"Shoosh... Shoosh..." If hearing the sound of a jet engine makes your heart race, you are already one of us. For over 30 years, the legendary boxing manga 'Hajime no Ippo' (The Fighting) has ignited the spirits of readers worldwide. Now, it returns to us as the 'New Edition' (Shinsoban). Why should we get excited about Ippo's fists all over again?
What's New?: The Birth of a Perfect Collection
It's a mistake to think this is just a reprint with new covers. The 'Hajime no Ippo New Edition' is a tribute from author George Morikawa to his fans, staking his 30-year boxing career on it. To reduce the burden of collecting over 100 volumes and maximize value, the page count per volume has been increased for this new configuration.
Original vs. New Edition: The Details
We've summarized the differences between the original run and the New Edition that many fans are curious about. See why collectors are switching over.
| Category | Original (Old) | New Edition (Shinsoban) |
|---|---|---|
| Cover Art | Early art style (Somewhat rough) | New art by Morikawa (High-quality, oil painting style) |
| Volume Length | ~190 pages (Standard tankobon) | ~350-400 pages (Compiles approx. 2 vols into 1) |
| Translation | Old nuances, some inaccuracies | Updated for modern trends & technical accuracy |
| Paper Quality | Standard paper prone to yellowing | High-quality archival paper |
The covers of the New Edition are particularly breathtaking. Instead of the rounder, cuter Ippo from the early serialization, we see Ippo as a hardened 'fighter' who has crossed countless lines, drawn with Morikawa's current, masterful skill. This visually conveys the message: "The boy we knew has grown this much."
Timeless Art: The Evolution of George Morikawa
You can't talk about Hajime no Ippo without discussing the art. Comparing the drawings from the start of serialization in 1989 to 2025 feels like looking at works by two different artists. But this change isn't just technical improvement.
Visualizing the Impact
George Morikawa is evaluated as having reached a god-like level in translating 'impact' onto paper. The distortion of faces upon contact, flying sweat, and shockwaves rippling through bodies make readers feel the phantom pain of sitting ringside. The New Edition brings these scenes back to life with larger pages and sharper printing, doubling the impact.
Especially in the 'Lallapallooza' against Sendo Takeshi or the madness of the Sawamura Ryuhei fight, the dynamic range of black and white manga is pushed to its limit. Old fans revisiting these scenes through the New Edition unanimously say, "I knew what was coming, but my palms were still sweating."
Editor's Pick: Don't Miss This
The biggest charm of the New Edition is the author's 'Commentary' and 'Behind-the-Scenes' stories included in each volume. It's full of untold stories about the struggles during serialization and character origins.
Retirement & Return: The Line Fans Can't Sleep Over
Currently, the story of 'Hajime no Ippo' is passing through a phase unprecedented in manga history. The protagonist, Ippo Makunouchi, has retired due to suspected punch drunk symptoms and has been active as a 'Second' (trainer) for quite some time. This development smashed the clichés of shonen manga.
🥊 Ippo Makunouchi
Status: Retired (Active as Trainer/Second)
Notes: Physicality stronger than his active days, potential shown in sparring with Ricardo Martinez, and the line he must cross to become a 'Monster'.
Love-Hate Relationship: "When is he coming back?!"
Ippo's retirement arc is a polarizing section among readers. Opinions clash between "It's boring without the protagonist boxing" and "It adds philosophical depth to the sport." However, recent chapters strongly suggest that Ippo's return is imminent.
- Technical Completion: Working as a second gave him an objective view, drastically improving his defense and strategic understanding—his weaknesses during his active career.
- Physical Monster: Thanks to wearing weights on his wrists and ankles 24/7, his power and speed have actually increased since retirement.
- Sparring with Volg: He overwhelmed Volg, a world champion, in a spar, sending fans into a frenzy.
Community Reactions: The One Match the World Awaits
Global communities, from Reddit's r/hajimenoippo to Korean forums, heat up every week a new chapter drops. Here are the fan reactions reignited by the New Edition news.
Matches Fans Want to See Most (Community Polls)
One Reddit user commented, "Buying the New Edition is like buying the patience to wait until Ippo steps back into the ring," a funny yet sad reality. Also, the sentiment "I worry about Morikawa-sensei's health, but please just finish the story" is universal. Fans are also sharing photos of the magnificent spine art of the New Edition lined up on their bookshelves.
Interestingly, humorous elements like the bronze statue of 'Mamoru' or the 'Big Mara' memes are still loved by fans in the New Edition. This balance between the seriousness of boxing and slice-of-life comedy is likely the secret to the manga's 30+ year popularity.
Conclusion: The Legend Is Not Over Yet
'Hajime no Ippo New Edition' is the best gift for old fans to reminisce and for new readers to witness the beginning of a legend. Beyond a simple punch-and-fight shonen manga, it contains the journey of a human seeking the answer to 'What does it mean to be strong?'.
Ippo will return to the ring. And the moment he tightens his glove laces again, we, having reviewed his journey through the New Edition, will be ready to cheer louder than ever. Now is the perfect time to own the legend.