Crunchyroll's new series Jaadugar: A Witch in Mongolia has emerged as one of the platform's darkest offerings of the year, distinguishing itself from typical shonen anime through both its unusual, softer art style and its brutal, historically grounded storyline. Set in 13th-century Persia, it follows an educated slave, Sitara, who is captured by Mongol conquerors and attempts to undermine them from within, blending medieval action with royal intrigue and espionage. The show's popularity highlights how historical narratives can rival fictional ones for shock value and draw a broad new audience to the anime format.

The series, based on manga by Japanese artist Tomato Soup, premiered on 4 July and has released six episodes so far, putting its heroine through severe hardship comparable to major shonen protagonists. Its deliberately "unrealistic" but expressive art style, inspired by medieval manuscripts, contrasts sharply with the violence depicted, intensifying its impact. The story is largely faithful to real events, including the 1220 CE Mongol sack of Tus, and features real historical figures such as Tolui and Sorghaghtani, with the author having initially considered building the story around another real figure, Töregene, before choosing Sitara's perspective instead.