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    {{Infobox animanga/Header
    | name            = Fist of the North Star
    | image          = [[Image:Hokuto no Ken tankobon.jpg|230px]]
    | caption        = ''Hokuto no Ken'' Jump Comics edition
    | ja_name        = 北斗の拳
    | ja_name_trans  = Hokuto no Ken
    | genre          = [[Martial arts]], [[Science fiction]]
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Manga
    | title          =
    | author          = [[Buronson]]
    | illustrator    = [[Tetsuo Hara]]
    | publisher      = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Shueisha]]
    | publisher_other = {{flagicon|Hong Kong}} [[Jade Dynasty]]<br> {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Star Comics (Italy)|Star Comics]]<br> {{flagicon|Italy}} [[Granata Press]]<br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[VIZ Media]] (1989, 1995-1997)<br> {{flagicon|USA}} [[Raijin Comics|Gutsoon! Entertainment]] (2003-2004) <br/> {{flagicon|Spain}} [[Planeta DeAgostini]]<br/> {{flagicon|Malaysia}} [[Comics House]]<br/> {{flagicon|Germany}} [[Panini Comics]]
    | demographic    = [[Shōnen]]
    | magazine        = [[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]
    | first          = 1983
    | last            = 1988
    | volumes        = 27 (245 chapters)
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Anime
    | title          =
    | director        = [[Toyoo Ashida]]
    | studio          = [[Toei Animation]]
    | network        = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Fuji TV]], [[Animax]]
    | network_other  = {{flagicon|France}} [[TF1]] <br> {{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Sci Fi Channel (United Kingdom)|Sci-Fi Channel]] [[Channel 4]] <br> {{flagicon|United States}} [[Showtime Beyond]]
    | first          = [[4 October]] [[1984]]
    | last            = [[5 March]] [[1987]]
    | episodes        = 109
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Movie
    | title          =
    | director        = [[Toyoo Ashida]]
    | studio          = [[Toei Animation]]
    | released        = [[March 8]], [[1986]]
    | runtime        = 110 minutes
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Anime
    | title          = Hokuto no Ken 2
    | director        = [[Toyoo Ashida]]
    | studio          = [[Toei Animation]]
    | network        = [[Fuji TV]]
    | first          = [[March 13]], [[1987]]
    | last            = [[February 18]], [[1988]]
    | episodes        = 43
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/OVA
    | title          = New Fist of the North Star
    | director        = [[Takashi Watanabe]]
    | studio          = [[Toei Animation]]
    | episodes        = 3
    | released        = [[July 24]], [[2003]] - [[May 28]], [[2004]]
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/OVA
    | title          = Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken
    | director        = [[Takahiro Imamura]]
    | studio          = [[TMS Entertainment]], North Stars Pictures
    | episodes        = 5
    | released        = [[March 11]], [[2006]] - 2008
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Manga
    | title          = Ten no Haō: Raoh Gaiden
    | author          = Youkow Osada
    | publisher      = [[Shinchosha]]
    | magazine        = [[Comic Bunch]]
    | demographic    = [[Seinen]]
    | first          = [[March 10]], [[2006]]
    | last            = [[March 2]], [[2007]]
    | volumes        = 5 (42 chapters)
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Manga
    | title          = Yuria Gaiden: Jibo no Hoshi
    | author          = Akimi Kasai
    | publisher      = [[Shogakukan]]
    | magazine        = [[Big Comic Superior]]
    | demographic    = [[Seinen]]
    | first          = [[March 10]], [[2006]]
    | last            = [[June 8]], [[2007]]
    | volumes        = 1 (9 chapters)
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Manga
    | title          = Rei Gaiden: Sōkoku no Garō
    | author          = Yasuyuki Nekoi
    | publisher      = [[Shinchosha]]
    | magazine        = [[Comic Bunch]]
    | demographic    = [[Seinen]]
    | first          = [[March 22]], [[2006]] (first pilot)</br> [[December 8]], [[2006]] (second pilot)</br> [[April 27]], [[2007]] (serialization)
    | last            = ongoing
    | volumes        = 1
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Manga
    | title          = yūken Gaiden: The Judgement Day
    | author          = Sin-ichi Hiromoto
    | publisher      = [[Shinchosha]]
    | magazine        = [[Comic Bunch]]
    | demographic    = [[Seinen]]
    | published      = [[December 8]], [[2006]]
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Manga
    | title          = Shirogane no Seija: Toki Gaiden
    | author          = Yuka Nagate
    | publisher      = [[Shinchosha]]
    | magazine        = [[Comic Bunch]]
    | demographic    = [[Seinen]]
    | first          = [[August 24]], [[2007]]
    | last            = ongoing
    | volumes        =
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Anime
    | title          = Hokuto no Ken Raoh Gaiden: Ten no Haoh
    | director        = Masashi Abe
    | studio          =
    | network        =
    | first          = Fall 2008
    | last            =
    | episodes        =
    }}
    {{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
    {{nihongo|'''''Fist of the North Star'''''|北斗の拳|Hokuto no Ken|lit. "''Fist of the [[Big Dipper]]''"}}, also known as '''''Ken, the Great Bear Fist''''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/english/history/history.html|title=History of Toei Animation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-animation.com/en/catalog/ken_the_great_bear_fist|title=Ken the great bear fist (TOEI Animation Europe)}}</ref> is a [[Japan]]ese [[manga]] series that was originally serialized from 1983 to 1988 in the Japanese magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'', created by [[Tetsuo Hara]] and [[Buronson]]. The manga spans 245 chapters that were originally reprinted in 27 collected volumes ([[tankōbon]]) under the ''Jump Comics'' imprint.
    {{nihongo|'''''Fist of the North Star'''''|北斗の拳|Hokuto no Ken|lit. "''Fist of the [[Big Dipper]]''"}}, also known as '''''Ken, the Great Bear Fist''''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/english/history/history.html|title=History of Toei Animation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-animation.com/en/catalog/ken_the_great_bear_fist|title=Ken the great bear fist (TOEI Animation Europe)}}</ref> is a [[Japan]]ese [[manga]] series that was originally serialized from 1983 to 1988 in the Japanese magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'', created by [[Tetsuo Hara]] and [[Buronson]]. The manga spans 245 chapters that were originally reprinted in 27 collected volumes ([[tankōbon]]) under the ''Jump Comics'' imprint.


    Revision as of 20:24, 19 September 2008

    Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳, Hokuto no Ken, lit. "Fist of the Big Dipper"), also known as Ken, the Great Bear Fist,[1][2] is a Japanese manga series that was originally serialized from 1983 to 1988 in the Japanese magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump, created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson. The manga spans 245 chapters that were originally reprinted in 27 collected volumes (tankōbon) under the Jump Comics imprint.

    Set in a post apocalyptic world where the Earth is barren and the strong survive by preying on the weak, the series follows the journey of Kenshiro, the successor of Hokuto Shinken (北斗神拳, "Divine Fist of the North Star"),[3] a secret martial arts style that allows its practitioner to destroy an opponent's body from within by striking into their secret channeling points, often resulting in a violent and gruesome death. Kenshiro uses his skills to protect the weak and innocent against the numerous villains that threaten their survival.

    Fist of the North Star was one of the Weekly Shōnen Jump's most popular titles during the 1980s. As of 2007, it is the seventh best-selling Shōnen Jump manga of all time in Japan.[4] In a poll conducted by TV Asahi in 2005, the Fist of the North Star anime series ranked 26 in a list of Top 100 Anime series.[5] In a second poll in 2006, it ranked No. 89.[6] In a celebrity version of the poll, it ranked No. 15.

    Publication history

    Pilot version

    The original one shot prototype of Hokuto no Ken, published in the April 1983 edition of Fresh Jump, was set in present-day Japan and told the story of a teenager by the name of Kenshiro Kasumi (霞 拳四郎, Kasumi Kenshirō), the successor of the "Hokuto Shinken" martial arts style, a deadly style which kills or cripples opponents internally by striking pressure points. Kenshiro's main adversaries in this incarnation of the story were a rival martial arts school known as the Taizanji Kenpo (泰山寺拳法, "Taishan Temple Martial Arts"), a secret organization of assassins with influence over the Japanese government. Kenshiro's girlfriend, Yuki, becomes a witness in one of the organization's hits and is subsequently killed by the culprit, with Kenshiro being framed for the crime. This event serves as a catalyst for Kenshiro's war against the Taizanji organization. A second one-shot, titled Hokuto no Ken II, was published in the June 1983 issue of Fresh Jump. Both pilots were collected in the second collected volume of Tetsu no Don Quixote (Tetsuo Hara's prior manga series before Hokuto no Ken).

    Tetsuo Hara has stated that he came up with the idea of Hokuto no Ken from his editor Nobuhiko Horie. According to Hara, Horie suggested to him that he should draw a manga about "a martial artist who destroys his opponents by striking their acupressure points" based on Hara's wishes to draw a martial arts manga and his knowledge of pressure points. [At an Anime Expo 2004 panel, Buronson stated that the tone of the series was inspired by Bruce Lee's films.] At the time, Hara was having trouble breaking into the market, and Fist ended up being his first hit. [7]

    Serialization

    File:Shonen Jump 092683.jpg
    Weekly Shonen Jump, Issue #41 from 1983, featuring the debut of the Hokuto no Ken series.

    The two Hokuto no Ken one-shots were well-received in Fresh Jump's reader's survey and when Tetsuo Hara was commissioned to turn Hokuto no Ken into a weekly series, the task was reportedly too much for Hara to handle alone and manga writer Yoshiyuki Okamura (who worked on the series under the pen name of Buronson) was assigned to work with him. The storyline was completely revamped, with the present-day setting being discarded in favor of a Mad Max-inspired post apocalyptic future. The Taizanji Kenpo school were no longer the main antagonists and Kenshiro, originally a teenager, was now an adult with seven scars on his chest whose design was partly inspired by Bruce Lee.[8]

    Originally, Tetsuo Hara was contracted to do Fist of the North Star for a three-year run, but due to its popularity and the publisher's demand, it was extended to a five-year run.[7]

    Sequels and spinoffs

    After the manga ended its run, Tetsuo Hara and Buronson wrote a novel based on the manga titled Cursed City (呪縛の街, Jubaku no Machi), published by Jump Books in Japan in 1996. It was adapted into a three-part OVA series titled New Fist of the North Star (新・北斗の拳, Shin Hokuto no Ken) in 2003. The story is set sometime after the conclusion of the manga.

    In 2001, Tetsuo Hara began working on a Fist of the North Star prequel titled Fist of the Blue Sky (蒼天の拳, Sōten no Ken), which is currently serialized in Weekly Comic Bunch. Set during the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1935, the story stars Hokuto Shinken predecessor and Kenshiro's namesake, Kenshiro Kasumi.

    Following the theatrical release of the movie Raō Den Jun'ai no Sho in 2006, numerous Fist of the North Star spinoffs began to be published in the Weekly Comic Bunch and Big Comics Superior. This lineup of titles has been dubbed the Hokuto Gaiden (北斗外伝) series, as each title focuses on a major character from the franchise. The following titles had been published so far:

    • The Conquering King of the Heavens: Fist of the North Star Raoh's Story (天の覇王 北斗の拳 ラオウ外伝, Ten no Haō - Hokuto no Ken Raō Gaiden) by Youkow Osada. - A series that was serialized in Weekly Comics Bunch featuring Reina and Souga from the Raoh Den movie. All 42 chapters (as well as a two-part epilogue published sometime after the series' conclusion) were collected in five tankobon volumes.[9]
    • Fist of the North Star Yuria's Story: The Merciful Mother Star (北斗の拳 ユリア外伝 慈母の星, Hokuto no Ken Yuria Gaiden - Jibo no Hoshi) by Akimi Kasai. Serialized at Big Comics Superior in three parts that ran from March 10 to April 14, 2006 and six subsequent chapters from March 9 to June 8, 2007. A single tankobon volume was released.[10]
    File:Comic Bunch -44 (2007).jpg
    Weekly Comic Bunch No. 44 from 2007, depicitng Rei Gaiden and Toki Gaiden on the cover).
    • Fist of the North Star: Rei Side Story (北斗の拳 レイ外伝, Hokuto no Ken Rei Gaiden) by Yasuyuki Nekoi - Rei Gaiden originally began as two separate one-shot stories that were published in the March 22 and December 8, 2006 issues of Weekly Comic Bunch. The one-shot version of the manga is subtitled The Magnificent Avenger (華麗なる復讐者, Kareinaru Fukushūsha). Rei Gaiden was picked up as an ongoing series, which began in the April 27, 2007 issue of Weekly Comic Bunch.[11] The ongoing series was originally subtitled The Hungry Wolf Saga (餓狼編, Garō Hen), but has since been retitled Bloody Wolf's Darkness Blue (蒼黒の餓狼, Sōkoku no Garō, The Dark Blue Hungry Wolf).
    • Fist of the North Star Ryūken's Story: The Judgement Day (北斗の拳 リュウケン外伝 －THE JUDGEMENT DAY－, Hokuto no Ken Ryūken Gaiden THE JUDGEMENT DAY), a one shot story by Hiromoto Sin-Ichi, published in the December 8, 2006 issue of Comic Bunch.

    Plot overview

    The prologue of Fist of the North Star informs us that the world was engaged in a global nuclear war in the year 199X. After the war, the earth's surface became devoid of vegetation, the seas evaporated and civilization was thrown into chaos, turning everyday life into a battle for supplies of uncontaminated food and water, where the strong survive by preying on the weak. However, one man vows to make a difference. Kenshiro is the successor of the art of Hokuto Shinken, a deadly 1,800 year-old assassination style that is only passed down from one master to a chosen son. Kenshiro uses his skills and knowledge to protect the innocent from the bloodthirsty gangs that threaten their survival. Throughout the course of the series, Kenshiro meets several allies and rivals, most of whom are also trained in various martial arts styles.

    The first chapter serves to introduce Kenshiro and depicts his initial meeting with his two sidekicks, Bat (also called Bart) and Lin. The initial story arc then centers Kenshiro's quest to reclaim his fiancee Yuria, who was taken from him by his former friend Shin, a master of the rival Nanto Seiken (南斗聖拳, "Sacred Fist of the South Star") style.[13] After the Shin arc, the manga began focusing around one-off arc-based villains such as the Golan, Jackal and the Fang Clan, although the story gradually shifts to Ken's search for his three adopted brothers, who were trained in the Hokuto Shinken style under the same master but were not chosen to be successors. The eldest of the brothers, Raoh, becomes the primary antagonist and Ken's primary nemesis at this point, a conqueror who uses Hokuto Shinken to rule with tyranny. A major sub-plot is also introduced in the form of an internal conflict within the Nanto school between its six grand masters, the Nanto Roku Seiken (南斗六聖拳, "Six Sacred Fists of the South Star"), and the Hokuto brothers' involvement in it.

    The death of Raoh marks the end of the first era of the series and the setting jumps several years, with Ken's sidekicks Bat and Lin having reached adulthood. Kenshiro returns to help Bat and Lin overthrow the evil Jakoh, a corrupt Governor General that has usurped the throne of the Heavenly Empress and is coercing the Gento Kōken (元斗皇拳, "Original Dipper Imperial Fist") masters to do his evil bidding. After Jakoh's defeat, Lin is kidnapped and taken overseas to the Land of Asura (修羅の国, Shura no Kuni), a war-torn nation now ruled by the three Rashō (羅将, General of Asura). The origins of the Hokuto brothers and the Hokuto Shinken style are revealed, as well as the existence of the forbidden Hokuto Ryūken (北斗琉拳, "North Star Gem Fist") style, a branch of the original Hokuto Family (北斗宗家, Hokuto Sōke) formed alongside with Hokuto Shinken.

    After Kaioh's defeat, Raoh's son Ryu is introduced as Kenshiro's apprentice and possible successor to the Hokuto Shinken style. After Kenshiro restores order to the two neighbouring kingdoms of Sava and Blanca, the final chapter centers around the love triangle between Ken, Lin and Bat.

    Characters

    See also: Characters in Fist of the North Star

    Fist of the North Star has a large ensemble of characters that has changed constantly during the series' original five-year run. Among the inhabitants of the post-apocalyptic world of Fist of the North Star includes martial artists, royal families, rebels, bandits and villagers that are merely attempting to survive a cruel, harsh world.

    Although protagonist Kenshiro is the only truly permanent character from the series' inception up until the final chapter, his two sidekicks, Bat and Lin have served as series' mainstays as well, introduced as a pair of orphaned children whom Kenshiro meets during the first chapter of the series and then growing up into rebel leaders and heroes in their own right.

    Kenshiro encounters several rivals and allies throughout the course of the series, many of whom are affiliated with the martial arts schools featured in the series (see fighting styles section). The series initially focuses on two rival factions, the Hokuto Shinken school and the Nanto Seiken school. Shin, a representative of Nanto Seiken, serves as Kenshiro's first major nemesis, being the man responsible for engraving the seven stab wounds on Kenshiro's chest and kidnapping his fiancee Yuria. After Shin's death, the authors would expand the storyline by introducing other Hokuto and Nanto disciples, namely the Nanto Roku Seiken and the four Hokuto brothers. A major recurring antagonist is introduced in the form of Raoh, the eldest of the four Hokuto brothers, who would become the series' most prominent villain.

    After Raoh's death, the Gento Kōken fighters and their leader Falco would serve as reluctant adversaries of Kenshiro. Another group of antagonists are introduced with the fighters from the Land of Asura. Their ruler of Asura, Kaioh of the Hokuto Ryuken school, is the last major nemesis Kenshiro confronts in the series, although other villains appear after him in the manga.

    Many of the characters in the series have since become stars of their own spinoff manga (see later works section).

    Fighting styles

    See also: List of fighting styles in Fist of the North Star

    The primary fighting style depicted in Fist of the North Star is Hokuto Shinken, the style used by Kenshiro and his three adopted brothers. Hokuto Shinken relies primarily on 708 secret accupressure points on the human's body that forms part of a fictional system known as the keiraku hikō (経絡秘孔, "secret channeling points"). By pushing into one of the hikō points, one can cause destruction into the enemy's body from within or even control their body against their own will. There are also beneficial hikō points that can be used to cure sickness or heal wounds, including restore a mute person's voice or a blind person's sight. In addition, the masters of Hokuto Shinken can tap into their body's full potential strength, whereas an average person only uses 30% of their strength.

    The main rival style of Hokuto Shinken in the beginning of the series is Nanto Seiken, a style which is described as the polar opposite of Hokuto Shinken. In contrast to the Hokuto style, which uses the hikō points to cause destruction from within, the Nanto style specializes in stabbing and slicing techniques that penetrate the body from the outside and destroy everything in its path. Originally the style is used by Shin, the first major antagonist, but throughout the course of the series the existence of other branches of the Nanto Seiken are revealed, the six top branches being the Nanto Roku Seiken.

    Two other major styles are introduced during the latter half of the series; Gento Kōken, a style which specializes in ki-based projectile attacks that destroy the enemy on a cellular level; and Hokuto Ryūken, a brother style of Hokuto Shinken which causes destruction through an opponent's keiraku hakō (経絡破孔, "destructive channeling points") and teaches its users to summon their "demonic aura" (魔闘気, matōki).

    Availability

    Japanese editions

    The original collected volumes or tankōbon of Hokuto no Ken were originally published under Shueisha's Jump Comics imprint and spans 27 volumes.[14] During the 1990s, Shueisha reprinted Hokuto no Ken in 15 hardcover aizoban editions,[15] as well as 15 corresponding economy-sized bunko editions.[16] Most recently, it has republished in 31 Bunch World editions, 12 Tokuma Favorite Comics (renkanban) editions,[17] 24 Raijin Collection editions (each volume containing a figurine)[18] and 14 Kanzeban editions.[19] The Kazenban edition, published by Shogakukan under the Big Comics Selection imprint, features the original colored pages from the Weekly Shōnen Jump serialization. It has also been released in 27 pay-to-download e-book editions at eBook Japan.[20] Coamix published the first four volumes of the colorized Hokuto no Ken: Master Edition in Japan.[21]

    Jump Comics volumes

    The following are the titles of the original Jump Comics volumes, along with a rough English translation of each title and their original ISBN numbers.

    Supplemental books

    The following are books related to the Hokuto no Ken series outside of the collected volumes.

    • Hokuto no Ken Special: All About the Man (北斗の拳ＳＰＥＣＩＡＬ ＡＬＬ ＡＢＯＵＴ ＴＨＥ ＭＡＮ) - A special supplemental issue of the Weekly Shōnen Jump dedicated exclusively to the series. It contains a reprint of the Hokuto no Ken pilot, creator interviews and complete character biographies among other articles. Cover dated September 5, 1986.
    • Tetsu no Don Quixote (鉄のドン・キホーテ, Tetsu no Don Kihōte, "The Iron Don Quixote") - The second collected volume features reprints of the two Hokuto no Ken pilot episodes.
      • ISBN 4420131098 (Volume 2, 1983 Jump Super Comics edition)
      • ISBN 4420137673 (Volume 2, 1996 Jump Super Ace edition)
    • Shōsetsu Hokuto no Ken: Jubaku no Machi (小説・北斗の拳―呪縛の街, "Fist of the North Star: The Novel - The Cursed City") - 1995 novel written by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson. The basis for the 2003 New Fist of the North Star OVA trilogy.
      • ISBN 4087030547
    • Hokuto no Ken Kyūkyoku Kaisetsusho: Sekimatsu Haō Retsuden (北斗の拳 究極解説書 世紀末覇王列伝, "The Ultimate Handbook to Fist of the North Star: History of the Century's End Conqueror) - A guide to the Hokuto no Ken series, which includes complete character biographies (mostly reprinted from All About the Man).
      • ISBN 4834216845
    • Hokuto no Ken 2000: Kyūkyoku Kaisetsusho Part 2 (北斗の拳2000 究極解説書 PART2, "Fist of the North Star 2000: The Ultimate Handbook Part 2") - A sequel to the above guide featuring a complete list of Hokuto Shinken techniques.
      • ISBN 4834216853
    • Boku-tachi no Sukina Hokuto no Ken (僕たちの好きな北斗の拳, "We Love Fist of the North Star") - An episode guide of the anime series.
      • ISBN 479663035X (2002 edition)
      • ISBN 4796658580 (2007 edition)
    • Hokuto no Ken Kanzen Tokuhon (北斗の拳　完全読本, "The Complete Guide to Fist of the North Star") - A character guide based on the anime series.
      • ISBN 4796640169 (2004 edition)
      • ISBN 4796658564 (2007 edition)
      • ISBN 4796669476 (2009 edition)

    English editions

    File:FotNS Master Ed 1.jpg
    Fist of the North Star: Master Edition Vol. 9, published by Gutsoon.

    Two different companies attempted to translate the original Fist of the North Star manga for the English market, although both attempts failed to finish their run. VIZ Communications originally published the first sixteen chapters in eight monthly squarebound comic book issues (two/three chapters per issue) in 1989. Viz resumed publication of the series from 1995 to 1997, publishing the subsequent 28 chapters of the series in 18 monthly pamphlet-sized issues (each issue containing roughly one chapter and a half) divided into three "parts". Four graphic novel collections were published by Viz: Fist of the North Star, Night of the Jackal, Southern Cross and Blood Brothers. The Viz edition featured mirrored artwork, as was the standard with English translated manga at the time. Unfortunately, due to its age and a changing comic market more oriented towards T&A than mature violence[I.E. Gen 13], Fist was never really a hit with the company.

    In 2003, Gutsoon! Entertainment began publishing a Master Edition of the series, large squarebound graphic novel installments (eight/nine chapters per volume) that were printed in high quality paper. In addition to sporting a revised translation and retaining the original right-to-left orientation, the Master Edition of the series also featured new CG coloring added to the original artwork. Gutsoon ceased publication of the series with Vol. 9 due to the company folding. While a significant accomplishment for an older title, the higher prices of the Master Editions-compared to other manga released around the same time-and the alleged non-female appeal of the series are believed to have made it a hard sell in the U.S. Ironically, however, more volumes of it were published domestically than its flashier and more female-oriented prequel. The license has yet to be picked up by another company.

    Viz volumes

    Volume Viz Graphic Novel Title Release date [22] ISBN Organization
    01 Fist of the North Star April 1995 ISBN 1569310319 Part 1, Issues 1-8 (Chapters 1-16)
    02 Fist of the North Star:
    Night of the Jackal    		 September 1997 ISBN 1569311862 Part 2, Issues 1-7 (Chapters 17-27)
    03 Fist of the North Star: Southern Cross December 1997 ISBN 1569312001 Part 2, Issues 7-8
    Part 3, Issues 1-5 (Chapters 28-35)
    04 Fist of the North Star:
    Blood Brothers    		 May 1998 ISBN 1569312583 Part 4, Issues 1-7 (Chapters 36-44)

    Gutsoon! volumes (Master Edition)

    Volume Release date [22] ISBN Chapters
    01 2003-01-28 ISBN 0972503706 1-8
    02 2003-02-25 ISBN 0972503714 9-17
    03 2003-03-18 ISBN 0972503722 18-26
    04 2003-05-14 ISBN 0972503730 27-34
    05 2003-07-26 ISBN 0972503749 35-42
    06 2003-11-11 ISBN 0972503757 43-50
    07 2003-11-25 ISBN 193245411X 51-58
    08 2004-02-18 ISBN 1932454209 59-66
    09 2004-05-19 ISBN 1932454276 67-74
    10 Unpublished ISBN 1932454365 N/A

    Adaptations

    Template:Split

    TV series

    See also: List of Fist of the North Star episodes
    File:Hokuto anime.jpg
    TV's Hokuto no Ken title card.
    File:Hokuto2 anime.jpg
    Hokuto no Ken 2 title card.

    Hokuto no Ken was first adaptated into a weekly anime series by Toei Animation. The series aired on Fuji Television from October 4, 1984 to March 5, 1987 and was given the subtitle of Seikimatsu Kyūseishu Densetsu (世紀末救世主伝説, "Legend of the Century's End Savior") following episode 22.[23] It was immediately followed by a sequel series, titled Hokuto no Ken 2, which aired from March 13, 1987 to February 18, 1988. A combined total of 152 episodes were produced for the two series. Reruns are aired in Japan on the satellite television network Animax.

    The violent content of the TV series is toned down considerably compared to the original manga, with much of the gore being discolored via desaturation. Like many manga-based anime series, filler material was added to prevent the series from getting ahead of its source material.

    The Hokuto no Ken portion of the series spans four major story arcs that follows the manga's plotline from the beginning and up until chapter 136 (prior to the timeskip). Each story arc (or chapters, as they referred within the show) spans a certain number of episodes each adapting a portion of the original manga. The first chapter is based on chapters 1-25 of the original manga, but changes the order of events so that Ken's battle with Shin is left for last, turning all the other villains into his subordinates. The rest of the series follows the manga's plotline more closely. The Hokuto no Ken 2 portion takes place after the timeskip and adapts the storyline of the Celestial Emperor and Asura arcs of the manga. The post-Asura chapters were not adapted for the series.

    The entire series has been collected on DVD in Japan, in a boxed collection known as the Super Premium Box[24] and in 26 individually released discs containing 5-6 episodes per volume.[25] A three volume DVD series, the Kyūkyoku Retsuden series, contains highlight episodes of the show.[26] Prior to the DVD release of the series, Toei released three hour-long compilation episodes on VHS composed of re-edited footage from the series. Toei is currently planning an HD Remaster Edition of the Hokuto no Ken DVD Box Set in commemoration of the franchise's 25th anniversary. In addition to containing all 152 episodes on 26 discs, the set will also contain two additional discs of bonus content: the first bonus disc will contain all three episodes of the Hokuto no Ken Digest Edition previously released only on VHS. The second bonus disc will contain credit-less opening and closing animation, the original preview ad for the series, the first episode of Hokuto no Ken dubbed in Beijing dialect and interviews with the staff and cast of the show. The set will also come packaged with a deluxe booklet and a reproduction of a promotional Hokuto no Ken poster issued prior to the show's first airing. A Limited Edition version of the box set will also come packaged with a Kenshiro and Kokuoh figure by Kaiyodo. The box set was released on March 28, 2008.[27]

    The first 36 episodes were licensed to Manga Entertainment and released in English dubbed and subtitled formats on VHS and DVD. Manga Entertainment initially released the series in eight VHS volumes spanning only 24 episodes in 1999 and later released all 36 episodes in five DVD volumes in 2003.[28] The English dub of the show features a new soundtrack provided by Reinforced Records and voice acting by Animaze. The original opening and ending sequences were replaced by in-house versions produced by Manga Entertainment with music by Mike Egan. The dubbed version aired on Showtime Beyond in the US and on the Sci-Fi Channel in the UK. Manga Entertainment Australia never secured the rights to release the TV Series in Australia for unknown reasons. On May 2008, Toei released English-subtitled episodes of the TV series on the internet.[29] The episodes are available on IGN's pay-to-download service Direct2Drive.[30]

    Manga Entertainment's treatment of the series has been criticized by reviewers, particularly at their decision to replace the original Japanese soundtrack with their own music for the English dub. A reviewer of DVD Vision Japan stated that the English voice acting was "terrible, even for an early dub" and compared David Lucas' performance as Shin unfavorably to his role as Spike Spiegel in Cowboy Bebop. The same reviewer also states that the music by Mike Egan is mediocre.[31] Mike Toole of Anime Jump proclaimed that the drum n' bass soundtrack is "occasionally nice, but usually just obtrusive".[32] Chadwick Ngan of EX Anime wrote that the "American voice actors' efforts are commendable" and that the new opening and ending themes "aren't bad, but nothing to get excited about either."[33]

    1986 animated movie

    File:FotNS02.jpg
    A promotional illustration of the Fist of the North Star animated movie.

    An animated feature film version of Fist of the North Star was produced by Toei Animation, which premiered in Japan on March 8, 1986.([34]) The movie was intended to be a big-screen treatment of the manga, and avoid the watering-down of violence that came with the TV series. An English-dubbed version produced by Streamline Pictures was first released in 1991 in the USA and 1994 in the UK and Australia by Manga Entertainment. A New Zealand release was never scheduled by Manga Entertainment so it never had an official release there.

    Plot differences from the manga and TV series
    In a notable deviation from the series, the film finds time to begin with a detailed peek at the Earth as it was before and during the fabled nuclear devastation. Starting with a calm, surreal look at various points of Mother Nature, a brief on-screen message then informs the audience of the imminent calamity, followed by unsettling Barefoot Gen-esque scenes of human life consumed in flame.

    The film follows the storyline of the manga from Kenshiro's defeat at the hands of Shin to the first battle with Raoh, although certain liberties were taken to tell the story in a condensed form. For example, Toki, the second of the four Hokuto Brothers, is never seen nor mentioned, while Shin and Rei are the only Nanto Seiken masters to appear in the film. Although Yuria's Nanto heritage is mentioned through out the movie in the Japanese version, her role as the last Nanto General is downplayed. Her fate has also been altered from the original story, wherein this time she is kidnapped by Raoh instead of jumping off Shin's palace to resurface later as the Last Nanto General. She disappears during the final battle and her survival remains ambiguous at the conclusion of the film. Mamiya, Rei's love interest, is never seen, partly because Yuria is the heroine in her place. Raoh serves as the main antagonist, with Jagi and Shin as the other two major villains. Many other villains from the manga and anime such as the Colonel and Jackal only make cameo appearances as minor henchmen with some of the notable fight scenes involving Zeed, Heart, the Fang King and Uighur. All together the order and occurrences of the original story were almost completely rewritten.

    There were two endings produced for the film. The original theatrical ending in Japan showed Raoh emerging victorious over Kenshiro, but sparing his life, leaving him to protect Lin. An alternate ending was produced that shows the fight ending in a draw, which was the ending featured in the VHS and Laserdisc release of the film in Japan. The English dub version by Streamline Pictures is based on the theatrical version and thus features the original ending. Many Western fans believe that the "draw ending" was the original ending, but this is a common misconception due to the fact that the original ending where Raoh wins is not featured in any of the official home video releases in Japan. The upcoming Region 2 DVD release of the film will feature both endings.

    Reception
    The English dub version of the movie was the first animated incarnation of Fist of the North Star to be released in English, and has had mixed reviews among casual viewers and anime fandom. A review from Akemi's Anime World calls it "so bad it's good, and the original in the genre" and calls quality of the dub "cheesy", but "suitable".[35] Richard Harrington of the Washington Post criticized the violent nature of the movie and quality of the animation, saying that "watching it you'll feel as comfortable as a hemophiliac in a razor blade factory".[36] Stephen Nolden of the New York Times expresses that "in its carelessly translated and poorly dubbed English adaptation, the characters express themselves in diction so stiff that they seem ludicrously prissy".[37]

    Noteworthy criticism by Charles Solomon, proclaims that Kenshiro "looks like a caricature of Sylvester Stallone drawn for an American Saturday morning cartoon show. " He further states that 'The relatively simple story is burdened with many subplots involving evil brothers, betrayals, kidnappings, and murders, all needing endless expository scenes. "He is also quick to point out its blatant similarities with films of western culture such as Mad Max. He makes a bold claim that "Fist of the North probably ranks as the most violent film in animation history" also commenting that the abundance of violence is unintentionally comedic.[38] + - Reviews from Flixster.com as recent as 2007 state "This is hands-down the best animated movie I've ever seen." ,and boast that the soundtrack is brilliant at times, furthermore one such fan, proclaims proudly "Kung Fu enthusiasts rejoice, for this is your anthem.".[38]

    Cast

    Character Japanese version English version
    Kenshiro (Ken) Akira Kamiya John Vickery
    Raoh Kenji Utsumi Wally Burr
    Shin Toshio Furukawa Michael McConnohie
    Yuria (Julia) Yuriko Yamamoto Melodee Spevack
    Airi (Alei) Arisa Andou Barbara Goodson
    Jagi Chikao Ohtsuka Dan Woren
    Rei (Ray) Kaneto Shiozawa Greg Snegoff
    Bat Mie Suzuki Tony Oliver
    Lin (Lynn) Tomiko Suzuki Holly Sidell
    Uighur Daisuke Gouri Greg Snegoff
    Jackal Hiroshi Ohtake Michael Forest
    Ryuken Junji Chiba Jeff Corey
    Heart Junpei Takiguchi Dave Mallow
    Old Man Kôhei Miyauchi Steve Bulen
    Colonel Kouji Yada Dave Mallow
    Fox Takeshi Aono Carl Macek
    Kiba Daio (Fang King) Takeshi Watabe James Avery
    Narrator Tarô Ishida Jeff Corey
    Dying Woman Youko Kawanami Lisa Michelson

    1995 live-action movie

    An American-produced live-action movie version of Fist of the North Star was released in 1995, directed by Tony Randel based on a script by Peter Atkins and Wynne McLaughlin. The movie, loosely based on the Shin storyline of the manga, stars Gary Daniels as Kenshiro, Costas Mandylor as Shin and Japanese actress Isako Washio as Yuria, with Malcolm McDowell as Ryuken and Chris Penn as "Jackal" (actually a renamed Jagi). It also featured a cameo by professional wrestler Leon White (then known as Big Van Vader) as Goliath. The movie saw a theatrical release in Japan, but went straight-to-video in the US (though it did receive a premiere on HBO.) The Japanese dubbed version used the original voice actors from the 1980s anime series.

    The movie had mixed reviews from fans and critics. Dave Foster of DVD Times panned the movie as a poor adaptation and commented that Kenshiro's pressure point techniques "look rather tame" in comparison to the way depicted in the manga and anime series.[39] A reviewer from eFilmCritic remarked that Kenshiro's defeat at the hands of Shin "comes off as standard" and "unbelievably goofy" compared to the 1986 animated movie version. However, Video World gave a much more positive review, calling it "First rate." It has since been firmly established as a cult film in the west, and remains the film for which Gary Daniels is best known.

    New Fist of the North Star

    New Fist of the North Star (新・北斗の拳, Shin Hokuto no Ken) is a three-part OVA series produced by Toei Animation that was originally released in 2003 and 2004 in Japan. It is based on an original Hokuto no Ken novel by Buronson and Hara Jubaku no Machi (呪縛の街, "The Cursed City"), whom the first episode of the trilogy draws its title from. It was fully licensed and released in English by ADV Films. Akira Kamiya, who had voiced Kenshiro in all previous animated incarnations, was replaced by Takehito Koyasu for this new OVA series. Celebrity voices were also employed, with musician Gackt (who also performs the opening and ending themes of the OVA) as the antagonist Seiji. It was the last animated incarnation of Hokuto no Ken produced by Toei.

    Set sometime after the conclusion of Hokuto no Ken 2 and the original manga, a man named Sanga has constructed a fortified zone called The Last Land. While Sanga's men go out and seek water through violent means, they encounter Kenshiro who desires to end their reign of terror.

    The ADV Films' dub of the trilogy has garnered positive reviews from critics. Chris Wood of Toon Zone praised "Kenshiro is in fine form, and though the story may not blow you away, it’s plenty adequate to support the action"[40] Mike Toole of Anime Jump says that New Fist is "flashy and a little cheap, but ultimately rewarding."[41] Chris Beveridge of AnimeOnDVD.com was "very pleased with" the first episode,[42] but felt that the second episode could've been "much better written"[43] and that the third episode was unnecessary and that the trilogy "could have been a lot tighter with a bit more streamlining of the script".[44]

    Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu movie series

    File:Hokuto no ken junnainosyou.jpg
    Theatrical poster for Raoh Den - Jun'ai no Shō.

    In 2005, North Stars Pictures and TMS Entertainment announced the production of a planned five part Hokuto no Ken film series titled Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu (真救世主伝説, "True Saviour Legend").[45] The films are both, remakes of and supplemental stories to the original manga series, and introduces a new supporting character in the form of Reina (whose character designs were contributed by City Hunter's Tsukasa Hojo). The film series will be composed of three feature films and two OVA movies released between them. The films use a different cast of voice actors than the older anime series, with Hiroshi Abe (Kenshiro), Takashi Ukaji (Raoh), Kou Shibasaki (Reina) and Yuriko Ishida (Yuria) in the lead roles. The new movies have yet to be licensed for an English adaptation, although Italian and French versions have already been announced.

    Planned works:

    1. The Legend of Raoh: Martyred Love Arc (ラオウ伝　殉愛の章, Raō Den Jun'ai no Shō) - Theatrical film released on March 11, 2006. A retelling of Kenshiro's battle against Souther, the strongest of the Nanto Roku Seiken masters, with a sub-plot involving Raoh and Reina.
    2. The Legend of Yuria (ユリア伝, Yuria Den) - OVA released on February 23, 2007. The story of this OVA centers around Yuria and how she became the Last Nanto General.
    3. The Legend of Raoh: Fierce Fighting Arc (ラオウ伝 激闘の章, Raō Den Gekitō no Shō) - Theatrical film released on April 28, 2007. A retelling of Kenshiro's final battle with Raoh. The theatrical release of the movie was promoted by a mock funeral for Raoh.
    4. The Legend of Toki (トキ伝, Toki Den) - OVA released on March 26, 2008. Centers around the character Toki.
    5. Zero: The Legend of Kenshirō (ケンシロウ伝, Kenshirō Den) - Theatrical film scheduled to be released nationwide in Japan on October 11, 2008. A prequel set between Kenshiro's defeat at the hands of Shin and the beginning of the manga.

    Raoh Gaiden: Ten no Haoh

    A 26-episode TV anime based on the manga by Youkow Osada.

    Video games

    Main article: List of Fist of the North Star video games
    File:Pachinko machine dsc04788.jpg
    A Fist of the North Star pachinko machine

    Several licensed Hokuto no Ken video games have been released in Japan thorought the years. The earliest Hokuto no Ken video game was a 1986 adventure game simply titled Hokuto no Ken, released by Enix for the NEC PC-8801. Toei Animation published many of the early Hokuto no Ken games for Nintendo consoles (Famicom, Game Boy and Super Famicom). In addition, Sega also published their own Hokuto no Ken action game for the Sega SG-1000 Mark III (which was later remade for the Sony PlayStation 2 under the Sega Ages lineup), along with a sequel, Hokuto no Ken: Shin Seikimatsu Kyūseishu Densetsu for the Sega Mega Drive. Two of Toei's Hokuto no Ken games, Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken 2 in Japan) for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Fist of the North Star: 10 Big Brawls for the King of Universe for the Game Boy, were published in North America with the license retained. Both of Sega's Hokuto no Ken games were published outside Japan as Black Belt and Last Battle respectively, with the North Star license and character likenesses removed.

    In 1995, Banpresto published an original Hokuto no Ken adventure game for the Sega Saturn featuring an original storyline set sometime after the conclusion of the manga. It was ported to the Sony PlayStation the following year. In 2000, Bandai published a 3D action game for the PlayStation titled Hokuto no Ken: Seikimatsu Kyūseishu Densetsu.

    In addition to original console games, there has also been Hokuto no Ken arcade games such as Konami's Punch Mania boxing game, a competitive fighting game by Arc System Works (later released for the PlayStation 2 in Japan) and licensed Hokuto no Ken "pachislot" machines (hybrid pachinko and slot machines) and pachinko machines by Sammy (which have inspired video game versions for the PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, Nintendo DS and Wii). A series of Hokuto no Ken typing games were also made for Microsoft Windows. A Hokuto no Ken Online game is in the works.

    The characters of Hokuto no Ken also appeared in two crossover games involving Shōnen Jump characters, 1989's Famicom Jump: Hero Retsuden for the Famicom and 2006's Jump Ultimate Stars for Nintendo DS.

    Notes and references

    1. ↑ "History of Toei Animation".
    2. ↑ "Ken the great bear fist (TOEI Animation Europe)".
    3. ↑ While the name Hokuto Shinken literally means Big Dipper Divine Fist, the standard translation for the fighting style is the same as its English title, Fist of the North Star. It is also referred as the Sacred Martial Arts of the Great Bear in Viz Media edition and as God Fist of the North Star in the Gutsoon! edition.
    4. ↑ "Shōnen Jump Manga Circulation Numbers" (html). ComiPress. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
    5. ↑ "TV Asahi Top 100 Anime" (html). Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
    6. ↑ "Japan's Favorite TV Anime" (html). Anime News Network. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
    7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Interview with Hara Tetsuo" (html). Raijin Comics (waybacked). Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
    8. ↑ "Interview with Buronson" (html). ADV Films Presents: New Fist of the North Star. Retrieved on 2007-07-21.
    9. ↑ "週刊コミックバンチ★コアミックス：連載作品・作家紹介：天の覇王 北斗の拳 ラオウ外伝" (html) (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
    10. ↑ "Amazon.com: 北斗の拳ユリア外伝慈母の星 (ビッグコミックススペシャル)" (html) (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
    11. ↑ "週刊コミックバンチ★コアミックス：最新号情報と予告" (html) (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-07-29.
    12. ↑ "週刊コミックバンチ★コアミックス：最新号情報と予告" (html) (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
    13. ↑ Like Hokuto, the term Nanto is usually localized in English translations as "South Star" (or "Southern Cross" in the Viz edition, the name of Shin's city). Nanto actually refers to the South Dipper, a Chinese asterism that forms part of Sagittarius. The Fighting Mania arcade game actually alternates between "South Star" and the literal "South Dipper" in translations. The asterism has no relation to the Southern Cross.
    14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "北斗の拳　全27巻・全巻セット｜原　哲夫／武論尊｜ジャンプコミックス｜BOOKNAVI｜集英社" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
    15. ↑ "北斗の拳／全15巻｜原　哲夫／武論尊｜愛蔵版コミックス｜BOOKNAVI｜集英社" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
    16. ↑ "北斗の拳全15巻・全巻セット｜原　哲夫／武論尊｜集英社文庫(コミック版)｜BOOKNAVI｜集英社" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-01.
    17. ↑ "徳間書店 — 徳間書店" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
    18. ↑ "コアミックス" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
    19. ↑ "小学館：コミック" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
    20. ↑ "北斗の拳 原哲夫 : コアミックス - 電子書籍はeBookJapan : マンガ" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-02.
    21. ↑ Template:Citeweb
    22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Amazon.com". Retrieved on 2007-09-09.
    23. ↑ "北斗の拳 (official Toei site)" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-09-01.
    24. ↑ "北斗の拳 DVD BOX" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-04.
    25. ↑ "北斗の拳" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-04.
    26. ↑ "北斗の拳 究極列伝" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-04.
    27. ↑ "「北斗の拳」DVD-BOX発売" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-10-19.
    28. ↑ "MANGA ENTERTAINMENT HISTORY". html. Retrieved on 2007-09-02.
    29. ↑ "Toei OnDemand - Fist of the North Star".
    30. ↑ "Direct2Drive: Fist of the North Star".
    31. ↑ "Fist of The North Star Vol 1 DVD Review. DVD VISION JAPAN (DVD VISION)". Retrieved on 2007-09-02.
    32. ↑ "Anime Jump (Fist of the North Star vols. 1-3)". Retrieved on 2007-09-02.
    33. ↑ "EX (FIST OF THE NORTH STAR, THE SERIES VOLUME 3)". Retrieved on 2007-09-02.
    34. ↑ "Hokuto no ken (1986)". Imdb.com. Retrieved on 2008-09-14.
    35. ↑ "AAW: Fist of the North Star (Movie) Review". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    36. ↑ "Washing ton Post (‘Fist of the North Star’ review)". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    37. ↑ "New York Times (Review of Fist of the North Star)". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 "Flixster: Fist of the North Star (Movie) Review". Retrieved on 2008-01-02.
    39. ↑ Dave Foster. "DVD Times - Fist of the North Star". Retrieved on 2007-07-30.
    40. ↑ ""New Fist of the North Star": My Mind Is Already Blown (Review from Toon Zone)". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    41. ↑ "Anime Jump review of New Fist of the North Star". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    42. ↑ "AnimeOnDVD.com >> Disc Reviews >> New Fist of the North Star Vol. #1 (also w/box)". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    43. ↑ "AnimeOnDVD.com >> Disc Reviews >> New Fist of the North Star Vol. #2". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    44. ↑ "AnimeOnDVD.com >> Disc Reviews >> New Fist of the North Star Vol. #3". Retrieved on 2007-09-03.
    45. ↑ "劇場版映画“北斗の拳「ラオウ外伝」純愛編”を2006年春全国東宝系公開" (in Japanese). Retrieved on 2007-08-30.

    See also

    External links

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