Ranked #5

Hajime no Ippo

First, let me say that I'm not a fan of boxing. In fact, I pretty much hate the sport. Honestly, who likes seeing people getting their head beat in every day?

With that being said, this series is brilliantly done. There's comedy, romance, and plenty, plenty, plenty of plot. Follow Ippo as he grows as a person and as a professional boxer. You'll laugh, and you'll probably cry here or there. The fact that I don't even like boxing never came in to play. You'll probably find yourself doing some jabs here and there while watching the show too. It's that captivating.

The supporting characters are awesome. Takamura, Kimura and Aoki are all equally hilarious. Each has a distinct personality that make them all very lovable. They also support Ippo as he meets his trials of boxing and life.

Definitely give this series a try. You won't be disappointed with the 76 episodes. In fact, you'll probably end up reading the manga because you don't want it to stop! read more

The anime makes use of every character it introduces and develops them very convincingly and you can really connect to them. Such as Ippo in gaining more confidence and motivation, Takamura in wanting to become a champion and a hero, and Miyata wanting to prove that his father’s boxing style is the best. The characters all have back-stories of why they became fighters but they still live lives in certain ways you can still relate to them and they all have every day issues as real boxers would have such as Takamura’s weight control. As for the pacing, yes, the anime is long and the manga is 10 times longer, but still evenly paced and I feel the intention after getting to a certain point is that Morikawa-sensei wants to tell a life story in the same way Araki-sensei does with Jojo and you really start to feel that and you really feel the character’s grow and there are times you can emotionally react or care what could happen to that character.

The art style is very faithful to that of the style of the manga, except I felt that the bodies looked blockier and more massive than they needed to be in comparison to it. Plus, the venues such as Kourakuen Hall and the surrounding environments are well accurately represented because I’ve been there before on a number of occasions and fought in a judo tournament there so I thought that was pretty cool. I really love the training sequences with Ippo and he comes up with crazy methods and is an animal. The only real life athlete I can think of that compares to Ippo’s training ethic and regime is UFC fighter Sean Sherk.

And now lets get down to the heart and soul of this anime, and that is the fights. As someone who can’t stand the trendy over the top repetitive action you see in some animes today, this is definitely a liberation. This anime proves you don’t need fire balls or bullet time or any of that trendy bullshit to make a great fight. This is an anime that truly accurately portrays the technique, excitement, and intensity of the real sport of boxing by implementing all these real life moves and fighting styles. 1st example is Ippo. He is based on a prime Mike Tyson who uses the peek a boo stance, worked the body, and had an effective jab once he got on the inside. Sendo Takeshi is based on Razor Ruddock with his smash punch which is a mix between a hook and an uppercut. And Mashiba is based on Thomas Hearns where he uses his freakish reach to use a crazy jabbing system. And Hayami, you think his shotgun is unrealistic? Before Ali got suspended, he had incredible speed, 10x faster than the Ali who came back who was still pretty fast. There’s a video of Ali out there where he landed 15 punches in 3 seconds. And you know the old saying of how styles make fights? Well, that saying is applied very well in this anime and applies it very well and is just poetry in motion.


The dub seriously sucks. Takamura sounds like Adam Carolla. Ippo just doesn’t fit. Miyata sounds like a chain smoker. And the sound quality and the overall execution is just as bad as GTO’s dub where it sounded like they hired 5 voice actors. Avoid the dub at all cost. But once again, time to give you more info on the seiyuu cast. It’s very interesting to note that the voice of Kaoru from Prince of Tennis, Kiyasu Kohei plays Ippo himself. Despite that deep and hissing voice is the nerdy and assuming Ippo. And one of my personal favorites Tomokazu Seki plays my favorite character Miyata. He does a great job of being that lone wolf kind of character and knows how to keep his cool. And I truly felt that Takagi Wataru, the voice of Onizuka from GTO was born to play Aoki. And Onosaka Masaya the voice of Momoshiro in Prince of Tennis and Vash the Stampede from Trigun was also born to play Sendo. If anything, this is an anime that is truly meant to be watched in Japanese.

The music is also pretty awesome and a quality you can’t deny which you can’t get in manga obviously. The opening themes Under Star and Inner Light have a heavy intense feel to it where you can really emotionally react to the clips in the opening theme and to the scenes whenever presented as a background song in the anime itself. And I like how the ending themes 360 and Yuuzora no Kamihikouki gives a different kind of emotional reaction where it’s more about relating to the characters and the hardships they go through, but yet there’s this huge reward waiting for them at the end.

The only significant flaw I would say is that they ended this anime where the excitement truly begins in the manga. I say Ippo conquering Japan is just only the beginning because after that, the other characters get more focused and the development gets deeper and the fights get better. But overall, this anime has excellent themes in finding something you’re good at, and sticking to it and always keep believing. The good news is, you really don’t have to be a boxing fan or have any knowledge of boxing to really get into this anime. This anime will probably do it for you. After awhile, you start saying to yourself, how would Ippo do against Manny Pacquiao, or how would Takamura do against Roy Jones, Jr. So it really sparks interest in that kind of way from what I’ve experienced. Also, this anime truly accurately represents the Japanese feel of boxing itself. If you ever watch Japanese fighters, they are very exciting to watch. They love to go at it and fight with every last ounce of breath. I really have no experience competing in actual boxing since I’m more of a traditional martial arts kind of guy, but I only took up boxing for awhile just to improve my hands and when you’re training, you just got that tempting feeling to do the moves from the series and even train like Ippo because the things he does, you can go out and try for yourself for real since you can’t fly or shoot fire balls. I say that alone is magically captivating. If you want an anime free of virtually every stereotype and cliché, this one is for you.
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Hajime no Ippo (Fighting Spirit) is a fantastic Shounen, Sports, Comedy, Action anime produced by one of the greatest studios ever (Madhouse). Even though it doesn’t tell the entire story, the story it does tell is truly amazing, with all its manliness.

It’s about your classic teenage underdog (Ippo Makunoichi) who’s pretty shy and gets bullied and looked down upon, by some of his peers. Then one fateful day he comes across a boxing gym, with a great pro boxer, and soon attains the desire to become a boxer. Sure this set-up sounds very typical for a shounen sports drama but I personally enjoyed this story about the underdog overcoming continual obstacles. This formula does get pretty repetitive after a while but the flow during and between matches; helps set the steady pace of the developing story. Shame it had to end though.

Ippo is the character that this entire series revolves around and that is good because he’s a very likable character for the average viewer. It is easy for some viewers including myself to relate to his desire to be reborn and what’s more is that viewers can watch him develop and struggle to achieve his goal. What’s also great is that plenty of time is spent introducing and giving some back-story behind Ippo’s opponent, before the match, which makes things more interesting when his opponent also has a valid reason to win. Furthermore there are quite a few supporting characters to enjoy as well, because some are just truly hilarious.

The quality of the animation may be dated but thanks to Madhouse’s expert animators, it suits this anime adaptation perfectly. There’s even quite a fair bit of detail put into the surroundings. Sure the character designs are very unappealing but what matters in this manly show is the actual boxing, which is animated perfectly. The characters move fluidly but sadly there are quite a few corners cut, especially when it comes to recycling scenes.

The quality of the sound is awesome; above all when it comes to the fighting with powerful SFX for the punches and a thumping soundtrack to go with it. There are also quite a few mellow tunes to go with the everyday goings on but some of them are inferior compared to others.

Overall Hajime no Ippo is a highly entertaining anime series that is able to capture the pure essence of boxing, with some truly memorable bouts. Even though the whole “overcome any obstacle with hard work” thing is getting a bit played out in the shounen genre, it still proved to be an effective plot device in this series. Some may be daunted by the sheer length of this series (76 episodes); nevertheless if you the type of person who enjoys this type of combat shounen anime, then without a doubt you’ll enjoy the experience.

^_^ read more

Hajime no Ippo is a series that was very inspiring to me.

The plot begins with a regular, average high school student that's just trying to get through with life and school while trying to help out his mom with their family-owned business. Almost everyday, punks in school always bullies him after school. That changed one day when a pro-boxer came and saved him from receiving more punches and kicks from these punks. From that, Ippo (the main character) strives to become a pro-boxer just like that guy. He suddenly becomes motivated to be a boxer in the future. Throughout this series, he constantly trains and do 'roadwork' in order to maintain his physical strength and stamina. Every now and then, a boxer from a different gym (or a different country) arrives and challenges Ippo to a match. So all those 'roadwork' really does help out alot. The story is great, which fulfills what I think a sports anime should be in the first place. It basically explains how anyone can achieve their goals by working hard to get it.

The art on this one was also different from the typical anime that I've seen. The world on Hajime no Ippo rotates around the boxing gym where Ippo and the crew trains, his house where their family-owned business is also located, and the boxing ring itself. The thing that I can say right off the bat are the FIGHTS themselves. How awesome was it when I see smoke coming out behind the back of the boxer that just got owned by a gut punch? VERY. It's like watching an atomic bomb go off several times, but this time behind someone's back. Seeing their faces get pounded is also something, and you might start thinking that I'm a sadist (hey it's boxing, that's what it's about). Every fight on this show was really exciting to watch, and the animators also did a great job putting detailed environments. Hajime no Ippo have that old-school feel to it where the city is one that's just any other one, except that it has the boxing gym and the stadium where all hell breaks loose. Another thing that really caught my attention was the huge setting sun behind Ippo, which shows how determined this guy is on becoming what he wants to be, a better boxer.

The three opening songs on this series were all great, and somewhat hilarious too. Understar always makes me laugh for some reason. Inner light, on the other hand, is really one that's inspiring. That's what I listen to everytime I do my own 'roadwork' running around the neighborhood. 'Tumbling Dice' was also great, even though it didn't really have lyrics accompanying it. The ending music were also great. I have to say that they were also good ones. Now, with the voice actors... Ippo's voice is really something. His verbal stutters every now and then is really funny. It's like he's always unsure about what he's doing. The voice acting really did a nice job in Hajime no Ippo. Kohei did a very nice job with Ippo's voice, that's for sure. Takamura's voice along with the rest of the crew were also good, and had the humor in them. Even the drumroll that separates the first half of the show to the last half was something that's worth mentioning. Those electric guitar parts where Ippo's pumped up about the next fight are also great. The sound effects comes just at the right time.

And then there are the characters... Hajime no Ippo is composed of people that varies in personalities. Maybe all animes have those also, but this series really emphasizes on each one's character. Mashiba is this scary-looking guy that always seem to scare Ippo in every way and every time he thinks about him. There's Takamura and his over-confidence about himself that makes him the 'boss' of the gym. Ippo himself portrays an average guy that leads a simple life. His funny actions and wimpy attitude changes drastically ones he's on the ring. His true strength really shows in that ring, while outside, he's a very humble person. He doesn't show off like other people would (Takamura, yea you!). All of the characters in this series are really memorable. One just can't forget about them.

With all the excitement that this show offers makes the enjoyment of watching it over the top. After each fight, I would anticipate to see the next fight even before a new challenger (notice the pun for the new season here hehe) appears again. Even when the crew is not fighting, just doing roadwork, it's really fun to watch. It really motivated me to run myself. I usually enjoy playing basketball at the park, but when I watched and finished this show, I even started to have fun running as well. Seeing my little sister doing jump ropes, I borrowed it from her so I can try it out too. Hajime no Ippo really made me like new stuff that I would just ignore in the past. That jump rope is an example.

In the end, this show is really worth watching. 76 episodes seemed long at first when I started it, but all 76, movie, and an OVA went by as if it was just a 12-episode show. It makes me wanting more. The new season is out, so I have something to be busy over again. Hajime no Ippo is something I would recommend to sports enthusiasts, as well as people that are into action animes. This show will surely deliver punches that will make you stand up just so you can also cheer for Ippo as he tries to climb to the top! read more

This is probably the best sports anime I've seen (and I've seen a bunch of them). It isn't gorgeous visually and it isn't original and it isn't unpredictable... and I don't even like boxing. But it's still really really entertaining to watch anyway. And doesn't that say something?

Yeah, yeah, it's got the standard "work hard, have confidence/courage and you'll overcome each seemingly-impossible hurdle one by one" type feel that a lot of anime does (see everything from DBZ, Naruto, Bleach, and to practically every sports anime out there...). And I'm sure there's people out there who are going to find the repetitive struggle-struggle-comeback pattern annoying...

But if you like that sort of thing anyway (and don't we all sometimes?), this is definitely worth checking out. Hajime's your prototypical earnest, hardworking, blue collar good guy who's trying to make himself better and, despite a serious lack of confidence, he's pretty likeable.

What I really liked though was the chemistry and the interaction between the characters: the gruff, old cutman; the cocky champion; the teasing senpais; the thugs turned sidekicks... they all just made me laugh. They were over the top, leaned towards the ribald sometimes and semi-abusive, but it comes off as really charming... especially since you really got the feeling that Hajime really needed/wanted those sort of familiar, no-holds-barred friendships. They tease each other and torment each other and it creates this really nice sense of playfulness that's underscored by a strong sense of loyalty and affection.

So, if you'd be interested in a good underdog story with a side dish of male bonding... look no further, Hajime no Ippo's just what you need. =)
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Well i normally like to watch boxing, but when somebody told me to try watch this anime because i love all kinds of anime, then i thought why not it cant harm.
and i really dont regret watching this anime, it is more fun to watch then normal boxing because you get into Ippo´s life and watch him train and hang out whit his new freinds from the boxing club.

the Anime is not just a great sports anime, but it is also a very funny, since one of his freinds Mamoru Takamura a great heavyweight boxer makes always fun of him.
there is no chance of that you can watch the anime whithout laughing once =D.

the story is like the most animes, it starts whit a weak person that becomes very strong. when you watch the anime you think you know what is going to happend next but you dont and it suprisses one all the time.

Well the last thing i can write is that it is one of the best sports anime i ever have watched and i hope this reveiw has helped you, convinsing you to watch the anime
so ENJOY :) read more

I base my reviews on my feelings, my thoughts and my enjoyment referring the specific series. So this is not a overly professional critic's review.

Let's start off with the story, no, let's not. The summary is already made by another person right on the series' page. But yet, the plot. The plot's pretty similar to most shounen's. They find something that attracts they're interest in some way, and go all the way for that. Yet, this isn't an everyday's (basic) shounen. This really sticks out, the obstacles Ippo and the other characters go through are daily stuff most people are facing, problems in they're career, love, (at the start) bullying, family, friends and other daily stuff. Although lives are different, most things are still the same, just in a different setting.

The art is somewhat, not modern, but it's not that classic look anime had once in the day, but it's do-ablo, in the start somewhat less than after the start. The animation in the fights is sometimes normal, and sometimes yet utterly suprising, on those suprising moments, it's just so fluent and fast, truly amazing work they did, and of course, this improves as the series continues. So is the sound, it's starts off in a rather bad quality (for 1 or 2 episodes, at least in my opinion). But they improve that rather fast, the background music is wonderful and always on the right music, which provides clenched fists, goosebumps or even open mouths. In my cases.

The first opening wasn't really my thing, I don't care much for just instrumental openings, unless I like them in .. someway, which I did her after a while (Just like in Cowboy Bebop). The other opening is good as well, just like the endings.

The main character.. He's a really great guy, that's the type of guy who'd you want as your friend, loyal, reliable and fun to hang out with. A great support and a great laugh. So are the other "main" characters, they all have a distinct personality, which all come down on the same thing, yet they're unique in different ways. The support and friendship they give Ippo is truly wonderful (and hilarious).

This action-packed shounen is not only full of amazing action, but also full of loads of Drama, Romance, Comedy, "Slice of Life", and several other small genre's.

Don't let the boxing fool you, I don't like boxing, I don't see the fun in bashing each other faces in. But this guy, referring to Ippo Makanouchi, the main protagonist in this series, will take you on a journey you'll never want to forget, I know I don't.

I recommended this series to alot of people, which started with it, and couldn't stop, even when the anime series was finished, they started to read the manga (even the ones who never read manga or disliked reading manga). read more

Hajime no Ippo is seriously one of the best anime I have ever watched. It combines my favorite aspects of anime: Action, Story, Comedy, and a great cast of characters. Ippo's growth throughout the story is flawless and smoothly done.

Story-
I loved the story in this show. Unlike other shounens this one isn't about Getting Revenge or stopping some superhuman villain from destroying earth. Nor is this just a typical sports anime. The whole story is to show you the growth of Ippo and how he changes throughout the anime. Although i must say it isn't the most original storyline; it does have the usual introduction to new stronger opponents which triggers a "training spree". It's very similar to Rocky in that way. There are some very emotional parts in the show that keeps watchers hooked and more attached to the characters.

Art-
The art style is very 'Clean' and 'Crispl'. Over time, the art style changes very subtley so that it looks more modern near the ending episodes. The character design and environments are great. During the fights are when the art style is brought to its fullest. It gives you an adrenaline rush like no other. You really see the power and pain of the characters.

Sound-
The sound is the only thing i dont give full points too because it's a bit outdated. Its still great though, and it really goes well with the current situations. During the fighting scenes the music goes perfectly along with the art to give you a rush like sensation.

Character-
Like i said earlier, the character designs are great and the growth of each one is flawless. Ippo's and Takamura's characters have a lot of depth, given their background storys. Each character has a unique personality and you'll become very attached to them.

Overall-
Ill say it again and again, i love this anime. I've watched it about 3 times now, and it never gets old watching it. I just wish that they ended it better than the way they did. read more

This is definitely in my top 3 favorite anime of all time. HnI is amazing. There's not too much drama so the story isn't exactly deep. But, there is lots of humor and the action is loads of fun to watch. The main character Ippo is probably one of the most amicable characters I've seen in an anime. Many people can relate to him, or can find inspiration in his determination. He's driven, but not to the point where it gets annoying.
Usually, in underdog stories like this the main character takes up the bulk of my interest but with anime I was surprised to see how much the other boxers caught my attention. Ippo's teammates, rivals, and trainers all play an important part in this great story.

Even if you don't like boxing, watching Ippo train and growing through his experiences throughout this series is fun. I highly recommend this anime to anyone. There are a few jokes sprinkled around this series that might not be appropriate for younger children. Mostly dealing with Ippo's wiener. read more

Lets start by saying if you like shounens you will like this show even though its not a shounen : ).

What i mean by that is this is definately one of those shows where they take the weak kid in the school who gets bullied, and make them into the hero, through hard work and perseverance.

In my opinions sports animes are less about the sports and more about the characters and the back story. And in this series you get AMAZING characters and a great back story.

Ill tell you this show is one of the funniest shows i have seen. Yes its about a serious sport like boxing, but like i said it has one great back story. The relationship between Ippo and the other boxers in the gym hes at is hysterical. The show has such great characters that not all the time is the show about Ippo, the main character. But at times it can go off on the other characters and you wont find yourself angry thinking its just fillers, but more of developing these characters outside of the boxing gym.

There are so many pranks and just funny real life gross situations. Then when the epic fighting matches come, its not just them throwing punch after punch till they win, you are able to watch the physical fight they are doing in the ring, and then hear the mental the fight that that characters are going through during the match. You start to realize boxing is more like chess, a wrong move and you may have lost the whole match.

I said at the begining if you like shounen you will feel at home here with the training before matches and the growth in character development and loser that becomes the hero, but ill also say if you just like comedies and a little bit of a love story you will not be disappointed in this show.

If you like my review add me as a friend or post on my profile : ). read more