Ninja Slayer
| Company type | Franchise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | September 2012 |
| Founder | Bradley Bond, Philip "Ninj@" Morzez |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Novels, manga, anime |
| Parent | Enterbrain |
is a unique series developed by American writers Bradley Bond and Philip "Ninj@" Morzez. After allowing Japanese translations to circulate on Twitter, the publisher Enterbrain released the first Japanese-translated novel in September 2012, featuring illustrations by Warainaku. By June 2016, a total of sixteen novels had been published. The franchise also encompasses three separate manga adaptations and an Original Net Animation (ONA) created by Studio Trigger under the direction of Akira Amemiya, which was broadcast from April through October 2015.
Plot
The narrative takes place in Neo-Saitama, a city characterized by its cyberpunk atmosphere. It centers on Kenji Fujikido, a salaryman who, after the loss of his wife and child during a ninja gang conflict, becomes possessed by the enigmatic Naraku Ninja spirit. Together, they form Ninja Slayer, a lethal entity committed to eradicating malevolent ninjas. As their psychological and physical connection deepens, Ninja Slayer’s abilities intensify—should Fujikido completely yield to Naraku, he attains immense power but risks unleashing Naraku’s uncontrollable rampage.
Characters
- Ninja Slayer / Fujikido Kenji
- A man fueled by vengeance against the Soukai Syndicate for the murder of his family. Infused with the Naraku Ninja spirit, he transforms into a ninja whose mission is to destroy other ninjas.
- Darkninja / Fujio Katakura
- A senior ninja aligned with Khan and the Soukai Syndicate, responsible for the deaths of Kenji’s wife and child.
- Nancy Lee
- A journalist skilled in hacking who seeks to expose Ninja Slayer’s truth, possessing the ability to directly interface with cyberspace.
- Yamoto Koki
- A teenage ninja who allies with Ninja Slayer; her ninja spirit is known as Shi Ninja.
- Dragon Yukano / Amnesia
- An adept kunoichi and granddaughter of Gendoso who occasionally aids Ninja Slayer. Unlike many others, she is an authentic ninja.
- Dragon Gendoso
- Leader of Dragon Dojo and regarded as Japan’s last true ninja; acts as Ninja Slayer’s mentor.
- Laomoto Khan
- The head of the Soukai Syndicate controlling seven Ninja Spirits called Demolition Ninja.
- Clone Yakuza
- A significant character within the storyline.
- Silver Karasu / Kagi Tanaka
- A terminally ill ninja employed to test weapons by eliminating criminals and rival ninjas. He serves as Yamoto’s teacher and is a master of iaido.
Novels
Ninja Slayer began as a serialized narrative on Twitter, presented by Japanese "translators" Honda Yu and Sugi Leika, who claim it adapts works by American authors "Bradley Bond and Philip 'Ninj@' Morzez". Due to its rising popularity, Enterbrain published the first Japanese-translated volume titled Ninja Slayer: Neo-Saitama in Flames in September 2012. There is no original version of Ninja Slayer, and the purported creators appear to be fictional constructs designed to support an elaborate origin story.
Manga
One manga version illustrated by Yūki Yogo with scripts by Yoshiaki Tabata has been serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's Comp Ace magazine since June 27, 2013, compiled into five tankōbon volumes. Another adaptation titled , drawn by Ageha Saotome, started serialization on July 1, 2013, within Enterbrain's shōjo manga publication B's-Log Comic, collected in three volumes. A third adaptation called is serialized in Kodansha's Suiyoubi no Sirius.
Volume list
- Ninja Slayer
Anime
In April 2014, Enterbrain revealed plans for an anime adaptation of the novel, with production handled by Trigger. Further information was disclosed during Anime Expo 2014. The anime, named Ninja Slayer From Animation, was directed by Akira Amamiya and features the main theme "Back In Black" performed by the electronic group Boom Boom Satellites. It debuted on Niconico on April 16, 2015, followed by a television broadcast beginning in April 2016. The series is licensed for North America by Funimation, which simulcasted the subtitled episodes and started streaming an English dub from May 21, 2015. Although Anime Limited secured rights for the UK and Ireland, they eventually cancelled the release.
Episode list
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|---|---|---|---|
| EpisodeNumber = 5 | Title = Rage Against Tofu | RAltTitle = (Template:Nihongo2) | OriginalAirDate = May 14, 2015 |
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