Nearly all of the fighter's techniques are those of famous boxers and, while given that extra super-human manga edge, will still put a smile on most boxing fans faces. They often combine a tense atmosphere with solid pacing and you can truly feel the impact of some of the punches (the final blows of the second fight between Ippo/Sendo, or the ending to the Takamura/Hawk bout for example).
The fights are, of course, the manga's strongest point, and Morikawa has managed to create some iconic ones over the course of Ippo.
The characters are all likeable and although some tick the normal cliche boxes, they still manage to stand out and worm a place into your heart (Ippo's lack of self confidence comes off as believable rather than annoying for example). The storyline is simple, (a bullied schoolboy starts boxing to discover what it means to be "strong", meets a rival, and begins his journey to the top of the boxing world) but it's well executed and doesn't try to be something that it's not. However, if you are into sports/action manga, then there are few that can come as highly regarded as Ippo. well, "toilet-based" (not saying that's a bad thing, but it does divide some people) and there is no real romance (over 800 chapters and the main relationship is developing at a snail's pace. Secondly, there is little in Ippo to appeal to those who aren't sports/action fans. It will still put some people off though. and seeing as this manga spends nearly all of it's time inside of a boxing ring, the art works for it's intended audience. However, his ability to convey action, speed, the weight behind blows and muscle structure is very good. His way of drawing faces has little variation and he can't draw girls. Morikawa's art will not appeal to everyone. I'm writing this because, well, this manga deserves a good review. This manga is one that I read when other mangas are taking a week off. Not being one of my favorite manga's but definitely being worth a read. The theme that we all love about some unpopular boy but kind in his heart becoming a recognizable person through hard work and determination. If you ask me what kept me reading so far the answer would be in the theme. but the art seems to get much better after a hundred or so chapters. In the beginning all the characters look the same. The humor is plain simple trying hard to make you laugh. In the hundreds of chapters I've read I don't remember that many good jokes or funny moments. The comedy part is quite mediocre as well. Ippo dreams of becoming the world champion in boxing.Īnd all of the manga is surrounded by boxing. I wouldn't say that it's one of the best out there.
One of the mangas that I'm currently reading.