Continuing the recent new manga series, Jump Shonen recently introduced Giang Thach X, the first new series of the year that combines dark fantasy, Chinese occult themes and riveting martial arts action. Jiangshi X, released in January 2023, is written and illustrated by Norihiko Kurazomo. Kurazomo is the author of several other manga series, including the popular science fiction series Automaton.
Jiangshi X tells the story of Xiaohu, Chaoyun and Jiuli, three boys training to become Daoshi monks. Up until now, the three have always trained together and become quite proficient in martial arts. However, their tendency to joke, play pranks, and try to outdo each other hindered their ability and opportunity to improve themselves and advance higher in their training ranks. One day, the three had to participate in a group challenge that required them to defeat a jiangshi – a zombie-like monster with magical powers. Defeating the jiangshi will upgrade the rank, however, although all three must work as a team, only one will advance if they succeed.
Jiangshi X recreates the martial arts genre
Wuxia refers to a long-standing Chinese literary tradition involving stories about martial arts heroes, often itinerant warriors or individuals trained to become warriors. Often traveling across the lands in search of spiritual growth or to escape some bad situation, these heroes become embroiled in any controversy they encounter while on their quest . Volunteering to help the oppressed and vulnerable is a foundational element of the classic wuxia hero. Controversies often include corrupt tyrants, vicious criminals, or repressive wealthy elites. Defeating these villains often requires the heroes to put their skills to the test. It’s clear that Jiangshi X is drawing from all of these elements to create a unique yet recognizable story, told in the traditional art of a superhero comic.
Jiangshi X may be Shonen Jump’s most unique new series
In addition to martial arts, martial arts stories often also have mystical Chinese elements. This inclusion of the occult may have something to do with the ancient connection between martial arts and Chinese religion. Many Chinese martial arts styles were created by monks as a means of improving their spirituality as well as their endurance. There is also the fact that there are some mystical features in Chinese martial arts such as a vital qi or energy. It is not surprising that Jiangshi X includes these aspects in its story. Although wuxia stories with graceful, violent battles are widely known in movies and television, they are not commonly found in manga, so this will make Jiangshi X popular. pops in the preloaded Shonen Jump catalog.
That more creative change Giang Thach X Added to its story is dark fantasy. Indeed, the story begins by framing the story as being told in a classic dark fantasy tale of darkness taking over the world due to the disruption of the balance between the forces of light and darkness. . There is also the consideration of the jiangshi as the main threat to its three young heroes. Although it’s too early to know whether the new one Jump Shonen the series will be a success, its unique approach to the classic story format certainly makes it worth reading.
Giang Thach X available now at Viz Media.
