Fist of the North Star

2025-10-31T09:25:27Z

95.62.44.248: 2006 TV series changed to 2026 TV series

{{Short description|Japanese manga series and franchise}}
{{About|the manga and anime}}
{{Bots|deny=Citation bot}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image = Fist of the North Star 1.png
| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume cover, featuring [[Kenshiro]]
| ja_kanji = 北斗の拳
| ja_romaji = Hokuto no Ken
| genre = {{ubl|[[Adventure fiction|Adventure]]<ref>{{cite web|title=The Official Website for Fist of the North Star|url=https://www.viz.com/fist-of-the-north-star|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=April 4, 2021|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416205429/https://www.viz.com/fist-of-the-north-star|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Martial arts film|Martial arts]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Toole|first=Michael|title=A Fist Tale - The Mike Toole Show|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2013-07-28|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 13, 2018|date=July 29, 2013|archive-date=April 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190419222103/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2013-07-28|url-status=live}}</ref>|[[Post-apocalyptic]]<ref name="reprint">{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Fist of the North Star Manga Reprint to Add New Chapter|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-09-14/fist-of-the-north-star-manga-reprint-to-add-new-chapter|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=December 12, 2019|date=September 14, 2013|archive-date=February 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200213222643/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-09-14/fist-of-the-north-star-manga-reprint-to-add-new-chapter|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| author = [[Buronson]]
| illustrator = [[Tetsuo Hara]]
| publisher = [[Shueisha]]
| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher
| NA = {{ubl|[[Viz Media]]|[[Raijin Comics|Gutsoon! Entertainment]]|(2003–2004)}}
}}
| imprint = [[Jump Comics]]
| magazine = [[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]
| first = September 13, 1983
| last = August 8, 1988
| volumes = 27
| volume_list = List of Fist of the North Star chapters
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| director = [[Toyoo Ashida]]
| producer = Yoshio Takami
| writer = Hiroshi Toda
| music = Nozomi Aoki
| studio = [[Toei Animation]]
| licensee = [[Crunchyroll]] (streaming) {{English anime licensee
| NA = [[Discotek Media]]
}}
| network = [[Fuji Network System|FNS]] ([[Fuji TV]])
| network_en = {{English anime network
| UK = [[Syfy (UK and Ireland)|Sci-Fi Channel]]
| US = [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime Beyond]]
}}
| first = October 11, 1984
| last = March 5, 1987
| episodes = 109
| episode_list = List of Fist of the North Star episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| title = Fist of the North Star 2
| director = Toyoo Ashida
| producer = Yoshio Takami
| writer = Hiroshi Toda
| music = Nozomi Aoki
| studio = Toei Animation
| licensee = Crunchyroll (streaming) {{English anime licensee
| NA = Discotek Media
}}
| network = FNS (Fuji TV)
| first = March 13, 1987
| last = February 18, 1988
| episodes = 43
| episode_list = List of Fist of the North Star episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| title =
| director =
| producer =
| writer =
| music =
| studio =
| licensee =
| network =
| first = 2026
| last = scheduled
| episodes =
| episode_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = Live-action film
| content =
* ''[[Fist of the North Star (1995 film)|Fist of the North Star]]'' (1995)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title = Spin-offs
| content =
* ''[[Hokuto Gaiden]]''
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer|portal=yes}}

{{Nihongo|'''''Fist of the North Star'''''|北斗の拳|Hokuto no Ken|{{lit|Fist of the [[Big Dipper]]}}{{efn|{{nihongo4||北斗|Hokuto}}, which literally means the "Northern Ladle", is the Japanese name of the [[Big Dipper]], an [[asterism (astronomy)|asterism]] that forms part of the [[Ursa Major|Ursa Major/Great Bear]] [[constellation]], which does not correspond to the North Star [[Polaris]] (which is part of the [[Ursa Minor|Ursa Minor/Little Bear/Little Dipper]] constellation). Toei's proposed localized title for the series was '''''Ken, the Great Bear Fist'''''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://lineup.toei-anim.co.jp/en/tv/hokuto/|title=Ken, the Great Bear Fist|work=Toei Animation List of Works|publisher=[[Toei Animation]]|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=November 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105230023/https://lineup.toei-anim.co.jp/en/tv/hokuto/|url-status=live}}</ref>}}|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written by [[Buronson]] and illustrated by [[Tetsuo Hara]]. It was serialized in [[Shueisha]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' for 245 issues published from 1983 to 1988 and initially collected in 27 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes under the Jump Comics imprint. Set on a [[post-apocalyptic]] Earth after a nuclear war, the story centers on a warrior named [[Kenshiro]], the successor to a deadly [[martial art]] known as ''Hokuto Shinken'', which gives him the ability to kill his opponents by striking their [[vital point]]s, which often results in an exceptionally violent and gory death. Kenshiro dedicates his life to fighting against the various gangs, bandits, and warlords who threaten the lives of the defenseless and innocent, as well as rival martial artists.

The manga was adapted into two [[anime]] television series produced by [[Toei Animation]], which together aired on [[Fuji TV]] and [[Fuji News Network|its affiliates]] from 1984 through 1988, comprising a combined total of 152 episodes. It has since expanded into a [[media franchise]], including several anime films, a live-action film, [[original video animation]]s (OVAs), video games, and a series of [[spin-off (media)|spin-offs]] centering on other characters from the original story. It has also spawned a number of video games and [[pachinko]] machines produced by [[Sega Sammy]]. A new anime television series adaptation is set to premiere in 2026.

English adaptations of the manga were published by [[Viz Media|Viz Communications]] as a monthly comic book, and later by [[Gutsoon! Entertainment]] as a series of colorized graphic novels, although neither translation was completed. Viz Media published the manga in a series of hardcover editions from 2021 to 2025. English adaptations of other ''Fist of the North Star'' media have been licensed to other companies, including the TV series and the 1986 film.

The ''Fist of the North Star'' manga has sold over 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the [[List of best-selling manga|best-selling manga series]]. It is regarded as one of the most influential manga series of all time.

==Plot==
{{See also|List of Fist of the North Star characters{{!}}List of ''Fist of the North Star'' characters}}
A worldwide nuclear war sometime in the 1990s has resulted in the destruction of most of civilization, turning the world into a desert wasteland. The remnants of mankind fight over whatever supplies of food and uncontaminated water still remain as the strong prey on the weak. [[Kenshiro]] is the successor to ''Hokuto Shinken'', an ancient martial art of assassination that trains its practitioners to kill from within an opponent's body through the use of hidden meridian points. Kenshiro wishes to live his life in peace, but after he is separated from his fiancée Yuria by a jealous rival, he begins his journey to become the savior of the post-apocalyptic world, defending the weak and innocent from the many gangs and organizations that threaten their survival. Along the way, Kenshiro meets a young thief named Bat and an orphaned girl named Lin, who join him as his traveling companions and bear witness to Ken's many battles.

Kenshiro's many rivals and allies include the six grandmasters of ''Nanto Seiken'', a rival assassin's art that split into two factions after the nuclear war, as well as his own "Brothers of Hokuto", who trained alongside him for the succession of ''Hokuto Shinken''. Kenshiro's ultimate nemesis is his eldest brother-in-training [[Raoh]], a warrior who broke the law of ''Hokuto Shinken'' by refusing to allow his fists to be "sealed", killing his master Ryuken and refusing to surrender the succession to Kenshiro. Raoh seeks to conquer the post-apocalyptic world as a warlord under the mantle of {{Nihongo|Ken-oh|拳王|Ken Ō|'Fist King'}}, by challenging every martial artist he sees as a threat. After a long series of battles, Kenshiro emerges victorious over Raoh, who dies peacefully, and peace arrives in the post-apocalyptic world, concluding the first half of the story.

The second half begins several years later after a tyrannical empire under the name of the Celestial Empress has risen to power, oppressing anyone who dares to oppose them. Kenshiro returns from seclusion, joining the now-grown Bat and Lin under the banner of the Hokuto Army. As they fight their way into the Empire's capital city, they discover that the Empire has been taken over by the Viceroy Jakoh, a usurper who is keeping the real Celestial Empress captive in his dungeon. The Hokuto Army free the Empress and Jakoh is vanquished shortly afterwards.

However, Lin is taken captive by the remnants of Jakoh's forces and is sent off to the mysterious Kingdom of Shura, a brutal land of warriors ruled by three overlords who have all mastered the ways of ''Hokuto Ryūken'', a martial art which branched off from the same clan alongside ''Hokuto Shinken'' into the ways of darkness. [[List of Fist of the North Star characters#Kaioh|Kaioh]], the head of the three overlords, plans to conquer the post-apocalyptic world in the name of evil by wiping out the followers of ''Hokuto Shinken''. Kenshiro uncovers the sealed testament of the ''Hokuto Shinken'' founder, Shuken, which holds the secret to overcoming Kaioh's ultimate technique. Kenshiro emerges victorious over Kaioh and rescues Lin, leaving her under Bat's care. During the final chapters, Kenshiro goes on a journey with Raoh's orphaned son Ryu, in order to lead him on the path to become the next ''Hokuto Shinken'' successor, encountering and battling various opponents along the way, before returning to Bat and Lin to protect them from a past enemy.

==Production==
[[File:Tetsuo Hara - Dimanche - Japan Expo 2013 - P1670525.jpg|thumb|upright|The series' illustrator [[Tetsuo Hara]] in 2013]]

In 1982, 21-year-old manga artist [[Tetsuo Hara]] was struggling with his career.<ref name="AnotherStory">{{Cite episode|title=Another Story: How Fist of the North Star Came to Be|series=Time and Tide|language=English, Japanese|network=[[NHK World-Japan]]|date=January 28, 2023}}</ref> His first serialized manga, the motocross racing-themed ''Iron Don Quijote'', was discontinued after only 10 issues.<ref name=raijinhara>{{cite web|url=http://www.raijincomics.com/extra/articles/article.aspx?_cid=77|title=Interview with Hara Tetsuo|access-date=February 10, 2023|work=Raijin Comics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040629155120/http://www.raijincomics.com/extra/articles/article.aspx?_cid=77|archive-date=June 29, 2004}}</ref> A fan of Chinese martial artist and actor [[Bruce Lee]] and Japanese [[action film]] actor [[Yūsaku Matsuda]] as a teenager in the 1970s, he often drew depictions of them from memory.<ref name="otaquest">{{cite news|last1=Lehecka|first1=Eddie|title=Exile Sekai Interviews Tetsuo Hara, Creator of Fist of the North Star|url=https://www.otaquest.com/exile-sekai-interviews-tetsuo-hara/|access-date=May 10, 2021|work=Otaquest|date=March 1, 2019|archive-date=December 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211215065113/https://www.otaquest.com/exile-sekai-interviews-tetsuo-hara/|url-status=live}}</ref> Hara had previously pitched the idea of a martial arts manga with a protagonist that combined the appearances and character traits of the two actors to his editor Nobuhiko Horie. But Horie instead convinced Hara to create ''Iron Don Quijote''.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Now revisiting the martial arts theme, the two realized they needed a secret signature technique, but were at a loss for ideas until Horie browsed a used Chinese book store on Suzuran Street in [[Jinbōchō, Tokyo]].<ref name="commentary">{{cite book|author1=Buronson|author2=Hara, Tetsuo|chapter=The Birth of Fist of the North Star|title=Fist of the North Star|volume=1|pages=300–303|date=June 15, 2021|publisher=Viz Media|isbn=978-1-9747-2156-6}}</ref> He found an anecdote of a medical student in China, who, after overstimulating an [[acupressure]] point in order to alleviate an eye issue, had instead made the condition worse.<ref name="commentary"/> Horie believed that destroying bodies by attacking pressure points was perfect for a [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]], as it allowed someone small to take out a much bigger opponent.<ref name="commentary"/> He derived the manga's title and the name of the technique from a Chinese [[constellation]] myth that features two sages, Hokuto and Nanto, the gods of death and life respectively.<ref name="commentary"/> The editor pictured the manga's protagonist, Kenshiro, as the son of Hokuto.<ref name="commentary"/>

A prototype version of ''Fist of the North Star'' was published as a [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] story in the April 1983 issue of ''Fresh Jump''.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> It was chosen by readers as the best story in the magazine and featured many of the elements that would later appear in the serialized version, including Kenshiro's signature phrase; "You are already dead.".<ref name="AnotherStory"/> It was followed by ''Fist of the North Star II'', a second one-shot published in the June 1983 issue. Both stories were later collected in the second {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume of ''Iron Don Quijote'' (although the expanded 1995 editions move the first part of the ''Fist of the North Star'' pilot to the first volume, leaving the second volume with just the second pilot).

The final version of ''Fist of the North Star'' began serialization in ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' on September 13, 1983. Manga author [[Buronson]] had been assigned to work with Hara as writer of the series. He was given the job after ''Weekly Shōnen Jump'' could not come to an agreement with Horie's first choice.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Buronson liked Hara's one-shot version, but insisted a modern-day setting would not work with a martial arts story, so they went with a futuristic, post-apocalyptic one due to the then-popularity of the ''[[Mad Max]]'' film series.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Additionally, Kenshiro, originally a teenager framed for a murder he did not commit in Hara's prototype story, became an older and more stoic hero with a tragic past.<ref name="ADVBuronson">{{cite web|url=http://www.advfilms.com/titles/fistofthenorthstar/interview.html|title=Interview with Buronson|access-date=February 10, 2023|work=ADV Films Presents: New Fist of the North Star|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070218190038/http://www.advfilms.com/titles/fistofthenorthstar/interview.html|archive-date = February 18, 2007}}</ref> For the new setting, Hara drew inspiration from the post-apocalyptic film ''[[Mad Max 2]]'' (1981), the [[cyberpunk]] film ''[[Blade Runner]]'' (1982), [[Katsuhiro Otomo]]'s post-apocalyptic [[Japanese cyberpunk]] manga ''[[Akira (manga)|Akira]]'' (1982), and the illustrations of artists [[Syd Mead]] and [[Frank Frazetta]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Valdez|first1=Nick|title='Fist of the North Star' Creator Reveals Inspiration For The Series|url=https://comicbook.com/anime/news/fist-of-the-north-star-mad-max-bruce-lee-inspiration/|access-date=May 14, 2021|work=ComicBook.com|date=December 11, 2017|archive-date=April 1, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401150845/https://comicbook.com/anime/2017/12/12/fist-of-the-north-star-mad-max-bruce-lee-inspiration/|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Go Nagai]]'s manga series ''[[Violence Jack]]'' (1973), which similarly had a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland setting with [[biker gangs]], anarchic violence, dilapidated buildings, innocent civilians, tribal chiefs and small abandoned villages, may have been another influence; it has been argued that ''Mad Max'' itself may have been influenced by ''Violence Jack''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Avis sur la série Violence Jack (1986)|url=https://www.senscritique.com/serie/Violence_Jack/critique/6834212|website=[[:fr:SensCritique|SensCritique]]|date=June 30, 2011|access-date=May 22, 2020|language=fr|quote=Violence Jack a certainement du influencer beaucoup d'œuvres (le manga papier étant tout de même de 1973), comme Mad Max ou encore Hokuto no Ken. Les motards, la violence, les décors détruits, le désert, les innocents, les ignobles chefs de "tribus", les petits villages abandonnés... tous les codes y sont.|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806103905/https://www.senscritique.com/serie/Violence_Jack/critique/6834212|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Gematsu">{{cite news|last=Romano|first=Sal|title=Interview: Travis Strikes Again: No More Heroes' Suda 51 at PAX East 2018|url=https://www.gematsu.com/2018/04/interview-travis-strikes-again-no-more-heroes-suda-51-at-pax-east-2018|access-date=May 22, 2020|work=Gematsu|date=April 9, 2018|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806112445/https://www.gematsu.com/2018/04/interview-travis-strikes-again-no-more-heroes-suda-51-at-pax-east-2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Gabrielli|first=Ettore|title=40 anni di Devilman|url=https://www.lospaziobianco.it/speciali/40-anni-di-devilman/|website=Lo Spazio Bianco|date=September 28, 2012|access-date=May 24, 2020|language=it-IT|quote=Eppure senza le sue opere una grossa fetta dell’immaginario popolare non sarebbe la stessa, dai robottoni (che si apprestano a invadere anche i cinema grazie a Guillermo del Toro e al suo Pacific Rim) alle maghette (i Mahō shōjo) delle quali Cutie Honey è antesignana; senza dimenticare le influenze, o quanto meno l’anticipazione di certe tematiche, come l’ambientazione post-olocausto di Violence Jack (1973), che precede di diversi anni film come Mad Max (1979) o fumetti come Ken il Guerriero (1983).|archive-date=August 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200805135625/https://www.lospaziobianco.it/speciali/40-anni-di-devilman/|url-status=live}}</ref>

Buronson was astonished by the quality of Hara's art was from the first chapter.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> He had asked the artist to give Kenshiro seven scars in the shape of the [[Big Dipper]] for no reason other than their appealing aesthetic. But when they then began thinking of Kenshiro's backstory and the reason he wanders the wasteland, Buronson devised that they were given from the man who stole the woman he loved.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> The story to ''Fist of the North Star'' was planned only two or three chapters in advance, with Horie keeping an eye on reader feedback.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Buronson conceived three older brothers for Kenshiro. With Jagi representing cruelty, he made Raoh the strongest because he was the oldest, and made Toki the opposite of Raoh; a weak yet compassionate man who used his skills to heal.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Buronson had previously looked at writing manga as only a way to make ends meet, but ''Fist of the North Star'' changed that.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Before serialization began, he had taken a trip to Cambodia, where the genocidal regime of [[Pol Pot]] had recently fallen. Impacted by the human remains he saw piled up everywhere, it influenced his characters and the dialogue he wrote for them; the latter becoming a signature of the series.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Hara was inspired by the ''[[Ultraman]]'' and ''[[Tiger Mask]]'' series to create interesting enemy designs.<ref name="otaquest"/> ''Fist of the North Star'' is known for the unique death cries shouted by enemies as they die, such as "''Abeshi''", "''Hidebu''", and "''Tawaba''".<ref name="AnotherStory"/> These were coined by Hara, who, with complete freedom to draw the action scenes, explained that he used them in order to try to add a bit of comedy to make the death scenes easier to digest.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> He had grown up with the strange words used in [[Fujio Akatsuka]]'s manga, but the copy-editors of ''Fist of the North Star'' would often "correct" his own made-up words, which annoyed him.<ref name="AnotherStory"/>

Hara and Buronson seldom saw each other during serialization and never had meetings directly about work. Instead, Horie acted as go-between for the two.<ref name="Forbes">{{cite web|first=Ollie|last=Barder|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2021/06/17/tetsuo-hara-on-fist-of-the-north-star-and-his-enduring-love-of-manga/?sh=60148bc65deb|title=Tetsuo Hara On 'Fist Of The North Star' And His Enduring Love Of Manga|work=[[Forbes]]|date=June 17, 2021|access-date=June 19, 2021|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624201552/https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2021/06/17/tetsuo-hara-on-fist-of-the-north-star-and-his-enduring-love-of-manga/?sh=60148bc65deb|archive-date= Jun 24, 2021}}</ref> Hara struggled to draw 20 pages a week and described being so "burned out" that he would not bathe for three or four days.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> He said he viewed Horie as the "devil", as the editor did not praise him and would instead hand him the script for the next chapter immediately after he completed the previous one.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Similarly, Buronson said that Horie never compromised, and that he felt like hitting the editor many times.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> However, Hara admitted that by not praising him, Horie helped him succeed as an artist, as he is personally the type of person who needs someone to yell at him.<ref name="AnotherStory"/> Originally, Hara and Buronson were contracted to do ''Fist of the North Star'' for a three-year run, but due to its popularity and the publisher's demand, it was extended to five years.<ref name="raijinhara" />

==Media==
===Manga===
{{Main|List of Fist of the North Star chapters{{!}}List of ''Fist of the North Star'' chapters}}
''Fist of the North Star'', written by [[Buronson]] and illustrated by [[Tetsuo Hara]], premiered in [[Shueisha]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Jump]]'' on September 13, 1983,<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-12/first-of-the-north-star-manga-marks-25-years-with-wedding|title=Fist of the North Star Manga Marks 25 Years with Wedding|work=[[Anime News Network]]|date=August 12, 2008|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=November 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120095131/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-08-12/first-of-the-north-star-manga-marks-25-years-with-wedding|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「北斗の拳」新装版1・2巻が発売、鳥山明＆荒木飛呂彦が推薦コメントを寄稿|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/540945|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913140247/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/540945|archive-date=September 13, 2023|language=ja|date=September 13, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> and was serialized until August 8, 1988,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:週刊少年ジャンプ 1988年35号|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M543890|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=[[Agency for Cultural Affairs]]|access-date=September 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913140650/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M543890|archive-date=September 13, 2023|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> lasting 245 issues. Its chapters were collected in 27 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes, published under Shueisha's [[Jump Comics]] imprint from March 9, 1984,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:北斗の拳 1|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-851661-3&mode=1|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|access-date=September 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051128133028/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-851661-3&mode=1|archive-date=November 28, 2005|language=ja}}</ref> to March 10, 1989.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:北斗の拳 27|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-851830-6&mode=1|publisher=[[Shueisha]]|access-date=September 14, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051124182656/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-851830-6&mode=1|archive-date=November 24, 2005|language=ja}}</ref> During the 1990s, Shueisha reprinted the series in a 15-volume hardcover {{Transliteration|ja|[[aizōban]]}} edition from 1991 to 1992,<ref name=aizoban>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/zen_list.cgi?siries_isbn=X-08-782601-5&siries_kanren_isbn=&mode=2|script-title=ja:北斗の拳/全15巻|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=September 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929122003/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/zen_list.cgi?siries_isbn=X-08-782601-5&siries_kanren_isbn=&mode=2}}</ref> as well as a 15-volume {{Transliteration|ja|[[bunkoban]]}} edition from 1997 to 1998.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/zen_list.cgi?siries_isbn=X-08-617283-6&siries_kanren_isbn=&mode=2|script-title=ja:北斗の拳全15巻・全巻セット|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=September 29, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929121935/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/zen_list.cgi?siries_isbn=X-08-617283-6&siries_kanren_isbn=&mode=2}}</ref> The ''Fist of the North Star'' copyrights would be transferred over to [[Coamix]], a company founded in June 2000 by Nobuhiko Horie after he left Shueisha.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:漫画キャラとコラボ後押し東京の出版社コアミックス熊本の地場商品、活性化|url=https://kumanichi.com/articles/215056|website={{ill|Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun|ja|熊本日日新聞}}|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713084359/https://kumanichi.com/articles/215056|archive-date=July 13, 2021|language=ja|date=May 1, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> A 14-volume {{Transliteration|ja|[[kanzenban]]}} edition was published by [[Shogakukan]] in 2006, under the ''Big Comics Selection'' imprint, featuring the original water-colored artwork from the ''Weekly Shōnen Jump'' serialization, as well as almost all of the original opening pages that were omitted in earlier editions, although it lacked the added artwork featured in previous collected editions that were drawn to replace ad spaces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://skygarden.shogakukan.co.jp/skygarden/owa/solc_tid?tid=409180240&pat=a|script-title=ja:小学館: コミック|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=November 5, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105133838/http://sol-comics.shogakukan.co.jp/solc_tid?tid=409180240&pat=a&seq=0&page=1}}</ref> To celebrate the series' 30th anniversary, Tokuma Shoten re-published the series in an "Ultimate Edition", comprising eighteen volumes that were published from September 20, 2013 to July 19, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:北斗の拳【究極版】 ①|url=http://www.tokuma.jp/bookinfo/9784199801518|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728153808/http://www.tokuma.jp/bookinfo/9784199801518|archive-date=July 28, 2014|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:北斗の拳【究極版】 ⑱|url=http://www.tokuma.jp/bookinfo/9784199802263|publisher=[[Tokuma Shoten]]|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728150912/http://www.tokuma.jp/bookinfo/9784199802263|archive-date=July 28, 2014|language=ja}}</ref> This edition features new cover illustrations by Hara and include an additional chapter in the 11th volume (see [[#Follow-ups and spinoffs|below]]).<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「北斗の拳」新エピソード収録！“究極版”9月より刊行|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/99325|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 13, 2021|language=ja|date=September 13, 2013|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713095138/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/99325|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「北斗の拳」完全新作記念、全国で号外「斗スポ」配布|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/114817|website=[[Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=July 13, 2021|language=ja|date=April 18, 2014|archive-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713095137/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/114817|url-status=live}}</ref>

====English translations====
In 1989, [[Viz Media|Viz Communications]] published the first sixteen chapters of ''Fist of the North Star'' in English as an eight-issue monthly comic. These were later reprinted in a single graphic novel collection in 1995. During the same year, Viz resumed publication of the series as a monthly comic until 1997, lasting eighteen issues (adapting chapters 17–44), divided into three parts. This second run was subsequently republished in three additional graphic novel volumes titled ''Night of the Jackal'', ''Southern Cross'' and ''Blood Brothers''. Viz's version featured mirrored artwork with translated sound effects and other retouched details.

In 2002, a second English adaptation was published by [[Gutsoon! Entertainment]] under the title of ''Fist of the North Star: Master Edition'', which retained the original right-to-left orientation but featured digitally colored artwork. Each volume from the fourth one and onward featured new cover illustrations by Hara that were made specifically for the ''Master Edition''. The ''Master Edition'' ceased publication only a year after its start in 2003, lasting only nine volumes due to Gutsoon!'s withdrawal from the North American market. These colorized editions were translated back to the Japanese market, but only four volumes were published.

In 2020, Viz Media announced a print and digital publication of the manga in hardcover editions, adapted from the 2013 ultimate editions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Viz to Release Fist of the North Star, No. 5, Sensor, Mashle, Undead Unluck, Yakuza Lover Manga in Summer 2021|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-16/viz-to-release-fist-of-the-north-star-no-5-sensor-mashle-undead-unluck-yakuza-lover-manga-in-summer-2021/.165311|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 16, 2020|date=October 16, 2020|archive-date=October 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201016225015/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-10-16/viz-to-release-fist-of-the-north-star-no-5-sensor-mashle-undead-unluck-yakuza-lover-manga-in-summer-2021/.165311|url-status=live}}</ref> The first volume was released on June 15, 2021, and the eighteenth and last on September 23, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fist of the North Star, Vol. 1|url=https://www.viz.com/read/manga/fist-of-the-north-star-volume-1/product/6715|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=March 1, 2021|archive-date=March 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210325024233/https://www.viz.com/read/manga/fist-of-the-north-star-volume-1/product/6715|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Fist of the North Star, Vol. 18|url=https://www.viz.com/manga-books/manga/fist-of-the-north-star-volume-18/product/8510|publisher=[[Viz Media]]|access-date=October 1, 2025}}</ref>

====Follow-ups and spinoffs====
''[[Fist of the Blue Sky]]'' (''Sōten no Ken''), a prequel to ''Fist of the North Star'' written by Nobuhiko Horie and illustrated by Hara with supervision from Buronson, began publication in the premiere issue of ''[[Weekly Comic Bunch]]'' (dated May 29, 2001), a manga anthology published by [[Shinchosha]] and edited by Coamix. The title ran during the entirety of the magazine's run, initially as a regular feature and later as a semi-regular, until it ceased publication with issue #445 (dated September 10, 2010). During this period, various ''Fist of the North Star'' spinoffs by different authors were also serialized in the magazine (see ''[[Hokuto Gaiden]]''), each focusing on a different character from the original manga. The first of these, ''[[Legends of the Dark King|Ten no Haoh]]'' by Yowkow Osada, began publication in ''Comic Bunch'' #231 (cover dated March 24, 2006).<ref name=raohgaiden>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbunch.com/comic_info/tenno_haou/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813213927/http://www.comicbunch.com/comic_info/tenno_haou/index.html|archive-date=August 13, 2007|script-title=ja:週刊コミックバンチ★コアミックス: 連載作品・作家紹介: 天の覇王北斗の拳ラオウ外伝|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref> It was followed by ''Sōkoku no Garō'' by Yasuyuki Nekoi in ''Comic Bunch'' #286 (May 11–18, 2007),<ref name=reigaiden>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbunch.com/magazine_info/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813214000/http://www.comicbunch.com/magazine_info/index.html|archive-date=August 13, 2007|script-title=ja:週刊コミックバンチ★コアミックス: 最新号情報と予告|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref> ''Shirogane no Seija'' by Yuka Nagate in ''Comic Bunch'' #301 (September 7, 2007),<ref name=tokigaiden>{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbunch.com/magazine_info/index.html|script-title=ja:週刊コミックバンチ★コアミックス: 最新号情報と予告|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070624023307/http://www.comicbunch.com/magazine_info/index.html|archive-date = June 24, 2007}}</ref> ''Gokuaku no Hana'' by Sin-ichi Hiromoto in ''Comic Bunch'' #366 (January 16–21, 2009)<ref name=jagigaiden>{{cite web|url=https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/magazine/comicbunch/backnumber/20081226/|title=北斗最凶の男の外伝がついに蠢きだす――!! 「極悪ノ華―北斗の拳ジャギ外伝―」武論尊／原哲夫／ヒロモト森一|language=ja|access-date=November 7, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114042457/https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/magazine/comicbunch/backnumber/20081226/|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''Hōkō no Kumo'' by Missile Kakurai in ''Comic Bunch'' #414 (January 22, 2010).<ref name=juza_gaiden>{{cite web|url=https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/magazine/comicbunch/backnumber/20100108/|title=「蒼天の拳」7大付録キャンペーン特別豪華付録ラスト!! 蒼天必勝祈願シール！|access-date=November 7, 2020|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114042459/https://www.shinchosha.co.jp/magazine/comicbunch/backnumber/20100108/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Jibo no Hoshi'' by Akimi Kasai, a spinoff focused on Yuria, was also published as a limited series in''[[Big Comic Superior]]'' for three issues in 2006, with a second run that lasted six issues in 2007.

In 2014, Buronson and Hara reunited to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the manga by producing a special two-part story for Coamix's subsequent manga anthology ''[[Monthly Comic Zenon]]''. Titled ''Hokuto no Ken: Last Piece'', it is set during the timeline gap between Chapters 136 and 137 of the original manga and focuses on Kokuoh, Raoh's former steed who ends up becoming Kenshiro's.<ref name="reprint"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lyenzee|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-26/fist-of-the-north-star-gets-2nd-new-chapter-in-comic-zenon|title=Fist of the North Star Gets 2nd New Chapter in Comic Zenon|date=February 26, 2014|work=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=March 6, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140306135546/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-02-26/fist-of-the-north-star-gets-2nd-new-chapter-in-comic-zenon|url-status=live}}</ref> The first part was published in the May 2014 issue of ''Comic Zenon'', and the second part in the following issue. It was later included as an extra chapter in Vol. 11 of the Ultimate Edition of the original manga. Other ''Hokuto no Ken'' titles published in ''Comic Zenon'' include ''[[DD Hokuto no Ken]]'' by Kajio, which started in the magazine's premiere issue (dated December 2010), ''Kin'yoku no Garuda'', a side-story which started on ''Comic Zenon'' #29 (April 2013) and the currently ongoing ''Sōten no Ken: Regenesis'', a sequel to the original ''Sōten no Ken'' manga drawn by Hideki Tsuji and written by Hiroyuki Yatsu which began serialization in ''Comic Zenon'' #85 (December 2017). ''[[Hokuto no Ken: Ichigo Aji]]'' written by Yūshi Kawata and illustrated by Yukito the Younger, began serialization in 2013 on Coamix's online manga anthology ''Web Comic Zenyon''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-06-18/hokuto-no-ken-ichigo-aji-spinoff-gag-manga-gets-tv-anime-this-fall/.89410|title=Hokuto no Ken: Ichigo Aji Spinoff Gag Manga Gets TV Anime This Fall|date=June 18, 2015|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 16, 2015|archive-date=August 22, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150822024838/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-06-18/hokuto-no-ken-ichigo-aji-spinoff-gag-manga-gets-tv-anime-this-fall/.89410|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Dedicated e-reader====
In 2018, a dedicated [[e-reader]] with 18 volumes of the manga was sold, without the option of loading anything else on to it. It had two screens that fold out like a book and sold for ¥30,000 in Japan. The read-only device was called an eOneBook and was powered by removable AAA batteries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://goodereader.com/blog/manga-and-anime-news/eonebook-is-innovative-but-will-likely-be-a-commercial-failure|title=eOneBook is innovative, but will likely be a commercial failure|work=GoodEReader|author=Michael Kozlowski|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=January 11, 2018|archive-date=January 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180112004813/https://goodereader.com/blog/manga-and-anime-news/eonebook-is-innovative-but-will-likely-be-a-commercial-failure|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Anime===
====1984 TV series====
{{Further|List of Fist of the North Star episodes{{!}}List of ''Fist of the North Star'' episodes}}
''Fist of the North Star'' was first adapted into an [[anime]] television series by [[Toei Animation]]. It aired on [[Fuji Television]] from October 11, 1984, to March 5, 1987, lasting 109 episodes.<ref name=airdate>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/hokuto/|title=北斗の拳 (official Toei site)|language=ja|access-date=June 1, 2016|archive-date=August 30, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060830165646/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/hokuto/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was immediately followed by a sequel series, titled ''Fist of the North Star 2'', which aired from March 13, 1987, to February 18, 1988, lasting an additional 43 episodes for a combined total of 152 episodes between both series.

The full series was never released on [[VHS]] in Japan, although three-hour-long compilation movies were produced by Toei Video covering the first, second and fourth story arcs in that order. On July 24, 2002, Universal Music released a [[DVD region code#2|Region 2]] [[DVD]] box set containing all 152 episodes spread across 26 discs.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:一大ブームを巻き起こしたあの「北斗の拳」が豪華ＤＶＤ-ＢＯＸで復活！|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/corporate/press/press08.html|publisher=[[Toei Animation]]|access-date=June 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020808081642/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/corporate/press/press08.html|archive-date=August 8, 2002|language=ja|date=April 3, 2002}}</ref> These discs were later released as individual volumes from May 21, 2003 through January 21, 2004. Three "[[best of]]" DVD compilations were also released in 2005, each featuring seven key episodes from the series. On March 28, 2008, [[Avex Group|Avex]] released a 25th-anniversary edition box set featuring new video transfers of all 152 episodes remastered in high definition, once again spread across 26 discs. It features two additional discs of bonus content (including the aforementioned compilation movies).<ref name=hnk25thdvd>{{cite web|url=http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/dvd/hokutonoken/|language=ja|title=「北斗の拳」DVD-BOX発売|access-date=March 15, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304203837/http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/dvd/hokutonoken/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The series aired with English subtitles on [[Nippon Golden Network]] in the late 1980s. The first 36 episodes of the first series were translated and dubbed by [[Manga Entertainment]] in 1999, although only 24 episodes were released on VHS (spread across eight tapes).{{cn|date=June 2022}} All 36 episodes of the dub version were aired on [[Showtime (TV channel)|Showtime Beyond]] in the United States and on [[Syfy (UK and Ireland)|Sci-Fi Channel]] in the United Kingdom, and were later released on DVD in 2003 (spread across six individual volumes).{{cn|date=June 2022}} In 2008, the US subsidiary of [[Toei Animation]] produced an official subtitle-only translation of all 152 episodes, which were released on various [[Music download|paid download]] and [[Streaming media|streaming]] websites available only for North American customers.{{cn|date=June 2022}} [[Discotek Media]] announced on October 2, 2009, that they had licensed the entire ''Fist of the North Star'' TV series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discotekmedia.com/blog/?cat=1|title=Discotek Media picks up Fist of the North Star|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730064825/http://www.discotekmedia.com/blog/?cat=1|archive-date=July 30, 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> The first two boxsets were released in that year, and the latter two in 2011. The episodes use the same transfers from the 2008 DVD box set in Japan, although it did not contain any of the special features.{{cn|date=June 2022}} The first set featured the first 36 episodes along with Manga Entertainment's English dub, and a Japanese audio option with English subtitles; these subtitles were adjusted from the translation of Toei's streaming episodes. Discotek later released all discs from all four boxsets (a total of 21 discs) together in one set, ''Fist of the North Star: The Series - The Complete Series Collection'', on March 25, 2014. Discotek released the complete series as a [[SD Blu-ray|standard definition Blu-ray]] set on October 31, 2017.{{cn|date=June 2022}}

In 2009, [[William Winckler]] Productions produced six compilation movies dubbed in English. The movies cover major story arcs from the TV series, each one centering on a specific character (Shin, Rei, Toki, Souzer, Raoh, and Kaioh).<ref>{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Toei, William Winckler Prod., Rioloco Dub 23+ Features|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-21/toei-william-winckler-prod-rioloco-dub-23+features|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=September 21, 2009|access-date=January 25, 2011|archive-date=September 24, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924140705/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-09-21/toei-william-winckler-prod-rioloco-dub-23+features|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[Crunchyroll LLC|Crunchyroll]] added the series to its [[Crunchyroll|streaming platform]] on October 30, 2025.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=Crunchyroll Adds Original Fist of the North Star Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-10-30/crunchyroll-adds-original-fist-of-the-north-star-anime/.230476|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=October 30, 2025|date=October 30, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251030223115/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-10-30/crunchyroll-adds-original-fist-of-the-north-star-anime/.230476|archive-date=October 30, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

====2026 TV series====
A new anime adaptation was announced on September 13, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|last=Pineda|first=Rafael Antonio|title=Buronson, Tetsuo Hara's Fist of the North Star Manga Gets New Anime|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-12/buronson-tetsuo-hara-fist-of-the-north-star-manga-gets-new-anime/.202260|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=September 12, 2023|date=September 12, 2023|archive-date=September 13, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230913001113/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-09-12/buronson-tetsuo-hara-fist-of-the-north-star-manga-gets-new-anime/.202260|url-status=live}}</ref> It was later revealed to be a [[CGI-animated]] television series that is set to premiere in 2026.<ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=New Fist of the North Star Anime Reveals Title, 2026 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-26/new-fist-of-the-north-star-anime-reveals-title-2026-debut/.226050|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=June 27, 2025|date=June 26, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250627034001/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-06-26/new-fist-of-the-north-star-anime-reveals-title-2026-debut/.226050|archive-date=June 27, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Mateo|first=Alex|title=New Fist of the North Star Anime's Trailer Reveals Main Cast (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-07-05/new-fist-of-the-north-star-anime-trailer-reveals-main-cast/.226353|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=July 6, 2025|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250706024552/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2025-07-05/new-fist-of-the-north-star-anime-trailer-reveals-main-cast/.226353|archive-date=July 6, 2025|date=July 5, 2025|url-status=live}}</ref>

====Films and OVAs====
The first animated [[feature film]] based on the series, simply titled ''[[Fist of the North Star (1986 film)|Fist of the North Star]]'', was produced by [[Toei Animation]], which premiered in Japan on March 8, 1986.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:北斗の拳|url=https://lineup.toei-anim.co.jp/ja/movie/movie_hokuto/story/|publisher=[[Toei Animation]]|access-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210717063236/https://lineup.toei-anim.co.jp/ja/movie/movie_hokuto/story/|archive-date=July 17, 2021|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> Produced by the same staff and cast who worked on the TV series, the movie adapts the storyline of the manga from the beginning and up to Kenshiro's first fight with Raoh, taking several liberties with the order of events and how the story unfolds. An English-dubbed version produced by [[Streamline Pictures]] was first released in 1991 in North America and in 1994 in Europe and Australia by [[Manga Entertainment]].

In 2003, a three-episode [[original video animation]] (OVA) mini-series titled ''[[New Fist of the North Star]]'' was produced by OB Planning, based on a 1996 ''Fist of the North Star'' novel, ''Jubaku no Machi''. An English dub version was produced by [[A.D. Vision#ADV Films|ADV Films]] in 2004.

In 2005, North Stars Pictures and [[TMS Entertainment]] announced the development of a five-part [[film series]] titled ''[[Fist of the North Star: The Legends of the True Savior]]''.<ref name=truesavior>{{cite web|title=GAGA Communications, Inc./International Sales Catalogue|url=http://www.gaga.co.jp/intl/2009/01/fist-of-the-north-star.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090703074905/http://www.gaga.co.jp/intl/2009/01/fist-of-the-north-star.html|archive-date=July 3, 2009}}</ref> The series is composed of three theatrical films and two OVAs, which were released during a three-year period between 2006 throughout 2008, culminating with the 25th anniversary of the franchise.<ref name=skdmovies>{{cite web|url=http://www.nsp.tv/whatnew.cgi?mode=detail&number=4|script-title=ja:劇場版映画"北斗の拳｢ラオウ外伝｣純愛編"を2006年春全国東宝系公開|language=ja|access-date=February 10, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130113192111/http://www.nsp.tv/whatnew.cgi?mode=detail&number=4|archive-date=January 13, 2013}}</ref>

At the Japanese box office, ''[[Fist of the North Star (1986 film)|Fist of the North Star]]'' (1986) grossed {{JPY|1.8 billion}}<ref name="quick">{{cite news|title=特集・コラム [ 映画ファンド ] －1－映画ファンドとは話題作の「北斗の拳」から仕組みを探る|url=http://money.quick.co.jp/column/topics/moviefunds/11.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219015739/http://money.quick.co.jp/column/topics/moviefunds/11.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 19, 2007|access-date=December 19, 2007|agency=[[QUICK Corp]]|date=February 8, 2007}}</ref> and ''[[Fist of the North Star: The Legends of the True Savior|Legend of Raoh: Chapter of Death in Love]]'' (2006) grossed {{JPY|500 million}},<ref>{{Cite journal|date=February 2007|script-title=ja:2006年日本映画・外国映画業界総決算経営/製作/配給/興行のすべて|journal=[[Kinema Junpo]]|page=184|publisher = Kinema Junposha}}</ref> for a combined {{JPY|{{#expr:1.8+0.5}} billion}} ({{US$|{{To USD|2300|JPN|year=2012|round=yes}} million|long=no}}). ''Chapter of Death in Love'' also grossed $1,258,568 overseas,<ref>{{cite web|title=Shin kyûseishu densetsu Hokuto no Ken: Raô den - Jun'ai no shô (Fist of the North Star: New Saviour Legend) (2006)|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?id=_fSHINKYSEISHUDEN01|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=June 16, 2018|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053415/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/intl/?id=_fSHINKYSEISHUDEN01|url-status=live}}</ref> and ''[[Fist of the North Star: The Legends of the True Savior|Legend of Raoh: Chapter of Fierce Fight]]'' (2007) grossed $1,479,911 in Japan,<ref>{{cite web|title=2007 Japan Yearly Box Office Results|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/yearly/?yr=2007&sort=reldate&order=ASC|website=[[Box Office Mojo]]|access-date=June 16, 2018|archive-date=June 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180616053825/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/intl/japan/yearly/?yr=2007&sort=reldate&order=ASC|url-status=live}}</ref> bringing the films' total worldwide box office gross to {{US$|{{#expr:29+1.258568+1.479911 round 0}} million|long=no}}.

===Novels===
An original novel was written by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara titled ''Shōsetsu Hokuto no Ken: Jubaku no Machi'' which was published by Jump Novel in Japan on December 13, 1996.<ref name=jumpnovel>{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-703054-7&mode=1|script-title=ja:小説・北斗の拳|language=ja|access-date=May 11, 2009|archive-date=December 31, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081231160209/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-703054-7&mode=1|url-status=live}}</ref> The novel was the basis of the later three-episode OVA series ''New Fist of the North Star''. A novelization of the movie ''Legend of Raoh: Chapter of Love in Death'' written by Eiichi Sakaki was published by [[Tokuma Shoten|Tokuma Novels]] on March 10, 2006.<ref name=tokumanovel>{{cite web|url=http://www.tokuma.jp/book/tokumanovels/1176094107643|script-title=ja:北斗の拳 — 徳間書店|language=ja|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716211239/http://www.tokuma.jp/book/tokumanovels/1176094107643|archive-date=July 16, 2011}}</ref>

There have also been two [[cell phone novel]]s released via the mobile site ''Hokuto no Ken DX''. ''Raoh Gaiden'', a novelization of the manga of the same name, and ''Kenshiro Gaiden'', an original novel by Jotaro Higashi.

===Live-action film===
{{Main|Fist of the North Star (1995 film){{!}}''Fist of the North Star'' (1995 film)}}
An American-produced [[live-action]] movie version of ''Fist of the North Star'' was released in 1995, directed by [[Tony Randel]] based on a script by Peter Atkins and Wynne McLaughlin. The movie, loosely based on the Shin storyline of the manga, stars [[Gary Daniels]] as Kenshiro, [[Costas Mandylor]] as Shin and Japanese actress [[Isako Washio]] as Yuria, with [[Malcolm McDowell]] as Ryuken and [[Chris Penn]] as "Jackal" (actually a renamed Jagi). It also featured a cameo by professional wrestler [[Big Van Vader]] as Goliath, and [[Kevin Arbouet]] as "Rao" (unrelated to the actual Raoh from the manga). The movie was released [[direct-to-video|straight-to-video]] in the United States and Japan (though it did receive a premiere on [[HBO]]). The Japanese dubbed version used the original voice actors from the 1980s anime series.

===Stage musical===
A stage musical adaptation of ''Fist of the North Star'' premiered at [[Nissay Theatre]] in December 2021, with tours across Japan in 2022 and China in 2023. It is a co-production of [[Horipro]], [[Hakuhodo DY Music & Pictures]], and Shanghai-based theatre performance firm Ranspace, in collaboration with [[Coamix]]. The musical is directed by Sachiko Ishimaru, with script and lyrics by Ako Takahashi, music by [[Frank Wildhorn]], and choreography by Jasmine Chiu. It features Yūsuke Ōnuki as Kenshiro, [[Ayaka Hirahara]] and [[May'n]] as Yuria, Takuya Uehara and Kandai Ueda as Shin, Kazuki Katō, Ryūnosuke Onoda, and Ryōsei Konishi as Toki, Shōichi Fukui and Masaru Nagai as Raoh, Tatsuya Kawaguchi and Hiroaki Miyakawa as Ryuken, Rena Yamazaki and Manaka Kuwabara as Rin, Ao Watanabe as Bat, Ryōsuke Miura as Rei, Kanata Irei and Rio Uehara alternating as Rei and Juza, and Miisha Shimizu as Mamiya.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-07-15/fist-of-the-north-star-manga-gets-stage-musical-in-december/|title=Fist of the North Star Manga Gets Stage Musical in December|first=Egan|last=Loo|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=July 15, 2021|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-05-09/fist-of-the-north-star-musical-returns-with-new-cast/|title=Fist of the North Star Musical Returns With New Cast|first=Rafael Antonio|last=Pineda|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=May 9, 2022|access-date=February 10, 2023}}</ref>

===Video games===
{{Main|List of Fist of the North Star video games{{!}}List of ''Fist of the North Star'' video games}}
Numerous video game titles based on the ''Fist of the North Star'' have been produced since the 1986 release of the [[Enix]] adventure game, simply titled ''Hokuto no Ken'' for the [[NEC PC-8801|PC-88]]. The earlier games in the franchise were released by [[Sega]] for the [[Master System|Mark III]] and [[Sega Genesis|Mega Drive]] and by [[Toei Animation]] for [[Nintendo]]'s [[Nintendo Entertainment System|Famicom]], [[Game Boy]] and [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]. These titles included side-scrolling [[action game]]s, [[role-playing video game]]s and competitive-style [[fighting game]]s. The two Sega titles were stripped of the license and rebranded for the international market under the titles of ''[[Black Belt (1986 video game)|Black Belt]]'' for the [[Master System]] and ''[[Last Battle (video game)|Last Battle]]'' for the [[Sega Genesis]]. Two Toei titles, namely ''[[Fist of the North Star (1987 video game)|Fist of the North Star]]'' (a localized version of the Famicom's ''Hokuto no Ken 2'') for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]] released by Taxan Soft in 1989 and ''Fist of the North Star: 10 Big Brawls for the King of Universe'' for the Game Boy released by [[Electro Brain]] in 1991, had American releases with the license intact.

Further games were released for the [[Sega Saturn]], [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation 2]] and [[Nintendo DS]], among other platforms. In 2000, Konami released an [[arcade game]] based on the franchise titled ''[[Fighting Mania]]''. Another arcade game, a 2D fighting game simply titled ''[[Fist of the North Star (2005 video game)|Fist of the North Star]]'', was produced by Sega and [[Arc System Works]] in 2005. Both of these games saw international distributions, although the PS2 version of the fighting game was released exclusively in Japan.<ref name="segaus">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcadeflyers.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=5194|title=TAFA - Fist of the North Star by Sega|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-date=January 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117032559/http://arcadeflyers.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=5194|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="konamiuk">{{cite web|url=http://www.arcadeflyers.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=1676|title=TAFA - Fighting Mania by Konami|access-date=April 19, 2019|archive-date=January 17, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100117025759/http://arcadeflyers.com/?page=thumbs&db=videodb&id=1676|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Tecmo Koei]] produced a ''[[Dynasty Warriors]]'' spin-off focusing on the events from the first half of the manga, titled ''[[Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage]]'', for the [[PlayStation 3]]. It which was released in Japan, North America, and Europe in 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=Tecmo Koei America Announces North American Release Date for Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage|url=http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=437104649085|publisher=Tecmo Koei America|access-date=February 10, 2023|quote=Tecmo Koei America is pleased to announce the release date for Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage, the new action-packed title based on the popular manga series Fist of the North Star. It was set for release on November 2, 2010, for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 platforms, players will soon unleash a whirlwind of martial arts fury torn from the pages of the seminal manga tale.|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114042458/https://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=437104649085|url-status=live}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2]]'', expanded on the first game and incorporated the events from the second half of the manga. It was released in Japan in 2012 and in North America in 2013. In 2018, Sega released ''[[Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise]]'' for the [[PlayStation 4]]. It was developed by [[Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio]], and features gameplay elements and voice actors from their flagship series, ''[[Yakuza (series)|Yakuza]]''. Rather than adapting the manga like previous games, ''Lost Paradise'' tells an original story that significantly diverges from the events of the manga.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://kotaku.com/the-studio-behind-the-yakuza-series-is-working-on-a-fis-1798458885|title=The Yakuza Developers Are Working On A Fist Of The North Star Game|author=Ethan Gach|website=[[Kotaku]]|date=August 26, 2017|access-date=September 4, 2017|archive-date=September 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905152924/http://kotaku.com/the-studio-behind-the-yakuza-series-is-working-on-a-fis-1798458885|url-status=live}}</ref> A ''Fist of the North Star'' version of ''[[Fitness Boxing]]'' for [[Nintendo Switch]] was released in Japan on December 22, 2022, and was released in the West on March 2, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Fitness Boxing Fist of the North Star Game Launches in English on March 2|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-24/fitness-boxing-fist-of-the-north-star-game-launches-in-english-on-march-2/.195249|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=February 25, 2023|date=February 24, 2023|archive-date=February 24, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224093955/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-02-24/fitness-boxing-fist-of-the-north-star-game-launches-in-english-on-march-2/.195249|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception and legacy==
''Fist of the North Star'' was one of ''Weekly Shōnen Jump''{{'}}s most popular titles during the 1980s. It is one of the [[List of best-selling manga|best-selling manga series]] in history, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide (over 60 million copies in circulation in Japan).<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ブーム再燃、「戦場」の救世主『北斗の拳』|url=http://book.asahi.com/trendwatch/TKY200607060180.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060808191004/http://book.asahi.com/trendwatch/TKY200607060180.html|archive-date=August 8, 2006|website=book.asahi.com|publisher=[[The Asahi Shimbun]]|date=July 10, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20061019/amuse.htm|script-title=ja:劇場アニメ「真救世主伝説北斗の拳」DVD発売記念イベント|date=October 19, 2006|publisher=AV Watch|access-date=February 10, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203000228/http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20061019/amuse.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:救世主現れず…北斗の拳泣イター|url=https://www.sankei.com/article/20160827-YBSAGLG7YRJS5NIMVW756MQ6V4/|publisher=[[Sankei Shimbun]]|language=ja|access-date=May 31, 2022|date=August 27, 2016|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531165837/https://www.sankei.com/article/20160827-YBSAGLG7YRJS5NIMVW756MQ6V4/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:あの「北斗神拳」を体得した天才指圧師！ジャスミン・ギュ「ケンシロウによろしく」（第117回）|url=https://book.asahi.com/article/13665514|website=Good Life with Books|publisher=[[Asahi Shimbun]]|access-date=July 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123151520/https://book.asahi.com/article/13665514|archive-date=January 23, 2021|language=ja|date=August 28, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> In a poll conducted by [[TV Asahi]] in 2005 where it broadcast a popularity poll based on a nationwide survey, the ''Fist of the North Star'' anime series ranked 26th in a list of the top 100 anime TV series.<ref name=asahi1>{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime|title=TV Asahi Top 100 Anime|date=September 23, 2005|access-date=February 10, 2023|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=June 21, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140621064503/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2005-09-23/tv-asahi-top-100-anime|url-status=live}}</ref> In a second poll in 2006 where TV Asahi published a list of the Top 100 favorite anime series, it ranked 89th. In a celebrity version of the poll, the series ranked fifteenth.<ref name=asahi2>{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan's-favorite-tv-anime|title=Japan's Favorite TV Anime|date=October 13, 2006|access-date=February 10, 2023|work=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-date=July 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140724155143/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan%27s-favorite-tv-anime|url-status=live}}</ref> In November 2014, readers of ''[[Da Vinci (magazine)|Da Vinci]]'' magazine voted ''Fist of the North Star'' as the eighth greatest ''Weekly Shōnen Jump'' manga series of all time.<ref>{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/11/13-1/da-vinci-magazine-asks-japanese-readers-to-name-greatest-shonen-jump-manga|title="Da Vinci" Magazine Asks Japanese Readers to Name Greatest "Shonen Jump" Manga|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=November 13, 2014|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010182152/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2014/11/13-1/da-vinci-magazine-asks-japanese-readers-to-name-greatest-shonen-jump-manga|url-status=live}}</ref> On TV Asahi's Manga Sōsenkyo 2021 poll, in which 150,000 people voted for their top 100 manga series, ''Fist of the North Star'' ranked 22nd.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:テレビ朝日『国民15万人がガチで投票!漫画総選挙』ランキング結果まとめ！栄えある1位に輝く漫画は!?|url=https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=2|website=animate Times|publisher=[[Animate (retailer)|Animate]]|access-date=January 3, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103111919/https://www.animatetimes.com/news/details.php?id=1609599746&p=2|archive-date=January 3, 2021|language=ja|date=January 3, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Impact===
''Fist of the North Star'' is widely regarded as one of the most influential manga series of all time. ''[[Geek.com]]'' called it "an epochal, generation-defining work that introduced madcap ultraviolence to the page and inspired tons of other [[manga artist]]s".<ref name="Geek">{{cite news|last=Jensen|first=K. Thor|title=The Absurd, Brilliant Violence of Fist Of The North Star|url=https://www.geek.com/games/the-absurd-brilliant-violence-of-fist-of-the-north-star-1753469/|access-date=April 28, 2020|work=[[Geek.com]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|date=October 2, 2018|archive-date=October 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181011110338/https://www.geek.com/games/the-absurd-brilliant-violence-of-fist-of-the-north-star-1753469/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Berserk (manga)|Berserk]]'' creator [[Kentaro Miura]] named ''Fist of the North Star'' as the work that had the biggest impact on his own.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Luster|first=Joseph|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2016/08/12/feature-berserk-discussion-explores-kentar-miuras-roots|title="Berserk" Discussion Explores Kentarō Miura's Roots|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|date=August 12, 2016|access-date=February 10, 2023|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213085331/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-feature/2016/08/12/feature-berserk-discussion-explores-kentar-miuras-roots|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[Vinland Saga (manga)|Vinland Saga]]'' author [[Makoto Yukimura]] was first inspired to become a manga artist after reading the series as a boy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://manganohi.jp/2008/01/9801.html|script-title=ja:『幸村誠先生』その１まんが☆天国|work=Manga Nohi|language=Japanese|date=January 7, 2008|access-date=March 5, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20080108094600/http://manganohi.jp/2008/01/9801.html|archive-date=January 8, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> The city of [[Hokuto, Hokkaido]], collaborated with the series to commemorate its 40th anniversary in 2023 by hosting exhibitions, events, and selling merchandise.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2023-08-27/fist-of-the-north-star-takes-over-hokkaido-hokuto-city/.201593|title=Fist of the North Star Takes Over Hokkaido's Hokuto City|last=Loveridge|first=Lynzee|date=August 27, 2023|department=Interest|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 27, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230827154242/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2023-08-27/fist-of-the-north-star-takes-over-hokkaido-hokuto-city/.201593|archive-date=August 27, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

It also had an influence on video games. The name of ''Famicom Shinken'', the irregularly published video game section of ''Weekly Shōnen Jump'' from 1985 to 1988, was partly named after ''Fist of the North Star''{{'}}s ''Hokuto Shinken''.<ref name="Forbes2">{{Cite web|last=Barder|first=Ollie|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2016/10/15/kazuhiko-torishima-on-shaping-the-success-of-dragon-ball-and-the-origins-of-dragon-quest/#1b1b1ac8d9ab|title=Kazuhiko Torishima On Shaping The Success Of 'Dragon Ball' And The Origins Of 'Dragon Quest'|work=[[Forbes]]|date=2016-10-15|access-date=2016-10-22}}</ref> Its writer, [[Yuji Horii]], also had the idea to use a video game rating system based on a famous onomatopoeia from the manga.<ref name="Forbes2"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/kikakuthetower/230626b/2|script-title=ja:初代『ドラクエ』から37年、堀井雄二と伝説の編集者・Dr.マシリトが初めて公の場で語り合う！ "鳥山明"という最強のマンガ家を用意したこの人なしに国民的RPGの誕生はあり得なかった…！|work=Denfaminico Gamer|language=Japanese|date=2023-06-26|access-date=2024-10-05}}</ref> [[Technōs Japan]] game designer [[Yoshihisa Kishimoto]] cited ''Fist of the North Star'' as an influence on the setting and art style of the [[beat 'em up]] game ''[[Double Dragon (video game)|Double Dragon]]'' (1987), which takes place in a disaster-ridden city.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Leone|first1=Matt|title=The man who created Double Dragon|url=https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/12/3495124/the-man-who-created-double-dragon|access-date=April 27, 2021|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=October 12, 2012|archive-date=November 29, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191129111402/https://www.polygon.com/2012/10/12/3495124/the-man-who-created-double-dragon|url-status=live}}</ref> The manga has also been credited with originating the [[Fatality (Mortal Kombat)|fatality]] finishing move concept which later appeared in the ''[[Mortal Kombat]]'' series of [[fighting games]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=King|first1=Geoff|last2=Krzywinska|first2=Tanya|title=Screenplay: Cinema/videogames/interfaces|date=2002|publisher=[[Wallflower Press]]|isbn=978-1-903364-23-9|page=199|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qruZ2UOp_WAC&pg=PA199|access-date=May 11, 2020|archive-date=June 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200613031706/https://books.google.com/books?id=qruZ2UOp_WAC&pg=PA199|url-status=live}}</ref>

The 1980s animated adaptation was controversial in France, particularly among those who feared anime in general was corrupting French youth. Politician [[Ségolène Royal]] was among its most prominent critics, lambasting its alleged recidivist violence in her book ''Le Ras-le-Bol des Bébés Zappeurs'' (Fed Up of Baby Channel-Zappers).<ref>{{cite web|last=Hoad|first=Phil|title=Manga-nifique! How France became obsessed with Japanese anime|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/29/france-manga-anime-murakami-macron|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=June 6, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601122249/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/mar/29/france-manga-anime-murakami-macron|archive-date=June 1, 2024|date=March 29, 2023|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Internet memes===
In the 2010s, [[Kenshiro]]'s catchphrase "[[Omae wa mou shindeiru]]" ("You are already dead") became one of the most popular anime-based [[Internet memes]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Omae wa Mou Shindeiru (You Are Already Dead) Is a Big Anime Meme|url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/omae-wa-mou-shindeiru-meme/|access-date=January 28, 2020|work=[[The Daily Dot]]|date=September 21, 2017|archive-date=January 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200128132608/https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/omae-wa-mou-shindeiru-meme/|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2017, music producer deadman 死人 (Noah Ryan Murphy) released the song "Omae Wa Mou" which references the meme and samples the Japanese song "Tiny Little Adiantum" (2013) from the ''[[Touhou Project]]'' video game music album ''Toho Bossa Nova 2''. The rapper Lil Boom produced his own version of the song named "Already Dead" three months later. In 2019, "Omae Wa Mou" went viral on [[TikTok]] and topped [[Spotify]]'s [[Viral 50]] chart, before being taken off the chart after being struck with a copyright claim.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Leight|first=Elias|title='The Worst-Best Day of My Life': How a Song Went Viral, Then Suddenly Disappeared|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/the-worst-best-day-of-my-life-how-a-song-went-viral-then-suddenly-disappeared-871991/|access-date=January 28, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|date=August 16, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205041920/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/the-worst-best-day-of-my-life-how-a-song-went-viral-then-suddenly-disappeared-871991/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Japan|Martial arts|1980s}}
* [[Bruceploitation]]
* ''[[Water Margin]]''
{{clear}}

==Explanatory notes==
{{notelist}}

==Citations==
{{reflist}}

== General and cited references ==
* {{cite book|author=Buronson|year=1996|script-title=ja:小説·北斗の拳―呪縛の街|title=Shōsetsu Hokuto no Ken: Jubaku no Machi|trans-title=Fist of the North Star the Novel: The Cursed City|language=ja|publisher=集英社|author-link=Buronson|isbn=4-08-703054-7}}
* {{cite book|last=Hara|first=Tetsuo|year=1983|title=Tetsu no Don Quixote|script-title=ja:鉄のドン·キホーテ|trans-title=The Iron Don Quixote|volume=2|edition=Jump Super Comics|isbn=4-420-13109-8|publisher=創美社|author-link=Tetsuo Hara|language=ja}}
* {{cite book|author=Shiranui Pro|script-title=ja:北斗の拳キャラクターFILE 乱世英雄譚|title=Hokuto no Ken Character File: Ransei Eiyūtan|publisher=Futabasha|date=February 1, 2006|isbn=4-5759-4001-1}}
* {{cite book|author=Shiranui Pro|script-title=ja:北斗の拳データFILE 奥義秘伝書|title=Hokuto no Ken Data File: Ōgi Hidensho|publisher=Futabasha|date=March 1, 2006|isbn=4-5759-4006-2}}
* {{cite book|author={{Text|Shueisha}}|author-mask=[Shueisha]|title=Hokuto no Ken Special: All About the Man|script-title=ja:北斗の拳SPECIAL ALL ABOUT THE MAN|publisher=Shueisha|series=週刊少年ジャンプ特別編集|date=September 5, 1986|language=ja}}
* {{cite book|author=Team Muscle|script-title=ja:世紀末覇王列伝北斗の拳究極解説書|title=Sekimatsu Haō Retsuden: Hokuto no Ken Kyūkyoku Kaisetsusho|trans-title=Biography of the Post Apocalyptic Conqueror: The Ultimate Handbook to Fist of the North Star|publisher=Home-Sha|date=April 1, 1999|isbn=4-8342-1684-5}}
* {{cite book|author=Team Muscle|script-title=ja:北斗の拳2000 究極解説書 PART2|title=Hokuto no Ken 2000: Kyūkyoku Kaisetsusho Part 2|trans-title=Fist of the North Star 2000: The Ultimate Handbook Part 2|publisher=Home-Sha|date=December 1, 1999|isbn=4-8342-1685-3}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [http://www.hokuto-no-ken.jp/ ''Shin Kyuseishu Densetsu - Hokuto no Ken'' official website] {{in lang|ja}}
* [http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/lineup/tv/hokuto/ Toei Animation's official ''Seikimatsu Kyūseishu Densetsu: Hokuto no Ken'' website] {{in lang|ja}}
* {{Anime News Network|manga|1547}}

{{Fist of the North Star}}
{{Weekly Shōnen Jump - 1980–1989}}
{{Toei Animation}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Fist of the North Star|Fist of the North Star]]
[[Category:1983 manga]]
[[Category:1984 anime television series debuts]]
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[[Category:Bruceploitation]]
[[Category:Comics set in the 1990s]]
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Fist of the North Star