Disclaimer: Spoilers ahead for Ninja Kamui, Episode 8, available on Max.
When Ninja Kamui first aired, no one could have predicted a storyline where an anime version of Amazon manipulates the government into surrendering its energy infrastructure using ninjas as leverage. Despite being marketed for its action scenes, the intricate scheme of the antagonist might be the most captivating aspect propelling the show towards its conclusion.
Last episode saw Higan embracing his Gusoku Gear to eliminate Lil, concluding the city-wide pursuit, while Emma revealed her past with Mari, her motivations, and her betrayal of the organization to aid Higan in dismantling it.
The Intriguing Scheme of Yamaji
The series' quirky charm lies in blending the dystopian concept of megacorporations exerting influence over the state with the addition of ninjas. The nonchalant acceptance of ninjas' existence by politicians adds a humorous touch, either implying a glossing over of their initial shock or their casual acceptance.
Auza is coercing key figures in the energy sector to allow the construction of factories nationwide. Emma reveals that this move aims to secure control within the US, while Yamaji plans a similar global expansion. The pursuit of world domination may seem cliché, but the intertwining motives of Yamaji and Joseph offer a compelling narrative.
Despite his stern demeanor, Yamaji's character is defined by a fear of the ninja organization's traditional constraints. He believes that their attachment to Japanese heritage means their legacy is tied to Japan's existence, leading to the eventual demise of the clan, its secretive arts, and way of life - a fate he refuses to accept.
The Fusion of Power and Profit
Enter Auza, a quintessential evil organization, interwoven with realistic societal influence, portraying a believable partnership with Yamaji's clan. Joseph's desire for global dominance aligns with Yamaji's ninja skills, compelling submission to their authority. This capitalist-totalitarian marriage harmoniously consolidates control avenues, with Auza's benign facade masking the darker implications of Yamaji's ninjas.
Evolution of Ninja Kamui
The series' initial light-hearted jab at this week's plot-heavy narrative underscores a significant transformation in Ninja Kamui. The shift extends not only to the storyline but also to the depiction of action sequences. Initially rooted in traditional hand-drawn martial arts, the series now pivots towards the Gusoku Gear, Tokusatsu-inspired power suits, deviating from its original essence. While thematically intriguing, this evolution hasn't been universally well-received.
Crafting a Riveting Finale
Critiquing the CGI quality, a recurring theme in past reviews, emphasizes the need for improvement before the series' conclusion. To address Yamaji's deviation from ninja values, the final clash must discard technological crutches, focusing on a raw confrontation between Higan and Yamaji, emphasizing traditional ninja skills. Alternatively, Yamaji's reliance on technology could be his downfall, contrasting with Higan's return to his secret art, resolving the central conflict while reinforcing core themes.
Learning from the Past
In 2018's Batman Ninja, a similar narrative unfolds, highlighting Batman's dependence on gadgets as a weakness. Stranded in feudal Japan, he overcomes technological inferiority with ninja assistance, showcasing the underplayed ninja facet of his character. Victory stems not from gadgets but from embracing his inherent ninja skills, a lesson often overlooked in modern Batman tales.
While Ninja Kamui may have its flaws, its creative concepts remain engaging and thought-provoking, maintaining viewer interest despite visual discrepancies. The series' ability to blend amusement and intrigue has been its stronghold, even amid concerns of a thematic departure.