Combatants Will Be Dispatched!

Combatants Will Be Dispatched! presents an inventive fusion of action, comedy, science fiction, and fantasy, brought to life by J.C.STAFF and first aired in April 2021. The narrative centers on Combat Agent Six, a remarkably capable yet exceedingly arrogant operative of the sinister Kisaragi Corporation. This organization, which evolved from a clandestine group into a formidable interstellar megacorp, harbors ambitions of universal domination. Six's primary assignment involves infiltrating a magical world known as the Kingdom of Grace, a crucial step in advancing the corporation's expansionist agenda. He is partnered with Alice Kisaragi, a deceptively youthful android whose advanced capabilities are essential for their mission. Upon their arrival, they are introduced to Snow, the Royal Guard Commander, who acquaints them with the kingdom's ancient rituals and fabled artifacts. In a characteristic display of his irreverent and self-assured nature, Six audaciously modifies a sacred incantation during a ceremony, an act that unexpectedly leads to his involuntary designation as an honorary knight of the realm. This peculiar turn of events places him in a paradoxical position: he must navigate his corporate mandate to facilitate Kisaragi's conquest while simultaneously contending with the unforeseen obligation to defend the kingdom against the encroaching forces of a menacing demon lord. This anime skillfully interweaves high-stakes action sequences, classic fantasy elements, and futuristic scientific concepts with a generous dose of comedic relief and occasional ecchi content. It offers a fresh, satirical perspective on the archetypal villain-turned-hero trope, creating a distinctive narrative experience. The setting itself is a vibrant tapestry, merging advanced technology with traditional fantasy lore, populated by memorable characters and characterized by often absurd, yet consistently engaging, scenarios that ensure a captivating viewing experience from start to finish.

Combatants Will Be Dispatched! delivers a compelling blend of satirical comedy, action, and genre-bending elements that merits a detailed review. The animation by J.C.STAFF is consistently vibrant, employing expressive character designs that effectively convey both the comedic exaggeration and the intensity of combat sequences. The fluid animation during action scenes is noteworthy, providing a dynamic visual experience, while the overall art style effectively bridges the gap between its futuristic and fantasy aesthetics. Voice acting performances, particularly from Kensho Ono as Combat Agent Six and Sayaka Kikuchi as Alice Kisaragi, are exceptional, capturing the distinct personalities and comedic timing crucial to the show's success. Ono masterfully portrays Six's arrogant yet capable demeanor, while Kikuchi provides a dry, logical counterpoint that generates significant humor. The story pacing is generally well-executed, balancing episodic adventures with an overarching plot progression, though some might find the introduction of new characters occasionally disrupts the flow. Character development, while leaning heavily into comedic archetypes, subtly explores the evolving loyalties and moral ambiguities of its protagonists. Six, despite his villainous origins, gradually exhibits a reluctant sense of responsibility, adding nuance to his anti-hero persona. Thematic depth is present in its subversion of traditional hero narratives and its commentary on corporate ethics and military expansion, albeit often through a comedic lens. The series successfully critiques genre tropes while providing genuine entertainment, making it a noteworthy entry for viewers seeking an anime that doesn't take itself too seriously but offers substantial narrative and technical merit.