Stream Clevatess: The King of Magical Beasts, the Baby, and the Corpse Hero

he Summer 2025 anime season has ushered in a dark fantasy that boldly distinguishes itself from conventional hero-and-monster narratives. Clevatess: Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha (クレバテス−魔獣の王と赤子と屍の勇者−), translated as Clevatess: The King of Magical Beasts, the Baby, and the Corpse Hero, is a thought-provoking and emotionally dense anime adaptation based on the manga by Yūji Iwahara. With themes exploring redemption, identity, and the collapse of civilizations, Clevatess challenges its audience to think beyond traditional storytelling frameworks.

This review delves into the anime’s story, characters, production, and its stand-out waifus—while analyzing why this series deserves a serious place in the modern dark fantasy canon.

Clevatess Overview

Clevatess Story and Themes

Clevatess introduces us to a world ravaged by ancient conflicts between humanity and magical beasts. One of the feared Lords of Dark Beasts, Clevatess, is a powerful entity with unmatched strength and cruelty. However, his worldview begins to fracture when he makes two critical decisions: adopting an orphaned humanoid baby, and reviving a long-dead hero he once slayed.

This unlikely trio—a beast, a baby, and a corpse-like warrior—becomes the last hope of a world teetering on the brink of oblivion.

The story explores:

• Post-conflict trauma and redemption: Clevatess must reconcile his past atrocities with a new purpose.

• Human identity and growth: Through the baby Clen, the show examines innocence and the burden of inherited legacies.

• Philosophical heroism: The resurrected hero, whose original purpose has been nullified, seeks meaning in a world that no longer needs him.

The pacing is intentionally deliberate, favoring introspection and moral ambiguity over action-heavy spectacle—though the battles, when they occur, are brutal and cinematic.

Characters and Performances

Main Characters

The character writing is a major strength. Clevatess, in particular, is a study in moral evolution. Initially introduced as a force of annihilation, he becomes a protector, then a paternal figure—haunted by his sins and desperate to ensure Clen grows into something better.

Clen, despite being a baby, is portrayed with surprising nuance—thanks to subtle animation and narrative foreshadowing that hints at their immense latent power.

Alicia and Luna offer contrasting archetypes: one rooted in maternal wisdom, the other in youthful idealism.

Animation and Art Direction

Lay-duce’s animation work is consistent with its pedigree (known for Release the Spyce and Magi: Adventure of Sinbad), bringing strong art direction to the fore. The color palette is somber and grounded, with heavy use of greys and deep shadows to emphasize a world in decay. Yet, warm hues return during moments of emotional intimacy—most notably in scenes between Clevatess and Clen.

The animation of magical beasts is detailed and weighty, contributing to the dark fantasy tone. Fight sequences—though sparse—are impactful and violent, underscoring the consequences of combat in this bleak universe.

Music and Sound Design

Nobuaki Nobusawa’s soundtrack is understated but effective, using slow strings, echoing chants, and minimalistic percussion to amplify the atmosphere. Themes of mourning, hope, and solitude are embedded in the background score. The opening theme is ominous and abstract, while the ending theme offers melancholic closure with subtle choral harmonies.

Sound design also deserves praise—particularly in the monstrous vocalizations of the magical beasts and the ambient soundscapes that make each setting feel oppressive yet immersive.

Waifu Highlights

While Clevatess is rooted in dark fantasy and morality, it offers a surprising variety of waifu archetypes that fans will undoubtedly admire.

Alicia

• VA: Haruka Shiraishi (JP), Katie Wetch (EN)

• Waifu Type: The Guardian / Maternal Type

• Traits: Protective, calm, deeply empathetic, skilled in healing and defense magic.

• What Makes Her a Waifu:
  Alicia’s strength lies not in brute force but in her unwavering moral compass and emotional resilience. She serves as the stabilizing emotional core, nurturing both Clen and even showing compassion to Clevatess. Her design is elegant, and her grace under pressure makes her the kind of partner who balances inner power with kindness.

Luna

• VA: Saya Aizawa (JP), Lara Woodhull (EN)

• Waifu Type: Tsundere / Idealist

• Traits: Strong-willed, loyal, critical of Clevatess but gradually softens

• Special Abilities: Light manipulation magic, able to purify corrupted life forms

• What Makes Her a Waifu:
  Luna brings fire and idealism. Her emotional honesty, youthful rebellion, and courage make her a compelling tsundere type. As she learns to work with Clevatess and understand his motives, her development is deeply rewarding. She’s the kind of waifu who challenges her partner and herself to grow.

Nelulu (Honorable Mention)

• VA: Aoi Yūki

• Waifu Type: Mysterious Loli / Sorceress

• Traits: Cryptic, ancient knowledge in a small form, mischievous

• Abilities: Dimensional sealing, ancient prophecy manipulation

• What Makes Her a Waifu:
  Nelulu isn’t for everyone, but her mystery and magical intelligence make her alluring. She often acts detached but reveals deep emotional scars, making her a waifu for those who value intellect, complexity, and mysticism.

Episode Release & Structure

As of July 2025, the anime has begun airing with a 12-episode cour.

Final Verdict

Clevatess: Majū no Ō to Akago to Shikabane no Yūsha is a compelling blend of philosophy, dark fantasy, and emotional storytelling. It eschews tropes in favor of complex characters, particularly its morally ambiguous lead. Combined with a haunting score, sharp direction, and layered waifu appeal, it stands out as one of 2025’s most intellectually engaging and emotionally resonant anime.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)