Key Takeaways
- Anime lacks diversity in ninja-themed series beyond Naruto, leaving many underrated gems unexplored.
- Shinobi Life blends action, romance, and comedy in a unique storyline perfect for casual reading.
- Laughing Under the Clouds offers exceptional art and a historical fantasy plot with unexpected shoujo manga action.
As a longtime fan of manga, I can confidently say that both “Flame of Recca” and “Basilisk” are masterpieces in their own right, each offering unique perspectives on the age-old ninja genre.
Although the idea of ninjas is widely recognized and cherished, it’s interesting to note that there isn’t much variety in the anime and manga realm when it comes to this theme. Of course, we have Naruto, the quintessential ninja series which not only popularized the genre but also earned a significant cultural impact. However, compared to Naruto, other ninja-themed series haven’t received as much recognition or attention.
It’s truly unfortunate that despite the abundance of excellent ninja series out there, many remain underappreciated. Given the richness, creativity, and sheer quality of manga, it’s no wonder we have such a diverse range of ninja manga, each one bringing something fresh and distinctive to the table. From romantic tales about ninjas to accurate portrayals of the shinobi lifestyle, there’s still so much to discover in this fascinating world of ninjas.
7 Shinobi Life
Action, Romance, Cuteness, And Everything In Between
Author(s) | Konami Shouko |
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Release | 2005 |
Other Genre(s) | Romance, Comedy |
As a gamer diving into the vast world of manga, I never thought I’d find a blend as unexpected and delightful as ‘Shinobi Life’. This 2006 romance manga, known for its sleek character art reminiscent of classic shoujo manga, manages to seamlessly interweave themes like Isekai, ninjas, and romance. What’s more, it handles each theme with a finesse that’s nothing short of impressive.
The comic storyline revolves around Beni, a high school student tired of her father’s oppressive rule, who may have played a part in her mother’s demise. Her father’s powerful status makes Beni a frequent mark for assassination attempts due to rival factions. This is where she meets Kagetora, a ninja from the past who accidentally traveled through time while seeking his princess. Mistaking Beni for the princess, he becomes an integral part of her life in this new era.
6 Nabari No Ou
Reluctant Hero Trope In A Ninja-Themed Series
Author(s) | Kamatani Yuuki |
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Release | 2004 |
Other Genre(s) | Fantasy, Drama |
As a dedicated manga enthusiast who has spent countless hours immersed in various genres, I have to say that the trope of “reluctant heroes” is something I find particularly compelling. Having grown up reading both manhwa and manhua, I’ve noticed that this sub-genre seems to be more prevalent in those mediums compared to manga. However, when it comes to ninja-themed manga, there is a certain authenticity and depth that this trope brings to the story.
The anime “Nabari No Ou” is set in a world dominated by a secret ninja society engaged in a fierce power struggle. Various factions are battling each other ruthlessly, primarily due to their quest to determine the next ruler of this covert ninja empire hidden from the world’s view. Miharu Rokujou, an ordinary high school student, unintentionally gets drawn into this conflict and discovers extraordinary abilities that make him a potential target for all these terrifying ninja groups. Reluctantly assuming this immense responsibility, he must quickly learn to master his newfound skills in order to survive in a world where many are eager to end his life.
5 Laughing Under The Clouds
An Action Shoujo Series With Exceptional Art And Storyline
Author(s) | Karakara Kemuri |
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Release | 2010 |
Other Genre(s) | Action, Supernatural |
Generally speaking, Shounen manga are known for their intense action and adventure sequences, often chronicling a protagonist’s transformation from a weak person to a powerful one. But here’s an interesting twist: Shoujo manga, despite being traditionally associated with romance and everyday life stories, can also be fierce competitors in the action genre. For instance, the 2010 shoujo manga “Laughing Under the Clouds” is a testament to this unconventional side of Shoujo manga.
“Beneath the Veil of Mist” is a historical fantasy manga set during Japan’s Meiji Era, but with a unique twist – it weaves Japanese mythology into its narrative. While ninjas aren’t the main characters, they play a significant role in the storyline. The story revolves around the Kumou Brothers, infamous ferrymen who shuttle criminals to a remote prison on an island. However, their jobs as ferrymen conceal a much larger purpose – they are members of an ancient clan tasked with preventing the resurrection of Orochi, a colossal serpent that can bring about widespread devastation.
4 Shinobi No Kuni
Real Historical Events Surrounding Real Ninjas, Blended In With Fiction
Author(s) | Banno Mutsumi (Art), Wada Ryou (Story) |
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Release | 2009 |
Other Genre(s) | Action |
Just like “Laughing Under the Clouds,” the manga “Shinobi no Kuni” seamlessly combines factual historical events with imaginative concepts and mythology, creating a captivating narrative. Originally adapted from Wada Ryou’s novel of the same title, it is set predominantly during Japan’s Sengoku Period and centers around the unification efforts of warlord Nobunaga Oda.
As a gamer immersed in this epic tale, I find myself captivated by the unexpected turn of events within the storyline. It seems our supposed Demon King of the Sixth Heaven, Oda, faces an unusual predicament – his inability to consolidate the nation stems from his apprehension towards the notorious Iga province. This region, renowned for cultivating the deadliest ninjas, has one standout figure who outshines them all: Mumon, a merciless assassin known for his unparalleled skills but also his sluggish nature, driven primarily by his deep affection for his wife. In typical Mumon fashion, he blunders and unwittingly ignites a war that leaves no one untouched.
3 Azumi
A Manga That Explores The Psychological Repercussions Of Being An Assassin
Author(s) | Koyama Yuu |
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Release | 1994 |
Other Genre(s) | Drama, Psychological |
Mainstream representations of shinobis and ninjas often deviate significantly from their true historical counterparts. Instead of being portrayed as supernatural figures with powers beyond human understanding, they were actually ordinary individuals who relied on stealth, strategy, and weaponry to carry out their missions. One manga that comes close to depicting ninjas realistically, albeit not entirely historically accurate, is the 1994 classic, “Azumi”.
The story, titled “Azumi,” focuses on the life of a female assassin who finds herself as the sole woman among a band of trainee killers. This manga explores profound ethical and psychological aspects related to the act of taking a life. As an assassin, Azumi learns to eliminate targets without emotional attachment or regret towards her victims, leading her to make some morally ambiguous choices in her line of work.
2 Flame Of Recca
The OG Ninja Manga Before Naruto
Author(s) | Anzai Nobuyuki |
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Release | 1995 |
Other Genre(s) | Adventure, Comedy, Romance |
Before “Naruto” gained widespread popularity, another ninja manga created quite a stir: “Flame of Recca”, which debuted in 1995. This action series, characterized by its distinctive ’90s art style and narrative, has also left an indelible impact on the genre and is among the best-selling manga ever published.
In a world where ninjas and their skills are hidden from the public eye, a high school student named Recca asserts his claim to be an exceptional ninja. He maintains the traditional ninja values by vowing lifelong loyalty to Yanagi, a girl with enigmatic healing powers whom he regards as worthy of being his master. Throughout their journey of growth and power enhancement, they find themselves engaged in more than just friendly competition, as they soon discover that there are malevolent forces lurking behind the scenes, seeking to manipulate their destiny.
1 Basilisk
A Historical Fantasy with a Bold Premise and Top-Tier Action
Author(s) | Yamada Fuutarou (Story), Segawa Masaki (Art) |
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Release | 2003 |
Other Genre(s) | Action, Drama, Romance |
If Azumi delves into the moral and ethical complexities of being a ninja, Basilisk presents a somewhat historical perspective on the same topic. It’s a manga from 2003, influenced by Futaro Yamada’s 1958 novel, The Kouga Ninja Scrolls, and is set during Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period in the 16th century. The narrative revolves around fierce clan disputes as they compete to install their chosen candidate as Japan’s new Shogun.
For many centuries, Kouga Manjidani and Iga Tsubagakure, two long-feuding ninja clans, have been locked in a violent conflict that not only claimed countless lives but also destabilized the entire nation. The Shogun of the era compelled them to forge a peace treaty and maintain a forced truce to curb the devastation caused by their endless war. However, when it came time to select a new Shogun, these clans, along with eight other rival factions, abandoned the treaty and reignited their bloody conflicts, each vying to sway the decision of the incoming ruler.
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2024-08-24 06:34