Hokuto no Ken is a story of Kenshiro as he travels through a post-apocalytic future. Blessed with the martial arts known as The Fist of the North Star, he uses it to his discretion amid blatant situations of violence, greed, and corruption.
The basis of the story revolves around Kenshiro, who he is and what he does. Typically, the viewer can deduce the former through the latter. He is inherently interesting as a character since he himself does not know how he defines himself. His adventures help direct him towards this goal. For example, early on, he saves two children from murder what innately seems to be a whim. However, this may speak towards his own isolation with society or his feelings regarding humanity overall. These open-ended questions may as if the pace is slow, though, it is meant to taken as thoughtful and reflecting. Kenshiro stoically wrestles with issues involving life, love and finding meaning in a life perhaps without love. As Kenshiro solidifies his own persona, the pace quickly picks up in the later half of the series.
The action scenes may seem repetitive as Kenshiro almost too regularly stumbles across average thugs in small towns. However, they are something to look forward to outside of the Kenshiro's inner exploration of self. As we learn, The Fist of the North Star is the supreme martial arts without parallel. However, conflicts between the users and his/her philosophy shapes the future for humanity.
Quickly reviewing the art and sound of Hokuto no Ken, I can only say that they are fitting. While more detail can be found in the original work, the animated series still retains the stylistic feel of the manga. The opening title theme, "You wa Shock," aims to celebrate the raw, and brute strength of men in an overly zealous 80's fashion.
I think that the tiny nuances of Hokuto no Ken are often overlooked in presence of the fighting. Still, I appreciated both on different levels. As Kenshiro defines himself, he is able to express more passion and more will that leads him to his own fate. Being a fairly long series, Hokuto no Ken can seem repetitive, slow or even formulaic at times. Regardless, it does not stretch itself too thin and reaches a definitive conclusion near the end. Finally, Hokuto no Ken is a very fitting series for its time and should be watched by those who appreciate hand drawn animation.