Review of Clevatess Episode 1: The Lord of Dark Beasts

The premiere of Clevatess episode 1 tears open a world of dark fantasy, where a ruthless Demon King meets a lost royal baby—sparking a complex journey that redefines the boundaries between monstrosity and humanity.

Series Overview

In this section we explore the basic details that every fan and SEO-aware reader cares about—without wasting your time.

• Title: Clevatess: Majū no Ō to Akagō to Shikabane no Yūsha 
• Genre: Dark Fantasy · Psychological · Adventure 
• Studio: Lay-duce
• Director: Kiyotaka Taguchi 
• Series Composition / Writer: Keigo Koyanagi 
• Original Manga Author: Yūji Iwahara 
• Music Composer: Nobuaki Nobusawa 
• Main Japanese Cast: 
  • Yūichi Nakamura as Clevatess 
  • Haruka Shiraishi as Alicia 
  • Mutsumi Tamura as Clen 
  • Saya Aizawa as Luna 
• English Dub Cast (via Crunchyroll): 
  • Sean Letourneau – Clevatess 
  • Morgan Berry – Clen 
  • Katie Wetch – Alicia 
  • Lara Woodhull – Luna 

Plot Summary

Episode 1 sets the stage with a brutal yet fascinating blend of terror and tenderness. Read on for the key turning points:

Moving from the broader world context into the heart of the story, this recap explains how each moment builds the foundation for what comes next.

1. Opening Carnage & World-Building
   Clevatess episode 1 begins with a relentless display of power: the Demon King lays waste to 13 legendary heroes and annihilates their kingdom in a matter of minutes. This opening establishes both physical stakes and emotional tone—superior brutality delivered with unnerving composure. 
2. Discovery of Luna
   Amid the ruins, a royal infant named Luna is discovered alone. Rather than kill her, Clevatess chooses to save and protect her, marking the first crack in his monstrous facade. 
3. Resurrection of Alicia
   Alicia, one of the fallen heroes, is resurrected by Clevatess’s dark magic—now bound to serve as Luna’s caretaker. Her transformation into an undead guardian creates moral tension that anchors the narrative. 
4. Assuming Clen’s Human Form
   To better understand humanity and shield Luna, Clevatess transforms into “Clen”, the visage of a fallen child hero. This dual identity explores the conflict between ancient violence and newfound empathy. 

In-Depth Review

This section meticulously breaks down how Clevatess episode 1 succeeds in story, performance, and technical prowess.

Screenplay & Storytelling

Transitioning from plot to narrative design, this section analyzes what makes the episodes compelling.

• Source Material & Adaptation
  Based closely on Yūji Iwahara’s manga, the episode introduces key themes: brutal power, emotional growth, and delicate empathy. The storyline effectively sets up Clevatess’s gradual shift from destruction to reflection. 
• Narrative Pace & Structure
  Clocking in at over 40 minutes, the expanded episode allows meaningful emotional beats. Critics like Anime Feminist note the blend of “dark fantasy meets interspecies comedy,” striking a unique tonal balance. 
• Thematic Depth
  The moral question—can a demon king nurture the spark of humanity?—drives the episode, urging viewers to reconsider what defines ‘monster’ and ‘hero’. 

Voice Acting

Next, we listen to the voices that bring the cast to life.

• Yūichi Nakamura / Sean Letourneau – Clevatess
  Provides commanding, grave tones in Beast King form while transitioning to a softer, curious human voice as Clen. The voice acting is consistently captivating. 
• Haruka Shiraishi / Katie Wetch – Alicia
  Channels inner conflict masterfully—torn between loyalty to her queen and revulsion at serving a demon king. Her performance enriches the emotional weight of her role. 
• Saya Aizawa / Lara Woodhull – Luna
  Delivers pure innocence and vulnerability, classes with the grim environment, and provides emotional grounding for the story.

Animation & Visual Direction

Shifting our focus to what you see onscreen, this section highlights the technical artistry.

• Character Designs
  By Souichirou Sako, the designs convey raw power (Clevatess) and emotional fragility (Clen, Luna, Alicia). The contrast emphasizes the emotional weight of this tale. 
• Environmental Art
  Lay-duce’s atmospheric backgrounds—ruined castles, misty forests—intensively support the dark fantasy aesthetic. 
• Action & Gore
  Critics praise the visceral combat: swift, brutal choreography executed with clarity and cinematic scale. Sportskeeda notes the “intense visuals and well‑executed brutality.” 

Music & Sound Design

From background hums to battle clamor, the soundscape evolves with the narrative.

• BGM & Atmosphere
  Nobuaki Nobusawa’s composition uses low strings and ominous percussion to instill a sense of tension and melancholic wonder. 
• Sound Effects
  Each sword strike, guttural roar, and tearful whisper lands with striking realism, enhancing immersion and narrative clarity. 

How Clevatess Episode 1 Stands Out

Episode 1 isn’t just another dark fantasy; it positions itself firmly among the genre’s heavyweights.

• Unique Dynamics
  The Demon King–baby pairing mirrors classics like Berserk and Claymore, but with a twist—the show isn’t merely gothic horror; it also offers moments of levity and curiosity. As Anime Feminist notes, the show becomes “popcorn‑friendly while maintaining dark gravity.” 
• Streaming & Availability
  Premiering July 2, 2025 on AT‑X and simulcast by Crunchyroll (with both sub and dub), this episode establishes early momentum globally. 
• Critical and Fan Reception
  It’s already being recognized as a “promising debut” by media outlets—Sportskeeda dubs it “a standout addition to the fantasy genre,” CBR praises its emotional depth, and Anime Feminist highlights its tonal complexity. 

Final Thoughts & Verdict

Closing thoughts on why Episode 1 sets the bar high—and what’s next.

• Strengths 
  • Rich worldbuilding, intense thematic stakes 
  • Strong adaptation of source manga 
  • Compelling voice performances 
  • High production values (animation, music, design) 
• Weaknesses 
  • Some tonal shifts may feel uneven 
  • 45‑minute runtime risks pacing lulls, though overall it flows well 

Overall Score: 8/10

Clevatess episode 1 confidently kickstarts its dark fantasy narrative—raw, thought-provoking, and cinematically engaging. It raises essential questions about morality, identity, and what it truly means to be human or monster.

Final Thoughts & What Comes Next

Clevatess Episode 1 does more than introduce a dark fantasy world—it invites us to question the roles we assign to monsters and heroes. With its bold narrative choices, high production values, and emotionally layered performances, the premiere episode lays a powerful foundation for what’s to come.

While some tonal transitions may challenge viewers expecting a more traditional fantasy arc, it’s precisely these contrasts—brutality versus tenderness, darkness versus innocence—that make the story resonate. By the end of the episode, we’re no longer watching just a demon king—we’re witnessing the beginning of a potential redemption arc rooted in vulnerability and care.

Why You Should Keep Watching

If you were intrigued by Episode 1’s haunting mix of violence and quiet empathy, Episode 2 promises to delve deeper into Clevatess’s struggle with identity, Luna’s role in a shattered world, and Alicia’s growing resistance to her undead fate. The story is only beginning—and the moral lines will only get blurrier.

📌 Don’t miss Episode 2 of Clevatess, premiering July 9, 2025 on Crunchyroll.

Will the Demon King continue to protect or fall back into destruction?

Author: Tobi, anime critic and dark fantasy enthusiast. With background in literature and animation analysis, this review aims to bring insight, depth, and credibility to your understanding of Clevatess episode 1.