The most violent manga ever published is, without a single doubt, Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star), created by Buronson (scenario) and Hara Tesuo (artist), which first appeared in 1983. This distilled spirit of pure violence became bloodier and more horrible in the anime (both TV and movie) versions with full color, and conquered the world instantly... To the chagrin of good and uptight parents all over the world, I'm afraid to say. Anyway, everybody loved this utmost violence.

Kenshiro of Hokuto no Ken.

Of course, you are quite familiar with its basic plot, aren't you? Post-apocalypse somewhere on earth. Kenshiro, the young warrior of Hokuto Shin-ken (God-given fist of the North Star) style, protects the weak and helpless folks against tons of heavy baddies. His antagonists inevitably implode (or explode?) and perish with such surrealistic onomatopoeia like HIDEBU and ABESHI. Oh sure, just before their horrible death, always Kenshiro's unforgettable verdict is: You are already dead!.

Hokuto no Ken became a sort of cult phenomenon. A Hollywood B live-action movie was made, so were the Korean and Taiwan pirate cheapies. Ripoff video clips and shorties were unaccountable. New anime series will start in 2006, yes, this year. Kenshiro will be bound to reconquer the world with his fists.

Derivatives? These are incredible money-spinners, too. So many computer games are in trade. And Pachinko parlors in Japan are busy counting the money from their Hokuto no Ken Pachislot machines. These are big sellers, no signs of slackening observed yet. Unfortunately, for Buronson/Hara duo, Pachislot gambling machines can't travel out of Japan very far.

And Kenshiro's violent fists... furiously striking fists, beating fist with Vulcan cannon speed, hitting, tapping... so, how about hitting keyboard with god-given fingers of North Star? Thus, Hokuto no Ken, Geki-uchi typing practice software of SSS TRISTAR Corp. of Shibuya, Tokyo, was born. Geki-uchi? Sure, it means "hitting violently"! Very fitting title, don't you think? But, please, don't destroy your keyboard with your violent fist yet, OK?

Geki-uchi 3 package.

In Geki-uchi, your avatar is Kenshiro. A 10m-tall bandit lord looms over you. Quick, if you don't type in a certain phrase within a certain time span, you will end up as fodder for his enormous fists. Thus, your skill of touch-typing quickly improves. Yes, ya life or ya typing speed. Very interesting situation.

Don't worry. On the stories of Hokuto no Ken manga, there would be no shortage of Kenshiro's enemy. Ever stronger and quick-fisted warriors are in line to beat you... or to beat your keyboard, rather. Shouts and voices are realized by actual anime-version voice actors. It's a rather fun to practice in this way.

Hokuto no Ken, Geki-uchi has become the best-selling typing software in Japan. And the longest selling series, too. Presently, the newst version is Geki-uchi 3, Typing Hyaku-Retsu-Ken. Price: 4,368 yen.

Type the Kanji phrase quickly, Kenshiro! Or your battle power will be halved.

I guess Geki-uchi fans don't care much about typing practice part. They simply keep on buying it up, version after version, just as another Hokuto no Ken computer game.

Anyway, there is no report of smashed-up or imploded keyboards recently. Violent typing is restricted strictly within the realm of electrons. No physical violence is detected around Geki-uchi players. Hokuto no Ken world stays extremely violent, and actual Japan stays extremely peaceful. What a contrast.

 

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kaisei1
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