New Manga and Anime Crossover Series Announced for Naruto Universe
Author Masashi Kishimoto announced a new Naruto manga titled "Shadow Rising" and a new anime crossover series, "Naruto x Ninku," at New York Comic Con 2026, combining Naruto with the popular 90s serie
Masashi Kishimoto, the creator of the renowned manga and anime series Naruto, unveiled two exciting new projects for fans at New York Comic Con 2026. These include a new manga titled "Shadow Rising" and an anime crossover series called "Naruto x Ninku," which will merge Naruto with the beloved 90s series Ninku.
Highlights
- A new Naruto manga, "Shadow Rising," from Masashi Kishimoto is on its way.
- An anime crossover series, "Naruto x Ninku," bringing together the Naruto and Ninku franchises, is in production.
- The anime series will feature Team 7 members Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura on a mission that leads them to another world.
- Updates on the live-action Naruto movie were also shared by director Destin Daniel Cretton.
Details
While details about the "Shadow Rising" manga are currently limited, Kishimoto's direct involvement has been confirmed, with more information expected at Jump Festa 2027. The "Naruto x Ninku" anime series, however, came with more specifics. This crossover will be a full-fledged fusion between Naruto and the popular 90s manga and anime, Ninku. Noriyuki Abe is set to direct the series, with Tetsuya Nishio as the character designer and chief animation director. Both Kishimoto and Ninku author Koji Kiriyama are supervising the project.
The official description for the anime series states that Team 7 members Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, assigned a mission by Kakashi, will find themselves lost in another world. There, they will encounter a boy with a frog-like face named Fūsuke. Additionally, director Destin Daniel Cretton shared a message regarding the live-action Naruto movie, emphasizing that Naruto's resilient spirit is at the heart of their story and that they are approaching the characters with great care.
Why it matters
These announcements indicate the continued expansion of the Naruto universe in both manga and anime formats. A crossover series like "Naruto x Ninku" offers a nostalgic reunion for long-time fans, while the "Shadow Rising" manga promises a fresh take on the series. Updates on the live-action film further signal that this iconic story will continue to thrive across various mediums.