At least for me, manga created the impression, that Goblin Slayer is an imitation of a D&D board game, with focus on witty battle strategies as well as amusing squad chemistry in an unforgiving harsh fantasy world with lore elements sprinkled across many (missing) dialogues. Not so much fan service and gore feast.
SCORE: Bad – 3.
STORY: Will fit on a dirty napkin.
Goblin Slayer’s overall story is quite simple, almost nonexistent – it presents more or less isolated adventures and goblin exterminations. Relentless pacing propels already shallow narrative from one goblin cave to another, ignoring world building or character interactions. Pacing and resources are mismanaged to the point, that there is a recap after only 10 episodes and it starts with a booty shot. Priorities on display.
The only praise I can give is ep10 finale, because it was built in small steps from early on and utilizes deceitfully peaceful atmosphere presented in said episode.
CHARACTERS: A tin can, a lizard, a dwarf & an elf walk into a cave…
Goblin Slayer, titular main character, is a walking robot, with limited vocabulary and range of emotions. The show tries to portray him as a badass goblin apocalypse; with emphasis on “tries”. He is followed by just as faceless lizard, dwarf and an elf. Young human girl with PTSD and weak bladder is the most vivid caricature in this squad.
With the exception of a bonfire talk in ep3 and some moments in ep10, squad interactions are limited to slaying goblins. Characters cannot develop and shine in such constrained environment. In addition, the concept of a nameless world did not transfer well into anime.
ART & ANIMATION: If you do not have the budget, do not work on challenging projects.
Character designs are detailed and mostly on model; backgrounds often consist of dark caves or ruins and are interchangeable. Visuals are basic, but functional.
Action scenes are barely animated, like most of the show, with the exception of boobs. Brawls with goblins lack impact or excitement, because they often consist of static “BOOM” or “SLASH” images as well as overabundance of blood fountains in slow motion. The emphasis on witty strategies, preparation and teamplay to be victorious on the battlefield are not integral to the show. To save even more money, on every opportunity Mr. Slayer or goblins themselves are replaced with eye-catching CGI.
SOUND: Devastating.
OST is bland and forgettable.
Slayer never shows his face to the audience, thus his voice actor had a difficult task to capture and express emotions to make the character appealing. This emotionless tin can performance radiates no charisma, rather reluctance. The “request” scene in ep12 was particularly underwhelming.
Lizard and mage sound interesting and project at least some personality, everyone else is unremarkable.
Goblin Slayer the anime is a disappointment. In an unlikely case of interest, I would suggest to read the manga. If it has to be an anime with a gritty fantasy setting, goblins and a proper squad chemistry “Hai to Gensou no Grimgar” could be an alternative.
