Writer Shinya Murata, best known for the intense action of Killing Bites, has returned with a new project titled Shinoblade SHINOBI BLADE. The series launched on Friday in the digital magazine Manga BAR, a collaboration between Kadokawa and Kakao Piccoma. Murata is handling the story and storyboards, while the visual work is provided by artist Daichi Matsuse.
The narrative centers on a formidable female ninja who operated in the shadows of the historical figure Hattori Hanzō. In a genre-shifting twist, the protagonist finds herself transported to a fantasy world at the moment of her death, setting the stage for a new adventure. This marks another addition to Murata's busy portfolio, which recently included the launch of the Akujo Ranking manga earlier this year.
Daichi Matsuse brings a significant track record to the collaboration, having previously worked on high-profile adaptations such as Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- and the Goblin Slayer: A Day in the Life spin-off. Given the creative team's history with both gritty action and established fantasy properties, it remains to be seen how they will balance the historical ninja aesthetic with the mechanics of their new isekai setting.
