Gintama (Gin Tama) - Sorachi, Hideaki

Synopsis

During the Edo period, Japan is suddenly invaded by alien creatures known as the "Amanto." Despite the samurai's attempts to combat the extraterrestrial menace, the Shogun soon realizes that their efforts are futile and decides to surrender. This marks the beginning of an uneasy agreement between the Shogunate and Amanto, one that results in a countrywide sword ban and the disappearance of the samurai spirit.

However, there exists one eccentric individual who wields a wooden sword and refuses to let his samurai status die. Now that his kind are no longer needed, Gintoki Sakata performs various odd jobs around town in order to make ends meet. Joined by his self-proclaimed disciple Shinpachi Shimura, the fearsome alien Kagura, and a giant dog named Sadaharu, they run the business known as Yorozuya, often getting caught up in all sorts of crazy and hilarious shenanigans.

[Written by Animeranku Rewrite]
Included one-shots:
Volume 1: Dandelion
Volume 2: Shirokuro (Black and White)
Volume 24: 13
Volume 38: Bankara-san ga Tooru

Background

As of February 2018, publisher Shueisha revealed that Gintama has more than 55 million copies in print in Japan. The series was nominated for Best Manga under the comedy category in 2008 at the Society for the Promotion of Japanese Animation.

VIZ Media published the manga in English as Gin Tama under the Shonen Jump Advanced imprint, with 23 volumes published from July 3, 2007 to August 2, 2011 before release was discontinued. It was also published in Spanish by Glénat, with 16 volumes published from October 2007 to May 2010; and in Italian by Planeta DeAgostini from July 4, 2008 to January 9, 2010 before release was discontinued. Star Comics picked up the license and re-released volume 1 on April 25, 2015.

Characters