The Nura: Rise of the Yokai Clan: Manga Series Returns, New Chapters Added

Hiroshi Shiibashi's Nura: Rise of the Yokai clan manga series is set to return with four all-new chapters. It's been some time since the series last appeared in Weekly Shonen Jump, but it's still a must-read for fans of youkai anime and manga.

The series revolves around Rikuo Nura, the grandson of the legendary yokai Nurarihyon. He is torn between his human nature and his role as the head of the Nura Clan.

Characters

The Nura: Rise of the Yokai clan manga series returns in four all-new chapters. The story, set to debut in Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine on April 19, 2023, is the first new installments of the series in 11 years.

The story follows Rikuo Nura, the heir to the grand Nura Clan and descendant of a long line of yokai that would be familiar to anyone who reads Japanese folklore. He has a deep respect for his grandfather, Nurarihyon, but he does not wish to inherit the yokai world's leadership as a full yokai.

After the death of one of Nurarihyon's board members and his disappearance, Rikuo is thrust into the role of leader. He soon faces a hostile rival faction, led by a ruthless leader named Tamazuki who intends to take over the Nura Clan's territory.

In a battle against Inugami, Rikuo demonstrates the ability to assume his yokai form at night, an unusual trait that allows him to use his superior reflexes during a battle. However, this ability is not a match for the ferocious Hachijuuhakki yokai, which leads 88 demons, and he must now become a warrior and a leader in order to survive.

Setting

The Nura: Rise of the Yokai clan manga series returns with a grittier, demonic edge. While its initial episodes may seem slow to start, it quickly introduces the viewer to a diverse cast of characters (many of which are based on Japanese folklore) through the eyes of Rikio Nura.

The yokai in the series are generally presented as mischievous and not entirely evil, although some of them exhibit a bit more malevolence than others. They follow Rikuo's edicts to remain in the shadows or disguise themselves to avoid disrupting human society.

They also treat other yokai as equals, which makes them hesitant to kill Rikuo. That, coupled with the fact that they genuinely believe that he is the legitimate heir to the Nura clan, explains their recognition of him as the yokai leader.

But when Hagoromo Gitsune, the leader of 88 Demons of Shikoku, invades Kyoto with his onmyoji forces, the yokai and humans of Japan will need to unite in order to defend themselves. It's a battle that'll test even the most seasoned yokai warriors to their limits.

Storyline

The Nura: Rise of the Yokai clan manga series returns with a new storyline that will take place in 2023. The series will be serialized in four short-term intensive series starting from the May issue of Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine, and creator Hiroshi Shiibashi will return to write and illustrate.

The story centers on Rikuo Nura, a half-human, half-yokai boy who lives in a house full of youkai along with his fully yokai grandfather. He tries to escape his fate by doing good deeds, but his grandfather wishes that Rikuo succeed him as the next head of the Nura clan.

However, he soon learns that other youkai consider him a threat and threaten the lives of those that he loves. This leads him to embrace his human side and begin helping humans rather than haunting them. Meanwhile, he encounters a rival youkai faction led by Tamazuki who intends to take over the Nura Clan’s territory.

Anime adaptations

The story follows Rikuo Nura, a normal middle school student who comes home to a house full of youkai. However, he soon discovers that he has demon blood and becomes the night leader of these spirits.

As a result, he decides to become the Third Head of the Nura Clan against his grandfather's wishes. This results in multiple factions attempting to stop him or overtake his position as the head of the Nura house.

Fortunately, the storyline is not rushed or over-the-top, and the characters are well-rounded. There are some areas where the manga could have used more time and detail, but overall this was a good read.

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