Adult Swim’s Ninja Kamui is one of the new, popular anime series released in the first half of 2024. The year began with several new and returning anime series for its ever-growing genre fans. Premiering in early 2024, Ninja Kamui ushered anime fans into what is expected to be one of the best years for the genre.
Part of Ninja Kamui’s success has been its ability to pay homage to classical anime with a modern touch. Although there is no official confirmation about season 2’s production and release schedule, its 13 episodes do justice to the series’ plot. If you’re still in doubt, here are 6 reasons to watch the Ninja Kamui anime series.
1. A New Anime Series & A Great Way To Get Started With Anime
Anime has grown in popularity in the last few years compared to decades before. With an immeasurable number of anime series to choose from and several subjective “best anime series to watch,” it can be overwhelming for new audiences to the genre. Ninja Kamui is a good way for new users to get started with anime, especially if they appreciate the Shonen subgenre.
Also, as a new series, viewers need not play catch up with its storyline. The 13-episode Ninja Kamui was released on February 11, 2024, and is still available on Adult Swim. With its finale aired on May 5, 2024, all episodes are readily available for binge-ing.
2. A Generic Story, But With A Modern Take
There’s no denying the revenge plot is one of the most overexploited storylines in movies and television. However, Ninja Kamui takes on it in a unique spin, especially for an anime series. Ninja Kamui centers around Joe Logan, a former ninja who escapes his clan to start life afresh in the peace and quiet of a rural American town. The series’ plot gets into motion after assassins from his former clan locate and ambush him and his family in their home.
Seeking retribution for his betrayal, Joe Logan (known as Higan to his clan) and his family are killed. However, by providence, Higan survives. Now, seeking revenge, he seeks to destroy everything and everyone associated with his former clan. Despite two FBI agents, Mike Moriss and Emma Samanda, on his trail investigating the murders, Higan will stop at nothing but avenge his family. However, Ninja Kamui isn’t just a Ninja seeking revenge on his old clan; the plot reveals several connections to powers in Eastern and Western governments. Also, it delivers plot twists at every turn, guaranteed to leave audiences in shock and awe.
3. Ninja Kamui Is Directed By Jujutsu Kaisen Director
Unless Ninja Kamui is your introduction to the anime world, Jujutsu Kaisen is one of the last decade’s most popular, successful anime series. Sunghoo Park, who directs Ninja Kamui, was the director of Jujutsu Kaisen season 1. Park also directed the South Korean manhwa webtoon, The God of High School. Also, unsurprisingly, when Jujutsu Kaisen was made into a 105-minute animated movie, Jujutsu Kaisen 0, as a prequel to the manga series, Sunghoo Park was hired as director. If anything, having Park as Ninja Kamui’s director is enough reason for anyone to watch the series, especially anyone who appreciates his works.
4. A Blend of Eastern & Western Themes
As a ninja storyline, audiences can rest assured it savors the beauty of Eastern cultures and skilled fights. Although Ninja Kamui isn’t the first anime series set in the West, it embarrasses and explores the culture away from known stereotypes. Set in America, it showcases, in detail, what a Western society should look like. Although it centers around ninjas, Ninja Kamui incorporates modern technologies. Think of Ninja Kamui as a perfect blend of Macha and Shonen anime.
Also, there’s no getting past the soundtrack. Recognizing its Western backdrop, Ninja Kamui includes several Western soundtracks. While its opening theme song, “Vengeance,” is performed by Japanese rock band Coldrain, Jessica Gelinas performs the show’s ending theme song, “Eye Openers.” Several Western insert songs are used throughout the anime series.
5. Diversified & Non-Stereotypical Characters
For decades, Anime series have exploited its known stereotypes of women and black characters. Interestingly, Ninja Kamui makes a conscious effort to subvert such stereotypes. Two of Ninja Kamui’s main characters are a woman and an African-American. FBI agents Emma Samanda and Mike Moriss play a crucial role in the series’ plot. Emma’s struggle with her looks defeats anime stereotypes of making female leads attractive and the love interest of the primary male character.
Also, using facial gadgets to conceal their looks, Joe Logan and his family look more Western than Eastern at the start of Ninja Kamui. In addition to Mike Moriss, there’s also Big D and Dilly. Although they are supporting characters, they play more defined roles than the caricature roles black characters often give in anime series.
6. Ninja Kamui Is An Original Story
Over the years, several anime production companies and directors have come under criticism over the poor adaptation of popular, successful manga series. While it’s good to have these manga series adapted to screen, they’re often subject to criticism. Ninja Kamui was written by Shigeru Murakoshi as an original series and had no pre-existing manga. This gives audiences zero expectations and a fresh take on its unfolding story.
Also, an additional point to note is that Ninja Kamui’s story and plot do not drag on endlessly. The assassination of Higan’s family takes place early in the series, in episode 1. By episode 2, Higan is already on his way to seek revenge. Viewers also feel the raw emotions of sadness, grief, and vengeance through Higan’s eyes. If you’ll be watching Ninja Kamui, also check out these highly anticipated anime sequels and new releases for summer 2024.
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