
The Moon's Mighty Alpha
- Genre: Fantasy
- Author: Dark_Knight_Spider
- Translator:
- Status: Ongoing
- Rating(4.3 / 5.0) ★
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Popular Reviews
Woah. This series is... something else. It truly exceeded my expectations—not just met them, but surpassed them by leaps and bounds. "Ashita no Joe" has left such an impact on me that it might inspire me to explore more manga series in search of another gem like this one. While "Hajime no Ippo" could be considered the modern equivalent of "Ashita no Joe," there's no denying that "Ashita no Joe" remains the superior work.
Now, don't get me wrong—“Hajime no Ippo” is undoubtedly a fantastic anime/manga series. However, I believe its story doesn’t quite measure up to “Ashita no Joe.” To illustrate, “Hajime no Ippo” revolves around a boy who was frequently bullied, whereas “Ashita no Joe” centers on a character who genuinely loves fighting. That’s a significant distinction right there. One of the standout features of “Ashita no Joe” is Joe’s profound character development, which we’ll delve into shortly.
**Story: 10/10**
As previously mentioned, the narrative of “Ashita no Joe” is nothing short of captivating. It ranks among the best stories I’ve encountered, even though its premise may seem straightforward—a man who enjoys fighting. Yet, there’s so much more depth to it. The plot thickens when Yabuki accidentally causes the death of an opponent (possibly a spoiler, though I avoided naming him), leading to a period where he can't box. He later meets a gangster who reignites his passion for boxing. The story continues to evolve as Joe faces increasingly formidable opponents, culminating in his ultimate goal: challenging the world champion, Jose Mendoza.
**Art: 7/10**
Considering this manga was created in the late '60s, its art style holds up surprisingly well. In fact, it resembles styles from the late '90s or early 2000s. The artwork complements the manga beautifully, and I genuinely appreciate its aesthetic appeal. For a '60s manga, the art is impressive.
**Characters: 9/10**
Joe Yabuki boasts some of the finest character development I've seen, but nearly every character in the series leaves a lasting impression. Characters from the Prison Arc (my term for it), Aoyama, and others play pivotal roles. Nishi is central to the storyline until Volume 8, after which his role diminishes as he stops boxing. Shiraki Yoko stands out as my favorite female character of all time—though I can't pinpoint exactly why, she’s just incredibly fascinating in every way. Her character development isn’t perfect but is still commendable.
**Overall: 10/10**
“Ashita no Joe” is a masterpiece from the past, a true hidden treasure deserving wider recognition. Readers shouldn’t dismiss this manga due to its age; instead, that should be a reason to embrace it. Whether you’re passionate about boxing or simply enjoy great storytelling, I highly recommend giving “Ashita no Joe” a read. It’s a timeless classic that everyone should experience.
It wouldn't be incorrect to say that Ashita no Joe begins in a somewhat clichéd manner. The protagonist starts as an unnamed punk wandering the streets, having no place to belong, until he encounters Danpei Tange, a failed boxing coach turned drunkard, who spots Joe's innate boxing talent and declares that with his training, Joe's fists will someday conquer the boxing world. While this might sound familiar from other series, it's important to remember that Ashita no Joe is one of the pioneers for the genre, and many of those other series are inspired by it in some way.
As a sports-based series, the plot tends to progress predictably: a fight is announced, a rivalry develops, the two rivals face off in the ring, and after the fight ends, the cycle begins again. However, the plot in this series is far from conventional. There are numerous unexpected twists, and I can assure you that certain events will leave you speechless, nearly paralyzed by the shock of what you've just read—yes, it really is that intense.
Unlike many other sports manga, Ashita no Joe isn’t exactly cheerful or uplifting. At times, it's very brooding, with a dark, serious, and often somber, melancholic atmosphere. This series takes itself seriously, and the story of Ashita no Joe is a very serious one. The heavy tone separates it from others and is crucial in conveying the importance of the story and the severity of life as a boxer, as well as life in general.
While structurally the story of Ashita no Joe may seem simple, its delivery is outstanding. The plot is rock-solid, the interactions between characters are deep, insightful, and meaningful, and the story's progression is flawless. What truly sets Ashita no Joe apart from similar series is how the writer's message transcends the sport of boxing entirely. This is a story about one man's life and struggles, which forms the core of the narrative and delivers messages that make this story nothing short of masterful.
Shifting focus to what ties everything together and brings the story to life for readers—the characters. The characters in Ashita no Joe are spectacular, to say the least. Let's start with the main character, the wild brawler Joe Yabuki. Joe begins life as little more than a piece of human garbage drifting through Tokyo's slums. Nothing but a wretched orphan who cares for nothing but himself, a prankster who finds joy in making others miserable, a rebel who opposes everything modern society stands for. A directionless punk with no prospects, Joe would have simply wasted away if not for Tange's intervention, who would do anything to turn Joe into a boxer. Joe's life as a street punk eventually ends when his actions catch up to him, and he's sent to juvie. Within the confines of juvenile detention, Joe's only salvation was the boxing training he received from Tange, which kept him going.
Joe's passion for boxing was fully ignited when he met his greatest rival, Rikiishi. While also spending time in the correctional facility, Rikiishi was the complete opposite of Joe—a fine, upstanding individual destined to become a great boxer. And it's at this point that you could say the real story begins. From here, Joe Yabuki, the wild beast defying the logic of the boxing world, charges forward recklessly, never letting anyone interfere, never allowing anyone to stand in his way, never compromising, never going against his principles as a man, even if it leads to his own destruction. Joe lashes out against his opponent across the ring.
There are many characters in this series I'd love to discuss in detail, but I feel I shouldn't, as I don't want to spoil it for those yet to read it. So, let me just say flat-out: the cast of characters in this series is magnificent and is one of the many things that make the series so great.
Now, I suspect many potential readers might be deterred because the series is old, and the artwork may not match the standards of more modern series. But frankly, the artwork is fantastic. Although the character designs are outdated, the level of expression in the faces surpasses many modern series, and the detail in the backgrounds exceeds most of what you see today. Also, the fight scenes are all brilliantly executed. While the artwork might initially be polarizing, all you need to do is get used to it—just give it a chance.
The enjoyment factor in this series is a bit tricky to summarize. This story is very heavy and doesn't shy away from difficult themes. At times, it's deeply emotive, and at others, you'll just feel bad or depressed after finishing a volume. But that's the series' strongest point—it was never meant to be a happy story. It's an emotive tale that will take you on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Precisely because of the nature of this story, it is far more impactful than almost anything I've ever read.
So, if you're still wondering whether you should read Ashita no Joe, let me just say: yes, definitely. In fact, don't even finish this review—just go read it right now. If you're worried about lacking knowledge about boxing, that's not a problem. Personally, I only watch boxing a couple of times a year; I'm no expert, yet I had no trouble enjoying this series.<p>
LEAVE IF YOU STILL DID NOT READ THE MANGO OR DID NOT SEE THE ANIME.
History 10/10
The story develops exceptionally well throughout the anime. The characters mature both physically and psychologically, making it feel incredibly realistic. It portrays boxing authentically and even educates viewers about the sport. I will delve into more details further in the review.
Art 9/10
The art style is simple and standard but occasionally shines brilliantly to evoke excitement, especially during fight scenes. While an 8 might seem fitting, I believe a 9 is justified because, for its time, the art is solid, and during fights, it becomes nothing short of incredible.
Characters 80000/0 (10/10)
The characters are deeply layered, three-dimensional, and possess vulnerabilities. Joe, for instance, displays numerous weaknesses early on but undergoes an extraordinary transformation that is truly remarkable.
Enjoyment 10/10
It is an immense pleasure to experience this masterpiece.
General: 9.75
Spoilerssss SORYYYYY
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The Story
It’s wonderful. Joe begins as a mere street fighter until Danpei discovers him. Together, they strive to establish a gym under a bridge. They face challenges, Joe meets children, gets arrested, battles his rival in prison, and eventually earns his freedom. From there, Joe's development in boxing takes off, earning him a place in professional boxing. He defeats Wolf and faces his greatest rival, Rikishi, whom he tragically kills. This event shakes Joe deeply, leading to a period of depression. However, he rises again to face Carlos Rivera, emerging victorious. Carlos is then destroyed by Jose Mendonza, the World's Top 1 boxer. Joe wins the belt from Kim, the heartless Korean machine, but the battle against Mendonza proves epic. Mendonza dominates for three rounds before Joe regains control. By the 15th round, Joe has no apparent chance of winning, yet he manages to defeat Mendonza by mere seconds—despite having already fallen twice. Just as the gong sounds signaling Joe's victory, some random move leads to Mendonza being declared the winner. Ultimately, Joe succumbs to his injuries, meeting his tragic end.
The Characters
They are incredible. Joe starts hesitantly but evolves into the formidable figure we come to know. All characters are three-dimensional with depth. Danpei Tange stands out as my favorite character across all anime—he sacrifices everything for Joe, believing in him even when death seems inevitable. Though I won't elaborate on others due to laziness, suffice it to say they are equally compelling.
CONCLUSION: INCREDIBLE ANIME / MANGA, THE BEST
Story: 8 - The narrative introduces us to a rebellious teenager with a fierce punch and deep-seated inferiority issues who crosses paths with an aging, alcoholic ex-boxer named Tange Danpei. This chance encounter sets the stage for what could have been a profound mentor-mentee relationship.
However, this isn't the case. One of the first actions taken by Danpei to mold his unruly protégé is to get him incarcerated in juvenile detention. Joe’s past and present are marked by brawls, cons, and antagonism towards everyone he encounters. So when offered the opportunity to learn boxing as a means of earning a living, his response is nothing short of dismissive. It takes a stint in juvie, where he meets a genuine boxer who soundly defeats him, to spark any interest in the sport.
Only after this does Joe grudgingly accept Danpei's training, but even then, only minimally.
Art: 4 - While the artwork is expressive in depicting the characters' emotions and technically proficient in illustrating the fights, it suffers from its age. Modern manga art has evolved significantly, making Ashita no Joe's visuals feel dated and sometimes jarring. Faces, though expressive, particularly those of the main characters, lack the distinctiveness seen in contemporary works, detracting from the overall aesthetic appeal.
Character: 7 - Expanding on Joe's minimal acceptance of Danpei's teachings, it's crucial to emphasize that Joe is not your typical cocky shonen hero or someone burdened by personal issues. He is simply a jerk. His sole interests revolve around beating people, scamming them, or showing outright disdain. His teenage immaturity exacerbates his already abrasive nature.
Throughout the series, Danpei repeatedly attempts to guide Joe towards more constructive paths, only to be met with hostility and ingratitude. Unlike modern narratives where estranged mentors and students gradually form bonds, such dynamics are absent here. Danpei tirelessly strives to elevate Joe out of his self-imposed squalor, receiving nothing but disrespect in return.
It's essential to grasp that Ashita no Joe is not a pleasant read. It doesn't shy away from harsh realities, nor does it offer moral lessons about personal growth or responsibility. Characters remain static; their roles defined solely by their purposes within the story. Joe seeks to assert his independence, Danpei aims to cultivate a champion despite Joe's obstinacy, Yoko Shiraki desires to nurture great boxers, and Rikishi aspires to excel in boxing.
The plot, character arcs, and objectives can be summarized succinctly: A punk becomes a boxer while retaining his rebellious nature; a drunken old man endeavors to coach a champion amidst constant defiance; individuals relentlessly pursue their ambitions at any cost.
Enjoyment: 10 - Despite acknowledging numerous flaws, assigning anything less than a 10 feels unjust. The initial chapters drag, focusing excessively on Joe's street life and incarceration rather than his boxing career. His personality remains consistently obnoxious throughout nearly twenty volumes. Yet, the essence of Ashita no Joe transcends conventional storytelling.
The defining element is "desire." The tedium of the early chapters fades in light of the overwhelming passion permeating every aspect of the manga. Joe's journey, beyond mere rebellion, centers on giving everything to win. Similarly, Danpei embodies the same relentless drive. What makes Ashita no Joe extraordinary is its singular focus on achieving goals through any means necessary, regardless of obstacles.
While some may label Ashita no Joe timeless, it is deeply rooted in 1970s Japan and postwar sentiments. Its timelessness lies not in specific characters, settings, or sports, but in the universal theme of unyielding ambition. Boxing serves merely as a vehicle for expressing this fervent desire to conquer all challenges. It resonates in Joe's repeated falls and resurrections, Danpei's persistent encouragement despite adversity, and the collective perseverance against fears, traumas, and rivalries.
If there exists a manga where every character pours their entire being into their pursuits, akin to Berserk's Guts, it is Ashita no Joe.
Conclusion: 9 - Rating such a flawed yet masterful work numerically proves challenging. Despite forcing myself through the protracted and seemingly irrelevant juvenile detention sequences, I was captivated by the manga's climactic conclusion. The intensity of each fight mirrored a final showdown, leaving an indelible mark. While many other mangas have provided greater enjoyment, emotional depth, or intrigue, none encapsulate the extremity, commitment, and burning desire for victory like Ashita no Joe. Though demanding, it exemplifies the true meaning of "giving it all," cementing its status as a masterpiece.
Ashita no Joe is a work so underrated and overlooked, despite its uproar when published in the late 60s. It's disheartening that no one recognizes it anymore. I wouldn't have stumbled upon it if not by mere chance while browsing this site. This work is like an old man ready to tell a quaint story from his days, yet there's no one to listen, as everyone is preoccupied with things more important or interesting. For me, as a boxing fan, it reignited my love for the sport. A slow descent into the most obscure corners of Tokyo's slums, where people struggling to survive with their families can think of nothing else but utter desperation and injustice in the world around them. We didn't want the war, so why must we endure its consequences? Yet among them are people who haven't lost their spirit, ready to defy their fate and challenge the world, giving everything they have to fight and strive for more than just survival—for Tomorrow.
Joe is a short-tempered, rude, and defiant teenager. Ready to solve every problem with fists, he feels no empathy nor humility towards anyone. Full of egoism and spite, thinking about nothing and no one but his own survival in this messed-up world, no matter if it's through theft, crime, or at the expense of someone else's safety. What remains true for Joe is that there is no one for him. Fleeing from the orphanage where he grew up since he could remember, he never had a chance to feel love or friendship. During his lone wandering through the slums of Tokyo, being a reckless boy, he engaged in another fight. What shocked the onlookers was that Joe could handle everyone alone, despite being enormously outnumbered. Danpei used to be a boxer himself. However, after losing his left eye, he was forced to give up his boxing career, aiming to become a coach instead. But due to his violent, strict, passionate, and even desperate approach to training, his proteges couldn't handle it and abandoned him for better gyms. As he became jobless, he eventually turned into a homeless alcoholic. A cathartic moment, a bombastic realization of Danpei Tange's problem was finally understood by him when he saw that boy fighting, as he could see with his very own eyes the top of the boxing world. To give Joe a training place, Danpei tries to build a low-standard boxing gym, taking up a job in the mine, where he works horrendously long shifts—for Tomorrow. Despite Danpei's dedication to his plan, he couldn't hope to convince Joe, who doesn't feel the need to listen to some crazy grump or some stupid-ass sport—as he doesn't listen to anyone in this world trying to preach to him. Due to his shameful conditions and constant crimes he commits, Joe goes to a juvenile prison miles away from Tokyo, where he meets Rikishi Toru—a boxing prodigy, who as the first one in Joe's life could outclass him in his violent way of solving problems. Being at the verge of desperation due to his loss, there's a tiny fire released in his heart, an uncontrolled passion of rivalry, which forces him to face Rikishi again, hence why he spends all nights in the juvenile prison hitting his filthy mattress, according to Danpei's training tips sent by letters to him. When a boxing tournament is organized in the middle of the juvenile prison, every uncontrolled delinquent faces a big change, a pure passion which can only be embraced by fists.
Ashita no Joe is not just another inspirational story following the same trope from zero to hero, rising to the top of his particular sport. It's a story about the whole lifetime of its characters, an introverted, lonely, and unstable human mess who cares for nothing but himself, making the lives of others miserable, going against every modern civilization rule, yet we see how he changes into a person who, though not good at treating women and not trying to understand him, grows to appreciate his new friends and rivals. Gaining empathy, learning how to check his temper and how to morally define the world around him. We observe his every thought and move, every expression of his suffering and solitude, and as the story progresses, his pride, determination, and uncompromising nature. It's by no means light-hearted nor cheerful in its delivery. It's a heavy dive into the harsh reality of a boxer, where nothing is predictable and no one is truly safe between the four corners. Milliliters of sweat, fear, anger, pride, and blood on gloves. Ashita no Joe never lies about the harsh reality, nor does it glamorize confrontations for readers naive enough to think of it as a game. People in this world can lose their health or lives, as what they can receive is far more meaningful, as Joe's only salvation in his life was the passion he gained by training in boxing. Later on, the story gets extremely grim and doesn't hold any shock factor or depressing motives, as all that remains in the end is white ashes...
As Ashita no Joe's ending remains one of the most iconic moments in anime history, I won't hesitate to spoil it. Throughout literary history, certain works or genres are often defined by their specific times, representing their values, motives, and significant impact on the history of art, such as timeless Shakespearean tragedies, romantic poems, or moving war diaries. Alongside them, there are timeless pieces like Ashita no Joe in its nation's history, which, while described as a sports series or a story about one man's life and struggles, the writer's message transcends the world of boxing and only the life of the protagonist—even the work itself, placing itself as one of the biggest cultural impacts manga has ever recorded, directly inspiring many boxing stories, like the more famous Rocky Balboa, and becoming the target of countless references in the anime medium. During the ending of the first season of the anime adaptation airing in 1970, there was a special funeral for Joe’s rival—Rikishi, where about 700 people packed the streets dressed as Rikishi in his training suit. I've never felt so much emotion for a fictional character as I did for Joe. I loved Joe, I saw him grow from a snotty 15-year-old to going toe to toe with the world's best boxer. When he finally finished the match and sat down on the chair and died, you could see he was happy... This scene made many men cry throughout the 40 years from its publishing up to now, and this work reignited my love for the sport once again. "Ashita" in Japanese means "Tomorrow," and bringing out the whole title could be freely translated to "Tomorrow's Joe," as Joe represents the struggle of Japan's lower class during its economic transformations, where despite hopelessness and futility faced by ordinary people, there were individuals like Joe who shone a light, giving hope and doing the impossible, a story not only about boxing and Joe, but about people who didn't lose sight of what remains true to them, aiming higher and putting up a fight with all their might—for Tomorrow!
This is the story of a boy who became an extraordinary boxer. However, stating it this way doesn't fully express my feelings, and summaries often can be misleading, as can reviews.
What I can assure you is that this story is filled with action and drama. From the first page to the last, the narrative grips the reader and holds them spellbound. The characters are authentic and relatable; you truly fall in love with them.
The art is stunning. Emotions are clearly conveyed through expressions, and the story flows seamlessly from page to page. The direction is exceptional. Subtle details on each page add depth and meaning, a feature that frequently occurs in this manga. Some might argue that the style is outdated, but I value substance over style. If it's good, I'll enjoy it regardless of when it was created.
In terms of enjoyment, this manga reaches its peak. I couldn't ask for more.
To summarize:
1. This is a Masterpiece.
2. This is a must-read, especially if you're into drama, sports, and action.
You won't regret reading this manga. I hope you find as much enjoyment in it as I did.
<p>
Story: The narrative traces the life of Joe Yabuki, a rough-edged boy without parents, who matures through victories and defeats. However, Ashita no Joe is more than just Joe's story; it symbolizes post-war Japan, its economic and social conditions, and the vision of a defeated people striving for a brighter future. It portrays a populace represented by a boxer who charts his path with fists, surmounting every hurdle towards a better tomorrow.
Art: Undoubtedly, the style is dated but improves significantly across the volumes. Comparing the first and twentieth volumes reveals the difference—initially, it features a very rounded style, which evolves into more realistic faces with exceptional expressions.
Characters: There are numerous characters, each distinct and well-developed. The bonds that form between Joe and his rivals transcend mere friendship. The connection between two individuals who battle with boxing gloves, stained with each other's blood and sweat, goes beyond friendships built on countless words.
Enjoyment: This manga is strikingly realistic, allowing readers to connect deeply with the protagonist who persists in growing despite repeated mistakes. It also includes dramatic and heart-stopping moments that resonate profoundly with the reader.
This is Ashita no Joe, a manga brimming with emotion, a masterpiece embedded in collective imagination, challenging the perception of manga as solely targeted at a child audience.
<p>
I approached this manga due to its frequent mention in discussions about Hajime No Ippo, but after attempting to read it, I found myself deeply disappointed with the series, questioning why such comparisons are made.
Two significant issues have prevented me from continuing with Ashita no Joe.
Firstly, the art style feels reminiscent of American comic strips popular in the 1960s and 70s; Nancy came to mind oddly often. Typically, I associate manga with a refined, impressive art style, which Ashita no Joe certainly does not embody. Its exaggerated, cartoonish approach works well in shows like Popeye but lacks the quality expected in manga. After reading 300 pages, I realized I simply wasn't enjoying it. But even that might be tolerable if not for another problem.
The second issue is Joe himself—he's unlikable. Around halfway through the first volume, I thought "Alright, Joe is starting to turn around," only for him to revert to doing "bad things." Let me clarify—this is actually a third issue.
The writing in the version I read was atrocious. Multiple police officers accused Joe of doing "bad things," not specifying crimes or actions, just vague "bad things." The juvenile writing undermines what could have been an engaging story. Additionally, there are moments where the writing seems devoid of emotion. This might be a translation issue, but it feels as though the manga was intended for a younger audience.
This brings us back to the issue with Joe. It's not that Joe couldn't evolve into a compelling character, but the combination of the exaggerated art style and a hard-to-root-for protagonist makes it difficult to continue. By the end of the first volume and halfway through the second, I decided I was done with the story and character. Joe wasn't likable enough to keep me invested; worse, he embodied every negative trait that could alienate readers. While this aligns with his backstory as a troubled child, I ultimately gave up on Joe, unlike his eventual coach who seemed more willing to persevere.
Maybe I had unrealistic expectations. I wanted a boxing manga, but some describe this as a "character study." Unfortunately, Joe's poorly written characterization, combined with the story's shortcomings and unappealing art style, failed to engage me in this study.
Despite its high ratings, I'm genuinely puzzled as to why. At this point, I lack the interest to find out.
P.S. This appears to be the sole negative review among 21. If you're upset by this, consider leaving your own positive review or reacting accordingly. Responding on my profile solely because you disagree is unnecessary, as this serves as a personal log of my opinion on the manga—not a debate requiring me to alter someone else's perspective. A review reflects PERSONAL OPINION, and naturally, others' opinions may differ from mine.
I must emphasize that receiving despicable messages, harassment off-site, and name-calling due to differing opinions is unacceptable. If your PERSONAL OPINION differs from mine, share it with others. Frankly, I've never cared what you think of my opinion.
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