A long time ago, there was a classic movie known as Ninja Scroll, the movie’s plot was centered around a lone ninja for hire in feudal Japan, named Jubei Kibagami, who saves a deadly female ninja and together with a mysterious old man, battle the Eight Devils of Kimon. The action-packed storyline was a nigh invulnerable mix humor and intriguing characters helped Jubei and Ninja Scroll reached a cult status inevitably leading to a series of its own.
Fortunately, the profoundly selective Urban Vision has released Ninja Scroll: The Series to American audiences and from the looks of things, their latest entry has the potential to surpass the legend of the movie. This series is not a sequel, but actually a longer, more comprehensive retelling of the story. Set in feudal Japan, Ninja Scroll again chronicles the life of Jubei Kibagami, whose hands are filled with ninja clans at every turn. One clan, known as the Hiruko Clan, doomed to live and die in darkness, protects a sacred treasure called the Dragon Stone. The Kimon Clan are used again, this time bent on reviving the power of the Toyotomi, through the Dragon Stone and the treasure it hides. Jubei is the best man for the job of protecting both the Dragon Stone and the only one who could use it, The Light Maiden.
The first DVD contains four episodes of this delightful series and, quite simply put, it kicks ass! Our tale starts when one of the Hiruko ninjas has stolen the sacred Dragon Stone with the hopes of setting his clan free from a life of darkness. The Kimon Clan, however, has others plans. They destroy The Light Maiden Shigure’s village killing everyone within, but Jubei saves the day and the girl and must now work with a mysterious old man, Dakuan, and a smarmy wanderer named Tsubute, in order to protect the girl and the stone from either clan.
Flanked by your typical, ordinarily beautiful animation and an off the hook soundtrack composed by Kitaro and the techno/rock fusion of Peter McEvilley, it is the story, action and characters that put this series over the top. I loved the movie, but I am finding this series so much more entertaining. While Jubei’s witty humor is not as prevalent here, the story and action are even more so. The storyline is given more time to fully develop while a cast of characters is expanded, allowing for more villains and heroes to be featured as we basically expand upon what the movie was all about, giving the viewer a greater appreciation of what is going on.
Despite all the action, there is still enough time to give as much attention to the story so everyone is left satisfied. Plus, there are just so many memorable moments to keep with you after watching the first volume. How can you ignore the poignant moment when a member of the Hiruko Clan takes pleasure in seeing the sun for the first time before he dies? How about when we learn how fast and dangerous Jubei’s sword is? One creature, ready to fight says, “I’m waiting,” to which Jubei responds, “It’s too late,” as her body suddenly splits in half. There are a lot of scenes like this scattered throughout, which not only makes it good, but it also makes it badass cool.
But is any story without some cool antagonists that not only brighten the story but beat up our protagonists for a while? From a woman who shoots deadly leeches out of her body, another who uses her hair as a deadly weapon, a cat-like creature with cunning reflexes and a monster of a man who can transform into a juggernaut of destruction; just to name a few. So much attention was paid to character design and I thank them, because that is what helps provide the welcomed differences and excitement we are allowed to enjoy throughout the series.
Ninja Scroll: The Series is just an enjoyable anime, it has the potential to surpass the movie and become a classic in its own right.
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