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Senyu
First tankōbon volume cover (Shueisha's manga)
戦勇。
(Senyū)
GenreFantasy comedy[1]
Manga
Written byRobinson Haruhara [ja]
Published byNico Nico Seiga
Original runAugust 27, 2010 – present
Manga
Written byRobinson Haruhara
Published byShueisha
ImprintJump Comics SQ.
MagazineJump Square
Original runMay 2, 2012 – April 4, 2013
Volumes2
Manga
Senyu: Main Quest
Written byRobinson Haruhara
Published byKodansha
MagazineSuiyōbi no Sirius
Original runAugust 21, 2013 – May 14, 2014
Volumes9
Series titles
  1. Dai-1 Shō (2013–14, 3 volumes)
  2. Dai-2 Shō (2013–14, 6 volumes)
Anime television series
Directed byYutaka Yamamoto
Produced byAkira Sasaki
Written byMichiko Yokote
Music by
  • Makoto Wakatabe
  • Daisuke Sakabe
Studio
Licensed by
Original networkTV Tokyo
Original run January 9, 2013 – September 25, 2013
Episodes26
icon Anime and manga portal

Senyu (戦勇。, Senyū) is a Japanese web manga series written and illustrated by Robinson Haruhara [ja]. It started publishing in Nico Nico Seiga website in August 2010; five parts have been released, in addition to a parallel series titled Senyu+. A print version was published in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Jump Square from May 2012 to April 2013, with its chapters collected in two tankōbon. Another series, titled Senyu: Main Quest, was published in two parts in Kodansha's Suiyōbi no Sirius online manga section of Nico Nico Seiga from August 2013 to March 2017, with the overall series collected in nine tankōbon volumes.

A 26-episode anime television series was broadcast for two seasons in 2013.

Plot

[edit]

A millennium ago, the Demon King wreaked havoc in the human realm, but was sealed by the legendary Hero Creasion. Closer to the story's present, a large hole appeared in the world, from which a large number of demons emerged. The King has ordered the 75 probable descendants of the original hero to destroy the demons and save the world. The story follows Alba, hero number 45, and his quest to save the world. Along the way, he is accompanied by Royal Soldier Ross, whose somewhat sadistic, antagonistic antics serve as comic relief. Alba quickly teams up with the demon queen herself, who is soon revealed to be a naive, young pink-haired girl who accidentally instigated the demon crisis while making popcorn.

The series starts almost exclusively comedic, with episodic gags mainly involving Alba's bad luck and Ross's abuses. A more serialized story develops halfway into the first part, as an order of twelve powerful demons themed after the twelve months of the Gregorian Calendar starts attempting to revive the original Demon King. Simultaneously, other probable hero descendants also interfere, with lesser demons and government officials caught in the crossfire.

The world's past and Creasion's origins are explored in the second part, culminating in the supposed defeat of the story's main antagonist, the first Demon King. The third part focuses on the remnants of the twelve demons, especially the strange machinations of one of them, Elf November. The fourth volume explores Elf's past and his complex involvement with existence, concluding Senyu's main storyline.

The fifth part serves as an epilogue, elaborating upon the original story and later shifting to a comedic slice of life where the characters adapt to the world after the chaos wrought by the catastrophic events explained in previous parts. The later portion of the fifth part explores some aspects of Elf's past and introduces a new group of antagonists.

Characters

[edit]
Alba (アルバ, Aruba)
Voiced by: Hiro Shimono[2]
Alba serves as the main character in the first two parts, though he takes a smaller—albeit significant—role as a side character in the third and fifth parts. Alba is the 45th hero sent out by the King to stop the Demon Lord and travels around with the soldier Ross. Ross usually physically and verbally abuses him, as Alba often acts as the straight man in tsukkomi comedic routines.
Ross (ロス, Rosu)
Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura[2]
Ross is the soldier that was sent out with the 45th hero Alba to stop the Demon Lord. He often physically abuses Alba for comedic purposes and the two usually engage in tsukkomi. He possesses extensive knowledge on the nature of the demon crisis—much of which is unknown to his acquaintances—and is one of the most important characters during the whole manga's run.
Ruki (ルキ)
Voiced by: Ai Kayano[2]
Ruki is the Third Demon Lord. She is several hundred years old, but only became the new Demon Lord ten years ago and therefore identifies as a ten-year-old. While trying to make popcorn, she accidentally released all the monsters onto the human world and is currently traveling around to bring back the twelve great demons.
Foyfoy (フォイフォイ, Foifoi)
Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura[2]
The 23rd hero sent out by the King to stop the Demon Lord. He is initially antagonistic towards the trio, but later proves to be a noble and useful ally. In later chapters, he becomes the head butler of the King's castle, and in volume 3, the first-year teacher of the Hero Academy.
Janua Ein (ヤヌア・アイン, Yanua Ain)
Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai[3]
One of the twelve demons that Ruki is searching for. Janua has super strength and is obsessed with ninjas, basing his moves and mannerisms around them. Carefree and childish, he is close friends with the comically hypermasculine Samejima, a lower-ranking demon. Janua is not very loyal to the twelve demons and befriends and becomes an ally with the trio roughly halfway through Volume 1. He possesses unique teletransportation abilities with next to no limitations, which makes him key in the plan of the twelve to revive the Demon King.
Dezember Zwolf (ディツェンバー・ツヴォルフ, Ditsenbā Tsuvorufu)
Voiced by: Takayuki Kondo[3]
One of the twelve demons that Ruki is searching for. The de facto leader of the 12 demons, he is a fanatic set out to revive the Demon King. To do this, he brought together the 12 demons, each of whom has an ability necessary for his plan (or direct firepower). He serves as the main antagonist of the first part and early second part, and a supporting one in the third part.
Elf November (エルフ・ノベンバー, Erufu Nobenbā)
Voiced by: Hiroshi Okamoto[4]
Elf is another demon who Ruki is searching for. He is mischievous and his motivations are by far the most ambiguous in the series, both helping the heroes and backstabbing them and the other demons on a whim. Later revealed to be immensely powerful and deeply related to the world's past, he is implied to be responsible for most of the events in Senyu's narrative. He serves as a supporting antagonist in the first and second parts, later becoming the main villain in the third part and the protagonist in the fourth part.

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]

Webcomic

[edit]

Written and illustrated by Robinson Haruhara [ja], Senyu started on Nico Nico Seiga website on August 27, 2010.[5] The first part finished on June 17, 2011, and a second part was published from July 1 of that same year,[6] to February 22, 2013.[7] A third part was published from March 1, 2013,[8] to July 4, 2014.[9] A fourth part was published from August 22, 2014,[10] to February 27, 2015.[11] A parallel story, titled Senyu+, was published from April 10, 2015,[12] to February 22, 2019;[13] on that same day, a fifth part of Senyu started.[14]

[edit]

Haruhara published a print version of the series in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Jump Square from May 2, 2012,[15][16] to April 4, 2013.[17] Its chapters were collected in two tankōbon volumes, released on December 4, 2012,[18] and July 4, 2013.[19]

Another series, titled Senyu: Main Quest Dai-1 Shō (戦勇。メインクエスト第一章; "Senyu Main Quest: Chapter 1"), was published in Kodansha's Suiyōbi no Sirius online manga section of Nico Nico Seiga from August 21, 2013,[20] to May 14, 2014.[21] Kodansha collected its chapters in three tankōbon volumes, released from October 9, 2013,[22] to June 9, 2014.[23]

A sequel, titled Senyu: Main Quest Dai-2 Shō (戦勇。メインクエスト第二章; "Senyu Main Quest: Chapter 2"), was published in Suiyōbi no Sirius from June 25, 2014,[24] to March 1, 2014.[25] Kodansha collected its chapters in six tankōbon volumes, released from December 4, 2014,[26] to May 9, 2017.[27]

Anime

[edit]

An anime television series adaptation was announced in August 2012.[1] Directed by Yutaka Yamamoto and produced by Liden Films and Ordet, it was broadcast on TV Tokyo;[28] the first part was broadcast from January 9 to April 3, 2013,[3] while the second season aired from July 3 to September 25 of that same year.[29][4] For the first season, JAM Project performed both the opening and ending themes "The Monsters" and "Believe -Eien no Link-" (Believe〜永遠のLink〜), respectively.[3] For the second season, Granrodeo performed the opening theme "Canary" (カナリヤ, Kanariya), while Alba performed the ending theme "Questers!".[4] Additional original animation DVD (OAD) episodes were bundled with the series' Blu-ray Disc and DVD releases on October 25 and November 22, 2013.[30]

Both season were streamed by Crunchyroll.[31][32]

Episodes

[edit]
Season 1
[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release date [3]
1"The Hero Journeys Forth"
"Yuusha, Tabidatsu" (旅立つ。)		January 9, 2013 (2013-01-09)
2"The Hero's Encounter"
"Yuusha, Deau" (出会う。)		January 16, 2013 (2013-01-16)
3"The Hero Regrets"
"Yuusha, Kuyamu" (悔やむ。)		January 23, 2013 (2013-01-23)
4"The Hero Gets Flustered"
"Yuusha, Aseru" (焦る。)		January 30, 2013 (2013-01-30)
5"The Hero Gets Excited"
"Yuusha, Furuitatsu" (奮い立つ。)		February 6, 2013 (2013-02-06)
6"The Hero Runs"
"Yuusha, Kakeru" (駆ける。)		February 13, 2013 (2013-02-13)
7"The Hero is Shocked"
"Yuusha, Shinkan Su" (震撼す。)		February 20, 2013 (2013-02-20)
8"A Hero Gets Tried"
"Yuusha, Hihei Suru" (疲弊する。)		February 27, 2013 (2013-02-27)
9"The Hero is at a Loss"
"Yuusha, Konwaku Suru" (困惑する。)		March 6, 2013 (2013-03-06)
10"The Hero Is Shocked"
"Yuusha, Kyougaku Suru" (驚愕する。)		March 13, 2013 (2013-03-13)
11"The Hero Gets Depressed"
"Yuusha, Meiru" (滅入る。)		March 20, 2013 (2013-03-20)
12"The Hero Gets Confused"
"Yuusha, Konran Suru" (混乱する。)		March 27, 2013 (2013-03-27)
13"The Hero is Left Behind"
"Yuusha, Nokosareru" (残される。)		April 3, 2013 (2013-04-03)
Season 2
[edit]
No.TitleOriginal release date [4]
14"The Hero Broods"
"Yuusha, Omoinayamu" (勇者, 思い悩む。)		July 3, 2013 (2013-07-03)
15"The Hero Is Stunned"
"Yuusha, Azen to Suru" (勇者, 唖然とする。)		July 10, 2013 (2013-07-10)
16"The Hero Is Set Up"
"Yuusha, Hamerareru" (勇者, 嵌められる。)		July 17, 2013 (2013-07-17)
17"The Hero Is Overwhelmed"
"Yuusha, Attou Sareru" (勇者, 圧倒される。)		July 24, 2013 (2013-07-24)
18"The Hero Is Terrified"
"Yuusha, Senritsu Suru" (勇者, 戦慄する。)		July 31, 2013 (2013-07-31)
19"The Hero Becomes Speechless"
"Yuusha, Zekku Suru" (勇者、絶句する。)		August 7, 2013 (2013-08-07)
20"The Hero Falls Silent"
"Yuusha, Chinmoku Suru" (勇者、沈黙する。)		August 14, 2013 (2013-08-14)
21"The Hero Transforms"
"Yuusha, Henbou Suru" (勇者、変貌する。)		August 21, 2013 (2013-08-21)
22"The Hero Reunites"
"Yuusha, Saikai Suru" (勇者、再会する。)		August 28, 2013 (2013-08-28)
23"The Hero Falls"
"Yuusha, Tsukiru" (勇者, 尽きる。)		September 4, 2013 (2013-09-04)
24"The Hero Unleashed"
"Yuusha, Tokihanatsu" (勇者, 解き放つ。)		September 11, 2013 (2013-09-11)
25"The Hero Decides"
"Yuusha, Kettei Suru" (勇者, 決定する。)		September 18, 2013 (2013-09-18)
26"The Hero Returns"
"Yuusha, Kikan Suru" (勇者、帰還する。)		September 25, 2013 (2013-09-25)

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Senyu

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Senyū. (戦勇。, Senyū.) is a Japanese fantasy comedy manga series written and illustrated by Robinson Haruhara. It originated as a webcomic on the Nico Nico Seiga website in 2010 and began serialization in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine on December 4, 2012. The series parodies shōnen adventure tropes in a world where the Demon King Satan Rchimedes, sealed away 1,000 years ago by the legendary hero Creasion, has been accidentally resurrected, prompting the human king to summon descendants of ancient heroes—including the impulsive youth Alba—to combat invading demons. The narrative centers on Alba, a self-proclaimed hero and one of the 75 probable descendants of the legendary hero, who is paired with the laid-back royal guard Ross and the intelligent but sarcastic maid Ruki on a quest that highlights comedic mishaps and subverted expectations rather than epic battles. Haruhara's work blends sword-and-sorcery elements with humor, drawing from classic fantasy setups while exaggerating their clichés, such as incompetent protagonists and over-the-top demon invasions. The manga has been compiled into multiple tankōbon volumes by Shueisha, with the story spanning several arcs focused on the group's misadventures. In 2013, Senyū. was adapted into an anime television series produced by LIDENFILMS and Ordet, directed by Yutaka Yamamoto with series composition by Michiko Yokote. The first season aired 13 episodes from January 8 to April 2, each approximately 5 minutes long, followed by a second season of 15 episodes starting July 2. Additional original video animations (OVAs), including a school-themed parody episode, were bundled with Blu-ray/DVD releases, enhancing the series' appeal as a lighthearted, bingeable parody. The anime streams on platforms like Crunchyroll and features theme songs by artists such as JAM Project and GRANRODEO.

Creation and Development

Concept and Themes

Senyū. is fundamentally a parody of traditional fantasy hero narratives, centering on the core concept of an incompetent young protagonist, Alba, who is thrust into a demon-suppression quest as a self-proclaimed descendant of a legendary hero, accompanied by his pragmatic and often exasperated guard, Ross. This setup subverts expectations of epic heroism by exaggerating the hero's ineptitude and the quest's futility, drawing from Japanese role-playing game (RPG) conventions where protagonists embark on world-saving journeys equipped with holy artifacts like swords. The narrative critiques overpowered protagonists common in the genre by portraying Alba as enthusiastic yet utterly unskilled, highlighting the absurdity of inherited destiny in fantasy tales. Central themes revolve around generational failure in heroism, where the weight of ancestral legacy burdens the modern without granting commensurate abilities, leading to comedic mishaps that underscore the disconnect between myth and reality. The series also subverts and RPG tropes, such as portal openings to demon realms and structured quests, by infusing them with mundane failures—like the Demon King's accidental gate-opening during a trivial activity—thus mocking the grandiose setups of typical shōnen fantasy adventures. Through these elements, Senyū. offers a satirical lens on the predictability of fantasy clichés, emphasizing how inherited roles and predetermined paths often lead to humorous incompetence rather than triumph. Stylistically, the work employs chibi art deformations to amplify humor during sequences, transforming serious fantasy scenarios into exaggerated, childlike visuals that deflate tension and highlight absurdity. Rapid pacing drives the comedy, with short, punchy episodes or chapters delivering quick-witted that mimic the bite-sized progression of RPG side quests, often interrupted by meta-commentary on tropes like demon lords, holy swords, and party dynamics. This approach not only parodies the visual and narrative shortcuts of the genre but also satirizes the futility of rigid quest structures, portraying them as inefficient and prone to derailment by everyday human flaws.

Production History

Robinson Haruhara initiated the Senyu series as a on the Nico Nico Seiga platform, launching the first chapter on August 27, 2010, as an experimental foray into gag-oriented fantasy storytelling. The work quickly gained traction on the site, with the initial chapter spanning 31 episodes until June 17, 2011, followed by the second chapter starting July 1, 2011, and updating weekly on Fridays (skipping the first Friday of each month). Building on its online success, Haruhara transitioned Senyu to print serialization in Shueisha's magazine, debuting in the June 2012 issue (released May 2, 2012) and continuing until the May 2013 issue, with chapters collected into two volumes. This adaptation required adjustments to the webcomic's episodic structure to align with the magazine's monthly pacing and page requirements, resulting in a parallel storyline that diverged from the digital version while preserving the core comedic elements. Haruhara expanded the Senyu universe through spinoffs to delve deeper into the lore without diluting the series' humor. Senyu: Main Quest began serialization in Kodansha's Suiyōbi no Sirius on August 21, 2013, reformatting the narrative into standard manga panels; the first chapter concluded after three volumes in 2014, while the second chapter ran from June 25, 2014, to 2017, compiling into six volumes and concluding the arc. Similarly, Senyū. +, a side story serialization, began on April 10, 2015, on Nico Nico Seiga, featuring short episodic content every second and fourth Friday of the month to explore peripheral character backstories. The 2013 anime adaptation marked a significant milestone in the series' production, produced by Ordet and LIDENFILMS, which broadened its reach while Haruhara ensured fidelity to the source material. Haruhara navigated production challenges by evolving the series across formats, but following the conclusion of the webcomic's fourth chapter on February 27, 2015, no major new Senyu installments have appeared, as the author shifted focus to other projects such as 'Tis Time for "Torture," Princess (serialized since 2016 in ). This transition allowed Haruhara to explore new comedic premises while leveraging lessons from Senyu's multi-platform journey.

Story and Characters

Plot Summary

In a fantasy world where the Demon King Rchimedes was sealed away 1,000 years ago by the legendary hero Creasion, a massive portal suddenly opens, unleashing hordes of demons and heralding the king's potential revival. To counter this threat, the human king dispatches 75 probable descendants of the hero, each paired with a royal soldier, on quests to subjugate the demons and prevent catastrophe. Among them is the young and enthusiastic hero Alba, accompanied by the reluctant warrior Ross, as they embark on a journey fraught with comedic mishaps and escalating dangers. The original webcomic, authored by Robinson Haruhara and published on Nico Nico Seiga from 2010 to 2012, unfolds across four seasons that trace the broad arc of Alba's demon-suppression mission. The main webcomic concluded in 2015, with spinoffs continuing the universe. Season 1 establishes the quest's foundation, introducing the party's initial forays into demon territory and their early setbacks amid naive expectations of heroism. Season 2 intensifies the narrative by amplifying the demon incursions, forcing the group to confront more pervasive threats that test their resolve and coordination. Season 3 shifts focus toward building tentative alliances with unexpected figures, weaving in explorations of the world's fractured dynamics as the stakes broaden beyond isolated battles. Season 4 drives toward a tumultuous resolution, capping the core storyline with a whirlwind of absurd confrontations and an epilogue chapter that ties up lingering threads. Complementing the main webcomic are spinoff manga adaptations like Senyū. Main Quest and Senyū. Side Story, which expand the universe through prolonged side quests and ancillary escapades. These works prioritize humorous detours and world-building interludes over the primary plot's momentum, highlighting the party's bungled exploits in peripheral regions to flesh out the lore without advancing the central conflict linearly. Throughout the series, the plot evolves thematically from Alba's wide-eyed pursuit of glory to the forging of uneasy partnerships, as encounters with demons devolve into increasingly outlandish scenarios that heighten the absurdity while underscoring the high-stakes imperative to safeguard the realm. Alba's group repeatedly navigates ridiculous hurdles in their demon-hunting odyssey, blending lighthearted failures with glimpses of genuine peril.

Characters

Alba Frühling serves as the primary protagonist of Senyū., depicted as a 16-year-old hero numbered 45 among 75 dispatched by the king to defeat the Demon King. One of the probable descendants of ancient heroes, Alba possesses innate skills with a holy sword but demonstrates profound incompetence in practical combat and decision-making, often relying on his companion for survival. His personality is that of a tsukkomi, or straight man, who delivers exasperated retorts to the absurd situations around him, while initially displaying low self-confidence and a crybaby demeanor that evolves into greater responsibility and strength over the series. Ross, whose true identity is the ancient hero , acts as Alba's assigned royal soldier and de facto guardian on the quest. A skilled proficient with a massive and later mana manipulation, Ross handles the actual fighting, showcasing and overwhelming prowess that contrasts sharply with Alba's ineptitude. His cynical and sadistic personality manifests in frequent physical and verbal abuse toward Alba for comedic effect, though he harbors deep loyalty and hidden emotional depth, driven by a personal mission to reseal his father, the original Demon King Rchimedes. Midnight Frühling, Alba's father and a traveling doctor, remains absent from the main narrative but exerts a profound influence as the benchmark for heroism that Alba strives—and repeatedly fails—to emulate. His legacy shapes Alba's overconfident self-perception despite his lack of competence, serving as a motivational without direct involvement in events. Among supporting characters, Rchimedes (also known as Teufel Diabolos or the second Rchimedes) embodies the comically inept antagonist as the apparent Demon King, whose grandiose schemes often unravel due to incompetence and misfortune. Ruki, a young demon girl initially presented as the Demon King, contributes to the humor through her pointy-eared, royal yet hapless demeanor, allying with the protagonists after revelations about her heritage. Other party members, such as the summoner Foyfoy Dran, who adds chaotic magical summons to group dynamics, and the chief maid Ares Strahl, a self-proclaimed heroic figure from later arcs emphasizing ensemble quests, enhance the comedic interplay through their quirky traits and mishaps. Character designs originate in the chibi style characteristic of the original webcomic format on Nico Nico Seiga, emphasizing exaggerated expressions for humor, while the printed versions feature more detailed and proportionate artwork. Across spinoffs and subsequent chapters, designs evolve to reflect relational growth, such as Alba and Ross developing subtler bonds amid their bickering. The characters' roles amplify the series' comedy through Alba's repeated failures, which underscore Ross's pragmatic cynicism and trigger responses, while the ensemble—including inept demons and magical allies—generates unique group quest interactions filled with misunderstandings and physical gags. In the anime adaptation, Alba is voiced by , Ross by Yūichi Nakamura, and Ruki by , with their performances heightening the comedic timing of retorts and abuses.

Adaptations

Manga

Senyū originated as a webcomic serialized on the Nico Nico Seiga website starting in August 2010, comprising five parts in an episodic gag format with over 140 chapters. The free access to the significantly drove its initial popularity among online readers. Print adaptations of the webcomic began with a serialization in Shueisha's Jump Square magazine from May 2012 to April 2013, condensed into two volumes that streamlined the original web content for a more structured narrative. Another series, titled Senyū: Main Quest Dai-1 Shō, illustrated by Takeshi Matsumoda, was serialized in Square Enix's Gangan Joker from November 2012 to August 2014 and collected in six tankōbon volumes, serving as a serious retelling of the core story with expanded plot elements. Side stories, such as Senyū: Alba/Ross-hen, were released as bundled one-shots with anime Blu-ray/DVD volumes, focusing on comedic episodes that complement the main storyline. The webcomic features a rough, sketchy chibi art style suited to its quick, gag-oriented updates, while the print editions employ polished panels for better readability. Main Quest introduces dramatic shading and extended action sequences to heighten tension. Across all spinoffs, the manga series totals eight volumes in print, with English releases limited to unofficial digital fan scans and no official localization available. Unique to the webcomic were interactive user comments that influenced update decisions and pacing, while print editions incorporate author notes detailing inspirations for specific gags.

Anime

The anime adaptation of Senyū consists of two television seasons produced by LIDENFILMS and Ordet in 2013, directed by Yutaka Yamamoto. The first season aired from January 8 to April 2, 2013, comprising 13 episodes that each run approximately 5 minutes, adapting the initial arc of the webcomic known as Season 1. The second season, titled Senyū. Dai 2 Ki, aired from July 2 to September 25, 2013, featuring 15 short episodes and covering the webcomic's Season 2 arc. With a combined total of 28 episodes, the series' overall runtime is under 3 hours, emphasizing its concise format. The episodes follow a structure of brief, self-contained comedic gags centered on the protagonists' misadventures, often building to cliffhangers that connect to broader manga arcs for narrative progression. This episodic approach suits the short runtime, allowing for quick pacing while highlighting the source material's parody elements through exaggerated visual humor and chibi-style animation that mirrors the webcomic's aesthetic. Key differences from the manga include streamlined plots to accommodate the television format, enhanced visual gags such as over-the-top facial expressions during comedic beats, and occasional original filler scenes to fill episode lengths without altering core events. Two original video animations (OVAs) were bundled with the first two Blu-ray/DVD volumes in April and May 2013, including a school-themed parody episode and other comedic side stories. Scripts were primarily handled by Michiko Yokote, with Yamamoto contributing to select episodes in the first season. For music, the first season's opening theme is "THE MONSTERS" performed by JAM Project, and the ending is "Believe Eien no Link" also by JAM Project; the second season features "Canary" by GRANRODEO as the opening and "Questers!" by the cast as Alba as the ending. The series originally broadcast on AT-X and in , with simultaneous streaming on Nico Nico Douga. It later became available internationally via , where both seasons remain accessible as of 2025. No additional seasons have been announced.

Reception and Legacy

Critical Response

Critics and anime commentators have praised Senyū for its innovative short-episode format, which effectively caters to shorter attention spans while delivering dense gag comedy. A 2019 analysis in The Mary Sue highlighted the series' ability to parody epic fantasy hero-quest tropes, such as a young protagonist battling monsters alongside an unhelpful companion, all compressed into 5-minute installments that evoke the rapid-fire absurdity of like ASDFmovie. The review commended specific humorous elements, including fourth-wall breaks, positioning Senyū as a standout in parody anime for its concise execution. The manga's gag-heavy structure, originating as a webcomic on Nico Nico Seiga before serialization in Jump SQ, has been noted for effectively spoofing Dragon Quest-inspired RPG elements, such as overpowered heroes and demon invasions, through exaggerated quests and character dynamics. Retrospective pieces in the 2020s have drawn parallels to similar comedies like KonoSuba, emphasizing Senyū's early focus on chaotic group hijinks in a fantasy world that evolves into a more structured narrative. For instance, a 2023 DualShockers roundup of anime akin to KonoSuba described Senyū as a "hilarious ride" that mirrors its predecessor's blend of shenanigans and gradual plot progression among multiple hero candidates. While major awards eluded the series, its origins garnered early recognition in communities around 2010 for innovative humor, contributing to its adaptation trajectory. Coverage has shifted from initial excitement over its Nico Nico popularity to later obscurity, though recommendations have revived interest by labeling it an "underrated" gem for enthusiasts.

Popularity and Influence

Senyū gained a dedicated niche following shortly after its webcomic debut on Nico Nico Seiga in 2010, leading to an anime adaptation in 2013 that highlighted its appeal as a short-form comedy parodying fantasy tropes. The series' concise episodes, averaging around 5 minutes each, contributed to its accessibility, amassing over 119,000 members on MyAnimeList with approximately 70,000 users reporting completion as of recent data. On Anime News Network, it has been viewed in part or whole by 375 users, earning a mean rating of 6.995 out of 10. These metrics underscore its modest but enduring popularity among fans of gag-oriented anime, particularly those seeking quick, humorous content without extended commitments. The fanbase expanded through online communities in the 2010s, with notable engagement on platforms like Pixiv, where the Senyū tag features 63 illustrations reflecting creative interpretations of characters such as Alba and Ross. Social media discussions and memes further amplified its reach, positioning it as a cult favorite for its absurd humor. On Anime-Planet, 11,696 users track the series, with an average rating of 3.552 out of 5 from 4,087 votes, indicating sustained interest in recommendation threads for parody works. Commercially, Senyū received international licensing through Crunchyroll, where it streams with an average user rating of 3.8 out of 5 from 1,307 reviews, facilitating global access via fan-subtitled and official versions. Merchandise included plush dolls of characters like Ross, available through anime retailers, supporting peripheral sales tied to its 2013 anime run. While specific volume sales figures remain undisclosed, the series' adaptation from a webcomic to serialized manga in Jump Square and dual-season anime demonstrates its viability in driving cross-media consumption, including boosts to original Nico Nico views during broadcast. Senyū's influence lies in its pioneering short-episode format for fantasy parodies, sharing structural gags with later isekai comedies like The Devil is a Part-Timer!, where demon lords and heroes navigate mundane mishaps. Creator Haruhara Robinson's gag style, evident in Senyū's webcomic origins, has echoed in subsequent webtoon trends emphasizing rapid-fire humor and visual absurdity. Recommendations often pair it with KonoSuba for similar subversion of hero quests, highlighting its role in shaping concise, meme-friendly narratives in the 2010s parody boom. As of 2025, Senyū remains dormant with no announced reboots or new adaptations, yet it persists in anime recommendation lists as a "hidden gem" for short-form comedy, available on platforms like and featured in retrospective videos praising its enduring laughs. Occasional revivals in online discussions affirm its lasting appeal among veteran fans, though it has not spawned direct sequels beyond its original runs.

References

  1. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-08-27/robinson-haruhara-senyu-fantasy-comedy-manga-gets-anime
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=15295
  3. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=14841
  4. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=14842
  5. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-04-01/senyu-fantasy-comedy-anime-gets-2nd-season-this-july
  6. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-01-16/senyu-fantasy-comedy-to-have-original-video-anime
  7. https://anidb.net/anime/9393
  8. https://news.mynavi.jp/article/20120904-a042/
  9. https://blog.nicovideo.jp/seiga/2012/05/sq-1.html
  10. https://blog.nicovideo.jp/seiga/2012/03/sq.html
  11. https://natalie.mu/comic/news/95847
  12. https://blog.nicovideo.jp/seiga/2015/04/58.html
  13. https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/senyuu
  14. https://mangadex.org/title/9f18938b-f466-4f74-b6f0-140dc28e8812/senyuu
  15. https://senyu.fandom.com/wiki/Seny%C5%AB.
  16. https://mangadex.org/title/3f4dc1d3-7c2d-464a-99fc-85c1aadb31bd/senyuu-main-quest-part-1
  17. https://www.mangaupdates.com/series/ztdxy6f/senyuu
  18. https://myanimelist.net/anime/15751/Senyuu
  19. https://senyu.fandom.com/wiki/Alba
  20. https://senyu.fandom.com/wiki/Ross
  21. https://senyu.fandom.com/wiki/Midnight_Fr%C3%BChling
  22. https://senyu.fandom.com/wiki/Seny%C5%AB
  23. https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Manga/Senyuu
  24. https://myanimelist.net/anime/15751/Senyuu/characters
  25. https://myanimelist.net/manga/42531/Senyuu
  26. https://myanimelist.net/manga/70603/Senyuu__Main_Quest_Dai-1_Shou
  27. https://senyu.fandom.com/wiki/Anime
  28. https://www.crunchyroll.com/series/GYWEMDGEY/senyu
  29. https://www.themarysue.com/6-parody-anime-to-watch-if-you-like-making-fun-of-anime/
  30. https://www.dualshockers.com/best-anime-like-konosuba-explosion-on-this-wonderful-world/
  31. https://myanimelist.net/anime/15751/Senyuu/stats
  32. https://www.pixiv.net/en/tags/senyuu
  33. https://www.ebay.com/itm/335204692110
  34. https://otakumode.com/news/50c85b527f13bdd27800009b/The-Popular-Manga-Senyu-is-Becoming-an-Anime%21
  35. https://www.anime-planet.com/anime/senyuu/recommendations
  36. https://myanimelist.net/anime/15751/Senyuu/userrecs
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBxMxqCxRko
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