History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi (TV and DVD) Get ready for some martial arts fun as the school loser goes from zero to hero in History's Strongest Disciple Kenichi (Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi). The original manga was created by Matsuena Syun and has been serialised in Shonen Sunday since August 2002. Tokyo Movie Shinsha Entertainment (TMSE) is producing the anime version, which started airing on Japan's TV Tokyo last October. TMSE have produced a number of memorable animes such as Angel Heart, Glass no Kamen and the classic super robot series Rokushin Gattai God Mars. The story revolves around Shirahama Kenichi, a typical 15-year-old loser. Nicknamed 'Weak Legs' because his legs shake when he is bullied, Kenichi decides to join the school karate club. Unfortunately, instead of getting taught karate, Kenichi finds himself the victim again and challenged to a match against the strongest student. But he finds hope in new transfer student Furinji Miu. With no fighting skills and his life at stake, Miu takes Kenichi to her family's dojo (training hall). Kenichi will learn karate, Muay Thai kickboxing, Chinese martial arts, Judo and weapons training. Miu is an exceptional fighter, trained since childhood by her grandfather. She teaches Kenichi some simple moves that he practises over and over again. When the karate match arrives, Kenichi beats his stronger and bigger opponent, much to his own surprise. However, this marks the beginning of his troubles, as he is now a target for all the school bullies. It also brings him to the attention of the local gang Ragnarok, whose members frequently try to 'persuade' him to join them. Now that he's a marked man, his training becomes more intense. As each Master realises his inner strength, they push him even harder. This is a great anime - pick it up when it comes out on DVD and watch Kenichi take down his opponents and try to woo the beautiful Miu.
