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    Marion Zimmer Bradley

    "Garō Densetsu" redirects here. For the video game series, see Fatal Fury. For the first game in the series, see Fatal Fury: King of Fighters.

    Garōden
    First novel cover
    餓狼伝
    GenreMartial arts[1]
    Novel series
    Written byBaku Yumemakura
    Published byFutabasha
    ImprintFutaba Novels
    Original runJuly 20, 1985 – present
    Volumes18
    Series titles
    1. Garōden (1985–2003; 13 volumes)
    2. Shin Garōden (2006–present; 5 volumes)
    Further information
    Manga
    Written byBaku Yumemakura
    Illustrated byJiro Taniguchi
    Published byAsahi Sonorama
    MagazineShishiō
    Original run1989 – 1990
    Volumes1
    Live-action film
    Directed byMasato Sasaki
    Produced byMasao Tomita
    Written byMasato Sasaki
    Music byKenichi Kamio
    Studio
    Released
    • January 25, 1995 (1995-01-25)
    Runtime95 minutes
    Manga
    Written byBaku Yumemakura
    Illustrated byKeisuke Itagaki
    Published by
    Magazine
    DemographicSeinen
    Original runAugust 1996 – October 2010 (hiatus)
    Volumes
    • 25 (Kodansha edition)
    • 26 (Akita Shoten edition)
    Manga
    Garōden Boy
    Written byBaku Yumemakura
    Illustrated byKeisuke Itagaki
    Published byKodansha
    ImprintShōnen Magazine Comics
    MagazineWeekly Shōnen Magazine
    DemographicShōnen
    Original runJanuary 14, 2004 – July 7, 2004
    Volumes2
    Video game
    Garōden Breakblow
    DeveloperOpus
    PublisherESP Software
    GenreFighting game
    PlatformPlayStation 2
    ReleasedNovember 17, 2005
    Video game
    Garōden Breakblow Fist or Twist
    DeveloperOpus
    PublisherESP Software
    GenreFighting game
    PlatformPlayStation 2
    ReleasedMarch 15, 2007
    Manga
    Shin Garōden
    Written byBaku Yumemakura
    Illustrated byMasami Nobe
    Published byAkita Shoten
    MagazineWeekly Shōnen Champion
    DemographicShōnen
    Original runFebruary 14, 2013 – May 29, 2014
    Volumes6
    Original net animation
    Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf
    Directed byAtsushi Ikariya
    Written bySadayuki Murai
    Music byTakeshi Ueda
    StudioNAZ
    Licensed byNetflix
    ReleasedMay 23, 2024
    Runtime23–28 minutes
    Episodes8
    icon Anime and manga portal

    Garōden (餓狼伝, "Legend of the Hungry Wolves") is a Japanese martial arts novel series written by Baku Yumemakura. The series' first part consists of 13 novels, released from July 1985 to March 2003. The second part, Shin Garōden, started in December 2006, with five volumes released by October 2020.

    A manga series adaptation by Jirō Taniguchi was published from 1989 to 1990. A second manga series adaptation by Keisuke Itagaki was published from 1996 to 2010, before entering on indefinite hiatus. A prequel manga series by Itagaki, titled Garōden Boy, was published in 2004. A manga adaptation of Shin Garōden, by Masami Nobe, was published from 2013 to 2014.

    A feature film was released in January 1995. Two video games based on Itagaki's manga adaptation were released for the PlayStation 2; Garōden Breakblow in 2005, and Garōden Breakblow Fist or Twist in 2007. An original net animation (ONA) adaptation, titled Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf, premiered worldwide on Netflix in May 2024.

    Plot

    Bunshichi Tanba, a skilled fighter, takes pleasure in defeating televised combat champions and celebrities in unsanctioned street fights. His path crosses with the underground wrestling organization FAW (Federation of Amateur Wrestling), where he suffers an unexpected defeat against an unheralded wrestler. This loss drives him to undergo years of intensive training before returning for vengeance.

    Upon his comeback, Tanba's refined abilities capture the interest of two legendary martial figures: Makoto Tatsumi, the formidable FAW owner known as "the Great" for his unparalleled ring dominance and charisma, and Shozan Matsuo, dubbed "the Demon of Karate" for his supernatural speed and power as head of Japan's premier karate school. Both seek to recruit Tanba for their respective factions, exposing him to a brutal hierarchy of elite fighters. As Tanba navigates this dangerous world, he faces escalating challenges against both allies and adversaries that test his limits.

    Characters

    Bunshichi Tanba (丹波 文七, Tanba Bunshichi)
    Voiced by: Tetsu Inada (ONA)[2] (Japanese); Armen Taylor (English)
    Bunshichi Tanba, a martial artist driven by self-doubt after losing to Kajiwara, trains relentlessly for three years before avenging his defeat. His skills attract the attention of both Great Tatsumi and Shozan Matsuo, who seek to recruit him. He later confronts Jūzō Fujimaki, an impostor using Tanba's name to defeat Hokushin fighters. Their battle ends inconclusively. After witnessing Jyohei Tsutsumi overpowering yakuza assailants, Tanba challenges him to an unrestricted match organized by Tatsumi. Tanba wins by knockout, during which he recalls his first violent act. Following the Hokushinkai tournament, he pursues unsanctioned street fights against various masters, including the injured Teruo Kitaoka.
    Jūzō Fujimaki (藤巻 十三, Fujimaki Jūzō)
    Voiced by: Ryōta Takeuchi (ONA)[2] (Japanese); Patrick Seitz (English)
    Jūzō Fujimaki, a fugitive practitioner of Takemiya Ryuu martial arts, adopts the alias "Bunshichi Tanba" to lure out the real Tanba by defeating Hokushin fighters. Their confrontation ends in a draw when interrupted by Saeko and her lover Tsutomu Himekawa—Fujimaki's target. Unable to enter Matsuo's tournament due to his wanted status, Fujimaki trains Hiroshi Nagata instead. After Himekawa defeats Nagata in the finals, Fujimaki challenges him again, breaking his own arm to even the match. He nearly wins using the lethal "Jikaburi" throw, but loses after a mistimed flying kick allows Himekawa to counter and knock him unconscious.
    Shozan Matsuo (松尾 象山, Matsuo Shōzan)
    Voiced by: Rintarō Nishi (ONA)[2] (Japanese); Mick Wingert (English)
    Shozan Matsuo, founder of the Hokushin School, stands among the strongest fighters in the series, surpassing even Bunshichi Tanba and Jūzō Fujimaki. A self-proclaimed "Strongest of All" karate master seeking worthy opponents, he organizes a tournament through Tatsumi, offering the winner a chance to face him. When tournament champion Tsutomu Himekawa proves too injured to fight, Matsuo demonstrates his prowess by effortlessly defeating both a yakuza enforcer and a SWAT officer armed with Duralium riot gear.
    Jyohei Tsutsumi (堤 城平, Tsutsumi Jōhei)
    Jyohei Tsutsumi, a Hokushin student and deliveryman, demonstrates formidable combat skills that impress Bunshichi Tanba. With Shozan Matsuo's endorsement, Tatsumi arranges an unrestricted match between them, which Tanba wins by knockout. During Tsutsumi's hospital recovery, Tanba visits him, signaling their newfound mutual respect.
    Hiroshi Nagata (長田 弘, Nagata Hiroshi)
    Hiroshi Nagata, a pro wrestler, enters Matsuo's tournament despite his trainer's objections. After training with Fujimaki and Kajiwara, he reaches the finals against Himekawa. Nagata lands his signature Ko-ou technique (a flying knee into a skull strike), dislocating Himekawa's shoulder—previously an instant KO. But Himekawa recovers and knocks out the celebrating Nagata with a sudden kick.
    Teruo Kataoka (片岡 輝夫, Kataoka Teruo)
    A practitioner of Shisei-kan karate—a brutal style that hardens the body through painful conditioning—he develops near-superhuman durability, capable of breaking concrete and bending metal. Though dominant in tournaments, he avoids street fights until facing Tanba in an unsanctioned brawl. His tournament run ended when Hikoichi Kurama defeated him via suplex.
    Makoto Tatsumi (巽 真, Tatsumi Makoto) / Great Tatsumi (グレート巽, Gurēto Tatsumi)
    Tatsumi, a Brazilian-Japanese fighter, endured abuse from his adoptive father—a wrestler who tortured him—before ultimately castrating the man with his bare hands and forcing him to commit seppuku. Disillusioned with professional wrestling's theatrics, he entered the underground fighting circuit, where he met Crybaby Sakura. After earning substantial wealth, he founded the Federation of Amateur Wrestling (FAW) under his company Toyo Puroresu. He now challenges Shozan Matsuo to a five-on-five legendary match.
    Crybaby Sakura (泣き虫（クライベイビー）サクラ, Kuraibeibī Sakura)
    Crybaby Sakura, a seven-foot blind fighter, ran the underground ring where Tatsumi competed. Blinded by his mother in childhood, he developed superhuman senses through brutal training. In their fight, Sakura revealed a recurring vision of a locked door, believing Tatsumi could open it. After Tatsumi's upset victory, Sakura requested death—his neck snap opened the door, revealing an afterlife where he reunited with his mother as a sighted child. Tatsumi witnessed their peaceful reunion before leaving.
    Ryuji Kubo (久保 涼二, Kubo Ryūji)
    Voiced by: Ryōta Suzuki (ONA)[2] (Japanese); Sean Chiplock (English)
    Ryuji Kubo, Tanba's devoted friend and sparring partner, maintained unwavering loyalty during his three-year absence, still considering him his mentor. While Tanba was gone, Kubo trained at a Hokushinkai branch dojo but rejected formal membership, easily surpassing its practitioners yet finding the training unsatisfying without Tanba's guidance. Their bond remained intact upon Tanba's return.
    Toshio Kajiwara (梶原 年男, Kajiwara Toshio)
    Kiyoshi Kajiwara, an FAW wrestler, was the first to defeat Bunshichi Tanba. Three years later, Tanba avenged this loss by swiftly defeating him in a rematch. After Tanba's bout with Jyohei Tsutsumi, Kajiwara was scheduled to face a judo practitioner but was instead ambushed and defeated by rising star Hikoichi Kurama using the Giant Swing. Later, Kajiwara assists Hiroshi Nagata as both trainer and cornerman for the tournament.
    Tsutomu Himekawa (姫川 勉, Himekawa Tsutomu)
    Voiced by: Shunsuke Takeuchi (ONA)[2] (Japanese); Kaiji Tang (English)
    Tsutomu Himekawa, a disciple of Shozan Matsuo, once fought his mentor to a draw despite suffering a broken arm. Renowned for his graceful, precise fighting style, he remains undefeated and seeks to surpass Matsuo. After dominating the tournament to earn a challenge match against his teacher, he defeats Hiroshi Nagata in the finals. When Jyuzo Fujimaki immediately confronts him, Himekawa endures a brutal exchange before countering a flying kick to secure victory. His injuries ultimately prevent the long-awaited match against Matsuo.
    Hikoichi Kurama (鞍馬 彦一, Kurama Hikoichi)
    Hikoichi Kurama, a brash young prodigy and Great Tatsumi's favored successor, demonstrates exceptional strength and rapid learning ability. Despite his arrogance and tumultuous relationships—often interrupted by girlfriends' complaints—he trains for Matsuo's tournament by effortlessly defeating three karate-trained wrestlers. Tatsumi then pits him against a master of ancient karate; though Kurama loses, he immediately assimilates new techniques before leaving to meet a girlfriend. Seeking recognition, he later ambushes Kiyoshi Kajiwara backstage at Tatsumi's event, knocking him out to steal his match.

    Media

    Novel

    Written by Baku Yumemakura, the first volume of Garōden was released on July 20, 1985.[3] The first part finished with the 13th volume, released on March 4, 2003.[4] The first novel of the second part, titled Shin Garōden (新・餓狼伝), was released on December 12, 2006.[5] As of October 16, 2020, five volumes have been released.[6]

    Manga

    A manga series adaptation by Jiro Taniguchi was published in Asahi Sonorama's Shishiō magazine from 1989 to 1990,[7] and collected in a single volume released on June 30, 1990.[8]

    Another manga series adaptation by Keisuke Itagaki started in the August 1996 issue of Schola [ja]'s manga magazine Monthly Comic Birz.[9] Schola collected its chapters in five tankōbon volumes, released from December 1996 to February 1999.[10][11] Monthly Comic Birz ceased publication after the May 1999 issue,[12] and the series was transferred to Kodansha's Young Magazine Uppers in 1999.[13] the magazine ceased publication in 2004, and the manga was transferred to Kodansha's Evening on February 8, 2004.[a] Its last chapter in the magazine was published on October 12, 2010,[16] and the series was put on indefinite hiatus.[17] Kodansha released 25 volumes from August 6, 1999,[18] to December 12, 2010.[19] Akita Shoten started republishing the series on April 7, 2011; for this event, the first two chapters were published in Weekly Shōnen Champion on March 31 and April 7 of the same year.[17] 26 volumes were released until August 8, 2012.[20]

    A prequel manga series by Itakagi, titled Garōden Boy (餓狼伝 BOY), was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine from January 14 to July 7, 2004;[b][c] two volumes were released by Kodansha on July 15 and August 26 of the same year.[25][26] Akita Shoten re-released both volumes on September 17, 2012.[27]

    A manga adaptation of Shin Garōden by Masami Nobe, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Champion from February 14, 2013,[28] to May 29, 2014.[29] Akita Shoten released six volumes from June 7, 2013,[30] to July 8, 2014.[31]

    Film

    A feature film adaptation directed by Masato Sasaki premiered on January 25, 1995.[32]

    Video games

    Two video games based on Keisuke Itagaki's manga adaptation, published by Entertainment Software Publishing (ESP), were released for the PlayStation 2. The first game, Garōden Breakdown [ja], was released on November 17, 2005,[33] and the second, Garōden: Breakblow – Fist or Twist [ja], was released on March 15, 2007.[34]

    Original net animation

    An original net animation (ONA) adaptation, titled Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf, animated by NAZ and produced by Netflix, premiered worldwide on the platform on May 23, 2024. It is directed by Atsushi Ikariya, with Daisuke Mataga serving as assistant director, and Sadayuki Murai as script writer. Ikariya is also designing the characters with Momoko Kawai. The music is composed by Takeshi Ueda. Ueda, credited as his music project AA=, performed the opening theme song "Fight & Pride", and the ending theme song "Cry Boy".[2]

    Reception

    Volume 20 of the manga ranked ninth in the May 9–15, 2007, Japanese comic ranking.[35] Volume 23 ranked 15th in the April 19–26, 2009, ranking, selling 41,216 copies.[36]

    Notes

    1. ^ It started in the magazine's fifth issue of 2005,[14] released on February 8 of the same year.[15]
    2. ^ It started in the magazine's seventh issue of 2004 (cover date January 28),[21] released on January 14 of the same year.[22]
    3. ^ It finished in the magazine's 32nd issue of 2004 (cover date July 21),[23] released on July 7 of the same year.[24]

    References

    1. ^ Pineda, Rafael (January 28, 2021). "Garoden Author Baku Yumemakura's 'Martial Arts Novel' Gets Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 5, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    2. ^ a b c d e f Cayanan, Joanna (April 22, 2024). "Baku Yumemakura's Garoden Novels Get Netflix Anime on May 23". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 22, 2024. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
    3. ^ 餓狼伝 I (in Japanese). Futabasha. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    4. ^ 餓狼伝 XIII (in Japanese). Futabasha. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    5. ^ 新・餓狼伝 巻の一 秘伝菊式編 (in Japanese). Futabasha. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    6. ^ 新・餓狼伝 巻ノ五 魔拳降臨編 (in Japanese). Futabasha. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    7. ^ カルチャー雑誌 <<文学>> 獅子王 1989年2月号 No.35. suruga-ya.jp (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    8. ^ 餓狼伝. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on February 15, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    9. ^ コミックバーズ 1996年8月号 (in Japanese). National Diet Library. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    10. ^ 餓狼伝 1. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    11. ^ 餓狼伝 1. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    12. ^ コミックバーズ 1999年5月号 (in Japanese). National Diet Library. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    13. ^ "Series published". yanmaga.kodansha.co.jp (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on October 30, 2000. Retrieved March 17, 2023. 『餓狼伝』 原作/夢枕獏 漫画/板垣恵介 '99 15号～
    14. ^ 餓狼伝（１６） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
    15. ^ イブニング - 進行表. AD Station (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 4, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    16. ^ イブニング 2010年10月26日号. Neowing (in Japanese). Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    17. ^ a b 板垣恵介「餓狼伝」週チャンに第1話が！新書判も刊行開始. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). March 31, 2011. Archived from the original on April 5, 2011. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
    18. ^ 餓狼伝（1） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on November 2, 2003. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    19. ^ 【12月22日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 22, 2010. Archived from the original on January 13, 2022. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    20. ^ 【8月8日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. August 8, 2011. Archived from the original on April 12, 2013. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    21. ^ 週刊少年サンデー 2004年 表示号数7. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
    22. ^ 少年マガジン - 進行表 2003年11月5日号～2004年4月21日号. AD Station (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 2, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    23. ^ 週刊少年サンデー 2004年 表示号数32. Media Arts Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on November 18, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
    24. ^ 少年マガジン - 進行表 2004年7月14日号～2004年12月8日号. AD Station (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on August 5, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    25. ^ 餓狼伝ＢＯＹ（１） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on August 17, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    26. ^ 餓狼伝ＢＯＹ（２） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on September 17, 2004. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    27. ^ 【9月7日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 7, 2012. Archived from the original on November 24, 2018. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    28. ^ 夢枕獏書き下ろし「真・餓狼伝」が始動、時代は明治後期. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). February 14, 2013. Archived from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    29. ^ 夢枕獏書き下ろし原作の「真・餓狼伝」週チャンで完結. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 29, 2014. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    30. ^ 【6月7日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. June 7, 2013. Archived from the original on November 29, 2021. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    31. ^ 【7月8日付】本日発売の単行本リスト. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 8, 2014. Archived from the original on August 3, 2019. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    32. ^ 餓狼伝. Japanese Cinema Database (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs. Archived from the original on March 17, 2023. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    33. ^ 餓狼伝 Breakblow (in Japanese). PlayStation. Archived from the original on August 17, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    34. ^ 餓狼伝Breakblow Fist or Twist (in Japanese). PlayStation. Archived from the original on February 21, 2007. Retrieved March 17, 2023.
    35. ^ "Japanese Comic Ranking, May 9–15". Anime News Network. May 17, 2007. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
    36. ^ "Japanese Comic Ranking, April 19–26". Anime News Network. April 29, 2009. Archived from the original on November 4, 2014. Retrieved October 20, 2014.
    Credit: Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gar%C5%8Dden

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