I am trying to write this as calmly as possible even though my feelings for Kagurabachi (2023) are… strong, to say the least. The best way to explain it is through a thought exercise. First, think of the coolest action manga you’ve read — may I suggest One-Punch Man (2012), with its unbelievable art and sense of motion so intense the panels feel like they’re vibrating off the page? (note that I said manga, not anime). Then bring in the best sword-driven, hype-heavy series you know — obviously Bleach (2004), with its iconic character design, fantastic fights, and “Bankai” moments that always hit just right. Add a cast full of charm with depth and development, a steady drip-feed of need-to-know information, easily digestible and also intriguing world building, and a plot that is simple yet layered. Top it off with cinematic flair and John Wick (2012) style, you might end up scratching the surface of Kagurabachi.
The story follows Chihiro, the son of a famous blacksmith who forged the legendary enchanted blades that ended the war and saved Japan. After the war, his father was murdered and the legendary blades were stolen by a shadowy organization with unclear motives. Now Chihiro is out to learn who killed his father, why they took the blades, and for vengeance — a simple premise that quickly unravels into juicy layers of factions, dramatic events, spectacular fights, and ever-rising stakes. The main character has a lot of depth that is steadily explored and explains who he is and why he is on this path for revenge, while still making the world feel like it is living and evolving.
The manga starts off with a particularly strong arc, where the events set in motion are both thrilling in the moment and gain more significance as the story progresses. Recently, Chapter 112 marked the end of Part One — an important milestone, since it closes out the first three major arcs and sets the stage for whatever Part Two will bring. There is much speculation already about where the story goes next.
The end of Part One was particularly unique for me since it hooked me quickly and grabbed my attention more than any manga has before. Within minutes of starting Chapter One, I was taking screenshots and sending them in the group chat, annoying everyone as I gushed about how awesome the art was, how cool the moments were, and how incredibly excited I was for the next page.
Despite page after page of fantastic moments, I think the coolest part of the first 112 chapters was the last moment before Part One ended. I won’t spoil anything, but after seeing these characters develop and cry and bleed and struggle and win and lose — after seeing the world evolve, the dynamics shift, and the stakes climb higher and higher — the part that hit hardest was a full circle moment I did not expect, and then a giant double-page spread of a title card: KAGURABACHI. PART ONE -END-. It felt like watching a super intense opening which seamlessly led into an incredible movie and you’re thinking “wow! this is a really good movie,” and then the title drops and you’re like “oh… we… just started…”
Obviously, for me, the manga is an 11/10, and all the rumours swirling about the anime adaptation are getting me to a steady simmer. Unfortunately, nothing has been officially announced yet, but the rumors sound promising. There is also plenty of speculation that studios have high hopes — and even higher expectations — for a Kagurabachi anime, especially as companies look for their next flagship franchise now that big titles, like My Hero Academia (2014), have come to an end.
Ultimately, out of the hundreds of anime and manga series I have gone through, Kagurabachi is one of the best. Part of the fun I had with it was adding the social element — talking to (annoying) friends and going online to see the memes and jokes about it (tenoi). Since Part One just ended, this is also a huge invitation for everyone to come and read it, and then take a breather to process. Alternatively, if you’re feeling brave, join me for weekly releases to stay up to date! Kagurabachi is officially released weekly by VIZ and the anime will hopefully release in late 2026 or early 2027. Let’s get fired up.
