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Introduction
Clevatess: Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha (クレバテス−魔獣の王と赤子と屍の勇者−), popularly known simply as Clevatess, is a Japanese dark fantasy franchise written and illustrated by Yūji Iwahara. The series originally began as a digital manga on LINE Manga in August 2020, later moving to Comic Alive+ in April 2024.
An anime adaptation was officially announced on July 2, 2024, produced by Lay-duce, and the series aired its first season from July 2, 2025, to September 17, 2025. The anime quickly grabbed attention due to its unique twist on the demon lord narrative, exploring humanity, morality, and redemption in an unusual way.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Clevatess: Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha |
| Author (Manga) | Yūji Iwahara |
| Studio | Lay-duce |
| Director | Kiyotaka Taguchi |
| Series Writer | Keigo Koyanagi |
| Character Designer | Souichirou Sako |
| Music | Nobuaki Nobusawa |
| Opening Theme | Ruler by Mayu Maeshima |
| Ending Theme | Destiny by Ellie Goulding |
| Total Episodes (Season 1) | 12 |
| Aired | July 2, 2025 – September 17, 2025 |
| Licensed by | Crunchyroll |
| Season 2 | Confirmed at the end of Season 1 |
| IMDb Listing | 7.9 |
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Plot Overview
Unlike most demon lord stories that revolve around destruction and domination, Clevatess takes a philosophical turn:
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The demon beast king Clevatess annihilates a kingdom and kills its heroes after being provoked by humanity.
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Amidst the chaos, he spares and adopts a royal infant, choosing to raise the child himself.
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However, unable to handle parenting alone, Clevatess resurrects Alicia Glenfall, a fallen human heroine he once killed. She becomes his unwilling servant and caretaker of the baby.
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Together, Clevatess, Alicia, and the child set off on an unusual journey where the demon king slowly begins to confront the meaning of humanity, morality, and redemption.
This unusual setup forces viewers to ask: Can a destroyer become a nurturer? Can the worst villain ever seek redemption through unexpected bonds?
Main Characters
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Clevatess (Clen) – The demon beast king, capable of mass destruction. To blend in, he sometimes disguises himself as a dead boy named Clen. His unexpected role as a father figure challenges his ruthless worldview.
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Alicia Glenfall – Once a brave heroine killed by Clevatess, she is resurrected as a bound servant. Although a “corpse warrior,” she retains her humanity, struggling between hatred, survival, and her new role as caretaker.
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The Infant Prince (Toth) – The child of the fallen royal family. Innocent yet central to the story, he becomes a symbol of hope and transformation, pulling both Clevatess and Alicia into a reluctant but profound bond.
Themes and Analysis
Clevatess stands out because it flips traditional fantasy storytelling upside down. Rather than glorifying heroes and demon lords in their usual roles, it highlights moral ambiguity and philosophical depth.
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Philosophy of Redemption – Can someone as destructive as Clevatess find redemption by raising a child?
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Humanity vs. Monstrosity – Parenting forces the demon king to confront emotions and responsibilities he never faced before.
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The Heroine’s Dilemma – Alicia’s resurrection as a servant questions free will, morality, and survival.
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Dark Fantasy Realism – Violence, resurrection, and tragedy are portrayed without sugarcoating, making it a series for mature audiences.
The series has been praised for its bold storytelling and emotional intensity, though some viewers feel the pacing is uneven and the moral transitions happen too quickly.
Why Watch Clevatess?
✅ Unique spin on the demon lord trope
✅ Emotional, thought-provoking story
✅ Dark fantasy atmosphere with powerful visuals and music
✅ Complex character development
✅ Season 2 already confirmed
⚠️ But keep in mind:
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Not a lighthearted fantasy — it’s violent and morally heavy.
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Character decisions sometimes feel rushed.
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Season 1 leaves the larger story incomplete.
Conclusion
Clevatess is a daring dark fantasy anime that challenges conventional storytelling. Instead of focusing on epic battles or heroic glory, it explores redemption, morality, and the strange bond between a demon king, a resurrected heroine, and a human child.
With 12 episodes in Season 1, strong production quality from Lay-duce, and a confirmed Season 2, this anime has already built a solid fanbase. If you enjoy thought-provoking fantasy that blends action with philosophy, Clevatess is definitely worth your time.
