Synopsis
The beginning of each episode starts with the following monologue: Where monsters rampage, I’m there to take them down. Where treasure glitters, I’m there to claim it. Where an enemy rises to face me, victory will be mine! If you add to that the line Where there is the sweet aroma of food, I’m there to eat to my heart’s content, then you’ll have a basic overview of the life of Lina Inverse, the sorcery genius.
Review
Hailed as the best of the fantasy genre, Slayers is the story of the heroine Lina Inverse who one night storms into an evil bandit hideout and robs them of their treasure all in the name of vanquishing tyranny. That simple task from episode 1 soon rebounds into dire consequences all because of what she stole. Men shrouded in mystery - Rezo, one of the five wise men of the age, and Zelgadis, a chimera - pursue her. Endless streams of monsters ranging from a flying dragon and a sea dragon, trolls, skeletons, mantis warriors, golems, berserkers, a wolfman, a fish creature, and a five-eyed demon await Lina on every step of her adventure. No woman should stand alone against the forces of evil for she is joined by Gouury, a blond haired master swordsman a wielder of the legendary sword of light. Keep fighting, Lina! Never say die, Lina!
The Breakdown
One of the best anime series ever. Slayers has a solid storyline, hilarious dialogue, memorable characters, and all the fantasy elements to make this a smash hit.
» The Pros
The first episode begins extravagantly with the defeat of a dragon similarly to Record of Lodoss War OVA. However, what Lodoss War does not have are the gags. Humor plays a valuable role whenever there is the need for a sudden plot twist and when the story is about to arrive at a serious climax. My favorite moments are when Lina loses most of her magical powers temporarily because it is ahem that time of the month, when Zolf tortures Lina, when Lala I mean Gouury dresses up as a woman, and when Lina and Sylphiel's dream of the ideal prince is shattered.
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» The Cons
Unlike Slayers Next and Try, Season 1 lacks artwork in between commercial breaks. It just cuts suddenly. Amelia gets annoying with her Justice will Triumph speeches but that's how her character was designed.
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» Animation
8.0 |
The animation is average, a little old. The series dates to 1995. Characterization, the scenery such as an underground dungeon, and the wide assortment of magic spells casted give the feel of playing a Final Fantasy RPG. |
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» Sound
9.0 |
Opening Get Along is typical anime. The openings to Slayers Next and Try shine in comparison. This is the series that made Megumi Hayashibara famous. I've said it before and I'll say it again. No one can play Lina Inverse better than Megumi Hayashibara can. |
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» Story
9.5 |
Episodes 1-10 mark the first division of the series with the resurrection of the dark lord Ruby Eye Shabranigdo. Episode 13-26 is the second division with the revival of Zanaffar although episodes 11-17 can be considered as filler. Slayers is my personal favorite out of Next and Try not only it is what started it all, but because how the first division is linked to the next portion in the character Rezo for an overall seamless plotline. The first season of Slayers is also one of the rare occasions where Lina actually performs the Giga Slave. In addition, Lina crosses the line between life and death. A final remark about the ending, copy Rezo's defeat is gratifying in that he learns the error of his ways. His final moments are at peace. The emergency in Seyruun is not carried over to Next. By the time we get to Slayers Next everyone has gone his or her separate ways (except for Lina and Gouury) and reunite in episode 1. Two clues in Season 1 set the stage for Next: 1) Rezo's Legacy is a manuscript of the Claire Bible, and 2) the destruction of Sairaag. |
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» Recommend
9.5 |
One of the funniest series of all time. The box sets for the series and the following Slayers Next and Try are well worth the investment. |
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» Other Information
Language: Japanese with English subtitles, or English dub
Extras: Actors' bios, graphic novel, sneak peeks, art gallery, character gallery, and scripts
Package: The cast of characters, Lina holding the Bless Blade, Amelia, Zelgadis, Gouury, Sylphiel, Prince Phil, and Rezo |
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
