Why you should watch/Read Ashita no joe a thread:

Ashita no Joe is a Late 1960s boxing Manga written by Ikki Kajmiura and illustrated by Tatsuya Shiba spanning over 20 volumes, selling over 20M copies and adapted into several anime adaptations.

Its considered to be one of the most influential manga ever having inspired many mangakas and artists and even people of then Japan's working class and the youth involved in revolutionary activities(See quoted tweet for more) who related to the struggles of the MC.

Its also seen in the Several hundreds of references in various media Especially various anime, manga, manhwa, webtoons, movies etc
Several People like mangaka, animators, directors etc in animanga industry credit ANJ as an influence.

Coming to the story, ANJ in short tells the story of a young Joe Yabuki and his journey from Tokyo Slums into the world of boxing
And while its a boxing sports manga, I would more describe it as a Character study or biography of a Fictional Char, The Boxer Joe Yabuki

Joe is one of the most well written, influential and one of the greatest MCs in the medium, his Journey and development/growth as a character with every step in his life as a boxer is nothing short of amazing

This is combined with a compelling and fun side cast of characters, people with a different journey and way of life and how they play several roles into Joe's story

The antagonist cast is also one of the best, each one having a unique background, characterization and story and form a perfect dynamic with a protagonist like Joe

The story itself written in late 60s was revolutionary and way ahead of its time and still holds today as of the best in the genre and the medium as a whole with Joe Yabuki revered as an Icon still

So if you are looking for a Great story with a Great MC, cast, antagonists etc I recommend Ashita no Joe certainly I recommend it to everyone even those who aren't into sports genre to watch/read it

If you are still reading, Thank you so much I love the anime and manga and consider it one of my all time favorites
If you like the thread and wish to start it I got you covered with a watch order and my recommendation, also a heads up
You can start it however you like ofc

Thank you for reading everyone I hope someone starts watching and enjoys it
Have a nice day/night everyone!