I Couldn't Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job

I Couldn't Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job, also known under its original Japanese title of "Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku o Ketsui Shimashita" or simply, "Yu-sibu," was broadcasted on the Anime Network in 2013. This unique comedic show skillfully blends the exciting world of fantasy and the most mundane aspects of everyday life – turning the ordinary into the extraordinary and the extraordinary into the funny and deeply relatable.

In a world where characters coexist with magical beasts, enchantments, and heroes on legendary quests, the protagonist, Raul Chaser, dreams of becoming a hero himself. From his early childhood, Raul harbors dreams of great exploits – vanquishing fearsome monsters, saving distressed damsels, and earning an unparalleled renown as a hero. He tirelessly trains in Hero Program, expecting to meet the Demon Lord, the ultimate test for the heroes in training, someday.

However, the crucial moment never comes. The Demon Lord is mysteriously defeated not by him or his classmates, but by an unknown hero, resulting in the sudden discontinuation of the Hero Program. With his life plan shattered and dream of becoming a hero crushed, Raul finds himself lost in the regular, magic-less landscapes of life, and, in his own words, "reluctantly decides to get a job".

The show shines a new, humorous light on the mundane facets of life through Raul's job at a small electronics store, the Leon Magic Shop, drawing parallels between the world we know and the fantasy world where our protagonist is trapped in a common job, moving from battling mythical creatures to combating malfunctioning magical appliances.

Raul's life takes a quirky turn when a quirky, doe-eyed girl named Fino applies for a job at the store. She is unlike anyone Raul has ever met - not just because of her sweet innocence that is unprepared for the real world, but because she has a somewhat earth-shaking secret identity; she is the daughter of the Demon Lord. This unexpected twist sets the stage for a series of comedy-packed scenarios as Raul has to teach Fino the intricate ways of customer service, sales, and the wide world of human interaction.

This Anime Network show can be perceived not just as a sprightly, belly-laugh-inducing comedy, but also a thought-provoking commentary on life after dreams get shattered. Raul's story is a testament to resilience and the ability to find humor and joy in the unexpected corners of life. Not just this, the character of Fino Bloodstone - a demon princess trying to make sense of human world - speaks volumes about adjusting in unfamiliar territories, learning, and growing.

As the story progresses, we see Raul, the reluctant employee who initially mourns his crushed hero dream, realize something profound - heroism is not about defeating a fearsome creature, but about facing life courageously and helping others, no matter how seemingly insignificant the efforts may seem. And Fino, the daughter of Demon Lord, learns to evolve from her lineage and adapt to human life to forge her own identity.

The real magic of I Couldn't Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job lies in its ability to make viewers laugh while also making them reflect on progressively larger themes. With Raul and Fino’s blossoming camaraderie as its focus, it navigates the wild waters of tremendous societal expectations, personal dreams, identity issues, and the essence of heroism.

The series, while inherently comedic, does not shy away from emotional depth and progressive character development. While making us chuckle over Raul and Fino's wild shenanigans, it also ensures we become emotionally invested in their journey - laughing at their funny escapades while also rooting for them as they navigate the complicated phenomena we call life.

What starts as a light-hearted parody of fantasy genre turns into a deeper story of personal growth and understanding of humanity. This is both an underdog's journey and an embodiment of the saying that life is what happens when we are busy making other plans. The unique Anime Network series, I Couldn't Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job, ensures viewers will walk away with more than just a hearty laugh.