Introduction
"Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston" is a French manga series written and illustrated by various artists, but primarily known for its work by Japanese artist, Noritaka Funamizu. The series revolves around the adventures of its titular character, Noritaka, a high school student with incredible fighting skills. With a blend of action, comedy, and drama, the series captures the hearts of manga enthusiasts worldwide.
Series Overview: Tome 1-18
The initial 18 volumes of "Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston" lay the groundwork for the series, introducing readers to the main character, Noritaka, and his journey to become the strongest fighter. Along the way, he meets various allies and adversaries, each with their unique fighting styles and personalities.
In-Depth Look: Tome 22
Tome 22 marks a significant point in the series, as it continues the story after a brief hiatus. This volume is particularly notable for several reasons:
Conclusion
"Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston" is a captivating manga series that offers a mix of action, drama, and character development. From its early volumes to Tome 22, the series keeps readers engaged with its creative fight scenes, relatable characters, and continuous character growth. Whether you're a seasoned manga fan or new to the series, Tome 22 is an excellent point to jump into or continue reading, offering thrilling battles and emotional depth.
Recommendation
If you enjoy action-packed manga with deep character exploration and intense fight scenes, "Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston" is a must-read. Specifically, Tome 22 offers a rich continuation of the story, showcasing the evolution of Noritaka and his world.
Have you read "Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston" or any other volumes in the series? Share your thoughts on the series and its characters!
Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston (or Hakaiou Noritaka) is a cult classic martial arts manga that defined the "zero-to-hero" comedy genre for a generation of readers. Published by Glénat in France between 1996 and 1999, the series spans 18 volumes in its original run.
The story follows Noritaka Sawamura, a skinny, uncool high schooler who decides to learn Muay Thai to impress his crush, Miki Nakayama, who only has eyes for strong men. The Evolution: Volumes 1–18 vs. Beyond
While the core series officially concludes at volume 18 in most Western editions, the journey of Noritaka is often debated based on its pacing and shift in tone.
Tomes 1–18: The Core MasteryThe first 18 volumes cover Noritaka's transformation from a "weakling" (nicknamed "Caca" by his peers) to a formidable fighter. This run is famous for its repetitive but addictive loop: Noritaka accidentally offends a giant opponent, undergoes a seemingly ridiculous training regimen (like feeding a cat or marking territory like a dog), and eventually wins using those specific skills.
The Shift in ToneTowards the final volumes, the formula evolves. Noritaka becomes a traveling martial arts master, participating in global tournaments and helping others. This transition helps the reader appreciate how far the "scrawny kid" has come, moving from a dependent disciple to a master in his own right. manga noritaka le roi de la baston tome 1 a 18 22 better
Is "22" Better?In some markets or re-releases, additional chapters or spin-offs may extend the numbering. Generally, fans of the series appreciate the original 18-volume run for its tight comedic timing, while the later chapters are often seen as "extra" content for completionists who want to see Noritaka in more serious, high-stakes environments. Why Noritaka is a Must-Read
Educational Humour: Despite the "gross-out" humour, the manga provides genuine technical descriptions of martial arts like Muay Thai, Karate, and Judo, often referencing real-world legends.
Iconic Art Style: Takashi Hamori's art is known for its exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic fight choreography that makes the comedic payoffs hit harder.
Relatability: Unlike series like Baki or Hajime no Ippo, Noritaka remains a scrawny underdog for a long time, making his hard-won victories feel more satisfying for readers who identify with the "gringalet" archetype. Collector's Guide NORITAKA T.01 : Murata, Hideo, Hamori, Takashi: Amazon.ca
For fans of Noritaka, le roi de la baston , choosing between the various editions depends on whether you value original historical releases or more modern, compact collections. In France, this classic martial arts comedy has been published in two primary formats by Glénat. Comparison: 18-Volume vs. 22-Volume Editions Original 18-Volume Set (Glénat Manga Poche):
Availability: These are the classic "Poche" editions released between 1996 and 1999.
Content: This set is considered complete for the main French run. Each volume typically features approximately 192 pages.
Why choose it: This version is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgia and original cover art. It is often found as a complete set on second-hand markets like eBay or LeBonCoin. 22-Volume Japanese Format (Tankōbon):
Structure: In Japan, the original run (1991–1994) was serialized in 18 volumes, but some subsequent international or digital formatting aligns more closely with a 22-volume structure.
Why choose it: If you find a 22-volume set, it often indicates a different regional print (like the original Japanese version) or a digital breakdown that may include extra chapters or "bonus" content not present in the tighter 18-volume French pocket edition. Quick Collecting Tips Completion: If you are buying in French, aim for the 18-volume set
from Glénat to ensure you have the full story as officially localized.
Condition: Look for editions with their original "jaquettes" (dust jackets), as early French manga releases in the mid-90s are prone to yellowing and spine damage.
Where to Buy: You can check availability for individual volumes or sets at retailers like Fnac or Amazon.
Are you looking to buy a complete set all at once, or are you hunting for specific missing volumes to finish your collection? Amazon.com: Noritaka - Tome 01: 9782723420914
The manga Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston ! (Hakaiou Noritaka) is complete in 18 volumes in its original French edition published by Glénat. While there was an Italian edition that reached 24 smaller issues before being canceled, the standard collection consists of 18 volumes. Series Overview Introduction "Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston" is
Created by Hideo Murata and Takashi Hamori, the story follows Noritaka Sawamura, a weak and bullied high school student nicknamed "Caccaman" (Poo-man). To win the heart of his crush, Nakayama—who only likes strong, muscular men like Arnold Schwarzenegger—he begins training in Muay Thai and other disciplines. Guide to Volumes 1–18
The series is known for its humor, exaggerated training methods, and the inclusion of celebrity-inspired characters (like Michael Jackson or Sting) toward the end. Tome 1–3: The Beginning
Noritaka joins the martial arts club to stop being a "loser".
Focuses on his initial painful training in Muay Thai (Thai Boxing) under a strict, eccentric master. Tome 4–10: Rising Through the Ranks
Noritaka begins facing opponents from various disciplines, including Karaté, Judo, Sumo, and Boxing.
The manga uses "real-life" comparisons, often referencing famous fighters like Mike Tyson or Muhammad Ali to explain techniques. Tome 11–17: Major Tournaments
The stakes escalate as Noritaka enters larger competitions like the Street Fight tournament.
Notable fights include his encounter with Rayban, the right-hand man of the antagonist R.D.. Tome 18: The Final Baston
The concluding volume follows Noritaka’s final hurdles in his quest for strength and love.
The series wraps up with the culmination of his high school martial arts journey. Availability and Format Amazon.com: Noritaka - Tome 01: 9782723420914
Book overview * Book overview. Noritaka est un jeune collégien qui, malgré son aspect rachitique, décide de faire de la boxe Thaï. Amazon.com Noritaka - Wikipédia
Noritaka – Le Roi de la Baston n’est pas un manga parfait. Les histoires secondaires sont parfois faibles, et le rythme baisse vers les tomes 15-16. Mais pour l’énergie brute, les combats à la loyale et la rage de vaincre, rares sont les séries qui rivalisent.
Les tomes 1 à 18 sont indispensables pour tout fan de Ken le Survivant ou Crows. Quant au Tome 22 – c’est le Saint Graal du collectionneur français.
Note personnelle : Si vous voyez un Tome 22 à moins de 20€, prenez-le. Même si vous ne lisez pas le japonais. C’est un investissement.
Et vous, quel est votre combat préféré de Noritaka ? Le Tome 22 fait-il partie de votre collection ? Dites-le nous en commentaire. Early Volumes (Tome 1-5) : The series begins
Bonus : Voici la couverture originale du Tome 22 (recherchez l’illustration de Noritaka torse nu, les jointures en sang – elle résume à elle seule l’esprit de la série).
Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston: A Cult Classic of Combat and Comedy Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston
(originally Hakaiou Noritaka) is a definitive 90s martial arts comedy manga written by Hideo Murata and illustrated by Takashi Hamori. Spanning 18 volumes in its original French edition by Glénat, the series follows the absurd journey of a weakling turned unlikely fighter. The Story: From "Caca" to King of Fighting
The series centers on Noritaka Sawamura, a scrawny, awkward high schooler nicknamed "caca" (poop) by his peers. His life changes when he falls for Miki Nakayama, a girl who bluntly states she only likes strong men and detests "weaklings".
Determined to win her heart, Noritaka joins the school's Muay Thai (Thai boxing) club—the only martial arts club desperate enough to take him. Under the bizarre tutelage of coach Maruyama and Thai student Tchan-Poua, Noritaka faces off against "closet-sized" bullies and world-class martial artists in increasingly ridiculous duels. Key Editions: 18 vs. 22 Volumes
There is often confusion regarding the volume count of this series:
18 Volumes (French Standard): The complete story was published by Glénat Manga Poche between 1996 and 1999. This version is widely considered the standard complete set in French.
22 Volumes (Original Japanese): In its original Japanese publication by Kodansha, the series was collected into 18 volumes. However, some international editions or digital formats occasionally re-calculate chapter counts, leading to the 22-volume figure seen in some regional markets. Why It Stays Popular
Unorthodox Training: Noritaka often "trains" through menial tasks (like feeding a cat or cleaning) that unexpectedly translate into secret fighting techniques on the ring.
Humor: The series is famous for its "pipi-caca" (toilet humor) and absurd slapstick.
Underdog Spirit: Despite the comedy, readers from forums like Sanctuary.fr and Krinein Manga praise Noritaka's sheer willpower and ability to overcome superhuman opponents through grit.
Are you looking to buy a specific volume or a complete collection of the series? Noritaka - Wikipédia
You might wonder, why highlight Tome 22 specifically?
Without diving into heavy spoilers, Tome 22 is often considered a turning point or a highlight reel for the series. In long-running Shonen series, there is often a volume where the stakes are raised to their absolute maximum before a major shift or conclusion.
For many readers, the "Glénat" editions of these volumes were their introduction to manga that wasn't just about friendship and power levels, but also about grit and humor. Owning these first 18 books is like owning a piece of French/European manga history.