Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston (also known as Hakaiou Noritaka) is a classic 1990s shōnen manga written by Hideo Murata and illustrated by Takashi Hamori . The series follows Noritaka Sawamura, a scrawny and timid 15-year-old high schooler who decides to master martial arts—specifically Muay Thai—to impress his crush, Nakayama, who only has eyes for tough, muscular guys . Series Overview
The complete original series consists of 18 volumes (tomes) . Total Volumes: 18 primary works . Publisher: Published in French by Glénat . Genre: Martial Arts, Comedy, Shōnen . Noritaka - Wikipédia
Unboxing a Classic: Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston (Vols 1–18)
If you grew up in the '90s or early 2000s and spent any time in a comic shop, you likely saw the iconic covers of Noritaka, le roi de la baston
. This series is a cornerstone of the "delinquent-turned-hero" comedy genre, blending high-octane martial arts with the kind of over-the-top humor that defined an era of manga. The Story: Love, Pain, and Muay Thai
The plot kicks off with Sawamura Noritaka, a shy, scrawny high schooler who is constantly picked on. His life changes when he falls head-over-heels for Tanaka, a girl who happens to be a massive fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger and only has eyes for "tough guys".
Desperate to impress her, Noritaka throws himself into the world of Muay Thai. What follows is a series of increasingly absurd and brutal duels against the school’s biggest "meatheads" and eventually, elite fighters. Why the 18-Volume Original Run?
The series, created by Hideo Murata and Takashi Hamori, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine and originally collected into 18 volumes. While there have been various editions and mentions of "22," fans often point to the original 18-volume set as the "true" complete experience for a few reasons:
Pacing and Arcs: The original 18-volume run covers the core journey from a weakling to a legendary fighter, concluding the story with the same high energy and "decalé" (quirky) spirit it started with.
Art Style Evolution: In the early volumes (1-5), the art is raw and exaggerated, perfectly matching the "pipi-caca" (slapstick) humor. As the series progresses, the fight choreography becomes more detailed and technical, making the later volumes a treat for martial arts fans.
The Completionist’s Choice: Most French editions by Glénat standardly package the series in these 18 volumes, making them the most accessible and cohesive way to own the full story. Is it Better Than Modern Manga?
While modern hits like Hajime No Ippo or Baki offer more grounded realism or extreme body horror, Noritaka holds a special place for its humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously, yet the "zero-to-hero" progression is genuinely satisfying. Reviewers often describe it as "hilarant" (hilarious) and a "super souvenir" of the golden age of shōnen. manga noritaka le roi de la baston tome 1 a 18 22 better
If you are looking for a series that combines actual martial arts techniques with laugh-out-loud absurdity, this 18-volume collection is a must-have for your shelf.
Ready to start your collection? You can find early volumes and sets at retailers like Fnac or Amazon to see where Noritaka's journey began. Noritaka - Wikipédia
The manga series Noritaka: Le Roi de la Baston Hakaiō Noritaka
) by Hideo Murata and Takashi Hamori is officially completed in 18 volumes
. While there are references to "22" in some digital listings or fan documents, these typically refer to page counts in specific chapters or are misidentifications; the standard French publication by spans exactly 18 tanks. Wikipédia Series Overview Narrative:
Follows Noritaka Sawamura, a weak and bullied high schooler who decides to learn martial arts (primarily Muay Thai) to impress his crush, Nakayama, who only likes strong men.
Renowned for its absurd humor, "idiotic" training methods (like feeding a cat to learn specialized movements), and high-energy underdog battles. The French
edition is printed in a "pocket" format and notably features a left-to-right reading direction (inverted from the original Japanese). Amazon.com Volume Guide (Tome 1–18)
The series maintains a consistent publication schedule through its 18-volume run: Noritaka - Wikipédia
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 Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston (also known
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
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 Introduction Noritaka — Le Roi de la Baston
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.
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
Noritaka — Le Roi de la Baston est une série de baston shōnen qui mélange combats brutaux, humour franchouillard et personnages hauts en couleur. Cet article couvre les tomes 1 à 18 et le tome 22, en proposant un résumé, les points forts, l'évolution des personnages et pourquoi ces volumes méritent l'attention des fans de baston.
You specifically mentioned Volume 22 as being "better." Here is why this specific volume stands out compared to the 1–18 block:
Noritaka affronte un adversaire surnommé "Le Mort-Vivant", un ancien champion devenu yakuza. Ce combat s’étend sur presque tout le volume. Aucun gag. Aucun répit. Le dessin atteint un niveau de détail impressionnant – sueur, hématomes, dents cassées.
Sans spoiler, après un événement majeur au tome 18, l’histoire tente de devenir un thriller d’arts martiaux mélangé à du complot international. Adieu les cours de récréation et les règles absurdes. Place à des affrontements sans âme contre des mercenaires génériques.
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