, expect more of Krai’s reluctant heroics, deeper exploration of the Grieving Souls, and hopefully some answers to the mysteries left hanging.

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Let This Grieving Soul Retire! proves that sometimes, the weakest hunter can lead the strongest party—not through skill, but through sheer, hilarious luck. If you’re ready to embrace the chaos, Krai Andrey and his band of misfits are waiting to drag you along on their wild ride.