Forget 'Hell's Paradise', There's a New Dark Shonen & Its Episode 1 Already Has 9.3 on IMDb

The 2026 winter anime season gave viewers an unexpected gift – new action title Sentenced to Be a Hero soared to the top of the ratings.

This dark fantasy shonen asserts its presence from the very first minute with stylistic confidence, high-quality animation, and a grim yet captivating world.

If you're looking for a worthy successor to hits like Hell's Paradise, it appears that one has just arrived.

What Is 'Sentenced to Be a Hero' About?

In this world, being a hero is the ultimate punishment, not an honor. Those condemned to this status are exiled to cursed lands where they must battle hordes of monsters and demonic lords endlessly.

Even death won't free them – heroes are resurrected and forced to endure torment and fight again and again. The protagonist, Xylo Forbartz, receives this punishment alongside his kleptomaniac partner, Dotta.

Their existence is disrupted when Dotta steals a coffin containing a living but sleeping goddess.

There Is Only One Episode of 'Sentenced to Be a Hero' So Far, but It Looks Very Promising

The nearly hour-long pilot episode is a bold statement, but Studio Kai's production quality is top-notch: the visual style is captivating, and the fight scenes are flawlessly animated.

The creators avoid unnecessary fuss and overly dynamic action, which often detracts from the experience. Instead, viewers are treated to crisp, powerful choreography that highlights Xylo's strength and skill.

The demon designs deserve special mention – they resemble twisted, mutated creatures, which will likely evoke associations with Made in Abyss or Arcane.

'Sentenced to Be a Hero' Is a Perfect Pick for Those Who Liked 'Hell's Paradise' & 'Made in Abyss'

The title combines the key elements that made these hits successful: a ruthless, survivalist setting where every day is a struggle, a dark and deeply developed mythology, and a strong yet damaged main character whose motivations extend beyond simple heroism.

Similar to Hell's Paradise, there's a sense of doom and an exploration of the price of immortality, even if it's forced upon. Like Made in Abyss, the world is filled with inexplicable organic horrors that lend a unique atmosphere.

The release of the second episode on January 15 will reveal whether Sentenced to Be a Hero can maintain its high pace and depth.

What Did Viewers Think of 'Sentenced to Be a Hero'?

Reddit user letmewriteyouup wrote:

“This is an episode!? It has movie-scale animation quality!”

• Sentenced to Be a Hero Episode 1 has a score of 9.3/10.

Where to Watch 'Sentenced to Be a Hero'?

Sentenced to Be a Hero is available to stream on Crunchyroll.