Available for purchase on Amazon
Before Naruto (both the manga and anime), there was Sasuke. This story about a young wandering ninja who lives by his own code, drifting from village to village to do heroics, shows that he has nothing to lose and everything to gain. He’s a hero to many, and this work marks a shift from youth-focused tales to more mature graphic novellas.
This hero’s epic journey was created by Sanpei Shirato, best known for his Legend of Kamui series. It was originally published as a manga before becoming an animated series. For those who haven’t read one but want to see the other, you’re not missing much; by episode seven, all the essential introductions are covered and newcomers understand what drives this boy. After his home is destroyed, a monk takes him in and teaches him the way of the ninja, and the lad soon discovers the rivalries and hypocrisies around him.
The series can be enjoyed in its native language (this release features an updated translation) or in English. The latter’s original availability was limited, and this new remaster sounds reasonably strong through a surround-sound system. However, I recommend the original track, since it carries more emotional weight in its scenes.
Although there are reported differences between the manga and anime—like a more thoughtful and uplifting climax—I wouldn’t say the changes detract from the experience. As someone who hasn’t read the original print edition, I wouldn’t have noticed. Compressing the manga into a digestible 29-episode series naturally means some arcs are cut or combined. The manga spans 55 chapters, and without an official English translation, it’s tough to compare point by point.
According to online sources, one notable alteration involves Sasuke’s Encounters with Rival Ninja & Clan Agents (Chapters 16–22). The anime merges several rival-ninja stories into recurring antagonists, and not all of them are “fated” to return. Another example covers Chapters 23–30, where the adaptation simplifies the narrative rather than reproducing every detail.
Overall, while this package doesn’t include many extras, watching the series in full is rewarding enough. This protagonist still inspires discussion on forums, and diving in really benefits from knowing either the manga or the anime in depth. Whether you’re new to the franchise, want to revisit the series, or plan to gift it to someone who loves martial arts and rich historical drama, this collection makes a fitting addition under the Christmas tree.
Sasuke Anime Opening Song
[サスケ OP]
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