Ninja Scroll: The Series

About Ninja Scroll: The Series

Ninja Scroll: The Series (獣兵衛忍風帖「龍宝玉篇」) arrives as an adventure anime by MADHOUSE and Studio Take Off (2003), and the premise is easy to summarize. The premise: In feudal Japan, the Edo period brought a time of delicate peace bought with blood. This is a chronicle of the life of Jubei Kibagami as he wanders the countryside as a ninja for hire.

Along the way, at this time, ninja clans are everywhere. 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, however, bent on reviving the ability of the Toyotomi, wants the Dragon Stone and the treasure it hides.

As an adventure title, exploration, new locations and a steady sense of momentum drive the story. Jubei Kibagami (Rikiya Koyama) and Shigure (Houko Kuwashima) are two of the characters you will meet early. It will appeal most to anyone who enjoys travel-the-world storytelling. At 13 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by MADHOUSE and Studio Take Off, so the studio's house style defines how Ninja Scroll: The Series looks and moves on screen. Within the adventure category, exploration, new locations and a steady sense of momentum drive the story. With a 6.2/10 score, it is more of a niche pick than a universal crowd-pleaser. Voice casting, including Rikiya Koyama as Jubei Kibagami, adds to the appeal for fans who follow seiyuu. It aired in 2003, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.