O-Parts Hunter

Lore & Background

The series is set in a near-future world where ancient relics called O-Parts, named after out-of-place artifacts, are left by an extinct civilization. These O-Parts can be used by O.P.T.s (O-Part Tacticians), who release their Spirit into the artifact to activate a fantastic Effect. O-Parts are ranked from E to SS, with A-rank and above being extremely powerful and required to be handed over to the government.

The story follows Ruby Crescent, a teenage girl who wants to become a treasure hunter like her father. She meets Jio Freed, a mysterious boy with a dark past who seeks to conquer the world. Jio initially hostile, becomes Ruby's bodyguard. When Ruby is attacked by someone claiming to be Satan, Jio reveals himself as the real Satan, and they continue traveling together to achieve their dreams.

Throughout the world, ten Angels and ten Demons are sealed within humans, sought by the Stea Government and the Zenom Syndicate respectively. They aim to insert them into the Kabbalah or Reverse Kabbalah at the poles, which legend says will awaken a super weapon called the Legendary O-Part.

Reader's Guide

O-Parts Hunter is significant as the work of Seishi Kishimoto, twin brother of Naruto creator Masashi Kishimoto, and draws on Kabbalistic and demonological themes uncommon in shōnen manga. The series was originally titled 666 Satan in Japan but was renamed O-Parts Hunter in North America by Viz Media, a change that Jason Thompson called one of 'The Greatest Censorship Fails' in manga. The series received mixed to positive reception: Publishers Weekly called it a 'humorous, surprisingly moving shonen treat,' while Mania.com's Jarred Pine found it derivative but enjoyable, praising its action scenes and fast pace. IGN's A. E. Sparrow compared it favorably to Naruto, suggesting readers might turn to it when they 'feel you've outgrown Naruto.' The series was also released in France, Italy, Spain, and Taiwan, and Square Enix distributed it digitally in North America and France until 2013.

Did You Know?

• The series title 666 Satan was changed to O-Parts Hunter in North America by Viz Media.
• The O-Parts are named after out-of-place artifacts (OOPArts).
• Jio Freed's trademark scarf was taken from the protagonist of Kishimoto's one-shot Trigger.
• The series draws heavily from Kabbalistic traditions and Abrahamic demonology, less so on Japanese folklore.