The Elusive Samurai Boasts the Best Anime Premiere of the Summer So Far

The Summer 2024 anime schedule is in full swing, and one series making a significant impression is The Elusive Samurai. Amid the wave of new anime and returning blockbuster franchises, this series has emerged unexpectedly as a standout. Interestingly, the show’s premise centers on a young hero skilled in evasion and hiding rather than direct combat, fittingly reflecting its initial low-key arrival.

Although The Elusive Samurai comes from Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine and was created by Yusei Matsui, the mind behind Assassination Classroom, it wasn’t a major blip on anyone’s radar initially. That changed dramatically with the premiere episode, which showcased far more intense and brutal scenes than its seemingly light-hearted aesthetic suggested. By the time the second episode aired, it became apparent that the series was delivering high-caliber action, capturing viewers’ attention.

Created by Yusei Matsui for Weekly Shonen Jump in 2021, The Elusive Samurai has steadily grown its fanbase over its 160+ chapters. While it enjoyed a decent following, it never quite drew the same excitement or demand for an anime adaptation as other hits from the same generation, such as Sakamoto Days, Undead Unluck, and Jujutsu Kaisen. Yet, this is set to change with its anime debut this Summer, likely pushing it into the spotlight.

The anime introduces viewers to Tokiyuki Hojo, an heir to the Hojo clan destined to rule a town in feudal Japan. Tokiyuki is different from the typical martial hero. His father is a puppet to the clan’s advisors, and Tokiyuki himself isn’t interested in learning the ways of the sword. Instead, he excels in playing tag and hide and seek. However, his life takes a dark turn when the Hojo clan is betrayed by Ashikaga Takauji, one of their most trusted warriors.

After his family is ruthlessly slaughtered, Tokiyuki encounters a mysterious shaman named Yorishige Suwa. Suwa foretells that Tokiyuki will become the most notable warrior in the future. The young heir must now navigate his path to vengeance and reclaim his throne in his own unique way. The story’s unexpected twists and gripping narrative have been further elevated by its anime adaptation.

With director Yuta Yamazaki and the team at CloverWorks (known for works like My Dress-Up Darling, Spy x Family, and Bocchi the Rock), The Elusive Samurai has transformed into an impressive blend of storytelling and action. The animation studio has done an outstanding job of bringing Matsui’s vividly devious characters and intricate plot to life, making each episode compelling.

This seamless blend of story and action has distinguished The Elusive Samurai as a leading contender for the standout release of the Summer 2024 anime season. For those interested in discovering what the buzz is about, the series is currently available for streaming on Crunchyroll.