The challenger has become the champion as Ippo Makunouchi now wears the featherweight championship belt of Japan.
Some time has passed since Ippo's victory, and he has found his friends and coach as supportive as ever; his crush, Kumi Mashiba, seems to enjoy spending time with him as well. Things are looking bright for the new champion, but just as he once set his sights on becoming the best, his first challenger poses an intimidating threat.
Kazuki Sanada works as a doctor at the same hospital as Kumi and fights strategically. Known for integrating his knowledge of the human body into his fights, Sanada is a fearsome contender—however, more unnerving than his physical ability, he has garnered the support of the nurses. Despite being the champion, Ippo feels the pressure as he must face the daunting challenge, retain his belt, and win over the girl he loves.
Embarking on an illustrious endeavor into the anime realm, we delve our senses into the thrilling world of Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road. This remarkable story follows the life of Ippo Makunouchi, an overwhelmingly ordinary individual working at his mother’s fisher business whose life takes a turn towards the extraordinary when he is saved from bullies by a professional boxer, Takamura Mamoru. Consequently, Ippo is introduced to the world of boxing, a realm filled with strength, spirit, and tenacity which he never knew existed.
Champion Road serves as a sequel to the Hajime no Ippo series and is packed with everything fans loved about the original series; potent displays of strength, nerve-wracking drama, a taste of subtly embedded humor, and relentless resilience that makes your heart pound in excitement. It sees Ippo preparing for his title match against the formidable champion, Sanada Kazuki, a super-featherweight champion and a certified medical practitioner who has a deep understanding of the human body, making him a major antagonist in Ippo’s boxing career.
The Review
Firstly, let’s ruminate over the shining star of this anime- the animation quality. Maintaining the consistent quality from its preceding series, Champion Road definitely upholds the high standards with lively, invigorating and dynamic animation which enhances the intense boxing matches that this anime thrives upon. The carefully curated sequences are so visually engaging you might find yourself shouting Ippo’s signature move “Dempsey Roll” right along with the characters!
Character Development
One of the most exceptional aspects of Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road is its remarkable character development. We get to explore a deeper layer of Ippo’s persona. Initially portrayed as a reserved and quiet lad, Ippo’s character unfurls like a fern, showcasing his burning passion for boxing and his unwavering determination to protect his title. Additionally, the introduction of Sanada provides an extra layer of fascination, serving not just as an antagonist, but as a mirror to Ippo’s prowess and dedication.
Sound & Music
Let’s not forget about the awe-inspiring soundtrack of this anime. For a story heavily centered around boxing, a riveting soundtrack is paramount and Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road delivers it beautifully. Tunes reflecting the grit, determination and raw energy of the characters fill the air, enhancing the intense battles and the overall boxing atmosphere.
The Verdict
So, to wrap it up, should you rent, buy or stream Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road? Well, for the die-hard fans of the original series or anyone who loves action-packed sporting animes with a dash of humor and heaps of heart, this is a fantastic addition to your collection or streaming line-up. Whether to rent or buy depends on your level of fandom, but one thing is for sure, Hajime no Ippo: Champion Road offers a compelling narrative and character depth that’s worth investing your time in, highly recommended for a stream. A gripping boxing slugfest, it provides wholesome entertainment that keeps you hooked till the last punch is thrown.
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