Taking the first step

(Episodes 1-64 of Hajime No Ippo)

At this point in the series Ippo has taken many steps beyond his first. He used to be a meek child who was constantly bullied in school. And then on that fateful day he was saved by a mysterious boxer from being bullied. After seeing the power the boxer displayed Ippo desired that power. To achieve that goal he became a boxer himself.

Ippo had no talent for boxing (ignoring his powerful punch). However, his desire for power gave him a weapon that could not be taught or instilled in him by any book or teacher; that weapon was courage.

This show may be mindless entertainment, but it's good entertainment at that. Seeing Ippo and his friends train and hearing jet engine sound effects for punches equals awesome by virtue of the criteria of manliness. Hajime no Ippo is not a show that has caught on in America and for what can be assumed to be poor marketing strategy. So for now, it remains unwatched which is very sad because its simple theme is one that is displayed excellently.

Fight on,don't step back and don't give up. While it may seem cheesy, one may forget that failure will happen if one cowers back. For this, I give this show my most humble thanks.