Overview
- MUJINA INTO THE DEEP
- The artwork by Asano elevates the series’ profound themes; however, its intense content might not appeal to every reader.
- Through striking visuals and compelling narratives, the manga delves into themes of societal disintegration, freedom, and fractured relationships, although some depth can feel lacking in execution.
Table of Contents
Inio Asano, renowned in the manga landscape, is celebrated for his poignant storytelling. His acclaimed work, Oyasumi Punpun (Goodnight Punpun), released in 2007, candidly explores profound themes of love, mortality, and isolation. In 2025, he returns with MUJINA INTO THE DEEP, a gripping action manga set in a darkly imagined near-future, where an underground world of crime is rife with assassination missions executed by the Mujina—skilled young women navigating a society devoid of rights.
Asano’s artistic brilliance captivates readers with meticulously crafted visuals; however, the harshness of the narrative may challenge some audiences.
Watch the Trailer
Plot and Background
Assassins and Urban Warfare
MUJINA INTO THE DEEP, crafted by Asano, the visionary behind Solanin, Oyasumi Punpun, and the celebrated Dead Dead Demons DeDeDeDe Destruction, has been serialized in Shogakukan’s Big Comic Superior since March 2023. With the first volume debuting in September 2023, it now encompasses three volumes as of October 2024. VIZ Media secured the English-language publication rights in May 2024, with the release of the initial volume scheduled for February 18, 2025.
The manga unfolds in a grim near-future where human rights are a luxury few possess. Those labeled as “Mujina”are seen as social outcasts, stripped of legal protections and societal status. This premise serves as a breeding ground for elite assassins, exploiting the law’s gaps. Themes of power dynamics and existential questions regarding human rights and their implications for society mirror contemporary issues, making the narrative both relatable and cautionary.
As expressed in the narrative, the abandonment of one’s rights relegates individuals to the fringes of society: “They’re like stray dogs; society has no obligation to them.”This stark depiction raises critical questions about morality and humanity’s moral compass in challenging times.
“They’re not allowed to use the transit system or go to the hospital… Nowadays you hear of some of them using that to their advantage, acting like hitmen.”
– Terumi Morgan, MUJINA INTO THE DEEP Chapter 0.2
Stunning Art and Paneling
Clear Action Through Visuals
While artistic quality does not solely determine a manga’s success, exceptional visual storytelling undeniably captivates audiences. MUJINA INTO THE DEEP stands out with its stunning character designs and intricately detailed backgrounds, which significantly amplify the dramatic intensity of its action sequences. The vivid, high-detail artwork enhances both realism and emotional weight, rendering the narrative’s exploration of societal collapse even more impactful.
The manga’s speculative fiction elements challenge readers to consider potential futures where the erosion of human rights is a reality. The vivid portrayal of degradation in societal values starkly contrasts the ideals established in the past. This haunting depiction serves as a warning about the fragility of human rights and moral standards in times of crisis.
Despite its ambitious themes, the narrative sometimes feels superficial, opting for shock value over deeper exploration. The graphic portrayals of sex and violence early in the series might reflect protagonist Terumi Morgan’s existential struggles—a middle-aged game director grappling with fractured familial relationships and a changing world.
Depiction of Profound Moral and Social Decay
Engaging Themes of Society, Freedom, and Relationships
Readers may find MUJINA INTO THE DEEP offers a somewhat rough delivery of its complex themes, skimming the surface of society’s darker aspects rather than fully exploring them. The narrative occasionally comes across as overly simplistic, signaling “bad characters doing bad things”rather than inviting profound analysis.
Terumi Morgan, the aging protagonist, exemplifies this viewpoint as he navigates his frustrations with societal changes while dealing with a strained relationship with his son post-divorce. His mix of eloquence and immaturity invites the reader to question the depths of his character and the narrative’s approach to its themes.
The manga’s focus on liberation through the abandonment of social contracts—depicted through high-flying action reminiscent of Air Gear—provides an intriguing angle that could prompt further exploration. However, readers may leave wanting more substance beyond the exquisite visuals.
For those interested, MUJINA INTO THE DEEP is available on VIZ Media’s website.