Of all the anime I have watched, there is one I don't think is possible to ever get beaten by anything else. Ashita no Joe is on a whole different level from the media it is a part of in the medium. As much as I consider Legend of the Galactic Heroes a masterpiece, this is the only piece of media I can confidently say surpasses it. It is a journey that drained all the tears out of my eyes. A masterly done story retold through the scope of legendary staff. An anime that could never be replicated because it is special from being made out of the context of it's time. A manga so timeless and classic, and adapted on an amazingly meaningful level. Dezaki has my eternal praise for giving me the privilege of watching this masterpiece come to life in the most satisfying way.

Yabuki Joe is a character so conflicted to the core but made of such a pure and caring heart. his struggle is a result of the loveless and lonely life he led as a child. A boy who created a unique worldview so different and passionate there is almost no one who could relate to him. To compromise is a non-option for him. Only those whom he met in the square jungle that share his similar view point could relate to him through the communicative punches delivered mutually; blow for blow. An iconic series with characters such as him, the laid back, cool Rikishi, the caring father/mother figure Tangei Danpei, the majestic but tragic Carlos Rivera, the glorious Jose Mendoza, and the melancholy of Yoko Shiraki. Yoko, as blinded by her money, is my favorite woman in anime for the incredible growth and development she showed. Joe teaches her the meaning of seeing without the profit gaze, and I shed many tears for what she brought to the table with her struggles. Standing in the rain, fearful for the future, she tries her best to be the guiding light for the wild animal, Joe Yabuki.

This story goes beyond sports; beyond boxing. It's the story of a boy who fought furiously like a bright flame, passionate and determined for as long as he isn't extinguished. It's a piece of fiction I hold dear to my heart that I will forever cherish and often think about.

Ashita no Joe pulls you into the abyss of misery. You think things can't get worse, but they do. Then they plummet and fall even further than you could ever imagine. But that is because Joe believes in the fruits of his own labor. he doesn't want help; he has an unbeatable drive to accomplish his goals by himself. No matter how bad the situation gets, he strives to find a way to pull himself up from his bootstraps. A boy who turns into a man; willing to put on the line that which is most precious to satisfy his hunger. The reality of boxing is a horror show, and he gets thrown into the savage middle of it.

As a wanderer myself, I can relate to his city street life. Travelling with insecurity, and spending day by day staring at the stars; putting a strong facade but hurting deep inside, Joe is a character I love and who feels familiar to me as I walk in the dark at night myself wondering about it all. Like him, I have a hard time relating to people.

Rich in soul, beautiful animation, chest tightening plot twists and reveals, beautiful scenes that bring tears to my eyes, a precious soundtrack, and one of the most iconic endings of all time. As shameless as I sound, I can die happy knowing I got to experience this incredible journey of one man's honorable story of struggling to the top. Not to be champion, or to reach a high status of fame and fortune, but to satisfy his philosophy of truly being alive.