Introduction

There aren’t many manga like Dead Dead Demon’s DededeDestruction (DDDD) or Goodnight Punpun. Mangaka Inio Asano has become legendary for works that explore the best and worst of humanity through extraordinary stories. Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 seems to enter that realm, taking manga fans into a space we don’t see too often. I went into Mujina Into the Deep without knowing anything about it, and I left feeling the same way I did after reading Volume 1 of Goodnight Punpun: slightly disgusted but intrigued and shocked. Does this mean Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 isn’t good? Well, let’s find out in my review!

Art Style

Inio Asano has a unique style that many people find peculiar. When you first see the detailed backgrounds, you’ll be mystified, wondering how so much detail can fit into a single panel. But then, the character designs come into play, and that’s where Asano’s art tends to divide people. Personally, I don’t dislike his character designs, as they serve a purpose with their absurd nature, but art is subjective. Some readers might dismiss the series because of it. However, Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 boasts some terrific artwork, and while the style may not be for everyone, it serves the story well.

Story & Characters

Have you read Goodnight Punpun and immediately understood everything about it? Most likely not, and that’s okay. I consider myself well-versed in strange manga, but even that series was odd. Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 doesn’t deviate from this trend, with a strange premise I’m still not entirely sure I grasp. The story is set in a futuristic society (minus flying cars and robots… at least for now), where people called “Mujina” are discriminated against and treated as lesser beings. They are forced to live on roofs to avoid arrest for simply existing. Mujina are driven to take on jobs most people wouldn’t consider—like assassinations or protecting scum for the right amount of money. One such Mujina, Ubume, will do anything if the price is right. In a world devoid of rights, what awaits those who struggle to survive?

While I enjoyed the first volume of Mujina Into the Deep, I must admit I’m still a bit lost with the lore. I had to re-read some sections to better understand the premise, but I began to piece things together as the story progressed. Not everything is revealed early on, which made me eager to continue. The characters may not be likeable (most of them I disliked for their attitudes), but they’ve piqued my interest, especially the main female ninja. Volume 1 gave me just a taste of the story, and that’s enough to keep me hooked for Volume 2.

Pacing

It’s tough to say if Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 moves too fast or is just right. That doesn’t mean the pacing is off—quite the opposite. Inio Asano’s works are often paced in ways that don’t always make sense, but this first volume doesn’t feel rushed or too slow. It throws readers into this odd world right away, with action sequences kicking in early on. I think Volume 2 will provide a better sense of the flow of the series, but for now, Volume 1 does a good job of balancing speed without overwhelming the reader.

Panel Layout & Flow

Mujina Into the Deep Volume 1 excels in its flow and panel layout. This is one of the few sections done perfectly. Despite the chaos in the beginning, the manga flows seamlessly, and the panels are easy to follow. The visual flair in each page really brings the narrative to life, keeping things visually engaging throughout.

Themes & Tone

Mujina Into the Deep shines brightest with its themes, despite its dark subject matter. The story, which revolves around ninjas, assassins, and questionable services, is ultimately about the consequences of looking down on others. What if society’s discrimination and dehumanization of people goes even further? The story examines how people survive when they don’t care about morals or just want to make themselves happy. There’s a lot to unpack in Volume 1, but I won’t spoil too much. The themes and tones are solid so far, and I’m certain future volumes will introduce even darker and more mature elements, much like Asano’s other works.

Conclusion

Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 is a manga geared towards a specific, mature audience. If you’re not accustomed to stories that dive into dark themes and emotions, this may not be the manga for you. It’s a gritty exploration of a dystopian world with ninjas and killers, with a unique take on how people deal with survival and their darker impulses. If you’ve enjoyed works like Goodnight Punpun or other deep, adult manga, then Mujina Into the Deep Vol 1 is definitely worth reading. It’s a hard series to recommend to those who prefer lighter stories, but if you enjoy manga that explores heavy, complex themes, this is a series you shouldn’t miss. Check it out when Volume 1 is released, or you can read the chapters on VIZ Media!

—Aaron