Sword Art Online helped popularize the isekai genre upon its release in 2012 and continues to shape how modern isekai is created by setting the standard for scale, vision, and animation. Its lasting influence has sparked interest in virtual worlds and character-driven dramas by giving audiences the opportunity to experience fresh ideas, settings, and stakes.

That legacy has allowed more varied isekai stories to develop their own creative interpretations of the genre, with many standing out by leaning into humor, lore, or worldbuilding. One particular series has built momentum since its 2022 release, gaining traction for its unique humor and powerful protagonist, making The Eminence in Shadow stand out as Sword Art Online’s natural heir.

The Eminence in Shadow Is Sword Art Online’s True Successor

The Eminence in Shadow centers on Cid Kagenou, a young man obsessed with becoming the ultimate shadowy mastermind. By day, he tries to maintain his ordinary facade, but in secret, he creates a fictional organization, Shadow Garden, to fight evil. His imaginary world often clashes with reality, creating a story that dips into dark humor, suspense, and clever twists.

Cid’s obsession with operating behind the scenes is a major driving force in the series. As he orchestrates elaborate schemes to fight against a made-up cult, it steadily becomes clear that his organization and the evil cult aren’t as fictional as Cid thinks. Fans of Sword Art Online will be drawn to the series’ humor, powerful protagonist, and intense action.

While Kirito’s journey centered around survival and emotional arcs, Cid’s story arc is mainly centered around his desire to become this secret, powerful mastermind that pulls the strings from behind the scenes. However, the universe’s worldbuilding and conflicts create a sense of scale similar to Sword Art Online, with its characters acting as overpowered, lone wolf protagonists.

The Eminence in Shadow Can Only Be Streamed on Disney+ or Hulu

The Eminence in Shadow is available exclusively on Disney+ and Hulu, giving fans a single pair of platforms to stream Cid Kagenou’s story. The anime has two seasons and announced a feature film, The Eminence in Shadow: Lost Echoes, announced in December 2023, although the film has yet to receive an official release date.

The exclusivity of the series is becoming a growing trend in the anime industry as the medium grows in popularity. Disney’s platforms are no longer home solely to Western animation, but are now positioned as a major player in anime distribution. By locking high-profile titles behind its services, Disney has been driving competition and challenging Crunchyroll’s dominance over anime.

For years, Crunchyroll remained the go-to platform for anime fans; however, in recent years, other major platforms like Disney and Netflix have steadily increased their investments and acquisitions of anime titles. The Eminence in Shadow is one of many titles that aren’t available for streaming on Crunchyroll; however, it stands out as a must-watch for fans of Sword Art Online.