Nia Liston: The Merciless Maiden | Anime Announced (Teaser Visual)

Commentaires

zenzen_02026-01-28 09:04

Broadcast October 2026

A great hero lies undefeated on her deathbed, regretting that she never found a foe who could take her down. She never intended to meet her fate anywhere other than on the battlefield, and her peaceful demise has her wishing desperately that things could have been different... But when she suddenly comes to in the body of the young, frail Nia Liston, she’s got an all-new fight ahead of her. Nia is a sickly child, meaning she has a long way to go before she’s in fighting form. Now that she’s been given a second shot at life, however, she’s determined to get what she wants. She’s going to live—and die—for battle this time! Make way for the Merciless Maiden! [ (J-Novel Club](https://j-novel.club/series/nia-liston-the-merciless-maiden))

Director: Motoki Nakanishi
Assistant Director: Nichita Seki
Series Composition: Gigaemon Ichikawa
Character Design: Yuki Itō, Kana Tosaoka
Music: Naoki Endo
Sound Director: Hiromi Kikuta
Animation Production: KONAMI animation

Honoka Inoue as Nia Liston

PV: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKdiA5mNb\_A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKdiA5mNb_A)

[https://twitter.com/kyoranreijo\_pr/status/2016420986883866971](https://twitter.com/kyoranreijo_pr/status/2016420986883866971)

[https://kyoranreijo-pr.com/](https://kyoranreijo-pr.com/)

XRotNRollX2026-01-28 09:21

>Honoka Inoue

Oh shit, Anne is out for blood now.

TermEnvironmental8122026-01-28 11:19

I'm glad she's getting more role

IntelligentBudget1422026-01-28 12:42

Honoka could very well surpass her 17 (oi, oi) mother

Weak_Season_Of_Anime2026-01-28 09:48

Same LN author as this season's *Kunon the Sorcerer Can See*.

WhereDidMyNameGo2026-01-28 10:05

Oh No

Tomorrow_Big2026-01-28 10:11

Oh Yes

Axros2026-01-28 11:25

I should say that, as a fan of Nia Liston LNs, I was excited for Kunon this season since it has the same author.

However, Kunon has left me quite disappointed. I personally wouldn't put these two series as comparable.

alotmorealots2026-01-28 11:29

That's good to hear, the episode I tried of *Kunon* was pretty not-great in a few ways, but the visual and PV for *Nia Liston* seem to be very exciting!

messem102026-01-28 15:29

The manga for Kunon is a lot of fun though. Would suggest giving that, or the novels, a try.

Luck_Is_My_Talent2026-01-28 14:10

The genres and story beats are so different that I didn't expected they were written by the same person.

It's a bit funny that one can like Nia while not liking Kunon and viceversa (or be like me who likes both).

alotmorealots2026-01-28 10:41

> PV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKdiA5mNb_A

Ha!!!

Couldn't have been more reassured by the first few seconds, this looks like it's going to be fun indeed.

tripleaamin2026-01-28 10:45

Konami animation well that’s unexpected.

iotFlow2026-01-28 12:17

Yeah a bit. Forgot it's been a while now since they made their animation studio. They've helped produce some shows and of course made their Yugioh Chronicles series and they at least look good. Still those are really short (too short for the story for those cards) so it'll be interesting how a full anime works out.

mcmoor2026-01-28 13:56

Yeah hopefully it can pave way for a full length Yu-Gi-Oh anime

mythriz2026-01-28 10:55

Ah, from just the title and poster I was wondering if it was about the girl being an assassin/hitman, but I guess it's a fantasy battle isekai?

Luck_Is_My_Talent2026-01-28 14:12

Yup, using Ki instead of Magic. Magic exists, but it's used just for TV, movies, some devices and post battle healing. Ki is what's used for actual combat.

MC doesn't fight too much because she is way too powerful, the battles that have actual stakes are the ones her disciples engages in.

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 14:54

Its isekai oshi no ko.

Mc is too op , so she is searching for/training strong people that she will be able to fight in the future...and for some reason she joys the entertainment industry to do so.

TommaClock2026-01-28 11:00

> A great hero lies undefeated on her deathbed, regretting that she never found a foe who could take her down. She never intended to meet her fate anywhere other than on the battlefield, and her peaceful demise has her wishing desperately that things could have been different

Literally Olaf?

Falsus2026-01-28 16:16

It is a pretty classical warrior too strong to die trope.

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 13:09

Seems i can't hold myself till October. First I will read manga then patiently wait for anime with more excitement 😉

HowToGetName2026-01-28 15:10

>Animation Production: KONAMI animation

Kinda worried since iirc don't they have a Suikoden anime this year too?

theGRAYblanket2026-01-28 09:09

Ahh yes. My next peak anime

TootJay2026-01-28 09:14

I've been reading the light novel for a couple of years now. I'm so glad it's getting an anime.

IntroductionRare52712026-01-28 09:21

How is it?

I find most light novels to be pretty terribly written, but sometimes have interesting stories and why I stick to Manga/Anime adaptations myself.

Aerce2026-01-28 09:45

Well the LN is good imo , it's not great but not bad either , i have read 5 volumes so far , there hasn't any big progress or event happen in the story yet , the pacing is kind of slow

I had also read the manga first volume and i like it more than LN

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 13:06

Here I am, first I watch anime, then to know more I read manga then and then end up with novel.

kdubbs2026-01-28 16:41

This is the way

WaifuMasterRace2026-01-28 12:05

This one did have an interesting start, but it suffers from a particularly deadly curse of "author just wanted to write about an OP character living a good life".

You can probably figure out whether or not it's for you just off that.

committed_to_the_bit2026-01-28 15:58

yeah no the LN is a little bit clunky to read. I'm a huge fan of the manga, though, it's really good and the dialogue is written really well

Royal_Stray2026-01-29 09:14

That's the worst and best thing about LNs. Anyone can write them. Unfortunately that means that they can be terribly written. The worst combo is when the story and world are amazing, but it's just poorly written, making it really difficult to get through

Thraggrotusk2026-01-28 18:56

LNs are the equivalent of YA fiction (and more recently, published "technically not fanfiction" sometimes written by teens) in Japan. If you think it's written poorly, it probably is.

IntroductionRare52712026-01-28 19:08

Oh I know, I'm also out of the target audience age range and read books written by actual authors lol.

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 11:43

What is the name of this cutie pie?

Edit : Nia, it's on poster and titel

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 12:07

What is plot, can some one explain in short? So If i can add to my watchlist ?

primzcm2026-01-28 12:24

Some crazy strong dude's soul gets forcibly placed into the body of a dying girl and promotes the television and becomes a child actor.

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 12:41

If she become actor then why name is merciless maiden . It's humor or she goes on killing spree.

primzcm2026-01-28 12:53

Yeah, usually her maid is trying to hold her back from going on a killing spree to keep her reputation as a pure innocent child on television.

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 12:58

looks fun .. going to watch.

heimdal772026-01-29 08:21

Basically her first thought seeing anyone is yes I can beat them in a fight. It honestly is annoying.

FajarKalawa2026-01-28 09:17

Hahaha anime watcher at X will never like this one because usual similar topic.

It's pretty good in some aspect, I'll wait for the adaptation.

XRotNRollX2026-01-28 09:22

What

FajarKalawa2026-01-28 09:23

It contains usual controversial topic, that's it .If it blows up at X, it will certainly cause some drama

XRotNRollX2026-01-28 09:24

You didn't explain shit, you just restated your previous comment.

FajarKalawa2026-01-28 09:28

[removed]

XRotNRollX2026-01-28 09:30

Shimmering-Sky2026-01-28 13:56

Sorry, your comment has been removed.

- Please maintain a certain level of civility when interacting with the community.

---

^(Questions? Reply to this message, )[**^(send a modmail)**](http://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=%2Fr%2Fanime)^(, or leave a comment in the )[**^(meta thread)**](https://reddit.com/r/anime/search?q=subreddit%3Aanime+author%3AAnimeMod+title%3A%22Meta+Thread%22&restrict_sr=on&sort=new&t=year)^(. Don't know the rules? Read them )[**^(here)**](/r/anime/wiki/rules)^.

comelickmyarmpits2026-01-28 09:24

Tourists don't like controversial elements found in Japanese animations.

XRotNRollX2026-01-28 09:28

I hate the whole thing calling people "tourists," as though those elements are an essential part of anime or are universally uncontroversial in Japan, for both the public at large and otaku in particular.

rosemarymemory2026-01-28 09:25

Are you the wizard of vagueposting?

Even as someone who read the manga I don't understand just how it can get controversial.

FajarKalawa2026-01-28 09:30

I recently replied in other comment, so I'll just turn off the original comment notifications.

GuideBusy31022026-01-28 09:29

Who is this young Kyouka uzen?

ozy312026-01-28 09:38

Does she have a very particular set of skills?

emergentphenom2026-01-28 14:07

"What if Goku got reincarnated in a sickly child actress' body".

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 15:26

Unarmed martial arts most of the time, with chi based body reinforcement.

DelusionalForMyAngel2026-01-28 09:39

seems interesting. loli = I’m in

ss1d_2026-01-28 09:42

Thanks, I really needed to know that 🫃

DelusionalForMyAngel2026-01-28 09:48

No problem, always happy to help

Lodju2026-01-28 11:30

[deleted]

ss1d_2026-01-28 12:07

I don’t even understand the downvotes, I’m not even complaining about lolis

Leon80802026-01-28 11:09

Love the anime in your pfp(lily). Just completed it yesterday

66Kix_fix2026-01-28 09:52

Cute and funny two reasons to watch

Whendfield1232026-01-28 09:54

So she is a killer loli? Anyway, reincarnated as a loli = watch

NationalStrategy2026-01-28 09:56

Ah man, this girl spilled pasta sauce all over the white floor, how merciless

Bubbly_Funny90262026-01-28 09:58

That's a strong period

Hex_a_decimal_1770132026-01-28 10:11

Bro 💀

Emi_Ibarazakiii2026-01-28 10:00

I know a best girl when I see one

[](#awe)

Reincarnation stories rarely do it for me, but this might be the one!

alotmorealots2026-01-28 10:00

What a striking visual! Simple in concept, but perfectly executed in composition, color splashes and attention to detail. Especially the use of the folds in the sheets to draw the eye in, and the way the bloody eruption has come from offstage-left implying the unseen violence.

Definitely quite curious about the series as a result!

jpage772026-01-28 10:07

This is great

Laevatienn2026-01-28 10:12

Hmm, I've read up to LN2 on this one. It's...fine? It's slow and the title didn't really match the contents so I dropped it. Before you get too excited, a lot of the story is more about slice of life type stuff vs actual beatdowns.

The MC basically goes for a idol/celebrity role instead of full on "merciless god-killer" role suggested by the title. There is still some action and the end of LN1 was satisfying in a sense... I just wish there was more of what the title suggested.

It was still decently written and there are points that people will like. Given normal anime adaptations, I assume LN2-3 will be the stopping point. It might get more interesting in the later half if LN3 was a bit faster paced/had more action than LN1-2. Maybe the medium would be better suited to anime as as well. We will see I guess.

Sloner422026-01-28 11:32

I have read up to 8th volume, and it dosen't get faster... I like the story, but it is a bit too slow paced.

RainMaker3232026-01-28 18:00

> Before you get too excited, a lot of the story is more about slice of life type stuff vs actual beatdowns.

That's actually way more exciting then the other way round for me.

westerschelle2026-01-28 19:42

I hate it when LN or anime do this. "Here is the apparent premise that might be really really cool. You started reading? HA! Got you again! Enjoy this uninspired crap instead."

Sometimes they wait a season / a few chapters before doing the full rug pull.

_Naiwa_2026-01-28 10:19

You guy are not ready for isekai Oshi no Ko

Shadowmist9092026-01-28 10:24

Heck yeah am I glad this is getting an anime. More of those "May I Ask for One Final Thing?" vibes.

dienomighte2026-01-28 10:51

Ooh, I remember this being a fun manga when I was reading it, though I never got far at the time before catching up and haven't read it since

DiamondRankGOONER2026-01-28 10:51

[removed]

WarBeast-GT-2026-01-28 12:05

Why don‘t you go and fuck off then?

SweetMonia2026-01-28 10:54

She looks like a white-haired version of a certain guild receptionist.

I am looking forward to watching this.

Webknight312026-01-28 11:20

We're so back.

Live_Bother_75172026-01-28 11:24

Merciless maiden ? She looks good child.

BioWeirdo2026-01-28 11:27

Read as Liam Neeson.

derekschroer2026-01-28 14:06

Same lol

Lodju2026-01-28 11:32

A cute looking white haired anime girl is all that is needed to get me check this out atleast.

I clearly have a weak spot for anime girls with white hair.

Also the fact that going by the name, they will be kicking some ass.

Aureus232026-01-28 11:36

Hell yeah!! Novels are goated!!!

Axros2026-01-28 11:37

I'm a big fan of the LN. It's quite different from what the synopsis may lead you to believe, as there's a lot of focus on her starring on magic television. But personally I don't tend to like idol-esque stuff, but Nia Liston has so far been a very enjoyable read that hasn't hit any of my idol pain points.

Funnily enough, I think the series might go more towards the direction of the synopsis starting with volume 9, but the English translation is still on volume 8, so I really don't know. The volume 8 afterword makes it clear that the LNs took a massive detour from the web novel anyway, though not like the anime will get there.

One of my favourite things about the MC is that she really is just a battle junkie, despite her outward appearance and role in magic television. Whenever a fight does occur she just gets really fixated on wanting to see blood, it's great.

Annual_Big_91272026-01-28 14:24

Agreed. The earlier volumes can be a filter since they lack action, but the 'magic TV' stuff is actually fun if you give it a chance. That said, the fights at the end of the volumes are always worth the wait.

And THE TOURNAMENT ARC! Seeing the perspectives and goals of all the contestants made it one of my favorites ever.

Nia actually reminds me a lot of Cid Kagenou. I love how she doesn't just insta-kill weaker opponents but toys with them to analyze their combat styles. She’s a true battle junkie

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 15:28

The plot itself is like oshi no ko including the reincarnation. But instead of looking for spoiler, Nia joins the entertainment industry to look for strong fighters.

Annual_Big_91272026-01-28 15:45

Yes and no. I agree on the entertainment industry part, but she doesnt really look for strong fighter by being a star. In fact becoming a tv star hinder her and that what make it interesting.

If i remember, the entertainment aspect doesnt really mingle with the fighting aspect until the tournament.

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 15:49

I never said becoming a star, tho?

Annual_Big_91272026-01-28 15:54

Sorry i misread. I maybe thinking of a different word. She did became the star of her own show and she became one of leading role in the development of the industry

RokkakuPolice2026-01-28 11:40

Holy shit yes, the manga is pretty far ahead but not so much, things are getting really good

LusterBlaze2026-01-28 11:43

rhymes with liam neesom

amc99882026-01-28 12:29

Oh nice, I love this one, time for the strongest over work child labor to take the stage

IntelligentBudget1422026-01-28 12:40

so apparently it's konami's first full-season animation adaptation, congrats to them

SquirrelFickle71632026-01-28 13:31

I don’t even know the plot but just by the poster I’m watching it

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 14:35

It is a fun coincidence that oshi no ko is airing, because plot wise, this one is very close to that.

Just think of aqua and ruby rolled into the same character, but aqua was a martial artist. In this one Nia "produces" other people as well as herself to become famous for her "nefarious" ends. Its a fun ride and a breath of fresh air in the tenseI genre.

abandoned_idol2026-01-28 16:26

Does it involve a baby raging on Twitter in the first episode?

That pulled me right out. I watched Oshi no Ko despite the Twitter baby, not thanks to it. (Fun music)

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 16:34

She starts with the age that is shown in the visual, it's not reincarnation as a baby,but the type where the child dies/gets very sick and either that triggers the memories of the previous life or is when the new soul slips ( the latest depends on interpretation when the author is not explicit).

abandoned_idol2026-01-28 16:37

Reminds me of the plot of that ONE very well written isekai anime.

Careful_Ad_90772026-01-28 16:49

Yep, I know which one.

That one is obsessed with books, this one is obsessed with combat. They are actually a nice parallel.

abandoned_idol2026-01-29 02:06

Roger Smith: "H-how can you hear what I'm ^(thinking?!)"

Shizzi2026-01-28 14:52

Oh wow started reading this not to long i think it was early last year i hope they tune down her commentary on how strong she is this was the first work where i had problems the MC being too strong like i dont need to hear her thoughts on how she can defeat these guys while doing Yoga and with just one finger so often atleast in the latest Vol it was maybe one time.

Repulsive_Past_5482026-01-28 15:36

I'm invested

Routine_Hat_4832026-01-28 15:47

Awesome!

We need more female main characters in general.

Queue_Jumping_Quack2026-01-28 15:57

The setup reminds me of an edgier version of the 2023 Winter anime "Reborn to Master the Blade: From Hero-King to Extraordinary Squire "... The reborn king in that just wanted to be a fighter instead of leading from the back, while the reborn hero here seems to want to go out in a blaze of glory.

Eh... not adding to my PTW quite yet based on that. Will have to check the PV later if it looks well animated.

LianaIkana2026-01-28 18:07

I remember seeing this one a while ago but never got to reading it, also people thought it was genderbender for some reason (Guess we've been conditioned to muscleheaded battle crazed protagonist = male) even though the author never refers to it as such.

Pixelchu252026-01-28 18:55

She looks like the mini version of the MC of Playing Death Games to Put Food on the Table

Solar_Slushie2026-01-28 22:18

Alternate Title: "When the Nuclear Bomb gets reincarnated as the Coughing Baby: I'll become a ~~TV~~ Magivision Idol to repay my new family!"

ritoshishino2026-01-29 03:00

this visual is making it looks like this is a murder mystery kind of story where as it's just a power fantasy lol

goddessofthewinds2026-01-29 08:54

Okay, I have been reading the manga since I saw this post and it's gold. If they do a decent job on the source material and animation, it will be so good!