Ninja Kamui Episodes 1-2 Review

Join Swimpedia as we review screeners of the first two episodes of Ninja Kamui with minimal spoilers, and learn if the latest Toonami original has what it takes to prove its worth and stand out from the crowd.

[MINOR SPOILERS AHEAD]

Despite previous attempts at creating a library of extensive originals, Toonami has struggled to maintain a hold on its past work. Largely due to write-offs, the only Toonami originals that are currently available to stream on Max in both English and Japanese are FLCL Grunge, FLCL Shoegaze, and Housing Complex C. Even though all of these projects have their own merits and creativity, they are not only on the shorter end, but also have no future at this time. Jason DeMarco has stated that they do not plan to pursue any further FLCL originals, while Housing Complex C had a clear ending. Beyond that, other previous programs are scattered across different platforms, or aren’t even available for viewing in English. This then leaves the upcoming premiere of Ninja Kamui as an opportunity to start fresh with longer form storytelling and a look ahead to the new future of Toonami originals. Especially with Jujutsu Kaisen Season 1 director Sunghoo Park leading the way, Ninja Kamui has some of the greatest potential to date to take Toonami originals to the next level. If you’re interested in learning more about Ninja Kamui, please continue reading and check out the dubbed premiere tonight at midnight, subbed premiere tonight at 3:00 AM, and streaming next day on Max.

Overall, after viewing the first two episodes of Ninja Kamui, the word above that can truly describe the show so far genuinely is “potential.” Structurally, the first episode spends its run time establishing the premise of the series and the motivations of the lead character, Joe Logan. The viewer is presented with a standard seeming revenge plot, which Toonami has previously showcased in anime like Blade Runner: Black Lotus and Shenmue the Animation. However, by the end of the episode, it’s very clear that there’s much more going on under the surface with many questions left unanswered. To say that the show is just about revenge would diminish the vast criminal underworld, advanced technology, complex relationships, and innovative fighting techniques that are just waiting to be fully revealed. During the second episode, where the series really gets going, we’re given much more answers as the actual scope of the show begins to come into view. If the first episode is the catalyst for the anime, the second episode is the start of the journey that much more accurately demonstrates what Ninja Kamui has to offer.

That being said, across both episodes, the real stars of the series thus far are the fast-paced, entertaining action segments featured throughout. Everything from the animation to the choreography is on point, making it completely justifiable that someone would watch this series just for the fighting alone. Especially in the first episode, some of the largest chunks of the run time consist of these often incredibly violent scenes, all creatively designed to feel quite different. This is particularly evident in the animators’ ability to use new spaces to their advantage through cinematography and movement. Never do the characters just fight in a clear open space like might be commonly expected in shonen anime, instead the environment shapes not only how characters interact but where the point of view transitions blow-by-blow. Ultimately, if anything, the series has already proven to be a visually impactful anime when it comes to the bloody action featured across both episodes, which even got better over time.

Similarly, although the show is set in modern times with these vibrant, unique, and colorful city backgrounds, there’s much more to the fighting than just what you might see in something like John Wick. Holding true to the use of “ninja” in the program’s title, some of the most exciting moments in the series are when the action is elevated by the use of special techniques and weapons. In some cases these are ancient ninja techniques that are almost akin to magic used by characters in shonen anime. In other instances, it’s actually the use of advanced weaponry that imitates such power–all allowing for these diverse characters. However, the show, at least early on, isn’t being fully transparent with these, allowing the fun action segments to speak for themselves as we learn more about this world’s fighting system. Nevertheless, while all of the fights thus far have been entertaining, the moments that have made use of ninja-based techniques or weaponry have been amongst the most interesting and innovative to witness.

Additionally, another unique aspect to this show, which is sadly not present in too many other action based anime, was the inclusion of happy family segments. Particularly in the first episode, we’re treated to a fair amount of scenes and montages where Joe gets to spend time with his wife and son just living life. Especially with all the violence that’s ahead of us, it’s great to see Joe’s humanity, the depth of his character, and the love he’s capable of providing. No matter where this journey ends up taking Joe, it’s important to see and remember these touching moments as the story progresses. Yet, when considering this transition from the well-done familial sequences to the high-octane action segments, there are some aspects that disrupt the flow of the anime. First, the music used throughout when scenes enter the fights doesn’t really match the action, often featuring English lyrics that feel out of place if not edgy. Second, despite a tragedy happening just in the first episode, by the end of the second episode we’ve already experienced at least three flashbacks to that exact moment. While neither of these are glaring issues that hurt the anime, they certainly stand in stark contrast to what is otherwise a well executed program with a lot of potential to develop into something great.

All in all, despite its more simple seeming revenge plot, Ninja Kamui has a lot to offer when it comes to its action sequences, creative use of ninja techniques and weaponry, and the family story at the heart of the series. With the first episode mostly serving to set up the basic premise of the series, viewers should continue to watch until the second episode, where the series truly begins to unfold. Overall, it may be too soon to call this anime great, but there’s certainly a lot of potential as even just the action alone continues to improve from the first to the second episode. There’s also much more going on than your standard revenge premise, but the series isn’t revealing the full scope of its story to the audience yet. Additionally, our review could not speak to the nature of the English dub, as we were sent the series subbed, so viewers will just have to tune in to see how that sounds. Nevertheless, it will be quite interesting to see where the story heads next, how the action will continue to develop, and whether or not Ninja Kamui is the start of a bright new future for Toonami originals.

The first episode of Ninja Kamui premieres tonight at midnight on Toonami in English, tonight at 3:00 AM on Toonami in Japanese, and next day on Max!