Mar 18, 2025
"The name is J! Remember it on your way to hell."
This series caught my eye completely by accident—I stumbled upon it due to a typo while searching for manga online. The title was so straightforward that it piqued my curiosity, so I gave it a shot.
Minor Spoilers Ahead
Despite the name, this series has no religious themes whatsoever. The protagonist is a professional assassin named Jesus—a nickname earned because his targets' last words before dying tend to be "Jesusss" (used as a curse) right before they are executed.
The story follows Jesus as he starts a new life under the alias Fujisawa Shingo, a high school teacher.
...
After pulling off a massive drug heist from a criminal organization, he fakes his own death using a body double. This deception allows him to escape both the syndicate and the FBI while preparing to sell the stolen drugs later. Since he needs time to set things up, he assumes the identity of his double, Fujisawa Shingo, and surprisingly begins working as a teacher.
At its core, the plot is simple yet effective. The series initially focuses on Jesus adapting to his new role while hiding his assassin past from his students. There are plenty of misunderstandings, as he still carries his killer instincts—sometimes quite literally, with guns hidden on him at all times. As the story progresses, the criminals he crossed begin to realize he’s still alive, and the chase is back on.
Characters
The characters play an important role in driving the plot forward. Jesus himself starts off emotionally detached, solely focused on his long-term goal, but over time, he develops attachments to those around him, even going so far as to protect them. Then we have Seiji, a delinquent student who refuses to believe that his teacher is just an ordinary guy—he tends to lose his temper whenever he suspects that Jesus might actually be an assassin. Mizutani-sensei is another important figure—Jesus cares for her and goes out of his way to protect her, all while keeping his true identity a secret, even though she frequently gets caught up in the antagonist's schemes.
Beyond that, we have Jesus' mentor, his weapons supplier, and even the school owner—who frequently delivers humorous lines—all of whom firmly believe that Jesus is just a normal teacher. The supporting cast really adds variety, keeping the series engaging with its mix of drama, action, and occasional humor. While the story remains solid throughout, it does feel a bit rushed in the later arcs.
Action & Art
The action sequences are dynamic and well-executed. The fights feel intense, especially when Jesus is forced to fight off gangs while staying undercover, often improvising with whatever objects are around him. There are some thrilling "one-versus-everybody" moments, creative silenced gunshots using everyday items, and brutal one-on-one showdowns. Not all of Jesus' enemies are easy to defeat either—some provide a serious challenge, keeping the tension high.
The art has that classic '90s manga style (which makes sense, given when it was published). While it might not be a perfect 10/10, I found it visually appealing, especially in the way the action flows from panel to panel. The artist excels at drawing weapons and military elements, and even the foreign (non-Japanese) characters are depicted well.
Final Thoughts
That random typo led me to a hidden gem. The plot is easy to follow, with similarities to *The Fable* or *Sakamoto Days* (both of which also feature assassins living undercover). Every arc and character development kept me hooked. The action is well-packaged, and the cast is enjoyable to follow. At around 125 chapters, it's a medium-length read—I finished it in about half a week, and it was absolutely worth it.
If you love action series, this is a hidden gem you should check out. Even if action isn't your main genre, I’d still recommend it—especially if you appreciate '90s manga art.
On top of that, I discovered that Jesus is actually part of a larger universe, with direct sequels and related series that all connect, ultimately culminating in Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made. I'm currently reading through the sequels, and I can't wait to see how it all ties together!
TL;DR
Jesus follows a professional assassin who fakes his death after a major drug heist and reinvents himself as a high school teacher under the alias Fujisawa Shingo. The series delivers intense action, undercover intrigue, and moments of humor in a classic '90s manga style—making it a hidden gem for action fans, despite a slightly rushed later arc. It's also part of a larger universe that ties into sequels like Shi ga Futari wo Wakatsu Made.
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
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