"Sentenced to Be a Hero: Penal Hero Unit 9004 Prison Record" is based on the masterpiece dark fantasy novel by Rocket Shokai.
Serialization started October 2020 on novel posting site "Kakuyomu," with the first tankobon volume published by KADOKAWA (Dengeki Bunko) in September 2021.
A super trending work that won 1st place in "Kakuyomu Awards 2020" User Recommendation Division, 2nd place in "Next Light Novel Award 2021" Overall Division, and 3rd place in "Kono Light Novel ga Sugoi! 2023" Tankobon/Novels Division.
Depicting the intense battle between penal heroes—criminals sentenced to the worst punishment called "Hero"—and the Demon Lord's army.
Long-awaited TV anime starts January 2026, with the first episode delivered as a 60-minute extended special!
① Fresh Setting: "Hero" = Worst Punishment
The "Hero" typically depicted as a champion in fantasy is, in this work, the worst punishment for those who committed grave sins.
The desperate setting where they're resurrected even when killed, not even allowed to die, brings deep struggle and sorrow to the story ⚔️
② Penal Hero Unit Full of Dysfunctional Personalities
A berserker who hasn't stopped fighting for centuries, history's worst petty thief, a con artist political criminal, a self-proclaimed king terrorist, an assassin with zero success rate—a penal hero unit composed entirely of dysfunctional personalities.
Their extremely quirky characters are charming 🔥
③ The Adorableness of Goddess Theoritta
Theoritta, the "Goddess of Swords" with high self-esteem who loves being praised.
The highlight is her noble yet adorable side, symbolized by the famous line "When you've annihilated the enemy, praise and worship me, and pat my head" 💕
④ Story of Revenge and Salvation
Zairo who made a contract with the Goddess to exact revenge on those who framed him.
Throwing himself into fierce struggle and conspiracy in a desperate world—truly the classic dark hero 🔥
⑤ Overwhelming Visual Beauty by Studio KAI
Studio KAI, which produced the "Uma Musume Pretty Derby" series, handles animation production.
Visuals praised as "tremendous quality" at the Japan Premiere screening can be expected ✨
① Truth Behind Zairo's "Goddess Slayer"
Zairo, formerly captain of the Fifth Holy Knight Order, is said to have killed his contracted Goddess Senelva.
However, deep circumstances seem to be hidden behind the truth.
Pay attention to the past revealed as the story progresses 🔍
② Theoritta's Secret
Theoritta is "the thirteenth Goddess whose existence was concealed."
Why was her existence hidden, and what is the reason she recognizes Zairo as "my knight"—great mysteries 💎
③ Threat of the "Demon Lord Phenomenon"
Fierce battles against the "Demon Lord Phenomenon" that brings destruction to the world are the story's axis.
Goddesses have the ability to summon "something" to counter the Demon Lord Phenomenon—these intense battles are highlights 🌋
④ Relationship with Patoche
Patoche, captain of the Thirteenth Holy Knight Order, who was supposed to contract with Theoritta.
The development of her, who was hostile to heroes, being drawn to Zairo as they act together is also a highlight 💕
⑤ First Episode 60-Minute Extended Special
Episode 1 has been confirmed to air as a 60-minute extended special.
Said to be content that fully showcases this work's worldview—expectations are rising 📺
① The Grave Sin of "Goddess Slayer"
Zairo Forberts, who was captain of the Fifth Holy Knight Order, is said to have killed his contracted Goddess Senelva and is sentenced as a grave sinner for "Goddess Slayer."
Stripped of status, he bears a punishment heavier than death 😱
② Meeting the Penal Hero Unit
Heroes are all criminals with exceptional abilities but dysfunctional personalities.
Ordered on missions where death seems assumed, alongside intense figures like petty thief Dotta who committed over a thousand thefts alone, and terrorist Benetim who believes he's the king ⚔️
③ Fateful Meeting with Theoritta
During a mission, hero Dotta steals a coffin out of habit.
Inside the coffin was Theoritta, the concealed "Goddess of Swords."
"When you've annihilated the enemy, praise and worship me, and pat my head"—Theoritta and Zairo's fates begin to move 💫
④ Contract with the Goddess
To contract with a Goddess, one must offer part of their own body.
Making a contract that continues until one dies, Zairo became a Goddess's knight once again.
To survive, to exact revenge on those who framed him, he throws himself into fierce struggle 🔥
⑤ Conflict and Cooperation with Patoche
Patoche, Thirteenth Holy Knight Order captain who was in charge of transporting Theoritta.
She was hostile to the heroes after Dotta stole Theoritta and Zairo contracted without permission.
However, as they undertake missions together, she becomes drawn to Zairo 💕
📺 TV Broadcast
Premiere: Starting January 2026
First Episode: Episode 1 is a 60-minute extended special!
Broadcasting: Check official site for details
🌐 Streaming Services
Streaming on various services is scheduled:
Details will be announced on official site before broadcast 📱
⏰ Broadcast Delay Notice
Originally scheduled for October 2025 broadcast, changed to January 2026 for further quality improvement.
To deliver the best work that meets fan expectations ✨
🎬 Advance Screening Information
December 13, 2025 (Saturday) at Shinjuku Piccadilly, Episodes 1-3 advance screening & special talk show!
Yohei Azakami, Mayu Iizuka, and Shizuka Ishigami scheduled to appear 🎤
📱 Official Information
Check official site (yushakei-pj.com) and official X (@yushakei_PJ) for latest broadcast and streaming information!