What is Dororo?#
Dororo is a gripping tale set in a war-torn historical landscape, blending samurai action with supernatural elements. The story follows Hyakkimaru, a powerful rōnin born into a tragic pact. To gain great power, Hyakkimaru’s greedy father made a deal with 48 demons, allowing them to take pieces of his unborn son’s body. Born without limbs, eyes, ears, a nose, or a mouth, Hyakkimaru was cast away but saved by Dr. Honma, who provided him with artificial limbs.
Now, accompanied by a young orphan thief named Dororo, Hyakkimaru travels the countryside hunting the demons that stole his humanity. With every demon defeated, he reclaims a piece of his body. If you’re looking to dive into this journey, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Finished?#
For those wondering if they can commit to the series without worrying about an unfinished story, Dororo has seen multiple adaptations over the decades. There is a classic 1969 series and a more modern 2019 remake. Because the 2019 version is a remake of the original adaptation, viewers can experience the core narrative of Hyakkimaru’s quest.
While the anime provides a focused experience, the world of Dororo extends further into written media. For those who want to see how the story evolved or explore different takes, the original manga is the foundation of everything. Additionally, a remake manga titled Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru concluded its run with its 13th volume in October 2025.
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Who Should Watch Dororo?#
Dororo is best suited for fans of historical dramas and the supernatural. Its primary appeal lies in the intersection of samurai themes and the emotional struggle of a protagonist fighting to reclaim his identity and physical self. If you enjoy high-stakes action and a narrative driven by a clear, episodic goal (defeating 48 demons), this series is a perfect fit.
Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Because of the various remakes and related materials, the order in which you consume Dororo depends on your goals. Please refer to the relationship tree below the article for a visual guide to these connections.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the franchise as it was released to the public:
- Dororo (1969 Anime)
- Dororo (2019 Anime)
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single detail, including related side stories and remakes:
- Dororo (1967 Manga): The original source material.
- Dororo (1969 Anime): The first adaptation.
- Dororo (2019 Anime): The modern remake.
- Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru (Remake Manga): A newer take on the story that concluded in 2025.
- Related Manga: Explore Search and Destroy (which has received critical acclaim, including an Outstanding Comic Award for Adults) and Dororo to Enma-kun.
Manga-First Order#
If you don’t mind starting with the source material to get the full context before watching the visuals:
- Start with the 1967 Manga.
- Move to either the 1969 or 2019 anime based on your preference for animation style.
Additional Information#
For collectors and hardcore fans, there is a variety of Dororo merchandise available to commemorate Hyakkimaru’s journey. It is also worth noting that the series continues to find new audiences globally, with recent streaming expansions in regions like India via Ani-One Asia.
Dororo • manga • 1967-08-27 to 1968-07-22 (serialized in Shonen Sunday)
└─(adaptation)→ Dororo • anime • 1969-04-06 to 1969-09-28
└─(remake)→ Dororo • anime • 2019-01-07
└─(remake)→ Legend of Dororo and Hyakkimaru • manga • 2018-10-19 to 2025-10-18 (Champion RED, Dec 2018 - Dec 2025)
└─(related)→ Search and Destroy • manga • 2018-10-05 to 2020-03-05 (serialized in TezuComi magazine, vols. 1-18)
└─(related)→ Dororo to Enma-kun • manga • 2012-11-16 to 2014-03-07
