Shamans are individuals who possess the unique ability to communicate with ghosts, spirits, and gods that are invisible to ordinary people. The prestigious tournament known as the Shaman Fight takes place every five hundred years where shamans from all over the world compete against each other for the title of Shaman King. This title grants its holder the power to call upon the Great Spirit and shape the world according to their vision.
One evening, Manta Oyamada, a middle school student, found himself running late for class and decided to take a shortcut through the local cemetery. While passing by, he noticed a lone boy sitting on a gravestone who invited him to stargaze with "them." Realizing that "them" referred to the boy and his ghostly companions, Manta fled in terror.
Later, the boy introduced himself as You Asakura, a Shaman-in-training, and demonstrated his abilities by teaming up with the ghost of Amidamaru, a six-hundred-year-old samurai, to save Manta from a group of thugs. Since Manta could see spirits, You befriended him, and together with Amidamaru's help, they aimed to achieve You's goal of becoming the next Shaman King.
Shaman King was published in English by VIZ Media under the Shonen Jump imprint from August 6, 2003 to January 4, 2011.