Noritaka is a martial arts / delinquent manga from the early 1990s (published 1991–1996). It follows Noritaka Yamagishi, a weak and clumsy high school student who falls in love with a girl, Miyuki, who admires strong fighters. To win her heart, he decides to become the strongest fighter in school — and eventually the king of street fighting.
The French title "Le Roi de la Baston" (The King of Brawling) fits perfectly: it’s all about brutal, no-holds-barred fistfights, school gangs, and a shonen-style power progression.
Avant d’acheter un lot Tome 1 à 18 ou un Tome 22 isolé, inspectez : Manga Noritaka Le Roi De La Baston Tome 1 A 18 22
| Section | Rating (out of 10) | Notes | |---------|------------------|-------| | Tomes 1–10 | 8/10 | Fresh, exciting, raw | | Tomes 11–18 | 7/10 | Still good but repetitive | | Tome 22 (alone) | 6/10 | Great fight, but missing context | | Tome 22 (after reading 19–21) | 8.5/10 | Satisfying late-series peak |
Tomes 1–5: The Rise of the Legend The early volumes establish the formula. We see Noritaka’s arrival at the high school, his initial clashes with low-level thugs, and the formation of his "team." This arc is pure comedy, focusing on the misunderstanding of his abilities. It sets the tone: this is a world where perception is reality, and Noritaka is perceived as a demon. Noritaka is a martial arts / delinquent manga
Tomes 6–12: The Tournaments and Rivals As the series progresses, the scale expands. Noritaka faces increasingly bizarre and powerful rivals—disciplined martial artists who are baffled by his unorthodox (and illegal) fighting style. The middle volumes are the peak of the "Baston" action. The situations become more absurd, and the stakes rise, but the manga never loses its satirical edge. It mocks the seriousness of other fighting manga (like Dragon Ball or Fist of the North Star) by having Noritaka defuse epic showdowns with a cheap trick.
Tomes 13–18: The Climax By volume 18, the narrative has reached a high point in the fighting hierarchy. The "Baston" becomes more serious, and the art becomes darker and more detailed. These volumes are often regarded as the sweet spot for fans—the story hasn't yet dragged on, and the situations remain fresh. Avant d’acheter un lot Tome 1 à 18
Ces 18 premiers volumes couvrent les arcs les plus iconiques de la série :
Posséder cette tranche, c’est posséder le cœur du récit. L’édition Tonkam de cette époque est reconnaissable à son dos blanc et ses lettrages rouges.
✅ Addictive progression – Noritaka loses often, then trains harder. It’s classic shonen but with a gritty, realistic (non-superpowered) setting.
✅ Brutal fights – No energy blasts; just punches, kicks, and dirty moves. Very satisfying for fans of Hajime no Ippo or Rikudou.
✅ Character development – Noritaka goes from pathetic to respectable. Side characters (his best friend, rival Ibuki) have their own arcs.
✅ French translation quality – Tonkam’s version is well-adapted, preserving the raw dialogue and fighting slang.