Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Prequel Manga Announced

Ubisoft continues to delight fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, and this time the news comes from Japan: the upcoming action-RPG “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” will receive a manga prequel that will add depth to the game’s story. For fans of the series, this will be a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in feudal Japan and learn more about the world in which the game takes place.

Although the release of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” has been postponed to March 20, 2025, the wait will be a little less agonizing thanks to this manga prequel. In Japan, the manga will be released simultaneously with the game, while in other countries its release is scheduled for a later date.

Manga that reveals the secrets of the past

The official Assassin’s Creed Twitter page has already revealed the cover of the manga. It depicts a female assassin, and many fans immediately assumed that this was the game’s protagonist, Naoe, a master of stealth. However, the description of the manga says that it will tell the story of a “young apprentice assassin” who fights against the growing influence of the Templar Order in Japan. This raises doubts as to whether this is really Naoe or an entirely new character.

Interestingly, in the game, Naoe is presented as the fictional daughter of the real-life historical leader of the Iga Province, Fujibayashi Nagato. She prefers a stealthy approach and uses elements related to ninja mythology, making her a counterweight to the second protagonist, the combat samurai Yasuke. However, according to early materials, at the beginning of the game, Naoe knows nothing about the Assassin Order or the Templars. This further increases the intrigue surrounding the manga, which may introduce a new heroine.

What is known about the plot of the manga?

The manga will immerse readers in the atmosphere of feudal Japan, where the assassins first encounter the influence of the Templar order. Whether the two main characters of the game will be mentioned is still in question. But one thing is for sure: the authors promise a vivid story about the formation of a new hero, whose development will probably intersect with the main storyline of “Assassin’s Creed Shadows”. In addition, Ubisoft is also working on other publications related to the game. Recently, images from an art book dedicated to “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” leaked online. There you can find concept art of characters, detailed views of regions and even hints at key events in the plot.

Why is this important to fans?

Assassin’s Creed has long since moved beyond just a game series. Manga and other related materials allow for a deeper knowledge of the game’s world, adding context to the characters and their motivations. Especially for those who value historical accuracy combined with fantasy elements, such projects become a valuable addition.

The prequel manga is not only a gift for fans in Japan, but also a step towards a global audience that wants to know more about how the Assassins ended up in Japan and what lies behind their past.