Yasuke standing over Naoe from Assassin's Creed Shadows with stealth and samurai combat in the background.

Ubisoft’s upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, is expanding its world beyond the game itself with a newly announced prequel manga. As revealed by Ubisoft and @assassinscreed on X, Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Iga no Monogatari (Tale of Iga) will debut in Japan on March 20 on Kodansha’s YanMaga Web site, the same day the game launches globally. The manga is set to explore events leading up to the game, giving more background information on Naoe, the shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, the legendary African samurai.

The prequel manga is being drawn by reguje, known for their work on UEN and Change the World. While details remain scarce, the manga is expected to dive into the historical and political conflicts of the late Sengoku period, offering fans a better understanding of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ story and lore. Ubisoft has also confirmed that an international release will follow at a later date, though no timeline has been given yet.

A Manga Expansion to Assassin’s Creed Lore

From Game to Manga: Expanding the Shadows Universe

The Assassin’s Creed franchise is known for exploring different historical eras through various mediums, and this prequel manga continues that tradition. Assassin’s Creed: Iga no Monogatari will likely shed light on Naoe’s early life as a shinobi in Iga Province and the circumstances that drive her to become an assassin. Given the franchise’s signature mix of history and fiction, fans can expect an irresistible story blending real events with the covert battle between Assassins and Templars, which is the franchise’s pillar.

This is not the first time Assassin’s Creed has ventured into manga. Assassin’s Creed: China (Blade of Shao Jun), which ran from 2019 to 2021, expanded on the story of Shao Jun, the protagonist of Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: China. The success of that manga suggests Iga no Monogatari could also give a great backstory to the Shadows’ characters and setting, making it a must-read for dedicated fans.

Could This Manga Pave the Way for an Assassin’s Creed Anime?

Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the Perfect Game for an Anime Adaptation

Naoe from Assassins Creed Shadows head and shoulders portait Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe from Assassin's Creed Shadows posing with a sword in a defensive stance. Samurai protagonists Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe looking out over the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows Showdown with Yasuke standing across a courtyard from another character. Naoe from Assassins Creed Shadows head and shoulders portait Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe from Assassin's Creed Shadows posing with a sword in a defensive stance. Samurai protagonists Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows. Assassin's Creed Shadows Naoe looking out over the horizon. Assassin's Creed Shadows Showdown with Yasuke standing across a courtyard from another character.

With the increasing popularity of anime adaptations based on video games, the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Iga no Monogatari could set the stage for a full-fledged Assassin’s Creed anime in the future. Ubisoft has already explored animation with projects like Assassin’s Creed: Embers, but a full-length anime series could bring the franchise to an even wider audience. If the manga gains traction in Japan and internationally, it may demonstrate the demand for a more expansive animated adaptation.

An Assassin’s Creed anime could explore various historical settings, much like the games, with new stories and action-packed sequences. With its deep lore, intriguing characters, and stealth-driven storytelling, the franchise is well-suited for an anime format. If Iga no Monogatari proves successful, it might not only be the game’s backstory, but also open the door for Ubisoft to consider an anime adaptation, giving fans yet another way to immerse themselves in the world of Assassin’s Creed.