I was only half-serious when I wrote about the slow-life-hot-wife formula becoming a trend in anime. But the plot element of the Hero kicking a support role specialist out of the band has become more common. Banished from the Hero’s Party has a partner in the winter 2024 season in The Strongest Tank’s Labyrinth Raids.
The full title is The Strongest Tank’s Labyrinth Raids -A Tank with a Rare 9999 Resistance Skill Got Kicked from the Hero’s Party- because the light novel series started on the Shosetsuka ni Naro self-publishing website. Kijima’s tale went to the Shufunotomo publishing company before a manga adaptation launched at Square Enix’s Manga UP! manga store app. Square Enix claims the anime follows the manga source instead of either light novel version. Here’s a quick summary of Makoto Kisaragi’s manga premise:
Rud is part of the Hero’s Party and is known for his strong defense. The group often goes on raids in labyrinths. For Rud, these raids are a chance to find a specific treasure that could heal his sick sister. But one day, after a raid goes wrong, the Hero blames Rud and kicks him out of the Party. With no other options left, Rud returns to his hometown, where his sister still lives. On his way, he saves a girl from a monster. This girl has a rare skill, “Appraisal,” helping Rud understand his unknown powerful techniques. With a maxed-out defense score of 9999, Rud starts his adventure as the Strongest Tank.
The emotional hook for these passive-aggressive revenge wish-fulfillment plots is that one feeling, “You’re going to miss me when I’m gone!” Would the Hero have dismissed Rud if he had known about his “hidden” talents? I doubt it, but then we wouldn’t have Rud’s countryside slow life adventure.
Strongest Tank’s Slow Life Harem
ABC Animation gave animation production duties to the brand-new Studio Polon. Industry veteran Mitsutaka Noshitani (known for directing Anime Festa softcore porn anime shorts) will oversee direction. The series composition goes to Hitomi Amamiya, who knows this plot type from Chillin’ in My 30s after Getting Fired from the Demon King’s Army. Musical band Ireisu performs the opening and ending themes. Here’s the list of the slow-life-hot-wife party members.
- Rud — Jun Kasama (Hisashi Mitsui from The First Slam Dunk). With the highest Resistance rating of 9999, this adventurer acts as the group’s shield and tank. Rud uses “Provocation” to attract enemies and “Health” to avoid injuries. He has unknown skills and cares deeply for his sister, Manicia. His mature look often gives an unsociable impression.
- Nin — Kaede Hondo (Hakari Hanazono from Hyakkano). As a church saint and the Duchess’s third daughter, she maintains a high status yet remains approachable. A member of the Hero’s Party, she excels in recovery magic. Smitten with Rud, she chases after him. The Strongest Tank’s Labyrinth Raids shares a character setup with Banished from the Hero’s Party. Nin has rough competition from Rit.
- Luna — Kana Ichinose (Fern from Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End). A fairy-tale-like girl with silver hair and blue eyes that glisten under the moonlight. Rud comes to her aid when she’s in a crisis. Despite her delicate appearance, she’s a skilled fighter with the rare “Appraisal” ability. However, she’s not a morning person.
- Manicia — Yui Ogura (Priestess from Goblin Slayer). Rud’s younger sister is a doll-like beauty with clear black hair. Born frail, she seldom ventures outside. She has an active ahoge that comedically displays her reactions. She’s a skilled cook and totally tsundere for her brother.
Possible Slow Life Side Pieces
- Lilia — Ayaka Ohashi (Vodka from Uma Musume: Pretty Derby). A guild worker and Lily’s twin, she’s an attacker known for her swift strikes and a reliable asset to any party. Usually composed, her past occasionally troubles her. She avoids girly attire because she’s a tomboy.
- Lily — Kana Yuuki (Fulltalia Eldoriel from Peter Grill and the Philosopher’s Time). She’s a guild staff member and Lilia’s twin. She can navigate labyrinth levels with her “Dungeon Walk” skill. She struggles with expressing herself or saying what she wants. She’s shy but strong inside.
The Strongest Tank’s Enemies? Or Not Yet Allies?
- Marius — Nobuhiko Okamoto (Katsuki Bakugou from My Hero Academia). He’s the guardian of the Avanthia Labyrinth, a sword-wielder with a childlike innocence. His deadly iai technique (居合い — cutting down one’s opponent and sheathing the sword afterward) can defeat any opponent when a fight starts. He thrives on the thrill of an approaching battle.
- Amon — Misaki Kuno (Faputa in Made in Abyss). She’s the guardian of the Caird Labyrinth, armed with a fan. Her potent wind magic and elusive presence have thwarted all labyrinth intruders. Despite her youthful appearance, rumors say she’s over 300 years old.
The Strongest Tank’s Labyrinth Raids -A Tank with a Rare 9999 Resistance Skill Got Kicked from the Hero’s Party- begins broadcasting on January 6th. Information on streaming outside of Japan is not yet available.
Are you ready to watch another support role character discover hidden talents and collect cute waifus in a backwater town? Will slow-life-hot-wife become a stand-alone subgenre in fantasy stories? Which of Rud’s growing harem are you most interested in? Let us know in the comments below or online on Facebook, Twitter, or Discord.
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