Sword of the Stranger English Sub & Dub

About Sword of the Stranger

Looking for background on Sword of the Stranger (Stranger: Mukou Hadan)? This action, adventure and historical series by Bones (2007) starts out like this. The premise: In the Sengoku period of Japan, a young orphan named Kotarou and his dog Tobimaru steal from unsuspecting villagers in order to make ends meet. However, Kotarou is pushed to remain on the run when he comes across himself being hunted down by assassins sent by China's Ming Dynasty for unexplained reasons not involving his petty crimes.

Also worth knowing: Fortunately, the duo run into Nanashi, a ronin who has taken refuge in a small temple, when Kotarou is attacked and Tobimaru poisoned. Although the samurai saves the helpless pair from their pursuers, he feels that there is no need to help them further; but when offered a gem in exchange for his services as a bodyguard. As the three set out on a perilous adventure, it soon becomes evident that their path is riddled with danger, as the Ming Dynasty has now sent a terrifying swordsman after them to capture Kotarou and fulfill a certain prophecy.

In an action series like this, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights.

Production & Appeal

Animation is handled by Bones, so the studio's house style defines how Sword of the Stranger looks and moves on screen. Because it leans on action, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. A community score of 8.3/10 puts it among the better-received action titles. Released in 2007, it competed with that season's other new series for attention.