If you need something to fill the void left by Jujutsu Kaisen, look no further than Ninja Kamui, a new anime series directed by Sunghoo Park that’s already leaving an impression.
The anime follows a retired ninja, Joe, who managed to escape the violence of his clan and set up a farm in rural America. When assassins target and kill his family, though, Joe is forced to resurrect a part of himself long dormant and enact a bloody reckoning.
You might have guessed this makes for ample blood and guts, and you’d be right. Dark and thrilling, Ninja Kamui doesn’t shy away from an opportunity to impale someone. Fans of Jujutsu Kaisen should be especially keen, since Park also directed the first season of that hit show.
Ninja Kamui is already a hit with anime fans
Though we’re only an episode in, it’s clear Ninja Kamui has convinced plenty to come along for the ride. Viewers are dubbing it a “crazy ass start”, and comparing the show to John Wick and Marvel’s The Punisher.
“This show did not waste any time at all, holy shit. Sick stuff already and can’t wait to see where it goes,” one commenter on Reddit states. This was the overriding sentiment, as many applaud Park’s propensity for slick action sequences and a heart-wrenching setup.
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“Sunghoo Park as always pulling out an absolute full course meal in the action animation department,” another user states. Several commenters consider this one of the best opening episodes they’ve seen recently, and I’d have to agree.
There’s so much style in Ninja Kamui, and the swordplay and choreography has such great flow to it. The John Wick and Punisher comparisons are apt, but the outline is a sturdy one: vengeance for a murdered family, by all means necessary.
The show has snuck up on us like the protagonist due to being original – there’s no source manga. That means we’re all waiting tosee what’s next. Knowing Park, it’s going to be pretty brutal.
Ninja Kamui episode 2 airs on Toonami in the US on February 18, 2024, and Channel 4 in the UK.
