MANGA REVIEW | "Fist of the North Star" - Volume Sixteen
Compassion is very important to have when fighting. It’s perhaps the biggest flaw of every villain, as a person with no heart can’t truly find victory. Fist of the North Star, in spite of its hardcore violence, makes that perfectly clear through Kenshiro, who keeps on winning because of the compassion that rests in his heart. Volume Sixteen continues to prove that, as Kenshiro continues his battle with the brother of Raoh.
Kaioh is a perfect example of a tragic villain. Everything from his mother to a happy, normal life was taken from him. It’s because of this that he holds such contempt for his dead brother, as Raoh was a perfect fighter and man in his eyes. But with him gone, Kaioh has locked up all emotion and self-consciousness within his body, even going so far as to claim that he has no soul.
But Kaioh is facing Kenshiro, who brims with love and compassion both in his hearts and fists. He fights because peace needs to exist in this world, and he’ll try to make that happen until the very last breath leaves his lungs. With that fiery passion, Kenshiro battles Kaioh, proving again that those with bigger hearts will reign over those who’ve thrown almost every emotion away. It’s a shame that Kaioh’s mentality is that way, as it even goes against what Raoh believed in.
This fact comes far too late for Kaioh, as Kenshiro once again has to show him the error of his ways. Not only does he let his fists do the talking, but also has Kaioh see the true symbolism behind the things he worships. From his harrowed back story to the true meaning behind the statue, Kenshiro goes to great lengths to prove that within Kaioh’s being isn’t an emotionless villain; it’s a heart that wishes to be a hero!
Alas, as Fist of the North Star tends to do, there can only be one super-strengthened human in this series, and Kenshiro is the star, after all. After their face-off, Kaioh sets off to do something noble, in honor of his fallen friend Hyo. It’s also here where Bat and Rin reunite, with Kenshiro giving the best words of advice to guarantee both their safety and happiness. Not only do these words showcase the strength of this manga’s writing; it also demonstrates the true nature of what this manga is actually about!
Of course, readers come to Fist of the North Star for the crazy action, and the next story arc involving the son of Raoh, Ryu. A village being tricked into slavery, and a prison filled with children. While Kenshiro may be the strongest one, this new story is all about Ryu and his rise to heroism. Dare I say, it also is a prime example of why children continue to be the future of greatness!
Nothing else proves that than Ryu’s plan to break the child prisoners out. In a way, it’s like watching an R-rated version of Home Alone or even The Goonies in action. Their usage of common items as weapons demonstrates their knowhow when it comes to escaping from a horrible situation. Sure, it can be a little goofy, but I can’t help but smile every time a big baddie gets killed by these kids’ antics!
Is this arc a sign of the end of Fist of the North Star? With only two more volumes left to go in VIZ Signatures’s releases, the time for Kenshiro to walk off into the sunset feels nigh. But if there’s a good way to end it, it’s to put a focus on the future heroes of this post-apocalyptic world. After all, evil never fully disappears, so someone’s gotta stomp it out when Kenshiro’s long gone. Maybe Ryu will be the one to carry on that legacy, if he can make it out of this situation alive. Here’s hoping!
FINAL GRADE:
Promotional consideration provided by Chantelle Sturt of VIZ Media.
