Crunchyroll Brings Back Fist of the North Star Anime Classic

Crunchyroll Adds Fist of the North Star Anime

In a delightful announcement, Crunchyroll has added the original 1984 anime adaptation of Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken) along with its sequel Fist of the North Star 2, making all 152 episodes available for streaming in Japanese with English subtitles.

Plot Overview

The series, which is set in a post-apocalyptic world, follows Kenshiro, a master of a deadly martial art, as he roams the nuclear wasteland, protecting the weak from ruthless thugs. Throughout his journey, Kenshiro confronts various powerful martial artists, including his notorious 'brother' Raoh, who claims the throne of this shattered world.

Historical Significance

The original Fist of the North Star anime aired from 1984 to 1988, comprising two seasons. The adaptation brought the impactful manga—written by Buronson and illustrated by Tetsuo Hara—to life, which initially ran in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump from 1983 to 1988. The franchise has since inspired numerous films and spin-offs, maintaining its legacy in anime culture.

Upcoming Projects

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the series, which is being celebrated with a new anime adaptation titled Hokuto no Ken -Fist of the North Star-, set to premiere in 2026. This upcoming version promises to be more faithful to the original manga and will utilize CG animation techniques.

For fans eager to revisit or discover Kenshiro’s journey, all episodes of the original Fist of the North Star are now just a click away on Crunchyroll.

Source: Anime News Network