Ninja Scroll: The Series English Sub & Dub

About Ninja Scroll: The Series

Here is what Ninja Scroll: The Series (獣兵衛忍風帖「龍宝玉篇」) is about, retold in plain terms: an adventure, horror and supernatural anime by MADHOUSE and Studio Take Off (2003). At its core: 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.

Further in, 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, aims the Dragon Stone and the treasure it hides.

With adventure at the core, exploration, new locations and a steady sense of momentum drive the story. Voice work is led by Rikiya Koyama as Jubei Kibagami and Houko Kuwashima as Shigure. Think of it as a pick for 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. Because it leans on adventure, 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. Released in 2003, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.