The isekai genre has cemented its place among anime's most popular genres. The shows within the genre are often characterized by lengthy titles and mind-boggling plots, intriguing viewers and readers. However, in recent times, the genre has been filled with anime that lacks originality due to its oversaturation, resulting from repeated tropes and monotonous plots. Fortunately, this is not the case with The Eminence In Shadow, an isekai with a different take on plot and storytelling.
The Eminence In Shadow has many standout qualities, but none are quite like the show's strong characters. And most of these formidable characters belong to the Shadow Garden, a secret organization that seeks to control the world with power from the shadows.
6 Epsilon
On the small side of things, Epsilon is Shadow Garden’s fifth member. As a result of being born into a noble household, Epsilon grew up to be a self-confident young woman. However, she lost all sense of pride after being exiled and now only wishes to exact revenge on the ones she used to trust. Nevertheless, this all changed when she met Cid Kagenou, who gave her a new sense of direction in life. Unfortunately, although she is very competent and strong in her own right, she is the weakest of the original Seven Shades.
As alluded to earlier, the show depicts Epsilon with a small and slender build, which is a significant insecurity for her. However, she possesses an incredible amount of magic control to the extent that she can use her slime-body suit to make herself taller and bustier, leading her to be called “The Precision.” Epsilon is also adept at using her bodysuit to enhance her defensive and physical capabilities.
5 Eta
The last to join the Seven Shades, Eta Lloyd Wright is a lethargic purple-haired female elf and the head of Shadow Garden’s research faction tasked with researching the slime bodysuits. As the total embodiment of the phrase “Knowledge is power,” she boasts extreme levels of intelligence and wit.
Eta is an exceptionally intelligent member of the Shadow Garden, which says a lot about her abilities. Her ability to decode the Shadow's "cryptic" Japanese message, which no other member could do, faster than even he had imagined, shows her as a skilled translator. The series sometimes depicts Eta as a mad scientist. For instance, Alpha was once concerned about what she would do to an Earthling they had just captured if Eta got her hands on her.
4 Beta
Beta is the Shadow Garden’s second member and typically serves as the organization’s lead analyst, consistently using information she gains during missions and battles to the Shadow Garden’s advantage. When dealing with others, Beta does so in a calm and collected manner with great sophistication.
As a result of her ability to effectively do almost anything, she is the Seven Shadows’ “jack of all trades.” For instance, while she possesses all the positive traits of her fellow Shades, she isn't better than any of them. For example, she has proven to be a capable leader, but not as good as Alpha, and a powerful fighter, but not as formidable as Delta. Eta is also knowledgeable, but not to the level of Gamma and Eta.
3 Delta
Delta, being a Beastkin, is the Shadow Garden’s musclehead. She is the organization’s fourth and most loyal member. Somewhat of a loose cannon, she is easily excitable, leading her to make rash and unreasonable decisions. Her penchant for violence does not help this terrible decision-making, constantly jumping headfirst into battle.
Delta also has a streak of immaturity while possessing overwhelming strength as a Beastkin. For instance, in the Shadow Garden’s raid of the Dark Knight’s headquarters in the anime, Delta is seen laying waste to many knights and even splitting a building in half with her sword. Easily defeating Tyrant, a monarch of Outlaw City is another example of her immense power. The fact that only Shadow beats her concerning destructive capabilities further cements her position as an important member of the Seven Shades. She has also amplified her innate strength through rigorous training since she was a child.
2 Alpha
Alpha is the Shadow Garden’s second-in-command as Shadow’s first recruit following his reincarnation. She dedicated her life to Shadow after he saved her from Demon Possession. Steered by hatred and revenge, her main goal is to bring an end to the Order of Diablos. However, Alpha is careful not to let her search for revenge completely control her. She remains compassionate and consistently looks out for her comrades, ensuring they always return safely from missions.
Alpha is a formidable swordsman, as demonstrated when she easily subdued Iris Midgar and defeated a monster Iris had trouble slaying. She is also the only known individual to defeat Delta, whose destructive power is second only to the Shadow's. Her strength and ability improved so much it left Shadow amazed by her growth. In addition to her great combat skills, Alpha excels at infiltration, making her an important asset to have when carrying out stealth missions.
1 Shadow
Formerly referring to himself as Stylish Ruffian Slayer, Shadow is Shadow Garden’s leader and founder. He is also the main character of The Eminence in Shadow. Shadow was reincarnated into this new fantasy world he currently inhabits as Cid Kageno, the son of a noble. In his previous life, due to the influence of TV programs and video games, Shadow dreamed of being able to manipulate the world from the shadows, hence the name.
Due to years of martial arts training and his mastery of magic, Shadow is a very skilled warrior. Because he understands how his body functions, he can avoid attacks with hardly any movement and deflect physical blows like stabbings away from essential organs. He also possesses speed and reflexes beyond that of the average person, as was depicted when he pickpocketed a thief who had just pickpocketed him. Furthermore, as a proficient magic user, Shadow has defeated many incredible opponents like Griffey, who he vaporized using his signature move, “I Am Atomic.” Shadow’s outstanding physical traits and magical abilities make him a formidable opponent.