Summary
Shonen Jump’s new underrated seriesThe Elusive Samuraiis quickly gaining popularity since the release of its stunning new anime adaptation, which is so good that even the manga has sold out. From the same author asAssassination Classroom,The Elusive Samuraimade its anime debut this Summer, and it seems like the series is quickly growing into a top-selling favorite.
According to a post on X byMangaMoguraRE, Shueisha has ordered anurgent reprint of all volumes ofThe Elusive Samurai, whose popularity and sales have skyrocketed since the anime was released. Even though the anime is less than three episodes in,The Elusive Samuraihas already climbed to the top spot on Shonen Jump Plus' chapter sales ranking, which is quite an impressive feat.
The Elusive Samuraicurrently has sixteen volumes in circulation, with the latest volume released at the start of July. Of these, fourteen volumes have been released in English, with the manga currently sitting at over 164 chapters.
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Based on the Manga by Yusei Matsui, Produced by CloverWorks
According to data published by Oricon posted on X byWSJ_manga,The Elusive Samuraihas already sold 11,398 copies in the first week of July since the anime was released. Even thoughThe Elusive Samurai’sanime debutwas squashed between many other exciting releases like season 2 ofTower of God,the anime still managed to catch the eye of fans with its beautiful visuals, stunning animation, and direction.
Another major reasonThe Elusive Samuraihas managed to become such an instant hit is itsjarring yet intriguing prologuewhich leaves viewers desperately wanting to know what happens to the young Tokiyuki after he loses everything. The story also features a unique lovable main cast of characters such as the protagonist and his vassals, and quirky characters like Yorishige Suwa that sharply contrast the series' otherwise darker story beats.
Given the story’s historical setting, it is easy to see why Japanese audiences in particular were immediately drawn to the series after being introduced to it by the anime.The Elusive Samurai’s setting and art style are also distinctly reminiscent of many beloved classics likeInuyashawhich might also explain why the series experienced a sudden boost in sales. All the same,The Elusive Samuraiis quickly proving itself to be the biggest underrated gem of the Summer 2024 season and as things stand, its manga may also enter the mainstream as a widely loved and followed series.
TheElusive Samuraiis available to watch from Crunchyroll and is available to read from Manga Plus and Viz Media.
