Ashita No Joe is a boxing anime adapted from it's manga counterpart which was written in 1968 by Asaki Takamori. Ashita No Joe 2 adapts volumes 11-20 while changing some stuff, although the main story is all the same. It follows up the first season, while improving its quality by a lot. While having a relatively small population, it is definitely one of the greatest, if not the greatest, animes I've ever watched and is, and will be, a classic for ages.
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Now to the review (based on my opinion)
Story: 9/10 The story revolves around Joe Yabuki, a runaway orphan who has learned boxing throughout his time in Juvie, mentally recovering from his fight with Rikishi Toru, boxing champion who he met in Juvie, but had killed him in a long awaited boxing match by hitting him in the temple, leaving Joe unable to punch in the temple for a while. He gradually overcomes this with his fight with Carlos Rivera, and afterwards he continues on his boxing journey, dealing with the consequences of boxing along the way, until he fights the number one champion: Jose Mendoza. While the story isn't the most phenomenal or thought provoking story/plot ever, the storytelling throughout the second season is incredible. There's not really any downsides besides some parts being a bit more uninteresting then others, like the Kim arc being a bit underwhelming in my opinion.
Characters: 10/10 If I could give the characters an 11/10, I for sure would. Joe Yabuki, the main character, goes through some crazy ambition and character development throughout the second season and its so nice to watch and it makes me extremely happy to see the character growth that he goes to. At the time of writing this review, I think he is arguably the greatest anime character of all time. Other characters includes Danpei Tange, Rikishi Toru, Nishi, Carlos Rivera, Youko, etc.
Danpei is Joe's coach and the main initiative for Joe to start boxing. Although he doesn't get Joe as much as he might think, he surely is like a father figure for Joe. Rikisihi Toru, although dead, is a major influence to Joe and serves as the inspiration for Joe to box. Theres not much to say about Nishi. A great character and long time friend of Joe. Carlos Rivera is the character that got Joe back into boxing fully after the Toru fight. An excellent and entertaining character, although its very sad to see what happens after the fight again Mendoza, as he suffers from punch-drunk syndrome :( (the anime actually represents punch-drunk syndrome VERY well) Youko is a bit weird but shes important Overall, this anime is amazing when it comes to characters.
Animation and OST: 9/10 I mean considering how old it is, it still looks good for an old anime. Will give credit when credit is due.
THE OST however, truly magnificent. Joe's whitsle is just, DAMNN!!!!!
Enjoyment: 10/10 This would also be easily an 11/10. The experience I had watching this season is unrivaled, I had so much fun watching this anime. At some points I was crying tears of joy and at others I was bawling my eyes out. The emotions I got watching this, I can't even really explain it in words. I finished this a week ago and I already wanna rewatch it.
The ending: 10/10 Oh my fucking god, the ending. I can't stress in words how much the ending made me cry. Even seeing the final panel of the manga or the final scene of the anime just breaks me, this shit is so sad. But it's a phenomenal ending. It can be perceived in multiple different ways. However, I just think he's dead at the end. He truly died doing what he loved and he had no regrets whatsoever. Joe didn't die, he literally beat life. "It is burnt white, I've burnt it all..." ▶ (and the manga panel I was referring to, its the same in the anime basically)
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Yeah this anime season, or really Ashita No Joe in general, was perfect. One of the greatest things I've ever watched. Hell, it might even be the greatest. This is for sure something that everyone should watch. The old release date and the somewhat high amount of episodes might be a turn-off for some but I can guarantee that this anime is 100% worth it.
Spoiler, click to view Also this is my first review ever so its not that good :(
