Hajime No Ippo Manga Goes On a 1 Week Hiatus!
In a recent announcement made in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine's 20th issue, readers were informed that George Morikawa's beloved boxing manga, "Hajime no Ippo," would be taking a short hiatus this week. The break is aimed at facilitating preparations for the magazine's upcoming combined 21st and 22nd double issue, ensuring that fans can anticipate an exciting installment upon its return.
"K MANGA," the publisher responsible for the English release of the series, encapsulates the essence of "Hajime no Ippo" with a poignant question: What does it feel like to be strong? This inquiry lies at the heart of the story, following the journey of Ippo Makunouchi, a high-school student plagued by bullies until a chance encounter with pro boxer Mamoru Takamura changes his life forever. Inspired by Takamura's strength, Ippo embarks on a quest to discover his own inner power, both inside and outside the boxing ring.
The manga's monumental success was celebrated in July when it surpassed 100 million copies in circulation, a testament to its enduring popularity and widespread acclaim. Since its inception in 1989, "Hajime no Ippo" has remained Morikawa's sole manga endeavor, captivating readers with its riveting narrative and dynamic characters.
The manga's influence extends beyond the printed page, with multiple adaptations bringing its gripping tale to life. The first television anime adaptation premiered in 2000, followed by sequels such as "Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger" in 2009 and "Hajime no Ippo Rising" in 2013. Additionally, special features like "Hajime no Ippo - Champion Road" and "Hajime no Ippo - Mashiba vs. Kimura" further enriched the franchise's legacy.
While Geneon Entertainment initially released the first anime season on DVD in North America, recent years have seen a resurgence of interest in the series, with Discotek licensing the anime for release on Blu-ray Disc. Meanwhile, Crunchyroll ensures that fans worldwide can enjoy streaming access to both the original anime adaptation and "Hajime no Ippo Rising," keeping the spirit of the series alive for new and returning audiences alike.
In 2020, "Hajime no Ippo" ventured into new territory with its first-ever stage play adaptation, further expanding its reach and captivating fans across different mediums. Kodansha's decision to release the manga digitally in 2021 has only served to enhance accessibility, with volumes readily available on platforms like Magazine Pocket.
As "Hajime no Ippo" prepares to resume its exhilarating journey following its brief hiatus, fans eagerly await the next chapter in Ippo Makunouchi's quest for strength, resilience, and redemption. With each new installment, Morikawa's masterful storytelling continues to inspire and uplift, reminding readers of the boundless potential within each of us to overcome adversity and achieve greatness.