Introduction: A Parry of Expectations in OP Fantasy
In the crowded arena of overpowered (OP) protagonist anime, where heroes effortlessly dismantle foes and upend worlds with a wink, I Parry Everything: What Do You Mean I'm the Strongest? I'm Not Even an Adventurer Yet! (original title: Ore wa Subete wo "Parry" suru: Gyaku Kanchigai no Sekai Saikyou wa Boukensha ni Naritai) swings in like a well-timed deflection—simple, satisfying, and surprisingly sincere. Adapted from Nabeshiki's light novel series, illustrated by Kikka Ohashi and serialized on Shōsetsuka ni Narō since 2019, the 12-episode anime aired from July to September 2024, produced by OLM under director Daisuke Tsukushi. Streaming on HIDIVE with an English dub that nails the deadpan humor, it features an OP by Kylee that thrums with defiant energy and an ED by True that captures the whimsical wanderlust. Voiced by Daiki Hamano as the oblivious Noor and Ryōko Maekawa as the exasperated Princess Lynneburg, the series blends sword-and-sorcery action with comedy born from colossal misunderstandings.
At its core, I Parry Everything follows Noor, a hulking orphan whose singular talent for parrying turns him into the world's unwitting strongest warrior, all while he pines for a humble adventurer's life. It's a tale of inverted tropes: the "weak" hero who's secretly invincible, fueled by relentless training and zero self-awareness. With a MyAnimeList score of 7.1 and IMDb at 7.1, it's polarizing—fans adore the earnest absurdity and heartfelt beats, while detractors decry the repetitive gags and barebones plot. Echoing One Punch Man's self-doubting Saitama but with a medieval twist, this review dives deep into the narrative's parry-perfect structure, character arcs, production merits, and why it punches above its weight as feel-good fantasy fodder. Spoiler: In a genre bloated with edgelords, Noor's gentle giant vibe makes it a refreshing riposte.
Plot Summary: From Humble Swings to Heroic Deflections
Spoiler Warning: Major plot details ahead, covering the full 12 episodes and light novel volumes 1–4 for context.
The story opens in the Kingdom of Clays, a medieval realm teetering on continental conflict. Noor, a towering 20-something orphan raised in a remote village, has trained obsessively since childhood in one skill: parrying. Rejected by every knight order for his "lack of talent" in anything else—swords, spears, magic—he toils as a laborer, dreaming of guild life. Episode 1 catapults him into adventure: during Princess Lynneburg's coming-of-age ritual, a massive monster crashes the ceremony. Noor, visiting the capital for errands, instinctively parries its charge, sending it flying and saving the royal entourage. Hailed as a hero, Noor brushes it off as luck, insisting he's "just a guy who swings a stick." Lynne, a spirited 15-year-old mage-adventurer, sees potential and drags him into her party, dubbing him her "bodyguard."
Early episodes (2–5) establish the comedic core: Noor's "parry" isn't mere deflection—it's an evolving skill that counters anything from blades to spells to verbal barbs, leveling up via his dense obliviousness. Joining Lynne and her brother Prince Rolo (a scheming tactician), Noor registers as an adventurer, oblivious to his feats drawing royal attention. Arcs blend guild quests with kingdom intrigue: a bandit raid in Episode 3 showcases Noor's casual multi-sword parry (hundreds deflected in one swing), while Episode 4's dungeon delve reveals his stamina as bottomless, emerging unscathed as his team pants. Misunderstandings mount—Noor thinks he's "holding everyone back," while onlookers whisper of the "Parry Saint."
Mid-season (Episodes 6–8) escalates to national stakes. Neighboring empires, eyeing Clays' downfall post-assassination attempt on Lynne, unleash monster hordes and spies. Noor, still chasing E-rank quests, stumbles into pivotal saves: parrying a dragon's breath to shield a village, or countering a sorcerer's curse that "bounces" back amplified. Subplots weave in allies like the beastkin warrior Ines, whose loyalty stems from Noor's unwitting rescue of her clan. Flashbacks flesh out Noor's past—decades of solitary training in the wilderness, honing parry through sheer grit, not genius—adding pathos to his humility. The humor peaks in "parry fails": Noor deflects a marriage proposal mid-battle, sending the suitor tumbling comically.
The back half (Episodes 9–12) builds to a continental climax. A coalition of rivals launches the "Holy War," summoning demon lords and undead legions. Noor, now reluctantly S-rank, leads charges: Episode 10's siege sees him parry artillery barrages like raindrops, while Episode 11 unveils his skill's secret—it's fueled by "reverse misunderstanding," growing stronger from others' underestimation. Twists reveal Rolo's manipulations as protective schemes, and Lynne's crush as genuine admiration for Noor's kindness. The finale erupts in a multi-phase boss rush: Noor parries the Demon Lord's ultimate curse, reflecting it to shatter the invasion fleet. In a poignant close, Noor achieves his dream—registering as a full adventurer—unaware he's reshaped the continent. Light novels extend this: Volumes 3–4 explore post-war diplomacy, with Noor mentoring newbies amid escalating threats like interdimensional rifts. Pacing zips through fights but lingers on quiet moments, like campfire chats, making the 4.5-hour runtime a breezy binge.
Character Analysis: Gentle Giants and Royal Schemers
Noor anchors the tale as the ultimate unreliable narrator—voiced by Hamano's gravelly warmth—his low EQ and unyielding optimism make him a "literate walking plot device," per one review, yet endearingly human. Trained in isolation, his obliviousness (parrying "words" literally) stems from loneliness, evolving into quiet confidence without arrogance. He's no Saitama clone; his growth lies in bonds, learning vulnerability through Lynne's faith.
Lynneburg steals the spotlight as the true driver—Maekawa's spirited delivery captures her shift from impulsive princess to strategic leader. At 15, she's a prodigy mage whose "feels punch" moments ground the comedy, her unrequited crush adding sweet tension. Rolo (a sly fox archetype) provides intrigue, his schemes masking brotherly protectiveness. Side characters like Ines (fierce loyalty) and guild master Rein (gruff mentor) add flavor, avoiding harem bait for ensemble synergy. Villains are cartoonishly evil—faceless empires with mustache-twirling generals—serving the plot without depth, but their defeats deliver cathartic "zamaa" highs.
Production Excellence: OLM's Solid Parry
OLM's adaptation is competent mid-tier: fluid swordplay with sakuga bursts in parry sequences (blades clashing in spark showers), though CGI monsters occasionally stiffen. Art pops with vibrant medieval palettes—emerald forests, crimson sunsets—while character designs emphasize Noor's hulking innocence (broad shoulders, dopey grin). Direction by Tsukushi tempers ecchi gags (tasteful fanservice) with heartfelt interludes, and the OST's orchestral swells amp battles without overpowering laughs. At 12 episodes, it's efficient—no filler, just escalating absurdity. Drawbacks? Repetitive recaps and static crowd scenes, but the dub's timing elevates the humor.
Strengths, Weaknesses, and Fan Verdict
Strengths abound in earnest simplicity: Noor's perseverance over innate power subverts OP tropes, delivering "cozy catharsis" amid chaos. Fights innovate with parry mechanics (Sekiro vibes), and Lynne's arc adds emotional punch, making it "bingeable" for feel-good fans. X buzz echoes this: one user calls it "hyper-focused comedy" that "carries the plot," while another praises the "unexpected" reveal of Noor's talent.
Weaknesses? Predictability plagues it—misunderstandings loop like broken records, and villains lack nuance, per MAL critiques. Jokes wear thin by mid-season, and the "dumb OP" formula risks fatigue, echoing Mashle without the polish. Reddit threads note the "barebones" world-building, but concede it's "fun enough" for light viewing.
Fan verdict tilts positive for guilty-pleasure watchers: "Satisfying flashback conclusion" saves the runtime, per Pinned Up Ink, while Star Crossed deems it a "sleeper hit" for sincere vibes. On X, it's hailed as "unique plot arrangement" with "talent reveal" twists.
Final Verdict: A Solid Swing for OP Fans
I Parry Everything parries expectations with unpretentious charm: a 7.5/10 romp of heartfelt absurdity and satisfying swipes, where Noor's humility elevates the formula. It falters on repetition and depth, but shines in earnest escapism—perfect for One Punch Man lovers seeking medieval mishaps. Stream on HIDIVE; let Noor's deflections remind you: sometimes, the strongest heroes are the ones who never see it coming.
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Season 1 (Sub)