Tomorrow's Joe

[MangaDex]

 

[Hounder]

True great classic of boxing manga. A must read.

 

[boldmonkey]

Easily one of the best comics of all time.

 

[Aargon]

Ashita no Joe is not only one of the best combat sports manga, but one of the best manga out there, period. Joe Yabuki is realistically portrayed and is always true to himself, and through him you'll find a love of boxing even if you previously knew nothing of the sport. And if you thought Baki or Ashura Kengan was badass, then you'll be glad to hear that whenever Joe is seriously fighting a match, his opponent never leaves in one piece, whether he wins or loses.

"...this burning sensation isn't a momentary sputters that others my age go through... when it's over, only white ashes remain. Not even tiny cinders. Just pure, white ash."

 

[fchiisaia21]

Wait, this scanlation is from Indonesian release, right?

 

[Garouchomp]

Legendary series, Ashita No Joe will never be topped.

 

[whoamiagain]

Joe is still an absolute masterpiece years later. Absolutely deserves a spot on anybody's wall.

 

[amtm]

This is an amazing manga that hooked me within 5 chapters but sadly this translation is really bad. It's so rough that I had to stop at chapter 21. I hope this gets an official English release one day.

 

[Ceildric]

Honestly, this was the reverse of several other manga I have read recently: started a kind of rough / weak, but then got its footing and ended up closing really strong. Where other manga have lost points from me in their concluding chapters, the last several volumes of Ashita no Joe more than make up for the beginning.

My biggest issue with the beginning (first 15-20%) was with characters' motivations, especially Joe's and Danpei's. At times it felt like they were doing things just to advance the plot or create funny moments, rather than because of any clear personality or principle. While looking back you can perhaps read some of these moments in light of what Joe's principles were later revealed to be, it still seems like a good bit was the author needing some way to advance the plot. Joe was also kind of frustrating because of his whole "rebel without a cause" schtick. Some of that made more sense later and became endearing, but some, to me, remained unnecessary and made him rather unlikable for me for probably the first 1/3 - 1/2 of the manga.

The early art quality also was not the best, and I am not sure the author (perhaps understandably) knew exactly where he was going with characters or themes. Pacing felt off, and a lot of dialogue seemed repetitive and/or like filler. Also, not the mangaka's fault, but the early translations here are pretty rough.

However, as said, things started getting good somewhere around 1/4 - 1/3 of the way through, and really good somewhere between 1/2 and 2/3 of the way, and closed phenomenally. The comedy took its proper place in the background and tended towards the more realistic. The boxing and training became more meaningful (early chapters overplayed the power of simple moves and cross-counters were over-relied upon). All (or almost all) dialogue and action felt meaningful. Pacing was exactly on point or perhaps occasionally a touch fast (but much better than the slog of early chapters). And best of all character development and the development of overarching themes and philosophies skyrocketed.

Even at 1/2 way through I was not sure I was going to finish this. So very glad I did. I happily give this 10/10.

 

[redwolfghost]

Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.

I'll remember you, Joe.

 

[rusiohardrock]

Some years ago I watched ANJ 2, and it was excellent. Now I gave the manga a shot, and oh boy. A masterpiece without a doubt. Remember lads: Find your passion and give it all you got, until there's nothing but white ashes.

 

[Ayhano]

IThis manga is a pure masterpiece, words can't honestly describe it. I binged read this in a week, been a long while I did that. I will never forget you Joe.

 

[ickx]

Ghrghr you’re fucking trash, one of the worst translations I’ve ever had the displeasure to read

Other translators were 10/10 so thank you guys

 

[geovannyboss]

bitter tears overflow

 

[jeriseiz]

Ghrghr you’re fucking trash, one of the worst translations I’ve ever had the displeasure to read

Other translators were 10/10 so thank you guys

totally agree, I’m reading it, everything’s good and all, and then out of nowhere, the typesetting turns to shit. Now I have to read two volumes with awful typesetting, like if you can’t do a good job just don’t do it.

 

[Gerb_5706H]

One of the best mangas ever, too bad it starts out pretty eh. 100% worth reading to get there just an alright start though

 

[ribbitribbitsaga]

its a classic for a reason

 

[Frankuraku]

I still remember Joe.