Discover the Dark World of Assassins in Inio Asano’s Latest Manga!

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Summary

  • Set in a gritty near-future, MUJINA INTO THE DEEP follows individuals who lack human rights called “Mujina”, as they carry out deadly assassination missions for money.
  • Asano’s exceptional art enhances the series’ heavy themes, but its content may not suit all readers.
  • The manga explores deep themes like societal decay, liberation, and crumbling relationships through intense visuals and storytelling, but feels lacking in terms of depth.

Ino Asano is well-known in the realm of manga, and his works span a wide range. However, it’s his 2007 manga titled “Goodnight Punpun (Oyasumi Punpun)” that particularly resonates due to its exploration of complex themes like love, mortality, family dynamics, personal struggles, and social detachment. Fast-forward to 2025, Asano introduces a fresh action manga titled “MUJINA INTO THE DEEP“. This new piece is set in a rough, semi-futuristic environment where the underworld’s conflicts are resolved through the Mujina, young women who excel as ninja and accept assassination missions if the price is right.

In MUJINA, Asano’s artwork skillfully captivates readers and delights the senses with meticulously arranged panels. However, due to its raw and intense subject matter, it could potentially be challenging or uncomfortable for certain readers.

Plot and Background

Assassins and Thrilling Urban Combat

Mujina in the Abyss

Created by Inio Asano, renowned for works such as Solanin, Oyasumi Punpun, and Dead Dead Demons DeDeDeDe Destruction. The series has been serializing in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior magazine since March 2023, with the first volume published in September of that year. As of October 2024, three volumes have been released. VIZ Media acquired the rights to publish the manga in English in May 2024, and the first volume of the English translation, titled Mujina in the Abyss, was released on February 18, 2025.

In the not-so-distant future, MUJINA INTO THE DEEP unfolds in a society where individuals who lose their human rights are labeled as “Mujina”. These people are often mistreated and lack legal protection, much like how ordinary citizens might be treated compared to the privileged few. Yet, this lack of law protection also means that no laws apply to them either, opening up an opportunity for those with speed, strength, perception, and ambition to seize control. Some may even choose to become elite assassins. This novel presents compelling themes, with its central idea of Mujina, or individuals who have given up their human rights, serving as a thought-provoking exploration of a world that mirrors our current times but offers an alternate perspective.

People who relinquish their rights effectively withdraw from the community and lose many basic privileges. They’re similar to strays in that they’re often disregarded, but it’s not appropriate to feel sympathy for them. They can’t access public transportation or healthcare facilities, nor can they stand trial in a court of law. Regrettably, some exploit this situation and resort to criminal activities, including acting as hitmen. These individuals are detrimental to society and I have no desire to associate with them whatsoever.

– Terumi Morgan, MUJINA INTO THE DEEP Chapter 0.2

Absolutely Exceptional Art and Paneling

MUJINA INTO THE DEEP’s Visuals Make For Easily Understandable Action

Although art may not always make or break a manga, those who excel in visual aspects can often captivate readers more effectively compared to those with less polished artwork. The stunning visuals of the MUJINA INTO THE DEEP manga are simply breathtaking, boasting exquisite character designs and detailed backgrounds that elevate the impact of its intense action sequences. Asano’s skillful draftsmanship is truly a sight to behold in this manga, and the dynamic, high-resolution art brings an exceptional level of realism and grittiness to MUJINA INTO THE DEEP. Each panel has been carefully crafted, and the intricate details in the artwork style add a layer of authenticity to the series’ content, which frequently delves into the bleakness of human society as it unfolds in a dystopian future characterized by moral and societal decay. By being set in the near future, the story ventures into speculative fiction territory, asking thought-provoking questions like “what if human rights could be surrendered or revoked?

The series’ examination of a central theme, and its progression within the overall narrative, offers unique insights. A society that tolerates the complete revocation of human rights is one teetering on the brink of collapse; it appears to be in the late stages of eroding values that humanity cherished in the 20th century. The graphic depiction of societal decay in MUJINA INTO THE DEEP is quite raw, with sexual themes used as a symbol for shame or indulgence, particularly among those with questionable inclinations. The grim portrayal of society in the series is evident from the beginning of the manga and may significantly influence one’s decision to continue following it.

The Presentation of Deep Moral and Social Decay

Interesting Themes, Including Human Society, Liberation and Crumbling Relationships

For certain individuals, the story titled “MUJINA INTO THE DEEP” might appear to be somewhat rough around the edges and fail to fully explore some of its complex themes as promised by its initial premise. At times, it seems to rush through depicting the grim, unsavory aspects of society without a proper exploration, giving an impression that it’s trying to showcase the worst elements of this world in a hurry. In certain instances, it can come off as if it’s using bold, neon-lit signs saying “this character is a villain doing villainous things.

Perhaps the explicit portrayal of sexual content and rough dialogue in the series during its early days can be seen as a reflection of Terumi Morgan’s perspective. As a middle-aged game developer director going through a divorce and dealing with a strained relationship with his son, Terumi seems to embody an older man grappling with a rapidly evolving world. There’s a peculiar adolescent edge to him, despite his advanced age, suggesting a complex and relatable character for many viewers.

It could be his habit of lengthy soliloquies about his discontent with global affairs, his apparent lack of purpose in life, or perhaps his frequent glances at Namerikawa, his younger female colleague, that connects the main character in “MUJINA INTO THE DEEP” with its somewhat clumsy handling of certain themes.

Considering that MUJINA INTO THE DEEP takes an unusual approach by suggesting freedom from societal norms through abandoning the social contract, which results in characters traversing rooftops in a manner reminiscent of Air Gear, and involving intense sword fights, this bizarre twist piques interest enough to encourage continued reading. However, it’s worth noting that the initial writing in the series lacks depth, leaving readers with an empty feeling, desiring more substance to complement its stunning artwork.

MUJINA INTO THE DEEP is available on VIZ Media’s website.

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2025-03-29 17:38