Fantasy RPG Fans May Want to Check Out This Controversial Winter 2026 Anime Series

by

Wow, the Winter 2026 anime season is packed! We’re getting back some huge titles like Jujutsu Kaisen and Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which is amazing, but there are also so many fresh new shows! I’m already totally hooked on Sentenced to Be a Hero – the animation is gorgeous and the story is just captivating! It’s only been a month, and it’s already a huge hit. Plus, Shiboyugi: Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table and Jack-of-All-Trades, Party of None are getting tons of views and rave reviews too – it’s a fantastic season!

A new show quietly launched on January 7th, and while it hasn’t gotten much attention yet, people who enjoy fantasy role-playing games will likely find it appealing. It’s starting to generate some online discussion, though not all of it is positive.

The title of An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29 pretty much tells you what the show is about, but some viewers were still surprised by the first episode. While fanservice and suggestive themes aren’t uncommon in anime, this series handles them in a way that’s bothered some people. Despite this, fans of classic role-playing games might enjoy it, though they may encounter the same issues others have. It’s unclear how the series will develop, but many hope it can address early criticisms and win back alienated viewers.

The following will contain spoilers for the first episode of An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29.

An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29 Blends Ample Comedy With Standard Fantasy RPG Tropes

I’m completely hooked on this manga called An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29! It follows Hajime Shinonome, a seriously strong adventurer who’s just trying to live a normal life in a quiet village. He’s been through tough times, so he really appreciates having a stable job and being able to provide for himself. One day, while exploring a dungeon, he stumbles upon this little girl, Rirui, who’s about to be eaten by a monster! He saves her, discovers she’s an orphan, and ends up feeling like he needs to take care of her. Now, Hajime’s a bit of a loner – he’s seen too much loss and avoids getting close to people. But Rirui? She’s way more than meets the eye, and things are definitely not what they seem with her! It’s a really fun story with a lot of heart and mystery.

I’m really hooked on this series! Yes, there’s tons of fun RPG stuff – exploring dungeons, fighting monsters, all that – but what really grabs me is the connection between Hajime and Rirui. It’s fascinating to watch their relationship develop, and honestly, seeing how he interacts with everyone in the village is a big part of why I keep watching. The first episode immediately shows you Hajime has a tough past – he basically grew up on the streets – and he’s definitely not the typical ‘dad’ type. But seeing him try to be one is a huge draw! His friend Veronica is excited for him, but Olive, who’s a big deal in the guild, gets worried pretty quickly after what happens the first night he starts looking after the little girl.

Hajime finally escaped the dungeon and returned home, hoping for some rest. But instead of finding the young girl who’d been traveling with him, he woke up to a grown woman. She quickly changed back into her child-like form, leaving Hajime realizing she wasn’t what she seemed – she was a member of an ancient, powerful species. Olive later confirmed his suspicions, identifying her as a Succubus.

It’s not surprising that people are worried about Hajime, especially since he’s decided to help Rirui despite not knowing what she is. This situation has also left many viewers questioning what’s right and wrong, and some have even stopped watching An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29 altogether.

It May Seem Like a Sweet Found Family Story, but an Adventurer’s Daily Grind at 29 Isn’t Really for Kids

Many viewers expected An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29 to be a heartwarming story about a hero learning to care for a young girl he rescued. However, those expectations were quickly dashed. The series took a surprising turn when, after waking up to find Riria all grown up, Hajime immediately made inappropriate comments about her appearance to a waitress. This behavior, combined with the fact that they aren’t related, has disappointed viewers hoping for a touching and wholesome story. To make matters worse, on his very first night as Riria’s caretaker, Hajime got heavily drunk at a pub, further damaging the initial impression of the series.

I’ve seen a lot of complaints, but some people are trying to look beyond one awkward plot point and see what this series could become. It’s really early days, and I think the main character, Hajime, might surprise those who are already writing him off. Plus, there’s a really interesting adventure developing with Riria, who’s determined to become a powerful warrior and is looking to her adoptive father for guidance. Honestly, it’s usually too soon to give up on a new show after just one episode – though I get why some people have already decided it’s not for them.

If the challenges in An Adventurer’s Daily Grind at Age 29 seem a bit overwhelming, there are lots of exciting action-adventure series starting this January. Roll Over and Die, Yoroi-Shinden Samurai Troopers, and Dead Account all offer something different and avoid unnecessary drama.

Read More

2026-01-28 05:04