If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord
Fantasy tales, particularly in anime, are renowned for their unparalleled creativity and entertainment value. The 2019 TV show "If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord” is a testament to this. At its core, this overly cute slice of life captures the loving bond shared between parents and their children, offering heartwarming moments that resonate with many and will probably have you in the feels. In a good way, of course!
Make sure to distinguish this anime from an isekai, as some have incorrectly done, and no, it does not go Usagi Drop. This anime is based on a light novel series where fantasy, adventure, and familial ties seamlessly intertwine. We follow the exploits of Dale, a formidable adventurer, as he navigates life with Latina, the young devil girl he takes under his wing.
The storyline's distinctiveness has garnered substantial attention, arousing emotional debates about its underlying motifs and evolving characters.
This review aims to shed light on the magnetic appeal of "If It’s for My Daughter." Beyond the allure of its captivating animation, the core magnetism lies in the poignant relationship between Dale and Latina. While the series isn't without its imperfections, its portrayal of the profound connection between a father and daughter is touching and evocative.
As we delve deeper into the world of "If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord" (or its original title, "Uchi no Ko no Tame naraba, Ore wa Moshikashitara Maou mo Taoseru kamo Shirenai"), it's essential to first acquaint ourselves with the people and elements that brought this story to life.
At the helm of this anime series is Yūji Yanase, who directed it and played a pivotal role in creating both the opening and ending sequences. His credentials are impressive, as Yanase has left his mark on a plethora of anime titles, including but not limited to "By the Grace of the Gods," "Classroom of the Elite," "In Another World With My Smartphone," and "Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic."
A group of talented storyboard artists and episode directors supported Takao Yoshioka, who was in charge of the series' composition and scriptwriting, in their collaboration with Yanase. Providing the musical backdrop to this enchanting tale is Kōta Yokoseki, while the very genesis of the series can be traced back to CHIROLU, its original creator. As for the unique look of the characters, credit goes to Kei and Truffle, the original character designers.
The animation studio Maho Film brought the series to the big screen on behalf of numerous companies, including Genco, Asmik Ace, Hobby Japan, and others. Airing between July 4, 2019, and September 19, 2019, the series comprises 12 episodes, each running for 23 minutes and holding a PG-13 rating. Audiences are introduced to the series with the opening theme, "I'm with you," by Latina (Kanon Takao), and bid adieu with the ending theme, "This is Yuusha, but Zannen!?" performed by Dale (Nobuhiko Okamoto).
The foundation of "If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord" is a compelling light novel series by Chirolu. Initially adorned with illustrations by Truffle, Kei took over the illustrative responsibilities by the time the second volume was released. As it gained popularity since its August 2014 debut on the user-generated novel publishing platform Shsetsuka ni Nar, Hobby Japan decided to publish nine volumes of it under their HJ Novels label starting in February 2015. English readers are included, thanks to translations by the J-Novel Club.
For manga enthusiasts, an adaptation of Hota's artwork has been available on Kadokawa Shoten's ComicWalker since July 2016, accumulating six tankōbon volumes. This manga rendition has made it to North American shores via Seven Seas Entertainment.
Eighteen-year-old Dale Reki is a skilled and friendly traveler recognized as one of the leading adventurers in the city. One day, while searching for magical beasts, he met a demonic girl named Latina. He finds her in a concerning state with the devil's symbol of a criminal: a broken horn.
Concerned about her well-being, Dale takes Latina and eventually adopts her. Dale likes their life together and enjoys being a parent. However, the mystery surrounding the girl remains unsolved. Why was Latina alone in the forest, and why was she wearing the symbol of a criminal? These are questions that Dale needs to find an answer to; luckily, most are answered throughout the anime.
“If It's for My Daughter” isn't necessarily an unpopular anime, but it can't be said that it broke any records either. Considering the genre and theme of the series, it's safe to say that this show did well, especially considering that it was released at the same time as hits like Doctor Stone, Vinland Saga, and Fire Force. Nonetheless, the audience's reaction to Uchi No Ko was mixed. Some people are unhappy with the simple and uninteresting plot, while others are desperate for pleasant entertainment. This is not an anime aiming for great success, but it has a very selected target audience.
The story of this series is nothing unprecedented. The relationship between humans and mythical creatures is something we see every day in anime and manga. Many expected this story to be a joke or even some ecchi fantasy; however, If It's for My Daughter, I'd Even Defeat a Demon Lord went in a completely different direction.
As the premise says, this is primarily a story about the love between a father and a daughter who are exploring this new situation together. The story is simple enough, and it doesn't try to trick you into thinking it is. From the very beginning, you know you're going to watch a budding relationship develop.
Dale and Latina's relationship is the center of events, and their development also overshadows the little action there is. As already said, this is not a story that will knock you out of your shoes and keep you on edge, but a light slice of life that will make you feel nice.
The relationship between Dale and Latina is not some complex psychological entanglement but a domestic, too-sweet, and heartwarming father-daughter relationship. The theme and point of the anime are there. It's an exploration of Latina's life before Dale; however, the focus is more on her introduction to the world with Dale's help, which can be frustrating for some. Given that nothing extraordinary happens, anime depends on its characters, which in this case are as simple (as in, not complex) as the story.
Dale is what fans would call a classic good guy that people appreciate. He is kind and respected in his world, and he is also known as a skilled adventurer. This 18-year-old was good enough to adopt an unknown girl he found in the woods, even though she is labeled as a criminal. After he brings her to his home, he begins to bond with her over time and eventually becomes a father figure to her. His love for her goes so far that he even thinks about her on missions.
What's especially nice about this relationship is that it's not one-sided and that both characters get something out of it. If, for Dale, it is to take care of someone, then for Latina, that benefit is the need for a guardian. The first impression one gets about Latina is that she is a helpless child who needs someone to protect and care for her. Given how people have treated her, it is understandable why she has grown to love Dale, who teaches her about the world. These two perfectly portray what a parent-child relationship should look like in an “anime” way.
One thing in particular that brings out their personalities and further strengthens their relationship is how people treat Latina. Despite the sweetness and softness of the story, this anime can also become dark in situations where Latina is the object of prejudice due to her demonic heritage.
This can go so far that some characters publicly humiliate her, leading to her tearing off one of her horns to show that she can be human, too. Situations like these would push this little girl to the edge. Still, thanks to Dale's influence and Kenneth and Rita, who act as Latina’s additional surrogate parents and bring out the best in her, Latina can keep going.
The anime "If It’s for My Daughter" stirs something profound in its viewers. It is not mind-bogglingly intricate, but it is lovely and comforting all the same. Understandably, not everyone would enjoy a show as static as this anime. However, if you fall into the designated demographic, you will love this tale and all the gorgeous visuals and sound design that go along with it. The voice acting and music are also high quality, contributing to the show's overall appeal.
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