...that this doesn't have more attention.

I was expecting a typical, "Gotta be the very best, that no one ever was" kinda fighting manga, but the content is surprisingly wholesome.
The main character's inner conflict regarding his younger brother's genius was well-depicted, if a bit brief. It served its purpose in shaping our initial image of who the MC was, and what drew him to kickboxing.

And Kosuge-kun is such a refreshing character. He's a hard worker, a semi-mentor, and a friend. He's not a genius or even particularly talented, but he's still admirable, and a very likable character.
Even the arrogant character who mouths off, is a jerk to Kosuge, and is generally the type to be hated by readers and forgotten after being given a beat down by the main character was eventually humanized and given depth by this mangaka.

My favorite aspect of the manga, though, is how the main character has talent, but he learns the basics of kickboxing bit by bit, like anyone else would. And while he's a hard-worker, he's also humble and gives credit to his mentors/instuctors where it's due.
There's no exaggerated machoism (eg "I gotta win bc I'm a Man!"), overdone agression, hackneyed Shyguy tropes, unnecessary ecchi/perversion, etc.
Just a human dude trying his best to improve his craft.

Series like Hajime no Ippo, Holyland, and History's Greatest Disciple have their own charms, but this series had great potential as a character driven fighting manga - more like All Rounder Meguru than the aforementioned series.

Comedy isn't as out there and in-your-face as most shounen-seinen, but it's sill funny, and the art is pretty great. Clean lines and realistic proportions; though the body type is pretty uniform, lithe, and extremely defined (not that that's a bad thing).

Really too bad this lacks/lacked the necessary interest.

... Last updated on March 13th, 2018, 5:09pm