NINJA SCROLL the series – volume 1: Dragon Stone

Before I decided to get the series, I had to make sure that Kawajiri-san had himself involved in production of this spin-off. Just buying the disc because of the name it carries had burnt my vallet a couple of times. Although not written or directed by the master himself, it had his supervision and influence. At least it said so in credits… do understand my skepticism: all of a sudden, there’s ‘Ten Year Anniversary edition’ of the original film, it’s sequel is being prepared, as well as live action version (budget $60.0M!). Smells like corporate spirit… MADHOUSE defied it for a long time, I was about to see that the trend has continued.

Tatsuo Sato took the director’s seat and, due to script’s complexity, had had a mega-task ahead of him: not only to maintain fluidity of movement and action inherited from the film, but to juggle simultaneous battle scenes as well. Hats down, he did it well. Also, distinctive accented shading and colour contrast that worked so well is still present. Everything is the same but the story. More of that ahead.

Kitaro’s recognisable music is limited to opening and closing theme while Peter McEvilley took credits for the rest of the soundtrack. With blended and interchanging styles that range from rock to techno latter affected the series in negative way. While attempted to complement action or fable it brought only unnecessary distraction. Annoying, really. Anachronism simply didn’t work. Budist chanting would have been more appropriate even.

Name number four: Toshiki Inoue. Occupation: series writer. Task: futher developing the original story of mercenary ninja named Jubei Kibagami. Success rate: 50%. 

Guided by outlines from Yoshiaki Kawajiri that “Ninja Scroll is first and foremost ninja action show” he overdid it. I’m not complaining about quality or design of battles, but of quantity. Non-stop chase or fighting leaves not much space for story development. I mean, not that it’s much of an epic plot going on in the series, but stil, a breather here or there would be welcome. Monsters and demi-machines kill each other, slaughter villagers, and chase Jubei in search of a precious Dragon Stone. Four episodes, ninety minutes out of which good 90% is about adrenaline and blood.

As for characters (still) included we have familiar face of Dakuan back, as well as evil Kimon Clan. Tsubute, young boy/thief adds comic relief and Shigure, The Light Maiden is responsible for beauty. Immense charm indeed. All of talent of character designer Takahiro Yoshimatsu is well employed in creating one of the most beautiful women of all anime. Yes, there’s a sexual situation in episode four. No, no details.

Legendary popularity of the original, due to absolute quality, lifted the name of Yoshiaki Kawajiri and “Ninja Scroll” among the very best in anime galaxy. Any product that carries one of the names will be a hit for that very same reason. Anyone who even watched the film will buy this DVD expecting more of amazing action. Well, action is certainly there, as well as the atmosphere, superb animation and direction. Story is too hyped, but you expected that.
Still, by my opinion it overshades the other qualities. Thus, instead of clear NEAR DEATH SYNDROME for the original film, the series gets ADDICTION/HYSTERIA. That doesn’t mean I won’t buy the other two volumes, quite contrary.