Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple

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Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple
Kenichi The Mightiest Disciple vol01.jpg
Manga volume 1 cover, featuring Kenichi Shirahama (left) and Miu Furinji
史上最強の弟子 ケンイチ
(Shijō Saikyō no Deshi: Kenichi)
Genre
Manga
Tatakae! Ryōzanpaku Shijō Saikyō no Deshi
Written bySyun Matsuena
Published byShogakukan
ImprintShōnen Sunday Comics
MagazineShōnen Sunday Super
DemographicShōnen
Original run1999 – 2002
Volumes5
Manga
Written bySyun Matsuena
Published byShogakukan
ImprintShōnen Sunday Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Sunday
DemographicShōnen
Original runApril 17, 2002 – September 17, 2014
Volumes61 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed byHajime Kamegaki
Produced by
  • Susumu Matsuyama
  • Tetsu Kojima
Written byYoshiyuki Suga
Music byJoe Rinoie
StudioTMS Entertainment
Licensed by
UK
Manga Entertainment
Original networkTV Tokyo
English network
US
Funimation Channel
Original run October 7, 2006 – September 29, 2007
Episodes50 (List of episodes)
Original video animation
Directed byHiroshi Ishiodori
Produced by
  • Junya Okamoto
  • Atsushi Chiku
  • Jukko Ozawa
Written byEizo Kobayashi
Music byKeiji Inai
StudioBrain's Base
Licensed by
SEA
Muse Communication
Released March 14, 2012 – May 16, 2014
Episodes11 (List of episodes)
Wikipe-tan face.svg Anime and manga portal

Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple (Japanese: 史上最強の弟子 ケンイチ, Hepburn: Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Syun Matsuena. Matsuena first published a manga titled Tatakae! Ryōzanpaku Shijō Saikyō no Deshi, which ran in Shogakukan's Shōnen Sunday Super from 1999 to 2002. Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi is a remake of the series, and was serialized in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday from April 2002 to September 2014, with its chapters collected in sixty-one tankōbon volumes.

A 50-episode anime television series adaptation produced by TMS Entertainment aired on TV Tokyo from October 2006 to September 2007. Brain's Base produced a 11-episode original video animation (OVA) series released between March 2012 and May 2014. The anime television series was licensed in North America by Funimation in 2008, but the rights to the series expired in 2018. It was re-licensed by Discotek Media in 2020.

As of February 2012, the Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple manga had over 12 million copies in circulation.

Plot[]

Main article: List of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple characters

The story focuses on Kenichi Shirahama, a 15-year-old high school student and a long-time victim of bullying. At the beginning of the story, he befriends transfer student Miu Fūrinji; and desires to become stronger, he follows her to Ryōzanpaku, a dojo housing several masters of diverse martial arts, led by her grandfather Hayato Fūrinji. After learning basics from Miu, Kenichi overcomes a high-ranking member of the school's karate club, and becomes a target for all the delinquents in the school. While initially training to protect himself, Kenichi eventually becomes a full disciple of Ryōzanpaku, and becomes enamored of Miu. Subsequently, Kenichi's daily routine is divided between training under the six masters of Ryōzanpaku, and his fights against the members of 'Ragnarok', a gang of bullies trying alternately to recruit or to vanquish him. After Ragnarok is disbanded, Kenichi and Miu are targeted by Yomi, a group of disciples personally trained by a master of an organization rivaling Ryōzanpaku, Yami. While the masters of Ryōzanpaku and their allies follow the principle of always sparing their opponents' lives (Katsujin-ken), the members of Yami believe that any means of defeating an opponent is valid, including murder (Satsujin-ken). In the struggle between the two factions, Kenichi, Miu, and their allies fight the members of Yomi, while his masters confront the members of Yami. The conflict between the two factions culminate with the final battle to stop Yami's main objective, which is to usher a new era of chaos and warfare in the world, also known as "The Eternal Sunset". Once the Eternal Sunset is prevented and their main leader is defeated, Yami and Yomi are disbanded as well. Kenichi then continues to train at Ryōzanpaku, and years later he becomes a famous novelist, but it's hinted that he also becomes Miu's husband and a martial arts master more powerful than her grandfather, the Elder, who had always sworn he would only allow Miu to marry someone capable of defeating him first.

Terminology[]

The series makes use of several in-universe concepts including:

Dou (動)
The word "Dou" means motion. Users seem to rely heavily on instincts and brute strength when fighting; but Dou fighters have a technique of interpreting an opponent's movements. According to James Shiba, a Dou fighter focuses on making their ki "explode" after channeling it through a target to deal damage. According to the manga, Apachai, Sakaki, and Miu are all Dou types.
Sei (静)
The word "Sei" means silence. Users focus their attention on changes in the environment and react to imminent danger. These traits are evident in Kensei, Akisame, Hayato, and Kenichi. This principle requires calm and clarity of mind. Ryūto Asamiya also seems a fighter of the Sei class; but in an experiment conducted by his master Ogata, he tried to embody both Sei and Dou styles at the same time, incurring some damage to himself.
The Path of Asura
The path of the martial artist who pursues power in order to kill. Isshinsai Ogata walks this path and tries to convince Kenichi to follow him, with no success.
Killing Fist (殺人拳, Satsujin-ken)
Literally "the Death giving fist": the belief that bare-handed martial arts were created as killing weapons. Despite this a follower is not obliged to kill an opponent. Yami embodies this principle.
Saving Fist (活人拳, Katsujin-Ken)
Literally "the Life giving fist": the belief that bare-handed martial arts were created in defense of innocent lives. Its guidelines are 'not to kill and not to be killed'. The masters of Ryozanpaku maintain this principle.

Media[]

Manga[]

Main article: List of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple chapters

Syun Matsuena first serialized a manga titled Tatakae! Ryōzanpaku Shijō Saikyō no Deshi (戦え!梁山泊 史上最強の弟子, lit. "Fight! Ryōzanpaku, History's Strongest Disciple"), which ran for 28 chapters in Shogakukan's monthly magazine Shōnen Sunday Super from 1999 to 2002,[3][4] with its chapters collected in five tankōbon volumes, released from September 18, 2000 to April 18, 2002.[5] Matsuena would later release the remake Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi, which started in Shogakukan's Weekly Shōnen Sunday on April 17, 2002 (issue #20, 2002).[6][a] The manga finished after 12 years of publication in the magazine on September 13, 2014 (issue #42, 2014).[8][9] Shogakukan collected the chapters into sixty-one tankōbon volumes, published under the Shōnen Sunday Comics imprint, from August 9, 2002 to February 18, 2015.[10][11]

The series has been licensed in France by Kurokawa[12] and in Italy by Panini Comics.[13]

A gaiden volume was released by Shogakukan on September 18, 2007.[14] A spin-off series, titled Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi Plus (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ プラス, Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi Purasu) was serialized in Shōnen Sunday S in 2012 and collected in a volume by Shogakukan on September 18, 2012.[15][16] An official guidebook was released by Shogakukan on May 16, 2014.[17][18]

Anime[]

Main article: List of Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple episodes

A 50-episode anime television series adaptation, titled in English Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple, was produced by TMS Entertainment and was broadcast on TV Tokyo from October 7, 2006 to September 29, 2007.[19][20][21] The first opening theme for episodes 1–25 is "Be Strong", performed by Kana Yazumi, and the second opening theme for episodes 26–50 is "Yahhoo" (ヤッホー, Yahhō), performed by Diva × Diva (Miho Morikawa with Akira Asakura). The series first ending theme for episodes 1–15 is "Kimi Ga Irukara" (君がいるから, lit. "Because You are There"), performed by Issei Eguchi. The second ending theme for episodes 16–25 is "Catch Your Dream", performed by Joanna Koike. The third ending theme for episodes 26–45 is "Run Over", performed by Joanna Koike. The fourth ending theme for episodes 46–49 is "Kokoro Kara no Message" (心からのメッセージ, lit. "A message from Heart") is performed by Sakura. The series' last episode uses the first opening theme "Be Strong" by Kana Yazumi as ending theme.

In North America the series was licensed by Funimation in May 2008.[2] The series made its North American television debut when it aired on Funimation Channel starting October 26, 2009.[citation needed] All 50 episodes have been shown.[citation needed] The rights to the series expired in 2018.[22] In December 2020, Discotek Media announced that they had licensed the anime television series and it will have an upscale release slated for 2021.[23] The series returned to Funimation's streaming service in May 2021.[24]

Original video animation[]

A 11-episode original video animation (OVA) series produced by Brain's Base started on March 14, 2012.[25] The story continues from the Ragnarok Arc entering the Yomi arc. The 2nd OVA episode, featuring later story in the Yomi arc, was released on June 18, 2012.[26] The 3rd OVA episode was released on November 16, 2012.[27] The 4th and 5th OVA episodes were released on September 16, 2013.[28] The 6th and 7th OVA episodes were released on November 18, 2013.[29] The 8th and 9th OVA episodes were released on February 14, 2014.[30] The 10th and 11th OVA episodes were released on May 16, 2014.[31][32] The main cast for the OVA series is the same from those of the anime series except for Rie Kugimiya who replaced the late Tomoko Kawakami as Miu and Yuzuru Fujimoto who replaced the late Hiroshi Arikawa as her grandfather Hayato.[33] The episodes aired in Japan in 2014 on Tokyo MX and BS11, with the title Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi: Yami no Shūgeki (史上最強の弟子ケンイチ 闇の襲撃, lit. "Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple: Attack of Darkness").[34] Iori Nomizu performed the opening theme "Wish" (for episodes 4–9) and the ending themes "Glory Days" (for episodes 1–3) and "Breathless" (for episodes 4–9). During its television broadcast, the series featured the opening theme "Higher Ground", performed by Tomokazu Seki, and the same original second ending theme "Breathless", by Iori Nomizu.[35]

Video games[]

On March 15, 2007, Capcom released the series' first game, Shijō Saikyō no Deshi Kenichi: Gekitō! Ragnarok Hachikengō, exclusively on the PlayStation 2.[36]

Characters of the series appeared in Weekly Shōnen Sunday and Weekly Shōnen Magazine crossover game Shōnen Sunday & Shōnen Magazine White Comic released for Nintendo DS in 2009.[37]

Reception[]

As of February 2012, the manga had over 12 million copies in circulation.[38]

Bamboo Dong of Anime News Network, in a negative review of the first season (part one), criticized the series for its repeatability and its presentation as a show that "torn between being a pointless brawl show with fights every episode, and being a semi-legitimate martial arts show", adding that the teaching and explanations of the techniques used in the series are "half-assed" and that other shows like Naruto explain how their moves work in a better way, despite that "those aren't even real". Dong cloncluded: "I really hope there's tons of kids out there right now who are loving this show. Maybe tons of crybabies who need that extra nudge to learn how to get some self-confidence, because then I'd feel like this show did some good. It's also because I can't imagine any grown man or woman enjoying this show, because it's a big ol' dud".[39] In a more positive review of the first season (part two), Bamboo Dong enjoyed the episodes more focused on Kenichi's developing his fighting ability than the early episodes focused on his transformation "from a wimp into a determined martial arts student", as the conflicts are paced more naturally throughout the show. Dong said that the female fanservice of the series is at appropriate levels and that despite it having "leering men and bouncing breasts", he said that Miu is "a great female protagonist, and a good role model. She doesn't take crap from any of the men in the dojo, and she's kind to everyone around her". Dong concluded: KenIchi the Mightiest Disciple is a great choice for people who devour shows like Naruto and Bleach. They're not my cup of tea, but they're well-matched in terms of action and fast-paced storytelling. The fighting in this series is slightly more grounded in reality, too, so it's easier to relate to than throwing fireballs. If you enjoy Shonen Jump-type shows, you should definitely check this out".[40]

Reviewing the first season (part one), Theron Martin of Anime News Network compared the series to the 1984 martial arts film The Karate Kid, noting that the only major difference between the two is that Kenichi "takes itself far less seriously", adding that it is a crucial difference because "much of what goes on in the series is entirely too ridiculous to be taken seriously", although, he praised it for how it handles the overall martial arts theme and the minutiae of martial arts basics that too often get overlooked in many martial arts-related anime. Martin concluded: "The first quarter of KtMD is hardly great anime viewing, as it has an annoying start and some irksome habits, but eventually it becomes surprisingly entertaining in its sampling of various forms of martial arts and the tactics involved in using them efficiently. It's cheesy and often silly, but fun".[41]

In his review of the series' first season (part one), Davey C. Jones of active Anime made positive comments about the series, praising it for its fight scenes and humor, adding that it "has everything. It has buxom babes with lethal skills and one hilarious hormonal and all around great guy as the main character", ultimately calling it "the perfect one-two punch of comedy and martial arts action!".[42] In another review of the second season (part two), Jones also wrote: "Kenichi is the greatest blend of comedy and martial arts since Ranma! You’ve got to see it to believe it! Adrenalin driven martial arts action and big laughs combine for a knockout in anime fun!".[43]

In a review of the first season (part one), C.M. Brendelson of Otaku USA described Kenichi as "the stereotypical Peter Parker-esque high school student – skinny, klutzy, and social awkward" and Miu as "incredibly curvaceous for a teenage girl and has a charming face that never quits" and a "badass martial arts master". In comparing the series to other martial arts titles, like Naruto or Baki the Grappler, Brendelson wrote that the action scenes of the series focuses on Kenichi "getting his ass-kicked and then somehow succeeding after utilizing a freshly learned martial arts technique", and that rather than wanting to always "be the best", Kenchi "really just wants to protect those around him". Regarding the series' fanservice, Brendelson said that it encompasses so much of the action displayed on the screen, but that it is totally within this show’s parameters and that never once does it detract from the main story arc. Brendelson concluded: "The show certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you enjoy a light-hearted romp with a few action sequences thrown in, Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple may be just up your alley".[44]

Allen Moody of THEM Anime Reviews called the titular character "the perfect character for audience identification", due to his determination and high principles, also making positive comments about the series' characters and actions scenes, however, he criticized it for some "maudlin melodrama" scenes continuing unabated into the midst of a fight.[45]

See also[]

Notes[]

  1. ^ The cover date of Weekly Shōnen Sunday (issue #20, 2002) is May 1, but the actual release date was April 17.[7]

References[]

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  2. ^ Jump up to: a b Loo, Egan (May 13, 2008). "Funimation Gets Kenichi the Mightiest Disciple Anime". Anime News Network. Retrieved May 29, 2018.
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  6. ^ 週刊少年サンデー 2002/05/01 表示号数20. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on November 11, 2018. Retrieved November 11, 2018.
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    田中ロミオ「AURA」のコミカライズ、サンデーSで開始. Natalie (in Japanese). February 27, 2012. Retrieved October 19, 2020.

    週刊少年サンデー S (スーパー) 2012年6月号. Neowing (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 20, 2020. Retrieved October 20, 2020.
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External links[]

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