The Elusive Samurai (Japanese: Nigejōzu no Wakagimi) is a pretty fun watch if you're into historical settings with a comedic twist. It follows a young samurai who’s got some serious skill when it comes to dodging trouble—literally. The show mixes action with humor and has a unique take on the samurai genre. The animation is solid, the design is impressive and the characters are lively and engaging. If you enjoy a good blend of historical drama and comedy, this one's worth checking out.
So, the story kicks off during Japan’s Kamakura period, and our main guy is Hojo Tokiyuki, a young prince who’s pretty much thrown into the deep end after being raised poorly - on purpose. After his clan falls from power, Tokiyuki is left on the run. But here’s the twist: he’s not your typical samurai hero. Instead of being a fierce warrior, he’s runner. That's it, having skirted all lessons in life, he's only good at running.
Along his journey for revenge, he bumps into historical figures and gets caught up in historical events, which adds a cool layer of authenticity to the show.
On the visual front, The Elusive Samurai looks great. The art style blends traditional samurai aesthetics with a modern vibe, giving it a fresh look. The character designs are detailed and period-appropriate, surprising for the difficulty in animation but it helps immerse you in the historical setting.
Action scenes are a highlight too. The choreography is smooth and dynamic, making the battles and chase sequences exciting to watch. Plus, the way the anime handles humor alongside serious moments gives it a bit of a dragon ball feel. For a show billed as a comedy it was a bit of a surprise though not an unwelcome one.
Overall, The Elusive Samurai is a fun and engaging watch. It’s got a unique take on the samurai genre, with a main character who’s more of a strategic thinker than a traditional warrior. The blend of historical context, character development, and stylish animation makes it a standout series. If you’re into historical dramas with a bit of humor and a lot of heart, this anime is definitely worth checking out.
