This anime is great motivator for anyone trying to reach something, even if it isn't entirely sports related. From start to finish, watching the main character grow and become stronger will make even the fattest of lards want to get a gym membership.
Story: The main thing this anime does well is build up, you got two stages usually which are preparation and the actual matches. Preparation as the time implies is when Ippo prepares for a match this is also the time when we get a slice of life feel in the show, with all the friendships and character building that comes with it. The matches themselves are pretty cruel and intense but that's boxing for you, the man that makes the manga obviously knows a lot about boxing well if you look into his background you can see why. Matches aren't just slug fests, a lot goes on within a fight more than just hits, you see the effects, you see the mental aspects of each boxer within the match, and the audience is there as well to be part of the match through commentary. Ippo's fights are far from boring and seeing him develop is a great motivator.
Art: It's normal for it's time, but delivers pretty good effects for fights and shows the power of hits and moves. Art representation of injuries is also apparent from breaking bones, to internal injuries. It displays what's going on with each match well.
Sound: The openings are amazing, especially Inner Light. The music is suits a fighting atmosphere and sound effects are fluid and have impact. I can hear crunches, shattering bones, each hit against flesh, etc. Attention to detail with fights is apparent here.
Characters: Most of these characters are interesting, even ones that only show up for a small amount of time have their own story, their own reasons for boxing. They balance out comic relief characters and more serious characters that add to over all plot without much flooding over of each. Ippo himself is an interesting character, he isn't what you expect of a boxer, he is kind but has a fighting spirit of a train. Ippo isn't even always the main focus sometimes other characters get their time, and we learn a lot about them as the show progresses and they seem more like individuals than props in the background for the main character.
This anime is a great motivator, already was doing stuff with my life but this gave me an extra push. Even if your not a fan of boxing I believe everyone should give this a watch.
