•  E&H Productions, Sola Digital Arts, Sunghoo Park, and Takashi Okazaki work on Ninja Kamui, delivering intense, fast-paced fight scenes praised by viewers.
•  Ninja Kamui's story may be lacking depth, but only because its emphasis is on action.
•  The decision to watch Ninja Kamui subbed or dubbed depends on personal preference, with both versions offering different strengths in performances.

Toonami's latest offering, "Ninja Kamui," has sparked excitement and conversation within the American anime community. This Adult Swim original series follows the journey of a rogue ninja seeking vengeance against his family's former clan. What sets "Ninja Kamui" apart is not only its intriguing premise but also the team behind its creation. 

Fans have been quick to praise the series for its intense and fast-paced action sequences, which have become a highlight for many viewers. Reviews on platforms like YouTube have been buzzing with excitement, with many discussing the exhilarating fight scenes that keep them on the edge of their seats. 

With "Ninja Kamui" still ongoing, now is the perfect time to dive into the series and join the discussion while it's fresh and captivating audiences. Whether you're drawn to its blend of Western and Eastern animation influences or simply seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure, "Ninja Kamui" promises to deliver a thrilling experience that anime fans won't want to miss.

Who's Working On Ninja Kamui?

Former MAPPA Animator Sungoo Park's Company E&H Productions

 

"Ninja Kamui" is in capable hands with E&H Productions leading the animation and direction under the guidance of founder Sunghoo Park. Despite being a new studio established in March 2021, Park's impressive background as a former MAPPA animator on projects like "Garo: Vanishing Line," "The God of High School," and "Jujutsu Kaisen" instills confidence in their ability to deliver quality work. Park's directorial role adds further credibility to the project.

E&H Productions recently gained recognition for their adaptation of Eiichiro Oda's one-shot, "Monsters: 103 Mercies Dragon Damnation," showcasing their commitment to innovative animation techniques. Additionally, they aspire to expand their influence into the realm of video games. Collaborating with Sola Digital Arts Inc. for "Ninja Kamui's" production brings even more expertise to the table, given their track record with series like "Shenmue: The Animation" and "Blade Runner: Black Lotus," as well as projects such as "Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045" and the "Tekken 7" opening cinematic.

Takashi Okazaki, renowned for his work on the "Afro Samurai" manga series and character designs for titles like "Batman: Ninja" and "Summer Wars," further elevates the project with his exceptional talents. His involvement ensures captivating character designs that complement the series' captivating narrative.

As the executive producer, Williams Street's involvement brings a wealth of experience in developing both Western and anime content, with notable titles like "Immortal Grand Prix," the "FLCL" sequel seasons, "Fena: Pirate Princess," and "Housing Complex C" in their portfolio. With the highly anticipated "Uzumaki" anime series also in development, Williams Street's commitment to "Ninja Kamui" signals the potential for its success and the possibility of future seasons if it resonates with audiences.

How Good Is Ninja Kamui's Action?

Combat is Fast-Paced and Fluid With Complicated Moves

 

"Ninja Kamui" captivates audiences with its exhilarating action sequences, praised for their fluidity and clarity despite the complexity of the moves. Sunghoo Park's expertise shines through in portraying close-range combat, whether with or without weapons, reminiscent of the dynamic combat scenes seen in "Jujutsu Kaisen."

The series doesn't shy away from depicting intense violence, earning its place on Adult Swim's late-night Toonami block. The first episode sets the tone with a relentless onslaught of brutal combat, featuring stabbings, decapitations, amputations, and impalements. This raw and unfiltered violence may serve as a draw for viewers seeking an adrenaline-fueled experience.

However, "Ninja Kamui" offers more than just graphic violence. It introduces a diverse range of power systems and techniques, adding depth and complexity to the ninja battles. High-level ninjas possess signature ninjutsu techniques unique to them, creating strategic layers and raising the stakes for the main character's journey.

What sets "Ninja Kamui" apart is its fusion of traditional ninja elements with a sci-fi backdrop. The incorporation of high-tech weapons, missiles, and power suits adds a futuristic twist to the traditional ninja arsenal, offering creative and visually stunning ways to engage in combat. This blend of tradition and innovation enhances the series' appeal and sets it apart from other action anime.

How Good Is Ninja Kamui's Story?

Higan's Tale of Revenge Has Complex Layers

 

While "Ninja Kamui" boasts intense action and stunning animation, its storyline may fall short for some viewers. Following protagonist Joe Higan's quest for revenge after the loss of his family, the plot adheres to a familiar revenge tale archetype. Higan's exceptional ninja skills make him nearly unstoppable, turning the series into a power fantasy where tension is diminished by his apparent invincibility.

However, what sets "Ninja Kamui" apart is its incorporation of sci-fi elements. Amidst Higan's vengeance, a corporate empire named AUZA emerges, wielding advanced technology and enlisting Higan's former clan to dominate the world. This introduces a compelling twist to the narrative, adding layers of complexity beyond the standard revenge plot.

As the series progresses, the transition from 2D to CG animation may disappoint some viewers, although it remains serviceable. Despite its generic storyline, "Ninja Kamui" serves as a showcase for E&H Productions' animation prowess, setting expectations for future projects.

With a runtime likely limited to 12 episodes, "Ninja Kamui" prioritizes spectacle over intricate storytelling. While its narrative may leave something to be desired, it delivers on its promise of action-packed entertainment, offering viewers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a thrilling world of ninja warfare and futuristic intrigue.

Should Ninja Kamui Be Watched Subbed or Dubbed?

Toonami Releases The Dubbed Version First Followed by The Subbed Version

 

Determining whether to watch "Ninja Kamui" dubbed or with subtitles depends on personal preferences and viewing priorities. With the unique release schedule of the series, where English dubbed episodes premiere before Japanese subbed ones on Toonami, viewers have options to consider.

For those prioritizing watching episodes as soon as possible, the dubbed version may be preferable. Additionally, given the Western setting of the series and the authenticity it brings, the dub may provide a more immersive experience for some viewers.

However, if performances are a key consideration, it becomes a closer decision. While the dub captures the Western setting effectively, the Japanese voice actors deliver powerful performances, particularly in certain scenes. Furthermore, the Japanese cast includes more prolific veterans, offering familiarity to some viewers.

Ultimately, the dialogue in both versions remains largely consistent, so viewers who don't understand Japanese nuances may find little difference between the two. For those seeking a comprehensive experience, watching both versions could provide insight into the nuances of the series as intended by the Toonami lineup.

Source 

Marc York

Anime Features Writer