Shonen Jump has added an exciting new title to its roster with the release of Shinobi Undercover, a manga series that blends ninja action with high school comedy. Created by the talented duo of Ippon Takegushi and Santa Mitarashi, this series promises to deliver a unique twist on the ninja genre.
The Premise
Shinobi Undercover follows the adventures of Yodaka the Nightjar, a young ninja tasked with an unusual and challenging mission: to protect high school student Aoi Mukai. However, there’s a catch – Yodaka is an extremely introverted and socially awkward ninja, making his undercover assignment in a high school environment particularly daunting.
Key Characters
- Yodaka the Nightjar: The protagonist, a skilled but socially inept ninja.
- Aoi Mukai: The high school student Yodaka is assigned to protect.
- Hibari the Skylark and Umineko the Gull: Other undercover ninjas Yodaka encounters.
Unique Selling Points
What sets Shinobi Undercover apart is its blend of traditional ninja elements with modern high school comedy. The series explores how a socially awkward ninja navigates the complexities of high school life while trying to fulfill his mission. This combination of action, comedy, and fish-out-of-water scenarios promises to offer readers a fresh and entertaining experience.
Availability and Release Schedule
The first chapter of Shinobi Undercover was released on September 15, 2024, and is available worldwide through various platforms:
- MangaPlus
- Viz Media’s Shonen Jump
- Official Shonen Jump app
New chapters are expected to be released weekly, with the second chapter scheduled for September 22, 2024.
Creator Background
Ippon Takegushi and Santa Mitarashi are no strangers to collaboration. They previously worked together on the series Candy Flurry in 2021, which was also released by Viz Media outside of Japan. This experience likely contributes to the polished feel of their new series.
Reception and Expectations
While it’s still early days for Shinobi Undercover, the manga has generated buzz among Shonen Jump readers. The unique premise and the creators’ track record have set high expectations for this new series. As more chapters are released, it will be interesting to see how the story develops and whether it can carve out a niche in the competitive world of shonen manga. Shinobi Undercover joins the ranks of other popular ninja-themed manga in Shonen Jump, such as Naruto and Boruto. However, its focus on the challenges of an introverted ninja in a modern high school setting offers a fresh take on the genre, potentially appealing to both long-time ninja manga fans and newcomers alike.
