北斗の拳 / Fist Of The North Star

Manliness.

Today we'll take a look at what's probably the manliest Animé of all time:

北斗の拳 AKA Fist Of The North Star is a Japanese manga series written by Buronson and illustrated by Tetsuo Hara. Serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump from 1983 to 1988, the 245 chapters were initially collected in 27 tankōbon volumes by Shueisha. Fist of the North Star was adapted into two anime television series produced by Toei Animation, which together aired on Fuji TV and its affiliates from 1984 through 1988, comprising a combined total of 152 episodes. It has since expanded into a media franchise, including several anime films, an American live-action film, OVAs, video games, and a series of spin-offs centering on other characters from the original story. It also has a number of video games and pachinko machines produced by Sega Sammy. As of this year, Fist of the North Star is one of the top twenty highest-grossing media franchises of all time, estimated to have generated more than $20 billion in total franchise revenue. 

The original manga was published in English by Viz Communications as a monthly comic book, and later by Gutsoon! Entertainment as a series of colorized graphic novels, although neither translation was completed. English adaptations of other Fist of the North Star media have been licensed to other companies, including the TV series and the 1986 film. 

Manga to the left, Anime to the right.

Best Anime quote of all time.

Background.

Hokuto no Ken was first adapted into a weekly anime series by Toei Animation. The series aired on Fuji Television from October 11, 1984 to March 5, 1987, lasting 109 episodes. It was immediately followed by a sequel series, titled Hokuto no Ken 2, which aired from March 13, 1987 to February 18, 1988, lasting for 43 additional episodes (a combined total of 152 episodes between both series).The full series was never released on VHS in Japan, although three hour-long compilation movies were produced by Toei Video covering the first, second and fourth story arcs in that order. On July 24, 2002, Universal Music released a Region 2 DVD box set containing all 152 episodes spread across 26 discs. These discs were later released as individual volumes from May 21, 2003 through January 21, 2004. Three "best of" DVD compilations were also released in 2005, each featuring seven key episodes from the series. On March 28, 2008, Avex released a 25th anniversary edition box set featuring new video transfers of all 152 episodes remastered in high definition, once again spread across 26 discs. This set also features two additional discs of bonus content (including the aforementioned compilation movies).

 

This show aired with English subtitles on Nippon Golden Network in the late 1980s. The first 36 episodes of the first series were translated and dubbed by Manga Entertainment in 1999, although only 24 episodes were released on VHS (spread across eight tapes). All 36 episodes of the dub version were aired on Showtime Beyond in the United States and on Sci-Fi Channel in the United Kingdom, and were later released on DVD in 2003 (spread across six individual volumes). In 2008, the US subsidiary of Toei Animation produced an official subtitle-only translation of all 152 episodes, which were released on various paid download and streaming websites available only for North American customers. Discotek Media announced on October 2, 2009 that they have licensed the entire Fist of the North Star TV series. The first two boxsets were released in that year, and the latter two in 2011. The episodes use the same transfers from the 2008 DVD box set in Japan, although it did not contain any of the special features. The first set featured the first 36 episodes along with Manga Entertainment's English dub, and a Japanese audio option with English subtitles; these subtitles were adjusted from the translation of Toei's streaming episodes. Discotek later released all discs from all four boxsets (a total of 21 discs) together in one set, Fist of the North Star: The Series - The Complete Series Collection, on March 25, 2014. They were released on a Standard Definition Blu Ray set (with a total of 3 discs) with the same name on October 31, 2017. 

Rey.

Toki.

Review.
 

What can be said that hasn't been said before about one of the most important franchises to ever come out of the Japanese industry? The answer: Not enough.

109 episodes of manliness, an OVA claiming to be the most violent ever, a second series, more OVAs, a movie made in the USA (yes, you read that right), and the list goes on, and on forever.  Usually overlooked for its super powered characters, this Animé has a lot more heart and feelings than others that claim to have been made as tearjerkers for stinking otakus hiding in their parents basement.  In a nutshell, the world has been turned to shit after the final nuclear assault in 19XX (yes, that's the exact date). The military, the cops and any form of government have been entirely erased from existence.  The only reason to go on living, is essentially rebuiliding the planet from scratch, so a lot of abandoned cities and farms have been inhabited by the survivors who strive to find water and seeds to grow their food and well, survive! However, there's one motherfucking catch: Since the resources are so limited, every town has been enslaved by powerful sons of bitches who don't give a shit about how many children, men and women they have to rape, torture and murder in order to build their newfound kingdoms of ultraviolence. And that's pretty much the setting to the first story arc. 

Kenshiro, a mysterious loner who is the heir of the hokuto shin ken martial art, happens to be walking by, until his mission (to recover his girlfriend Yuria from the hands of his motherfucker brother Shin) is delayed due to a bunch of fucktards abusing the innocent. Kenshiro will not take your shit. He's a man of good feelings, and wants the world to be the peaceful place people deserve. In his world, scumbags have no place.

Fuck you scumbag!

Talk to my fist!

Contrary to popular belief, Kenshiro is not a violent man. In fact, he always gives his enemies the chance to quit their evil ways and leave in peace. Obviously, our hero is exceptional to this world of brutality, so even when they know they don't stand a chance against him, thugs won't surrender, and so the legend of the fist of the North star is born. 

Like most Animé from the early 80's, the episodes are organized in "story arcs" that usually last from 10 to 20 episodes. My strong suggestion to newcomers is to endure the first 22 episodes, because once Shin's arc is over the series really becomes interesting, as a set of very  interesting characters is added to Kenshiro's life.  On the contrary, if you've only seen the first story arc, you may be disappointed to find out  that THAT story arc is the least interesting out of the whole series. And that's a big problem for FOTNS' reputation, since many reviewers have only seen the first story arc and based their opinions only on that single portion of the series. Others have stated that the Animé is based upon the 1986 animated movie, and that the entire series is from the 1990's plus and unsatisfying finale (based on the limited amount of episodes available back then, not today, and certainly not yesterday). So, whenever you want to check the quality of an Animé/OVA you should definitely try it yourself first as the internet is filled with wrong information. Especially, when it comes to old series like today's Animé in review.

Revelations.

Lin & Bat. Kenshiro's protegees.

Moving on to the main characters, the following paragraphs can be of help:

Kenshiro: The hero of the series. Heart of gold. Doesn't like violence. Likes children, women, hardworking men. Hates thugs, bullies and injustice. His fighting technique is the hokuto shin ken.

Bat: Pink haired little fella that becomes Kenshiro's driver during the first story arc. He's a kid with good intentions but too weak to start fighting like our main character does.

Lin: The little girl that is rescued by Kenshiro in the first episode. She portrays the lost innocence of the world, and likes flowers. She's not as weak as she seems. In fact, she grows stronger with the cause of freedom and is willing to sacrifice herself for the sake of others.

Rei: Kenshiro's coolest brother. His technique is a visual spectacle as he fucking chops the shit out of his enemies mercilessly. He's a good man and sees there's good in Kenshiro so he joins him on his quest for peace and justice. His fighting technique is the nanto suicho ken.

Toki: He's the second of the four Hokuto brothers. He is a pacifist who seeks to use Hokuto Shinken as a healing art. Toki's self-made technique, Hokuto Ujoken , is an art that is capable of healing or destroying that which it is used on. When fatally wounded with this style, the victim experiences feelings of euphoria and compassion, instead of horrific pain. He sustained severe Radiation sickness while protecting Kenshiro, Yuria and a large group of children. His illness precluded him from becoming the Hokuto Shinken successor and remained with him for the rest of his life. 

Mamiya: She's a female village leader who bears resemblance to Kenshiro's fiancée, Yuria. She has limited skill in the martial arts, and uses weapons such as bladed yo-yos, bow and arrows, and emeici in combat. In the past, Yuda slaughtered Mamiya's parents and kidnapped her with the intent to make her his concubine, branding her with the "UD" mark on her back. She eventually managed to escape, and in her humiliation, renounced her womanhood and became a warrior. Mamiya recruits Ken and Rei as guardians of her village and later accompanies the two for several arcs of the story. 

Family portrait.

Powerful men & woman.

Plot wise, the 109 episodes are divided into four untitled story arcs:

1. First Story Arc (episodes 1-22)  This part of the series focuses on the introduction of Kenshiro and his meeting with two orphans, Bat and Lin, who follow him throughout the series. It follows Ken's journey to save his fiancée, Yuria, who was kidnapped by his old rival Shin who calls himself "King". He fights the top lieutenants in Shin's empire in order to find his whereabouts. Kenshiro then goes to Shin's capital city of Southern Cross, leading to his final battle against Shin in an attempt to save Yuria.
2. Second Story Arc (episodes 23-57) This part features Kenshiro's encounter with Rei, their developing friendship and Rei's relationship with Mamiya. It also introduces Kenshiro's fellow Hokuto brothers, Jagi, Toki and Raoh.
3. Third Story Arc (episodes 58-82) This part follows Kenshiro as he tracks down his surviving Hokuto Shinken brothers-at-arms: Shu, a selfless man who once saved the young Kenshiro; Toki, who has dedicated his life to healing; Souther, the self-proclaimed Holy Emperor of Nanto.  
4. Fourth Story Arc (episodes 83- 109) which chronicles the actions of Kenshiro and the South Dipper Five Chariot Stars in their efforts to protect Yuria, the Last General of Nanto and prevent Raoh (Ken-Oh) becoming the ruler of the post-apocalyptic world. 

 

Kick some seeds pal!

As long as it works.

The visuals, which I've read online to be "dated" are nothing but spectacular. From characters, to backgrounds, to vehicles to fight scenes, everything is fantastic and respectful of the Manga. Even at moments where Kenshiro cries, you see he's uber manly in doing so. On the other hand, the fighting techniques and the hundreds of deaths look really cool too. Exploding heads, torsos, twisted hands, and massive bleeding add a lot of spices to the spectacle. Besides, the hair styles are also quite cool. The overall character & vehicle design goes in line with some of the Cyberpunk style other Animé and films have mastered.

Music wise, fuck! this series features one of the best opening songs of all time!
"Ai wo Torimodose!!" by Crystal King (eps 1-82) the hard rocking guitars would make Iron Maiden jealous! Not to mention the accurate lyrics that sum up the entire series in one song. "Silent Survivor" by Kodomo Band (eps 83-109) is the second opening song in a more eightish pop rock fashion than the earlier but also, super cool, and manly because this show is all about being manly.Still, it's kinda hard to let go of "You wa shock!" after 82 episodes. 

"Yuria... Eien ni" by Crystal King (eps 1-82) and "Dry Your Tears" by Kodomo Band (eps 83-109) are the fantastic ending theme songs.

Awesome manly art.

You are already dead!

Another satisfactory feature this Animé has is how bad guys are finished. 100% of them are killed in the most violent, gruesome and cool looking ways. Fist of the North Star is not a show where bad guys go to jail or face a sentence. They're beyond saving, so death by martial arts is the only way. Obviously,
What makes this show great is the fighting. Ken normally goes up against a group of people that think they are tough and then get killed in one hit. Which is funny and badass, but makes for quick fights. Another great part is comedy/badassness. Ken hits someone, and they think its nothing. Ken says they are already dead. Then they die. Other parts are when he'll hit them and tell them they have a few seconds to live. Then a counter will pop up. Or when he tells them they are not worthy of knowing his name. Then there is when he does a rapid fire kick or punch and goes "a ta ta ta ta ta ta ta!". Eventually you might find yourself doing it with him. One great part was when a bad guy thought he knew Hokuto. He went up to Ken and hit him. Ken stood there said he was dead in a few seconds. The bad guy counted off then died. It isn't limited to Ken everyone else kills just as quick. There has never been a character as awesome as Kenshiro and their probably never will. In addition, all characters are actual adults (save for Bat & Lin) so for people that are sick and tired of teenage characters playing adult roles, this is the Animé you're looking for. As a matter of fact, the Manga is sold with the "adults only" warning. In FOTNS you won't find any of that stupid teenage shy love that is resolved by the final episode, or any kind of over sexualization of underage characters, which is usual in most recent Animé.

Kenshiro sports a beard in the film version.

And there's actual red colored blood in there too.

Overall, Hokuto No Ken is so badass it makes your beard sprout biceps it's like Dragonball Z, Jojo's bizarre adventure, and One Punch Man before those even existed. The Mad Max setting, you know, the Australian films from 1979 & 1981, only adds to the coolness factor along with very badass villain designs like Raoh or Jagi if you wanna watch Manimé watch the one that started it all, the archetype that brought you Jo Jo's Bizarre Adventure, Berzerk & Toriko. Moreover, I really recommend reading the Manga because it's simply magnificent. There's a recent "Ultimate Edition" (available in many languages) that is printed in high quality paper featuring some colored pages and extra info to read on each of the 18 volumes from such collection.

Be warned though, if you watch this Animé you may end up being a manlier man. Please! do not watch with your girlfriend, as it's highly likely Kenshiro will steal your girl and make you look like a weak crybaby.

Last but not least, let's take a look at our video section for this month's Manly review:

 Here's opening 1:



Here's opening 2:



Here's ending 1:



Here's ending 2:



Cristal King playing "Ai Wo Torimodose" Live!



Kodomo Band's original "Silent Survivor" videoclip:



Cristal King "Yuria...Eien Ni" Live!



Fist of the North Star movie trailer:



Fist of the North Star movie trailer (Streamline VHS):



Fist of the North Star Japanese movie trailer:



Fist of the North Star's 1995 Live Action Movie trailer:



Fist of the North Star Nintendo NES gameplay:



Fist of the North Star 6 Super Famicom gameplay:



Fist of the North Star 7 Super Famicom gameplay:



The Sega Master System videogame:



The Sega Mega Drive videogame:



Fist of the North Star Playstation 4 videogame trailer:




A collection of Japanese TV videogame ads:





The NES/FamiCom videogame TV ad:



The Pachinko slot game TV ad:



Another Pachinko TV ad:



The official body wash TV ads: