DD Fist of the North Star

DD Fist of the North Star is a fascinating and entertaining action-comedy anime television series that was aired on TV Tokyo back in 2013. This series is a unique take on the original Fist of the North Star manga and anime series, transforming the intense post-apocalyptic drama into a more lighthearted and funny story. DD Fist of the North Star cleverly reimagines the protagonists from the original in a completely different setting and scenario, all the while maintaining the iconic characters and their abilities.

The show is set in the year 199X, however, contrary to the grim and devastated world of the original, the world is peaceful and prosperous. The setting may come as a surprise to dedicated fans of the original series as it swaps out the rugged landscape and high-stakes battles for everyday scenarios and slice-of-life hilarity. In this parallel world, Kenshiro, the main protagonist of Fist of the North Star, along with his brothers, is drastically different from his original portrayal.

In this alternate reality where there's no Armageddon, Kenshiro is just an ordinary convenience store worker. His brothers Raoh and Toki are also living normal lives, with Raoh working as an architect and Toki as a doctor, putting their deadly martial arts to use in the most ordinary of ways. While their characters remain somewhat similar to their original counterparts, they are definitely diverting from their original serious tones.

Playing off of well-renowned characters and concepts, the anime indulges in humor that fans of the original series will particularly appreciate. It plays up the absurdity of these superhuman fighters leading ordinary lives. Even without the impending doom of a post-apocalyptic world, the show finds ways to inject their action-packed martial arts in the most mundane situations. For example, Kenshiro's explosive fighting style would be incorporated into his work at the convenience store, giving a fresh new spin to an otherwise typical anime scene.

Although a majority of the series is about comedy, there are numerous moments and snippets that subtly draw upon nostalgia and undertones from the original. These moments often feature Kenshiro and his brothers reminiscing about their times as warriors in a post-apocalyptic world, adding depth to their current reality as everyday workers. Through these scenes, devoted fans can get a sense of Familial love and comradery they somewhat lacked in the original due to the circumstances of their world.

DD Fist of the North Star expertly uses the power of parody to bring about a new and improved version of the beloved Fist of the North Star characters. The animation style is also invigorating, implementing a super-deformed (SD) aesthetic that is fitting of the comical tone the series aims to depict. The characters are depicted in a chibi-like form, which further enhances the humor in their ridiculous situations. Despite the shift in design, characters are still easily recognizable due to their iconic outfits and hairstyles.

Each episode typically encompasses self-contained stories, ensuring viewers can jump in at any point without feeling a jarring sense of disconnect. The show skillfully combines humor, action, and bits of heartfelt moments to create a unique slice-of-life comedy that can be enjoyed by both old fans of the original and newcomers. It is not necessary to have watched the original series to enjoy DD Fist the North Star. Still, those who are familiar with it will undoubtedly appreciate the clever ways in which the creators have reimagined and revived the iconic characters.

In conclusion, DD Fist of the North Star is an entertaining series that has successfully reinvented the Fist of the North Star franchise by placing its characters into a comedy-based, everyday life setting. It maintains a balance of humor, action, and nostalgia throughout its run, making it a delight for fans of the original series and newcomers alike. Masters of martial arts blend into society while experiencing comedic mundane struggles, making it an absurdly enjoyable piece of entertainment that shouldn't be missed.