Volume 1 cover of Fist of the North Star
Jade Dynasty (Hong Kong)
Tong Li Publishing (Taiwan)
| “ | Omae wa, mō shindeiru. You are already dead. |
” |
"Fist of the North Star" (Japanese:北斗の拳; Japanese English:Hokuto no Ken; English:Fist of North Star) is a manga with original story by Buronson and art by Tetsuo Hara. It was serialized in "Weekly Shōnen Jump" from 1983 to 1988. The series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide. It has spawned anime, game, and other derivative works.
Synopsis
The story's style and setting are heavily influenced by the 1981 Australian post-apocalyptic action film "Mad Max 2." It tells the story of a future where human civilization has been destroyed by nuclear war, and the survivors live in a lawless, dog-eat-dog world. A savior emerges: Kenshiro, the successor of the ancient Chinese assassination martial art Hokuto Shinken, identifiable by the seven scars on his chest in the pattern of the Big Dipper.
This work fictionalizes the study of human pressure points from traditional Chinese medicine and martial arts legends into a mysterious assassination fist technique: striking pressure points can cause a person to explode from within, die after a set time, etc.
Phrases frequently used by the protagonist Kenshiro, such as "You are already dead" or "You have only three seconds to live," have become catchphrases among anime fans.
The costume styles of many villainous gangs in the series bear a strong resemblance to those in the Hollywood film "The Road Warrior." The attire and physiques of the main characters also share many similarities with Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Kenshiro has a very distinctive way of expressing himself when using many of his special moves: he typically starts by emitting a series of "Atatatata" from his dantian and ends with "WatatatataI'll be damned," which is an imitation of the late Hong Kong martial arts film star Bruce Lee's performance style.
Characters
- Main article:Fist of the North Star/Characters
- Kenshiro: Also translated as Kenjiro. The successor of the Hokuto Shinken school, the fourth disciple. The protagonist of the series, a man who fights for love throughout his life, full of emotion. The embodiment of the God of War and justice.
- Lin: A girl who grows up in the chaotic world of the century's end, witnessing numerous plots and tragedies.
- Toki: Successor of Hokuto Shinken, the second disciple. A master of the Hokuto Sōkaken (Hokuto Gentle Fist) style. He sacrificed himself to protect Kenshiro and his companions, contracted a serious illness, and missed the chance to become the orthodox successor.Kenshiro: All according to plan
- Raoh: Successor of Hokuto Shinken, the first disciple. A master of the Hokuto Gōkaken (Hokuto Hard Fist) style. Toki's older brother. The overlord of the century's end. He admitted defeat in his duel with Kenshiro and ultimately took his own life.My life has no regrets.
- Rei: Successor of Nanto Suichōken (South Dipper Waterbird Fist), the Nanto Gisei (Sacrifice Star). A man of loyalty, righteousness, and beauty. He challenged Hokuto Shinken to save his sister. To free the woman he loved, Mamiya, from the fate of the Death Omen Star, he defeated Yuda of Nanto Kōkakuken (South Dipper Red Heron Fist). Finally, after being struck by Raoh's Gōken (Hard Fist), he faced death alone in his room three days later.Rei is a real man!!
- Shin: Successor of Nanto Kokyūken (South Dipper Lone Vulture Fist), the Nanto Junsei (Martyr Star). The first major antagonist. Instigated by Jagi, the third disciple of HokutoWho the hell are you?, he kidnapped
NTR( )the protagonist's girlfriend. In the end, he wasforciblyredeemed and died for love.Actually, the protagonist's girlfriend didn't die in the end, so this character became the most tragic tool in the entire series. - Shu: Nanto Jinsei (Benevolence Star). Once saved Kenshiro's life at the cost of his own eyes in a previous battle. Later, during the internal strife among the six Nanto masters, he was ordered by Souther to carry the pyramid cap to the top of the pyramid and was ultimately crushed to death by it.Real Man Number Two
- Souther: Also translated as Saōse. Successor of Nanto Hōōken (South Dipper Phoenix Fist), the Nanto Teisei (Emperor Star). Nicknamed "Holy Emperor." He spent his life trying to prove that Nanto Fist was stronger than Hokuto Fist. He and his master were buried together in a pyramid.No retreat, no fear, no regrets.
- Yuria: Nanto Jibosei (Motherly Love Star)literally. Kenshiro's girlfriend. Had connections with all four Hokuto brothers.The root of all evil. She was ultimately killed by Raoh but survived for three years due to Raoh's fighting spirit.
Jagi,Yuda: Who the hell are you guys? (To be completed)
Publication Information
The complete 27-volume tankōbon was published in Japan byShueisha. The Hong Kong version was published by Jade Dynasty, and the Taiwanese version by Tong Li Publishing.
Derivative Works
Anime
Anime "Fist of the North Star"
The anime of the same name was produced by Toei Animation and Fuji TV. The first season aired from October 4, 1984, to March 5, 1987, with 109 episodes. The second season aired from March 12, 1987, to February 18, 1988, with 43 episodes.
Film
The film was released on March 8, 1986, with a runtime of 110 minutes, directed by Toyoo Ashida.
"Fist of the North Star: Raoh Side Story - The Legend of the Heavenly Emperor"
This anime was produced by Satelight, with 13 episodes. It began airing on October 2, 2008. Based on the original story, it depicts Raoh's youth after establishing the "Fist King's Mansion," his encounter with Black King, the truth behind Toki's seclusion, etc., as he advances on the path of hegemony and the secret of Raoh's birth.
"Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken" (True Savior Legend Fist of the North Star) Series
This series consists of five parts:
- Film "Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken: Raō Den - Jun'ai no Shō": Released March 11, 2006, the first entry in this series. The stage is the "Holy Emperor's Cross Mausoleum." Raoh's ambition is to rule the world with "power." Shu, for the sake of the children's future, challenges Holy Emperor Souther, who seeks to divide the world with Raoh. Meanwhile, Kenshiro... As the saying goes, "When Nanto is in chaos, Hokuto appears!" Finally, the deadly battle between Kenshiro and Holy Emperor Souther, whose body is unaffected by Hokuto Shinken, is about to begin...
- OVA "Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken: Yuria Den": Released on February 23, 2007, one episode. The story follows the fate of Yuria, the fiancée of Hokuto Shinken successor Kenshiro and the last of the orthodox Nanto bloodline. Manipulated among the strongest men—Kenshiro, Shin of Nanto Seiken, and Kenshiro's greatest rival Raoh—Yuria holds fast to her own beliefs. What lies ahead of the light of hope illuminated by Yuria in a world ruled by chaos and madness? This work is also notable for featuring Yuriko Ishida as Yuria, Hiroshi Abe as Kenshiro, and Takashi Ukaji as Raoh.
- Film "Shin Kyūseishu Densetsu Hokuto no Ken: Raō Den - Gekitō no Shō": Released April 28, 2007. It tells the story of how, believing Raoh would surely return to his homeland, Lin decides to return to the Land of Asura with the pirate Red Shark. Meanwhile, Raoh continues to walk his path as a conqueror. However, a man wearing an iron mask, calling himself the "Last General of Nanto," appears before Raoh. The "Nanto Goshasei" (Five Chariot Stars of Nanto)—Shuren of Flame, Fudo of the Mountain, and Rihaku of the Sea—who protect the Last General, call Kenshiro, who bears love and sorrow, the savior and rise to fight against the Fist King's army. Just as Raoh, believing himself to be the king chosen by heaven, leads his entire army to attack the Last General's castle, he discovers the Last General's identity is actually the woman he loves most—Yuria. Similarly, upon learning his beloved is still alive, Kenshiro rushes to save her. Thus, guided by the fate of the Hokuto brothers, the two can only face this unavoidable battle to the death...
(To be completed)
Fist of the North Star -FIST OF THE NORTH STAR-
Production was announced on September 13, 2023, as a 40th-anniversary commemorative work of the original, featuring an entirely new staff and cast.
Games
- Fist of the North Star(1986)
- Hokuto Musou(2010)
- Arcade Hokuto no Ken (AC Hokuto)(2005)
- Hokuto ga Gotoku(2018) (Collaboration with theYakuzaseries)
- Fist of the North Star: Legacy of the Successor(2019)
Live-Action Film
Released in 1995. The main plot of the film is Kenshiro fighting Shin to rescue Yuria, who was taken by Shin.
At the end of the story, Kenshiro finally reunites with Yuria, and Shin's subordinates also turn away from evil.
STAFF
- Director: Tony Randel
- Screenplay: Peter Atkins, Tony Randel
CAST
- Kenshiro: Gary Daniels
(To be completed)
External Links
- (Japanese)Official Fist of the North Star Website
- (Japanese)Artist Tetsuo Hara's Website
- (Japanese)Toei Fist of the North Star Anime Website
