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The masters of the Nanto Seiken school are known as the Nanto Rokuseiken—the Six Holy Fists of the South Star. Of the six, the most powerful is Holy Emperor Souther. But Shu, another warrior of Nanto Seiken, dares to resist Souther’s tyranny. Shu once saved Kenshiro’s life. Now the two will team up again. But Kenshiro is unaware of Souther’s secret—a secret so powerful even Raoh won’t dare challenge his reign...

314 pages, Hardcover

First published December 20, 2013

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117 people want to read

About the author

Buronson

456 books83 followers
Okamura Yoshiyuki (岡村善行), also known as Buronson (武論尊) or Sho Fumimura (史村翔 Fumimura Shō), is a Japanese manga writer most known by his famous work Hokuto no Ken. known in English as Fist of the North Star.
He graduated from the Japanese Air Force Training School in 1967 and served as an Air Force radar mechanic. In 1969 he discharged from the Japanese Navy and was soon hired by Hiroshi Motomiya as a manga assistant. He started his manga writing career when he wrote the script of Pink Punch: Miyabi in 1972, drawn by Goro Sakai. In 1975 Buronson wrote his first big hit The Doberman Detective, drawn by Shinji Hiramatsu. The famous Hokuto no Ken made its debute as Buronson's greatest hit in 1983, drawn by Tetsuo Hara. In 1989 his story Ourou was released as a manga serialized in Animal Magazine, drawn by Kentarou Miura, and in 1990 a sequel entitled Ourou Den was released by the same manga artist. Buronson also collaborated with the manga artist Ryoichi Ikegami in many works as Strain (manga) , Human (manga) and the famous Sanctuary (manga). Among his other major works are The Phantom Gang, with art by Kaoru Shintani.

Buronson was mainly influenced by movies such as Bruce Lee's, and Mad Max.

The nickname Buronson is a tribute to the American actor Charles Bronson, whose way of growing the mustache was imitated by Yoshiyuki Okamura too.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Mizuki.
3,377 reviews1,402 followers
September 26, 2025
Pre-review: The Holy Emperor Souther era rules so hard! *fangirl's screams*

(1) The Rei v.s. Yuda final battle is not bad either!!!!

"You'll die a pitiful and ugly death in my hands!"


Yuda, you go!!! 😁

(2)

"Rei, you are always in my heart!"


...to be honest the last thing I expected from the Fist of the North Star series is such an obvious Boy's Love style confession from one man to another... 🤣🤣🤣

(3) Kenoh's grand entrance! ☺️

(4) Everyone looks like they robbed KISS's wardrobes and walked out from a Mad Max film set.😁

(5) Just stating the obvious, but everyone looks like a damn bodybuilder!

(6) Impressive fight scenes and some emotional plot twists! Though the artwork and the body sizes can weird from time to time.

My reviews for other volumes: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Profile Image for Drew Canole.
3,179 reviews44 followers
January 10, 2024
Chapters 81-94

Damn, I was reading these on my ereader which I use to read lots of manga (to save my eyes). But the color pages in these books are worth pulling out the ipad. More comics should be colored like this. Saving the integrity of the line art, keeping lots of black and white.

The climactic battle between Rei and Yuda. Rei is still mortally injured from even before the fight.

We get introduced to Souther The Holy Emperor. He's building an enormous pyramid - the Cross Mausoleum. Kenoh is wanting to defeat him but are peaceful for now.

We meet Shu, a blind warrior. When Ken was a child, Shu sacrificed his eye-sight to save Ken from being killed. So they team up but are captured by Souther. Shu is forced to carry the final large stone to the summit of Souther's mausoleum.

Profile Image for Celia Burn.
112 reviews2 followers
February 15, 2023
Still entertaining and lots of action nonsense. When a gremlin man goes to poison a water dam and wipe out the village, Ken forces him to drink his own poison. The gremlin guy tries to throw it up, but Ken tells him "not here" and kicks him out of the frame.
7,017 reviews83 followers
April 21, 2024
Very good! There was a lot of action and good story twists and surprises.
Profile Image for Matthew.
559 reviews6 followers
June 16, 2023
Best volume yet.

First, the conclusion of Rei’s tale. He outclasses Yuda but the crazed narcissist has one last trick — unleashing the waters of the local dam to hinder Rei’s footwork. Rei responds by launching himself from the water’s surface in a swan leap that stuns Yuda with its beauty and allows Rei to deliver the fatal blow.

Yet even in victory, the wounds inflicted by Raoh erupt and Rei leaves to die in agony. The others can only listen in horror beyond the doorway of his tomb. His sacrifice is not in vain — the cursed star that haunted Mamiya vanishes; by slaying Yuda, Rei was able to change her fate.

Next is the Souther arc. Souther has fashioned himself as a pharaoh and is building a giant pyramid with child labor. He has his armies kidnap them and slaughters their parents. He sends poisoned food to the resistance. It’s the customary FOTNS plot that sees a despot wreaking havoc on hapless innocents. Priming the audience to anticipate vengeance meted out by Kenshiro.

Ken meets up with a blind master of nanto seiken named Shu. Initially he appears as an enemy but it turns out he was only testing Ken’s prowess. The two have a history — it was Shu who many years ago gave his sight to spare Ken from execution, believing it was Ken’s destiny to bring hope to the world. Once again we have the theme of heroic self-sacrifice.

This time Ken faces his most serious challenge yet, with most of the arc moving in a negative direction. Ken is actually defeated and captured, unable to crack Souther’s mysterious “secret.” He is freed from the lightly guarded prison by Shu’s son, who blows himself up to allow Ken to escape.

Raoh then shows up and personally delivers Ken to safety. An interesting turn for the villain.

Meanwhile Souther has found the rebel hideout and launched an all-out attack. Shu sends the unconscious Ken downriver to safety and goes to lead a desperate defense. He is defeated by Souther, who employs children as hostages, and forced to carry the pyramid’s huge capstone to the top, all the while bleeding from severe leg injuries. This is one of the most iconic scenes from Fist, as the dying Shu bears the weight by sheer force of will in order to spare the children.

Ken hears Shu’s psychic cries for aid and awakens to head for the pyramid, vaporizing a few low-level grunts on the way.

Raoh and Toki also sense the impending clash and go to the pyramid. Toki claims to know the secret to defeating Souther.

Ken, as is his habit, arrives just in time to see Souther crushed beneath the capstone.

We get a short flashback showing the origin of Souther’s villainy. He unknowingly slew his master in a blindfolded duel, and the resulting anguish caused him to swear off love and friendship forever, relying only on his own invincible strength. It’s a nice touch that adds a welcome depth which most of the villains have lacked.

The climax will have to wait for the next volume.

Fist of the North Star has an operatic, epic quality. These are figures of myth, far beyond mere mortals, engaged in titanic struggles of good and evil. The heroes are paragons of martial virtue, displaying incomparable courage, honor, and self-sacrifice, just as the villains are sadistic, bloodthirsty madmen.

The story could scarcely be simpler, but that simplicity lends it a brutal, primal power.

Art is incredible with high detail and a robust plasticity. The action is clear and easy to follow. The architectural designs are a mix of classical and 80s dungeons & dragons with a backdrop of rotting skyscrapers, providing a distinctive atmosphere.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Paul Spence.
1,563 reviews74 followers
December 31, 2022
The main antagonist of Volume 7 of Fist of the North Star is the Holy Emperor Souther, whose wickedness holds nothing back. He enslaves children, poisons them, and will go any length to get his pyramid built. An old ally of Kenshiro is there to aid in the next battle, with the blind fighter Shu testing the warrior’s skills. But reminiscing will have to wait, as they set off to find a way to topple Souther’s god-like power.

Although Fist of the North Star has always been a brutal manga, it’s in this arc where it’d be fully understandable to wince. Seeing children forced to build a massive pyramid and be tortured if they don’t follow orders might make some readers uncomfortable. But that’s the power of Buronson’s writing and Hara’s visuals: they want you to feel this way to fully understand just how evil man is capable of being. Thankfully, there’s always a hero to be found when foul men are in power, and in this case, there are two!

It often feels like every old friend of Kenshiro will appear right when he needs to be reminded of something. Shu is no different, who sacrificed his sight solely to save Kenshiro when he was younger. Thinking of others is certainly a Kenshiro move, but the way Shu does it is very saint-like. However, that doesn’t mean that he’s free from endangering others; Souther always finds a way to plant his wickedness solely with mere words and so-called “promises”.

Watching as Shu sacrifices himself in a brutal way can be considered Christ-like. Having someone try to aid him as he carries the last piece of the pyramid feels much aligned with what happens in the New Testament. As the children watch Shu walk up the steps with cut tendons a-plenty, the moment delivers a harsh sight of a man willing to do anything to keep those he loves safe. Although Shu’s time in the manga is short, his actions no doubt may affect the narrative of Fist of the North Star going forward.

As for Kenshiro, his injuries during a fight with Souther keep him out of the picture. However, a couple of men from journey’s past arrive to lend a surprising hand, one that’s covered with the blood of their enemies. It all leads to another face-off between Kenshiro and Souther, with the stakes at their highest yet. The outcome isn’t revealed, but one can easily feel that someone’s about to die in a glorious fashion!

Fist of the North Star has yet to slow down with the violence. The fights are showcased with Hara’s knack for brutality beyond anyone’s imagination, with it tied up nicely with Buronson’s storytelling techniques. Even when the story reaches uncomfortable levels, it’s practically impossible to look away from it all! Whatever happens next in Fist of the North Star will surely be a sight for the eyes, even if the beauty vanishes and carnage only remains.
Profile Image for Rick Ray.
3,545 reviews38 followers
March 28, 2023
Each subsequent volume of Fist of the North Star has felt more and more repetitive, though remains a fun romp nonetheless. Ken dispatches Yuda, though not with some personal cost. The story doesn't take too much time to grieve the loss of a major character, since Ken is immediately pitted against the next big bad. Think Raoh was bad? Well now we meet Souther, who happens to be worse. Fist of the North Star at its core, is a video game. The villains one-up each other and Ken must learn a valuable lesson in order to prevail. This time, the valuable lesson comes via Shu, a character who sacrificed his eyes to save Ken during his youth. Shu is an interesting character, but his introduction feels pretty shoed in (pun intended), especially at this point in the saga.

Where this series continues to prevail is with the excellent artwork that depicts the action and violence like no other. Hara's artwork is dynamic and detailed, providing some amazing page turns throughout. If the art wasn't as unique as it was, I don't think I could have continued to read this series for as many volumes.
202 reviews1 follower
November 5, 2023
Volumes 6 and 7 provide us with a little bit of a detour from the post apocalyptic future so we can get some classic kung fu novel action about brother pitted against brother, then paired with brother to fight another brother, then pitted against the first brother again and they are all stars in the sky or something, honestly, I had a hard time following a lot of it, but it doesn't really matter that much.

We also get the emperor of the world (according to him) and the outrageously large pyramid he's made to be his tomb. He kidnaps children to build the pyramid so we know he's REALLY evil.

There's conflict and resolution and a new conflict that gets sets up in order to pull us into Volume 8, which promises a return to the post apocalyptic future I've been missing.
Profile Image for Robert.
3 reviews
November 10, 2023
Some exhilarating moments towards the end of this one. There were times where each page got me excited to see what the next page would unveil. On top of that, the story has gotten to a point where each character's motivations feel very genuine and heartfelt, pushing the themes of the series further than before.
The art in this series was always great, but it also seems like it's taken a step up in this volume. With some really nice layouts and some gorgeous panels, especially ones that showcase some vast landscapes, it's easy to simply get lost appreciating all of the fine detail.
I think this may be my favorite volume of the series thus far. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Andy Cantrell.
522 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2024
"My only answer to those who challenge me is my fist!"

Rest in peace, Rei, and welcome Shu; who is basically Rei but blind, but he was actually blinded because he saved a young Kenshiro by blinding himself, and in the end became a tragic christlike figure?

A pyramid built entirely by child labor so that it can be sanctified by the blood and sweat of the innocent? Sure, why not if you're the Holy Emperor Souther who thwarted Raoh's conquest of the heavens?

The best part of these stories is the bonkerous twists and turns the story takes: how is it that the characters all seem to have short-term memory loss about their previous connections to each other. Maybe it's the radiation?
554 reviews
March 27, 2025
Sad time for the hero’s sacrifice for Shu climbing up the pyramid, holding up the last big piece on his back. Bleeding on the steps, his mind cried out for Kenshiro for one last time. He got there eventually after his painful defeat at the hands of Souther, who thinks he’s invincible. After Shu’s death, Ken turns to Souther, telling him not a hair on his head will remain on Earth. Still, a damned good storytelling. Draws out reader’s emotions, making us care about those characters, even though they’re brutal. Recommended. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Jack.
693 reviews3 followers
February 20, 2023
I’m sure someone academic has written about this but I feel like one reason for manga’s popularity is because manga titles tend to be very openly emotional. You get to see jacked dudes who punch people in half and aren’t afraid to cry, which you don’t usually see in western media. Also there’s the whole “indomitable strength of the human spirit” meme thing running through a lot of manga that I guess resonates with a lot of people.
Profile Image for Alexander Engel-Hodgkinson.
Author 21 books39 followers
January 21, 2024
4.1/5

This goes a lot deeper than I initially expected when I started this manga. The cast continues to expand. More heinous villains are introduced. Emotions flare. Hope continues to burn in the bleak darkness of despair. And the artwork is still amazing.

Raoh and Souther are two intriguing antagonists, though I think Souther might just be the most despicable of them all so far. Excited for Vol. 8.
Profile Image for Peter Derk.
Author 32 books403 followers
April 7, 2024
If Reese Witherspoon wanted to make a baller move that'd bring a shitload of people to her book club for one month who would never return while also baffling and alienating her existing audience, Fist of the North Star would be the ultimate pick.

Seriously, I would consider dressing as an elderly woman, joining a book club, being super close friends with all the other old ladies in the book club, all so I could drop this on them like 10 years in and then vanish.
Profile Image for Shazne.
170 reviews
April 15, 2024
Vol. 5 was my favorite so till Vol. 7. Simply Glorious. I sound like a broken record but the art is fkn incredible. This is one immerses you emotionally and does it in spades. I truly don't knw how Buronson & Tetsuo Hara pulls it off. To be constantly creative within a specific setting is applause worthy. Their character works are pretty straightforward yet so dynamic. I am truly impressed and fascinated by these guys. Fist Of The North Star is a gift that keeps on giving.
Profile Image for Ruz El.
865 reviews20 followers
January 26, 2023
You just never know with this series. The start of this felt repetitive, which it is since the series from the beginning was just a never ending rotation of boss fights. This one went so bananas to actually do a Christ remix, I'm back in and looking forward to Vol. 8.
Profile Image for Craig Schorling.
2,326 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2023
This was a fantastic volume. There were some really impactful moments of sacrifice and character. There were also some great showdowns and fights. The ending has me so pumped for the next volume. This series continues to be a blast from the past.
Profile Image for Diogo Muller.
793 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2023
Another extremelly violent and melodramatic volume of Hokuto no Ken, and it really works. In this, we see the three surviving Hokuto brothers join to defeat a single enemy - Souther.

More of the same, but not in a bad way. Up to now, at least, Hokuto no Ken has been very consistent.
Profile Image for Matt.
242 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2022
Kenshiro terpanggil oleh jeritan Shu! Pewaris Hokuto Shinken itu tersadar dari rasa sakit yang menyiksanya lalu menuju piramida Souther!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Federico Lucifredi.
Author 2 books7 followers
March 26, 2023
Great illustrations. Incredibly violent, and needlessly so (but still less than Battle Angel Alita). A classic, written by the master himself, Buronson.
Profile Image for David Austin.
355 reviews
July 28, 2023
Man, and I thought Toki was pulling a Jesus, then we meet Shu.

Also, the big sword that takes three dudes to swing it is 😘
Profile Image for Jaime Guzman.
454 reviews1 follower
August 28, 2023
More epic fighting and a new friend makes the ultimate sacrifice. This volume was not as good as the previous ones. The art has been consistent and very well rendered.
Profile Image for sadgirlscrytoo.
77 reviews
September 24, 2024
“it’s because of love that we suffer,it’s because of love that we feel sorrow”

R.I.P Shu you didn’t deserve that 😫😫
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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