Okay, so I’ve been on this huge anime kick lately, and I realized I hadn’t really explored the world of boxing anime. I mean, I’ve seen some of the big ones, but I wanted to dig a little deeper. So, I decided to make it a project – find and watch as many boxing anime shows as I could!
First, I started with a simple search. You know, just typed “boxing anime shows” into the search bar and saw what popped up. I got a bunch of lists, forum discussions, and some obvious recommendations.
I made a quick list of the titles that kept coming up:
- Hajime no Ippo – This one was everywhere. It seems like the granddaddy of boxing anime.
- Ashita no Joe – Another classic, apparently super influential.
- Megalo Box – This one looked cool, a bit more futuristic.
- Levius.
I felt this is great point to start,So I decided to start chronologically, more or less. I found “Ashita no Joe” first. It’s pretty old, so the animation style took some getting used to, but wow, the story is gripping. It’s all about this street kid, Joe Yabuki, who gets discovered by a washed-up boxing coach. It’s raw, emotional, and really pulls you in.
After getting through a good chunk of “Ashita no Joe,” I jumped into “Hajime no Ippo.” The animation is definitely more modern, and the fights are incredibly detailed. You really feel the impact of every punch. This one focuses on Ippo Makunouchi, a shy kid who gets bullied and then discovers boxing as a way to become stronger. It’s super inspiring, and I love the training sequences.
Next, It’s time to watch “Megalo Box”. “Megalo Box” was a nice change of pace. It’s set in a future where boxers use mechanical gear called “Gear” to enhance their abilities. It’s got a cool cyberpunk vibe, and the story is a bit darker and more mature than “Hajime no Ippo.” I enjoyed the different take on the boxing genre.
Then,I watched “Levius”.The animation style is unique—it’s CGI, but it works. The story is about Levius, who lost his arm and his mother in a war and has to get by in the world of robot boxing.
This whole experience has been awesome. I’ve discovered some amazing shows, and I’ve gained a new appreciation for boxing, even though I’m not a boxer myself! I still have a bunch more on my list to watch, but I’m already feeling like a boxing anime expert (well, almost!). I Highly recommend them!
