Under Ninja

Despite the difference in genres, they seem to target a mature audience who loves quirky surreal humor. Two overlooked gems from the 2023 fall season. 

More-than-what-it-seems MC. Mystery surrounding the violent acts of clashing bloody organizations. Unusual weirdo characters. Under Ninja lacks the mesmerizing magical world of Dorohedoro and gore is less emphasized.  

On a streaming service, I actually saw "Under Ninja" being recommended while watching "Wave, Listen to Me". Which was a coincidence, because the entire time watching the latter series, I was thinking how similar it is to the former. The premise of these shows couldn't be more different—one is action, one is slice-of-life—but they do have the "comedy" genre in common. And their comedic tone is one in the same. Lots of nonchalant mundane banter and moments with varying levels of surrealism and dry humor. The characters in both anime don't tend to act over-the-top or cartoony; rather, I love how the characters tend to have monotone, at-times cynical attitudes toward utterly absurd events. The way the MC of "Wave" abrasively charges into situations reminds me of how the ninjas in "Under Ninja" deal with things. The temperaments of the characters are the same, entailing similar tones and forms of humor. Also, you don't really know where either anime is going. "Under Ninja" doesn't quite present a clear end goal to the viewer—what are the ninjas even trying to achieve in their missions (as it intersects with their persona lives)? "Wave"'s MC doesn't have a concrete future with either company she's working for, therefore we just watch her stumbling around day-to-day. Despite how chill both anime can be, they do both have a plot progression, in which one episodes leads to the next, building off of the last one. Finally, both anime lack the sappy, gushy, cornball emotional moments. Even during stress-worthy and/or sentimental moments, characters tend to quickly revert to—or remain—their blunt/nonchalant or enigmatic selves. Sure, the characters are always indeed likable, but it never gets tropey. And as I type this, I'm realizing—perhaps, it's because these series are seinen rather than shounen! If someone watches one of these anime and is craving a similar vibe, I'd recommend the other with no hesitation. read more 

-Both features Ninjas in modern society living largely unnoticed by the majority of people despite being responsible for big world changing events. -Ninja organisations work in the shadows, also there are some sci-fi elements in both. -There are a lot of deaths in both the shows. No one is safe, not even the protagonists. 

Extremely similar anime. The tone is identical—deadpan humor mixed with noir elements. Both feature seemingly regular citizens carrying out justice. There's action and tense moments, but also plenty of comedy rooted in mundane Monogatari-esque conversations between characters. A juxtaposition of crime and slice-of-life. More importantly, these two stories are what I'd deem "intellectual." They don't undermine the intelligence of the viewer. They don't outright 'explain' things. These works are prime examples of talented storytelling that don't belittle (spell things out for) the viewer, leaving them continuously guessing, anticipating, and engaged. These Mysteries beckon viewers to figure everything out for themselves. Rather than being simple linear progressions, the stories jump around from/to many different characters' lives (in order) to slowly fill in gaps within the narrative. Scenes are sporadic, sometimes out of order. As you branch off from the main character and explore many other seemingly unrelated characters, the puzzle pieces will fall into place, revealing a bigger picture. Explore the darker underbellies of Japanese life. Discover characters who aren't who they seem to be. Grapple with suspense, engage your mind, and occasionally exhale through your nose with a smirk. These two anime are incredibly unique—yet... remarkably similar.  read more 

Both anime will have you questioning wtf you just watched. They have similar comedy and weird characters. Baki has better fights and is a little less confusing but if you like one you will like the other.  

Imagine if Kakashi got isekaid to modern Tokyo to live as a hikikomori and participate in a ninja war he's completely indifferent to. Under Ninja is a parody of many aspects of Naturo, including calling out the names ninja techniques out loud (such as peeing yourself). 

Under Ninja and Chainsaw Man both have similar themes of wanting something simple in life while living in an extreme setting. (Denji wanting to get laid, Kuro wanting to not work) Both shows use "dirty humor", If you enjoyed the humor in CS Man, you will likely enjoy the humor in Under Ninja as well. 

These titles both are very unique and cater to a mature audience that values originality rather than replicated tropes and stereotypes. There's also fighting and stuff.  

both are about ninja wars in the modern world, including ninja disguised as high school students