Shibatarian

In 2025, Crunchyroll launched Shibatarian, a five-issue comic series that blends supernatural action with Japanese folklore. The story follows a young woman who gains the ability to see and communicate with shibata, mischievous spirit creatures, forcing her into a hidden conflict between the human and spirit worlds. Written by a creative team aligned with Crunchyroll's manga-inspired lineup, the series stands out for its fast-paced, monster-of-the-week structure and vibrant art that echoes classic anime aesthetics. It matters as an early example of Crunchyroll expanding its original storytelling into Western comics, offering a fresh entry point for fans of creature-collection adventures and urban fantasy.