By Sagar V. Mankar 
Ubisoft has announced a prequel manga for the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows game.
According to the official Assassin’s Creed X account, this manga will first be available in Japan coinciding with the game’s release on March 20, 2025, with international availability to follow.
The prequel manga delves into the story of a young Assassin apprentice confronting the expanding influence of the Templar order in Japan. The cover art showcases a woman in the iconic white Assassin hood, equipped with a katana and the signature Hidden Blade, perched atop a roof. While some speculate this character might be Naoe, the protagonist of the main game, others suggest she could be Naoe’s mother. Further information about the manga is anticipated as the release date approaches.
Meanwhile, mainline video game Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently available for pre-order at $69.99 across multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms such as Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft’s own store.
Complementing the game’s release, an art book titled “The Art of Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is also set to launch on the same day. This comprehensive volume offers an in-depth look into the game’s development, featuring concept art, quotations, and insights into the creative process. According to Penguin Random House, the art book spans several hundred pages and includes illustrations of notable historical figures, major cities, and a diverse array of weapons.
However, this art book has recently encountered some controversy. As reported by Bounding Into Comics, Ubisoft faced criticism for incorporating a banner from a Japanese historical re-enactment group without permission in the concept art. The company has since apologized and stated that, except for its inclusion in the Collector’s Edition art book, the artwork will not be used or distributed further.
Earlier this week, the art book also reportedly leaked online on an 18+ site which mostly posted hentai content. While the publisher acted quickly to remove the content, it has since been archived on other file-sharing sites and galleries. The leaks show several interesting details, including potential spoilers for the game.