Shadows House

Within a sprawling, gothic mansion veiled from the outside world, the enigmatic Shadow Nobles reside. These faceless beings are attended by Living Dolls, servants who act as their faces and diligently clean up the soot their masters emit. The narrative kicks off with Emilico, a cheerful and guileless Living Doll, beginning her service to her master, Kate, a Shadow Noble with a subtly rebellious spirit. As Kate's debut ceremony, a ritual designed to showcase the unity between doll and master, draws near, Emilico and Kate start to uncover the mansion's concealed truths. They begin to notice disruptions in the seemingly flawless harmony, with other rebellious dolls disappearing and Shadows facing 'washing', a process that erases their identity, when they lose control of their soot. What initially appears as a whimsical fantasy gradually transforms into a meticulously controlled system of exploitation.

The manga series is the creation of Somato, a duo consisting of Nori, who handles the story and design, and Hisshi, responsible for the art. It premiered in Shueisha's Weekly Young Jump magazine on September 6, 2018. By January 2026, 21 tankōbon volumes had been compiled and released under the Young Jump Comics imprint. Yen Press is the publisher for the English edition in North America. The series entered its final story arc in July 2024, with an estimated year remaining for its serialization. The creative duo's health has impacted the serialization schedule, with a reduced output of two chapters followed by a two-issue break.

The series is recognized for its intricate world-building and the development of its characters. Critics have lauded it as a significant example of dark fantasy, blending imaginative elements with a narrative that is both heartfelt and unsettling. The anime adaptation, produced by CloverWorks, aired in two seasons: the first from April to July 2021 with 13 episodes, and the second from July to September 2022 with 12 episodes, covering the story up to the conclusion of the third major arc. The anime's production has been specifically highlighted for its lavish style and passionate execution, with reviewers noting that no frame felt wasted. [edit]