Kei Kusunoki’s long-running manga series, The Legend of Onikirimaru, is set to conclude with its 23rd volume, scheduled for release on June 24, 2025. This marks the end of a significant chapter in the world of supernatural action and historical fantasy manga.
A Journey Through Japanese History and Demonology
The Legend of Onikirimaru (Onikirimaru-den) launched in 2013, is a spin-off of Kusunoki’s earlier work, Ogre Slayer (Onikirimaru). While Ogre Slayer, which ran from 1992 to 2001, focused on a nameless, ageless demon hunter, The Legend of Onikirimaru shifts the setting to Japan’s Sengoku era (15th-17th centuries) and introduces a new protagonist.
The manga weaves together historical events and figures with supernatural elements, creating a unique and engaging narrative. As Crunchyroll described, the story delves into the secrets and demons lurking behind the lives of famous generals such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hidetsugu and Ishida Mitsunari. It explores the origins of Onikirimaru, the demon-slaying sword, and the hidden truths of its past.
Publication History
The Legend of Onikirimaru has seen several changes in publication venues:
- 2013: Launched in LEED Publishing’s Sengoku Bushou Retsuden magazine.
- 2016: Moved to LEED Publishing’s Comic Ran Twins magazine after Sengoku Bushou Retsuden ceased publication.
- 2018: Transferred to Pixiv Comic, where it has been serialized until its conclusion.
The 15th volume, released in April 2022, had already hinted at the nearing end of the series. As of April 22, 2025, 22 volumes have been released.
Where to Read
Crunchyroll Manga had previously offered a digital English release of The Legend of Onikirimaru, but the service ended in December 2023. Readers may need to seek alternative platforms or purchase the physical volumes to experience the complete story in English.
Ogre Slayer: The Predecessor
Before The Legend of Onikirimaru, Kei Kusunoki created Ogre Slayer, a manga series that introduced the world to the demon-hunting protagonist and his namesake sword. Published from 1992 to 2001 in Shogakukan’s Shōnen Sunday Zōkan (later Shōnen Sunday Super), the series spanned 20 volumes.
Synopsis
Ogre Slayer follows a nameless young man who appears human but is, in fact, a pure-blooded demon. Born with the sword Onikirimaru instead of the horns typical of his kind, he embarks on a quest to eliminate all demons, believing that doing so will allow him to become human.
Anime Adaptation
Ogre Slayer was adapted into a four-episode OVA (Original Video Animation) series released from 1994 to 1995. Viz Media distributed both the manga and anime in North America, though only the first two volumes of the manga were released.
Reception
While Ogre Slayer has garnered a dedicated fanbase, critical reception has been mixed. Jeremy A. Beard of THEM Anime Reviews criticized the OVA adaptation for its lack of character development and thematic depth, while praising its visuals and character design.
Kei Kusunoki: The Author
Kei Kusunoki is a Japanese manga artist known for her unique blend of historical and supernatural themes. While she has created other works, the Onikirimaru series remains her most recognized and enduring creation.
A Legacy of Demon Slaying
As The Legend of Onikirimaru concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of thrilling action, historical intrigue, and supernatural horror. Fans of the series can look forward to the release of the final volume and reflect on the epic journey of Onikirimaru and his battle against the darkness of the Sengoku era.
