Ubisoft is set to enrich the universe of its forthcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, by launching a prequel manga titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Iga no Monogatari. This new addition, which will debut in Japan on March 20 coinciding with the global game release, was announced through the official @assassinscreed on X. The manga will delve into the backstory of characters Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a revered African samurai, shedding light on pivotal events preceding the game’s plot.
Art for the manga will be handled by reguje, recognized for contributions to titles such as UEN and Change the World. While specific story elements are yet to be disclosed, fans can anticipate a narrative rich in the historical and political upheavals characteristic of Japan’s late Sengoku period. This prequel is designed to enhance the understanding of the upcoming game’s storyline and deeper lore. Ubisoft has indicated that an international release for the manga will follow, though a specific timeline is yet to be announced.
A Manga Expansion to Assassin’s Creed Lore
From Game to Manga: Expanding the Shadows Universe
#AssassinsCreedShadows will get its own manga! Discover the official prequel of the game. Follow the story of a young Assassin apprentice as she fights against the growing presence of the Templar order in Japan. Available in Japan at the launch of the game and later elsewhere.pic.twitter.com/TLn6DyOVB7 — Assassin’s Creed (@assassinscreed) February 6, 2025
The Assassin’s Creed series is renowned for its engaging portrayal of historical periods through diverse mediums. The upcoming manga, Iga no Monogatari, aims to reveal the early experiences of Naoe as a shinobi in Japan’s Iga Province, exploring the motivating factors that eventually lead her to embrace the assassin lifestyle. Given the franchise’s hallmark of intertwining real historical events with its fictional narratives, readers can expect a compelling storyline that highlights the enduring struggle between Assassins and Templars.
This initiative is not an isolated instance for Assassin’s Creed; the franchise has previously dipped into manga with works like Assassin’s Creed: China (Blade of Shao Jun), which aired from 2019 to 2021 and enriched Shao Jun’s narrative from Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China. The success of this earlier manga provides a precedent that suggests Iga no Monogatari could similarly offer invaluable backstory to the characters and settings within Assassin’s Creed Shadows, appealing to the franchise’s dedicated fanbase.
Could This Manga Pave the Way for an Assassin’s Creed Anime?
Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the Perfect Game for an Anime Adaptation
As anime adaptations of video games continue to gain momentum, the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Iga no Monogatari may illuminate potential pathways for a comprehensive anime series based on the franchise. Ubisoft has previously explored the animation sphere with projects like Assassin’s Creed: Embers, but a dedicated anime might reach a broader audience. Should the manga captivate Japanese and international readers alike, it could spark interest for an extended animated adaptation.
An anime rendition of Assassin’s Creed could traverse numerous historical contexts, akin to the video games, presenting new tales enriched with thrilling action sequences. The franchise’s extensive lore, captivating character arcs, and stealth-centric narratives make it an appealing candidate for anime adaptation. If Iga no Monogatari resonates with the audience, it could pave the way for Ubisoft to seriously consider an anime project, further inviting fans to dive deep into the immersive world of Assassin’s Creed.
Leave a Reply ▼