8.7/10
Gintama (銀魂; lit. Silver Soul) is a Japanese manga series created by Hideaki Sorachi that became one of Shueisha’s longest-running and most beloved titles. The manga began serialization in Weekly Shōnen Jump in 2003, continuing until 2018 before concluding in Jump Giga and later the Gintama app in 2019, finishing with 704 chapters across 77 volumes.
The story is set in an alternate Edo-period Japan where aliens called the Amanto have invaded and taken control, outlawing swords and reducing samurai to relics. The protagonist, Gintoki Sakata, is a silver-haired, eccentric ex-samurai who, along with his companions Shinpachi and Kagura, runs the freelance “Odd Jobs” business Yorozuya. Their work leads them into bizarre, hilarious, and often deadly adventures.
With over 73 million copies in circulation as of November 2024, Gintama is one of the best-selling manga series of all time. Beyond manga, it spawned a 367-episode anime adaptation (2006–2018), multiple films, light novels, video games, and even live-action adaptations, cementing its place as one of the most influential franchises in modern anime and manga culture.
Gintama – Official Trailer
Gintama Movie: Yoshiwara in Flames – Official Teaser
What is Gintama About?
At its core, Gintama blends science fiction, history, action, and comedy. Edo Japan has become a chaotic mix of samurai traditions and alien technologies. After the Amanto ban swords, the once-proud samurai class falls into decline.
The main story follows Gintoki Sakata, a lazy yet incredibly skilled former samurai who hides his pain behind jokes, sugar addictions, and apathy. He teams up with:
Shinpachi Shimura, an earnest young man trying to uphold samurai values.
Kagura, a superhuman alien girl from the Yato clan with monstrous strength and an appetite to match.
Together, they form Yorozuya Gin-chan, taking any job for money but often ending up in absurd, dangerous, or heartfelt situations. While the series thrives on episodic comedy, it also dives into serious arcs, exploring themes of loyalty, war, trauma, and rebellion.
Major plotlines include:
The rise of Shinsuke Takasugi, Gintoki’s former ally turned revolutionary antagonist.
Conflicts with the Shinsengumi and Mimawarigumi police forces.
The battle against Utsuro, the immortal true villain threatening Earth’s destruction.
Is Gintama Worth Watching or Reading?
Absolutely. Gintama is often praised as one of the funniest anime/manga ever created, but it is much more than comedy. Its true strength lies in its ability to seamlessly shift from parody and absurdity to deeply emotional storytelling.
If you love:
Comedy and parody (mocking other manga, pop culture, and politics).
Epic battles with beautifully choreographed sword fights.
Tear-jerking drama that hits harder because it comes after laughter.
Strong character development across hundreds of chapters.
…then Gintama is an unforgettable experience.
Why Should You Watch or Read Gintama?
It is a unique hybrid: samurai drama mixed with sci-fi comedy.
The cast is enormous and memorable, from heroes to villains to absurd side characters.
Its humor ranges from parody of anime tropes to satirical takes on Japanese society.
It has some of the best anime arcs ever written, such as the Shogun Assassination Arc and Farewell Shinsengumi Arc.
The manga and anime conclude properly, giving fans a full and satisfying journey.
Cast and Characters
The heart of Gintama lies in its characters:
Gintoki Sakata – Lazy, sarcastic, but loyal to his friends and ideals. Based on the folk hero Sakata no Kintoki.
Shinpachi Shimura – The straight man of the group, often the voice of reason, striving to protect his sister and samurai honor.
Kagura – An alien girl with superhuman strength and comedic gluttony, torn between her violent family and her found family.
Katsura Kotaro – Gintoki’s old war comrade, now a terrorist (with comic flair), often accompanied by the mysterious pet Elizabeth.
Shinsuke Takasugi – Former comrade turned vengeful antagonist, seeking to overthrow the shogunate.
Utsuro – The immortal, nihilistic final villain of the series.
Supporting characters like the Shinsengumi (Hijikata, Okita, Kondo) and recurring side figures add richness, humor, and depth.
Watch Order / Reading Guide
Anime Watch Order (recommended path):
Gintama (2006–2010) – 201 episodes.
Gintama’ (2011–2012) – 51 episodes.
Gintama’: Enchōsen (2012–2013) – 13 episodes.
Gintama° (2015–2016) – 51 episodes.
Gintama. (2017–2018) – Includes Porori-hen and Shirogane no Tamashii-hen arcs.
Films: The Final Chapter: Be Forever Yorozuya (2013), The Very Final (2021).
Reading Order: Straightforward – 77 volumes from start to finish.
Production and Development
Sorachi originally wanted to create a Shinsengumi-focused manga, but instead combined samurai with sci-fi elements to keep things fresh. His editor suggested humor, leading to the parody-driven tone.
The title Gintama (“Silver Soul”) was chosen after rejecting Yorozuya Gin-san. Sorachi struggled at first, nearly canceled after a weak start, but the introduction of the Shinsengumi boosted popularity. By combining episodic comedy arcs with serious dramatic arcs, the manga established itself as one of Shonen Jump’s most unique titles.
Reception and Critical Response
Over 73 million copies in circulation by 2024.
Ranked highly in multiple Oricon surveys, including “Funniest Manga.”
Anime News Network praised it as “one-of-a-kind comedy” with heartfelt drama.
Its anime is praised for balancing comedy and serious storytelling, though some early episodes are considered inconsistent.
Gintama: The Very Final (2021) was well-received as a fitting conclusion.
Legacy and Impact
Gintama is often hailed as a masterpiece of hybrid storytelling. It influenced countless creators with its mix of humor, satire, and drama. The franchise expanded into:
Light novels (Class 3Z Ginpachi-sensei spin-offs).
Video games across PlayStation, DS, Wii, and collaborations with Jump Super Stars and J-Stars Victory VS.
Live-action films (2017, 2018) starring Shun Oguri.
Compilation films and anniversary projects continuing into 2026.
Its ability to parody, criticize, and celebrate Japanese pop culture while telling emotional stories gives it lasting relevance.
Gintama FAQ
A: It is set to release on October 6th, 2026.
Q: Do I need to watch all 367 episodes?
A: While long, the anime adapts almost everything. You can follow main arcs, but much of the humor and character-building lies in the episodic chapters.
Q: Is the story finished?
A: Yes, the manga ended in 2019, and the anime concluded with Gintama: The Very Final in 2021.
Q: Why is Gintama considered legendary?
A: Because it balances absurd comedy with heartbreaking drama better than almost any series.
Conclusion
Gintama is a rare gem in manga and anime: a series that starts as a gag parody and evolves into a saga of friendship, rebellion, and survival. Its fusion of comedy, action, and heartfelt drama makes it one of the most enduring works in modern Japanese pop culture. For those willing to dive into its massive world, Gintama offers an experience unlike any other.
If you don’t know where to watch this Anime for FREE make sure to contact me via E-mail, or in the comments below. Thank you for reading and make sure to bookmark the site.
There are some hilarious anime out there – like Konosuba or Grand Blue -, but man, Gintama is surely pretty unique. Some episodes are so stupid that you burst out laughing.