Is the Anime Really Finished?#
When looking into Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying, it is important to first clarify the medium. Hanbei the Undying is actually a manga side-story that began serialization on Comic Walker in May 2019 and was later licensed by Yen Press for North American audiences.
If you are looking for an animated experience in this universe, you will want to look for the anime Sekiro: No Defeat. Based on the Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice game, this production had a theatrical release in Japan starting September 4, 2026. Because it was released as a theatrical version, it offers a condensed cinematic experience. However, because the broader story originates from a game and includes side stories like the Hanbei manga, those seeking a fully comprehensive conclusion to every narrative thread in the Sekiro universe will likely need to explore the source material.
You can buy the Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying manga to get the full side-story experience.
Themes, Appeal, and Audience#
Set during the Sengoku Era—a brutal time where losing a single battle could mean losing everything—this series is a must-watch and read for fans of the fantasy and samurai genres. The plot centers on the ambitious Sword Saint, Isshin Ashina, and his quest for world domination, which takes a turn when he encounters a specific, mysterious Samurai.
This series is best suited for:
- Fans of historical fantasy with a supernatural twist.
- Readers and viewers who enjoy high-stakes swordplay and tactical combat.
- People who appreciate the grit and atmosphere of the Sengoku Era.
- Players of the original Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice game looking to expand the lore.
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Recommended Watch and Read Order#
Navigating the relationship between the manga and the anime can be confusing, but we have broken it down based on your preferences. For a visual representation of how these titles connect, please refer to the relationship tree provided on this page.
Release Order#
If you want to experience the content as it was released to the public:
- Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying (Manga) - Released May 2019.
- Sekiro: No Defeat (Anime) - Theatrical release September 2026.
Completionist Order#
For those who want every single detail and piece of lore before diving into the animation:
- Read the Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying manga to establish the side-story context.
- Watch the Sekiro: No Defeat anime on Prime Video to see the main adaptation of the game’s world.
The “Source Material First” Approach#
If you don’t mind starting with the written word to get a deeper understanding of the characters and the world of Isshin Ashina, start with the manga and then move to the theatrical anime. This allows you to appreciate the nuance of the side stories before seeing the larger-than-life cinematic action.
Useful Extras#
Whether you are a fan of the manga’s art or the anime’s choreography, there are plenty of ways to bring the world of Sekiro into your home. You can find official Sekiro merchandise here to complete your collection.
Sekiro Side Story: Hanbei the Undying • manga • 2019-05-27 (serialized on Comic Walker)
└─(related)→ Sekiro: No Defeat • anime • 2026-09-04
