A Herbivorous Dragon of 5,000 Years Gets Unfairly Villainized - Reviews

Are your friends laughing at you for watching Chinese cartoons? The joke is on them! This Chinese adaptation of Japanese LN series is very enjoyable. The story begins with young girl being sacrificed to powerful evil dragon in order to bring him on the side of humans against the daemon lord like in the past. However, contrary to the legends he isn’t interested in human problems and he is quite weak creature without any magical powers. Heck, he doesn’t even eat meat to begin with, but the girl is unyielding in her conviction. He has to improvise, but it backfires. Now the dragon has to guide the girl as they go an adventure of their lifetime.

This is going to be a brief review, because it’s quite simple. The story is funny and occasionally wholesome. The story is told from various perspectives, but mostly from the perspective of the “evil dragon”. It does have some overpowered action fights, but it doesn’t overshadow the general feel of the series being well rounded story.

Visually the series looks good enough. It has enjoyable and fitting soundtrack. I liked the voice acting, despite me not knowing Chinese at all.

I do recommend the series. It’s all ages enjoyable simple adventure/comedy story with likeable characters. I was genuinely surprised how enjoyable this was.

Satisfying Conclusion?✔️
Emotional?❌
Actual Romance?❌
Actual Comedy?✔️
Fanservice/Nudity?❌

What is this anime?
This is one of the first shows I've seen where the synopsis actually gives perfect explanation of the show. Go read that.

Did I enjoy it?
I really liked it. It has the OP MC trope in an unexpected way. And almost always it's used in a comedic way, where the little girl is a psychopath. The comedy bits that made me laugh were far in between, but when they happened, they were a good 10-second laughing bout from it being so ridiculous. There isn't much of a plotline story-wise. This is just about the relationship between a pacifist dragon and a homicidal girl. The villains were generic, but they felt anything but that when interacting with the little girl and her warped personality. Some of the side-characters were so crazy, it shocked me in the way they were introduced and the role they play in such a short time (im talking about Hunter God). It has been such a long time since I've seen character's that actually felt "new" and not like revisions of former works. It's such a weird deviation from the norm and I found it refreshing. The episodes are half-length and I easily watched it in one day. There's no unnecessary drama, it's just an overall fun watch. Couldn't ask for anything more. So while this is a short show that doesn't have much depth or plot, it's just so dang cute, and has a heartwarming ending. It feels wrong to put it in a league with other high ranked shows, but even though it doesn't have a whole lot in it, everything that I saw in it was done right, and I can't find something to complain about, which is not something I can say for many shows. I also wanted to mention that this show has one of my favorite soundtracks. Great music that I enjoy that isn't the usual "anime" music. Found myself boppin to the OP's and ED's which is very rare.

"A Herbivorous Dragon of 5,000 Years Gets Unfairly Villainized" - A Delightfully Unique Fantasy Tale - 8/10

Story: 8/10 "A Herbivorous Dragon of 5,000 Years Gets Unfairly Villainized" offers a refreshingly unique and charming narrative. The story centers on Lyria, a pacifist dragon who has spent millennia peacefully observing the world. However, when she is unfairly branded as a villain, she must navigate a world that misunderstands her. The plot explores themes of prejudice, friendship, and the power of communication. While the premise may seem whimsical, the storytelling is surprisingly deep and thought-provoking. It's a delightful tale that earns a story rating of 8 out of 10.

Animation: 7/10 The animation quality in the series is solid, with vibrant and colorful visuals that bring the fantasy world to life. Character designs are distinct, and the dragon transformations are visually captivating. While it may not reach the pinnacle of animation excellence seen in blockbuster anime, it maintains a consistent quality throughout the series. Action sequences are well-animated, adding excitement to the narrative. It's a commendable effort, deserving a 7 out of 10 for animation.

Sound: 7/10 The sound design in "A Herbivorous Dragon" effectively enhances the whimsical and fantastical elements of the series. The background music sets the mood appropriately, though it may not feature standout tracks. Voice acting is competent, with characters' voices fitting their personalities. Sound quality is good, creating an immersive auditory experience. While it may not be the most memorable soundtrack, it contributes positively to the overall enjoyment, resulting in a sound rating of 7 out of 10.

Characters: 8/10 The characters in the series are a standout feature, each with their unique charm and quirks. Lyria, the pacifist dragon, is a lovable protagonist who defies traditional dragon stereotypes. Her interactions with other characters, including humans and fantastical creatures, provide moments of humor and heartwarming camaraderie. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with each character contributing to the overall charm of the series. Character development and growth are evident, making them relatable and endearing, earning a character rating of 8 out of 10.

Overall: 8/10 In conclusion, "A Herbivorous Dragon of 5,000 Years Gets Unfairly Villainized" is a hidden gem in the world of fantasy anime. Its unique premise, delightful characters, and thought-provoking storytelling make it a must-watch for fans of the genre. While it may not boast the highest animation and sound quality, it excels in its narrative depth and character development. It's a heartwarming and enchanting journey that earns a well-deserved overall score of 8 out of 10 in my assessment.