Kengan Ashura: A Surprisingly Successful Netflix Anime
Despite not achieving the same mainstream recognition as titles like *Seven Deadly Sins*, *Kengan Ashura* has quietly cultivated a dedicated fanbase on Netflix. The anime’s appeal lies in its over-the-top martial arts battles, a spectacle prioritized above intricate plot development. While the narrative may veer into the absurd, the intense fight sequences consistently deliver. Even lesser-ranked fighters within the Kengan tournament possess considerable skill, adding depth to the competitive arena.
The creator, Yabako Sandrovich, recently hinted at a new manga series during a comic award ceremony. A video from the event shows Sandrovich confirming his involvement in an upcoming project, though details remain scarce. This announcement is exciting news for fans eager to see what the mind behind *Kengan Ashura* and its sequel, *Kengan Omega*, will create next.
*Kengan Ashura*, originally serialized from 2012 to 2018 in *Ura Sunday* magazine and on the *Manga ONE* platform, spans 27 volumes. Its sequel, *Kengan Omega*, currently boasts 22 volumes and continues the story. Both manga share the same writer (Sandrovich) and illustrator (Daromeon). The original *Kengan Ashura* has also been adapted into a 52-episode anime series.
The anime’s storyline unfolds in modern-day Japan, where powerful businessmen settle disputes through clandestine gladiatorial combats known as Kengan matches. These centuries-old battles feature high stakes, with hired fighters representing their corporate sponsors. The narrative follows Kazuo Yamashita, a salaryman unexpectedly tasked with managing Tokita Ohma, a formidable new fighter for the Nogi Group.
*Kengan Omega*, set two years after *Kengan Ashura*, introduces Narushima Kouga, a new character seeking to enter the Kengan matches and, significantly, searching for Ohma. The thematic similarities between the two series have led to a significant overlap in their fanbase, many of whom are also fans of the *Baki* series. This shared audience resulted in an unexpected crossover movie, *Baki Hanma VS Kengan Ashura*, released in 2024. While featuring battles between characters from both universes, the film’s reception has been mixed.
*Kengan Ashura* is available in English through Comikey, while the anime and crossover movie can be found on Netflix. The series, despite its occasionally nonsensical plot, provides a compelling blend of high-octane action and charismatic characters, explaining its enduring popularity.