For decades, Baki the Grappler has been a cult classic in martial arts manga. Now, fans around the globe are celebrating as Kodama Tales announces its official worldwide English release of the iconic series.
The long-awaited news comes with an ambitious goal: bringing Keisuke Itagaki’s hard-hitting, bone-crunching saga to English-speaking audiences in a unified, high-quality format for the first time. This marks a significant moment not just for Baki fans, but for the broader manga publishing industry.
Story of the Strongest
Baki the Grappler follows the relentless journey of Baki Hanma, a teenage martial arts prodigy determined to surpass his father, Yujiro Hanma, the most powerful fighter alive. From underground tournaments to brutal street fights, Baki trains beyond human limits, constantly facing stronger and deadlier opponents.
The manga combines intense martial arts action with philosophical musings on strength, pain, and the nature of combat. With over 40 volumes, it’s a saga that’s evolved alongside its characters, and now it’s poised to reach a wider audience with its official English publication by Kodama Tales.
Character Summaries
Baki Hanma
The titular protagonist, Baki is a 17-year-old martial arts genius. Raised in brutal conditions and trained relentlessly, his obsession is to defeat his father and prove himself the strongest. Despite his youth, Baki’s tactical mind and resilience make him a formidable opponent. His journey is as much about internal growth as it is about breaking bones.
Yujiro Hanma
Known as “The Ogre,” Yujiro is Baki’s father and the world’s most feared fighter. Possessing near-superhuman strength, speed, and killer instinct, Yujiro is both Baki’s ultimate rival and a terrifying symbol of raw power. His merciless nature and mysterious background add complexity to the story’s emotional and physical battles.
What’s Next?
Kodama Tales’ move to publish Baki the Grappler worldwide in English could redefine how long-running Japanese series are introduced to international readers. With a loyal fanbase already primed and new fans discovering the franchise through anime and streaming platforms, the buzz around this release is palpable.
While no specific release date has been announced, the publisher has confirmed that digital and print formats will be available simultaneously. Expect further announcements and possible collector’s editions as excitement builds.
