So, you've just finished Hajime no Ippo: Rising, huh? You're buzzing, pumped, ready to lace up your own gloves and take on the world! But then… BAM! The credits roll. Now what?
Don't worry, friend! You're not alone in feeling like you've been sucker-punched by the end of an awesome anime series. Let's talk about what's next for our beloved Ippo and his crew.
The Manga: Where the Real Fight Continues
First and foremost, the Hajime no Ippo anime, as amazing as it is, only scratches the surface of the story. Think of the anime as the appetizer, and the manga as the entire glorious, all-you-can-eat buffet of boxing goodness!
The anime ends around volume 60. The manga? It’s currently well over 140 volumes and still going strong! That's like trading in your Mini Cooper for a monster truck full of boxing action.
So, Where Do I Start Reading?
This is the big question, isn't it? You could start from volume 1, of course. But if you’re itching to know what happens immediately after Rising, start around volume 61. This picks up the story right where the anime left off.
Prepare yourself! The manga dives deeper into the characters' inner thoughts, showing the raw emotion and brutal training that the anime only hinted at. It's like going from seeing a concert on TV to being right there in the mosh pit.
You'll witness Ippo's evolution, not just as a boxer, but as a man. Expect new rivalries, devastating blows (both physical and emotional), and enough sweat and determination to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.
What to Expect After *Rising*
Let's just say things get...complicated. Remember that whole "monster" thing Ippo was trying to become? Well, things get monstrous in unexpected ways.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Ippo faces new challenges that will test his resolve like never before. His relationships with his coach, his friends, and his rivals all evolve in surprising and sometimes heartbreaking ways.
Prepare for some serious emotional rollercoasters. There are moments that will have you cheering so loud your neighbors will think you've won the lottery. And then there are moments that will leave you reaching for a box of tissues the size of a boxing glove.
Will There Ever Be Another Anime Season?
Ah, the million-dollar question! The truth is, nobody knows for sure. There have been rumors and whispers for years, but nothing concrete has materialized.
A new season could adapt some of the most exciting and dramatic arcs from the manga. Think of all the amazing fights we could see animated! It's enough to make any Hajime no Ippo fan salivate like a hungry wolf.
But for now, the manga is your best bet for continuing the journey. So, grab a volume (or twenty), settle in, and prepare to be blown away. The world of Hajime no Ippo is far from over, and the best is yet to come!
Remember, keep punching forward!