The series follows (popularly known as Rai), a powerful "Noble" who wakes up in modern-day South Korea after a staggering 820-year slumber . With no knowledge of humanity's scientific and social advancements, Rai reunites with his loyal servant, Frankenstein , who has spent centuries preparing for his master's return and now serves as the director of Ye Ran High School.
It is impossible to review Noblesse Episode 1 without addressing the elephant in the room: .
The Fall 2020 anime season was packed with heavy hitters, but few series carried the weight of expectation quite like Noblesse . Based on the cult-favorite manhwa (Korean comic) by Jeho Son and Kwangsu Lee, and produced by the acclaimed studio Production I.G ( Attack on Titan , Psycho-Pass ), the anime had a unique path to the screen. Unlike most adaptations that start at the very beginning, Noblesse Episode 1 serves as a continuation of a pre-existing OVA (Original Video Animation) series, Noblesse: Awakening . Noblesse Episode 1
In Noblesse Episode 1, titled "," the story picks up after Cadis Etrama Di Raizel (Rai) has already integrated into Ye Ran High School. Unlike many first episodes, this one assumes viewers have seen the prequel OVA, Noblesse: Awakening , as it skips the protagonist's initial awakening. Plot Summary
One of the standout aspects of Noblesse Episode 1 is its characters. Raizel, the protagonist, is a complex and intriguing figure. His amnesia and fish-out-of-water situation make him a relatable and sympathetic character, despite his incredible powers. Shin Woo, on the other hand, serves as a great foil to Raizel, providing a more down-to-earth perspective and serving as a bridge between the audience and the world of Noblesse. The series follows (popularly known as Rai), a
The episode does not waste time introducing the villains. A shadowy organization known as "The Union" is hunting Rai. We are introduced to a rogue Modified Human (a failed super-soldier experiment) who attacks the school. This fight scene, occurring halfway through the episode, serves as the first real display of power.
: Rai continues his quiet life alongside his loyal servant, Frankenstein, and M-21 , a former Union experiment now working as a school security guard. M-21 struggles to adjust to his new humanity. The Fall 2020 anime season was packed with
Voiced with calm elegance by Daisuke Hirakawa, Rai is an "ice king" archetype. He speaks rarely, emotes less, and possesses a quiet dignity that makes his occasional confusion endearing. Noblesse Episode 1 establishes that while his power is immeasurable, his human knowledge is zero. His attempts to use a cell phone are comedic gold, but his sudden, piercing stares hint at the predator within.