While many anime series span numerous seasons and hundreds of episodes, this winter saw Crunchyroll introduce a fresh title: Sentenced to Be a Hero. This anime adapts the Japanese light novel series, Sentenced to Be a Hero: The Prison Records of Penal Hero Unit 9004, first published in 2021. The narrative centers on Xylo, a knight facing a death sentence. However, in this unique world, convicted criminals are instead forced to serve as “heroes.”
Emi Lo, the English voice actor for Teoritta, aptly summarizes the series’ core concept: “Heroes are actually prisoners. Goddesses are weapons and not things that are worshiped.” This intriguing premise led me to interview Lo and fellow English voice cast member Dawn M. Bennett, who portrays Patausche Kivia. We discussed their experience bringing this new anime to fruition and why Sentenced to Be a Hero has earned the moniker “Winter’s Gem.”
Could you introduce your characters and explain their roles in the first season of Sentenced to Be a Hero?
Emi Lo: Teoritta, the Goddess of Swords, aims to vanquish demon lords. She’s partnered with Xylo, the protagonist, who is a hero. Essentially, she’s focused on fulfilling her duties and desires recognition and praise.
(Interviewer: Aren’t we all?) Emi Lo: (Laughs) Indeed.
(To Dawn M. Bennett) And what about your character, Dawn?
Dawn M. Bennett: Patausche Kivia commands the 13th Order of Holy Knights. She and her order were meant to form a pact with Teoritta, but that alliance failed—blame Dotta! Kivia is outwardly strict and sharp-tongued, yet her core motivation is to act rightly and safeguard Teoritta, the goddess.
Emi, how do you feel playing a character who is the object of everyone’s protection?
Emi Lo: She’s incredibly precious; I feel the urge to protect her too. I adore her pouts and tantrums. It’s a truly enjoyable role, and I’m very thankful.
Speaking of pouts and tantrums, are there any memorable lines from Sentenced to Be a Hero that resonate with you?
Emi Lo: I particularly enjoy “Behold Divine Glory.” Another favorite is: “The other goddess received a full seven head pats in one day, and I haven’t even gotten one. I don’t even need seven. Half that amount would be perfectly fine. That would be alright too.”
Dawn, could you share any favorite moments from season one of Sentenced to Be a Hero?
Dawn M. Bennett: My favorite moment is when Kivia must pose as Xylo’s lover. It reveals an entirely different facet of her character; you see her appreciation for looking beautiful, wearing dresses, and indulging in sweet desserts. She’s also quite a talented actress. It was a blast to perform.
What attracted each of you to Sentenced to Be a Hero?
Emi Lo: I find dark fantasies appealing, and the unexpected setting of this series truly captivated me. The concept of heroes being prisoners and goddesses serving as expendable weapons rather than objects of worship is incredibly intriguing. I was eager to explore more about it.
Dawn M. Bennett: I’m a big fan of underdog narratives and rooting for a hero when others don’t. The villagers’ initial disdain for Xylo, believing him to be a “bad man,” contrasted with the reality of these complex heroes, is something I really appreciate. It highlights how much of the story remains untold. I also admire Xylo’s extreme competence. Although he often seems to prefer solitude, he eventually finds a group of people who genuinely care for him, and you witness him gradually embracing the idea that despite the terrible events he’s endured, he doesn’t have to face this new life alone.
As voice actors, how do you develop connections with other characters? Do you ever record together, or do you get to know your fellow cast members primarily through promotional events like this?
Dawn M. Bennett: I distinctly remember my excitement when I learned Joshua Waters would voice Dotta; I thought, “Yes!” Joshua Waters is truly excellent, and hearing his performance…
Emi Lo: Absolutely hilarious.
Dawn M. Bennett: Yes, he’s incredibly funny. Joshua excels at comedy, but his emotional range truly shines when portraying Dotta’s backstory, where he pours his heart into the performance. And then there’s Marnocha as Norgalle.
Emi Lo: Marnocha as Norgalle!
Dawn M. Bennett: Exactly, Norgalle is fantastic. While watching, I got a particular vibe, like that gentleman who exclaims, “I’m eating a succulent Chinese meal!”
Emi Lo: Did you see someone tweeted about that, specifically mentioning “The character: Norgalle”?
Dawn M. Bennett: Really? I got the exact same impression!
Emi Lo: I sent it to Marnocha, and he responded, “Oh my God, this is amazing!”
Dawn M. Bennett: And Marnocha, again, is a phenomenal actor and a truly sweet person.
Emi Lo: He is. Yes. When I discovered Marnocha would be playing Norgalle…
Dawn M. Bennett: He’s simply perfect for the role.
Emi Lo: The same goes for Matranga; I’ve worked with him on other shows where he’s played my father multiple times. He’s such a sweetheart, and it’s wonderful to collaborate with him again.
That’s fantastic. Given the source material for Sentenced to Be a Hero, what’s it like to be the first to bring these characters’ voices to the screen?
Dawn M. Bennett: It’s truly exciting.
Emi Lo: It’s a lot of fun.
Dawn M. Bennett: Every character boasts a fantastic backstory.
Emi Lo: Yes, I love them all.
Dawn M. Bennett: You just keep wanting to delve deeper. For instance, I’m eager to learn more about—oh, I’m terrible with names—is it Tatsuya?
Emi Lo: Yes, Tatsuya the Berserker.
Dawn M. Bennett: Exactly. I’m curious about his past. On the surface, he appears to be a straightforward character—someone who’s simply lost his mind. Yet, you discover his immense power, and there are hints he was transported to this world by a different goddess. We’ve only just begun to explore his story, and that applies to many other characters too.
Emi Lo: What I also appreciate is the time taken to develop each character thoroughly. It would be easy to concentrate solely on the protagonist, so allowing the audience to form attachments to the entire cast is truly remarkable.
Excellent. From your viewpoint, what distinguishes Sentenced to Be a Hero amidst the many winter anime, especially with people already dubbing it “Winter’s Gem”?
Emi Lo: Naturally, the animation is superb, and the music is outstanding. Beyond that, all the characters are incredibly likable, despite their eccentricities. Even the antagonists are compelling. The series possesses significant depth; it compels you to seek more information. It’s a show that demonstrates rather than explicitly states, which some might consider a slow burn. However, this approach demands your attention, ensuring that every detail holds importance, and I personally enjoy shows that do that.
And your thoughts, Dawn?
Dawn M. Bennett: Honestly, it circles back to what we discussed earlier: the incredibly well-developed backstories for every character. Also, I’m a huge fan of character designs; everyone looks so unique and visually stunning. For example, Venetim’s design is just beautiful. Regarding the animation, the first episode immediately impresses with its gorgeous visuals and action. That whole scene with the multitude of fairies, it was like, “Wow, this would be an amazing rave party if I wasn’t facing death!” But I love it. It’s simply a beautiful show.
That’s wonderful. Thank you both so much. Your enthusiasm for Sentenced to Be a Hero is clear, and it’s been a pleasure speaking with you.
Emi Lo: Thank you.