Edited By
Yuki Sato

Fans are heated over the long-awaited returns in iconic manga series, with discussions erupting on user boards about character arcs and unexpected plot twists. Recent exchanges feature sharp critiques of character development, revealing deeper narratives and fan frustrations.
The buzz centers around beloved characters Ippo and Pickle, sparking debates about their respective journeys in the boxing and grappling realms. Users express a mix of nostalgia and irritation, particularly towards the character of Ippo, whose struggles have become focal points for a broader discussion about father figures and mentorship in manga.
Critique of Character Growth
Users are vocal about how Ippo's lack of development impacts their engagement: "This might be the longest character development hiatus any manga has had" reflects a sentiment in the community that fans are losing patience.
Debates Between Fandoms
The rivalry between Ippo and Baki fans continues, with some comments suggesting tactics to provoke Baki enthusiasts.
Humor in Disapproval
Despite frustrations, humor prevails as users joke about outlandish scenarios among characters. One user quipped, "Ricardo with severe diarrhea and only his left hand solo's the Baki verse," indicating that comedy is a method of coping with narrative delays.
"Wrap my gloves for me coach, I canโt see nor walk straight nor lift my hands." - Commenter
The overall mood is mixed, with a blend of frustration and humor prevalent. Users seem deeply attached to the characters, illustrating a significant emotional investment.
๐ฌ Tension arises around character development with Ippo and Baki lines.
๐คฌ "Ippo shouldโve listened to Kojima," notes a frustrated fan.
๐ Humor remains a staple, providing levity amid heated debates.
As the manga industry navigates evolving narratives, it's clear that character arcs deeply resonate with fans, shaping their interactions and discussions online. The question remains: can the series rekindle viewer enthusiasm before it loses its fan base?
Fans can expect character arcs to progress significantly in upcoming chapters. With mounting frustration about Ippo's stagnation, thereโs a strong chance that the writers will quickly revitalize his journeyโperhaps giving him a triumphant comeback or a pivotal mentor moment. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that character progression will tie into larger plot developments, aiming to renew interest among a dwindling fan base. If Ippo can evolve beyond his current hurdles, it could re-engage frustrated fans while preserving the rivalry with Baki enthusiasts, fostering more lively discussions on forums.
In a surprising way, the current discontent among fans parallels the reception of the late 1990s "Dragon Ball Z" episodes, particularly during the infamous "Buu Saga." Viewers were frustrated with drawn-out battles and character inactivity, mirroring todayโs sentiment towards Ippoโs storyline. Yet, as nostalgia fueled ongoing discussions, the series rebounded and reignited excitement with flashy transformations and narrative twists. Just like the DBZ fandom rallied during its downtime, todayโs manga enthusiasts might well rally back if the creators can inject fresh energy into Ippoโs character, proving once again that fan loyalty can pivot dramatically.