One-Pound Gospel

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One-Pound Gospel
Image:OPGmanga.jpg
1st edition version of One-Pound Gospel
1ポンドの福音
(Ichi-Pondo no Fukuin)
Genre Sports, Romantic comedy
Manga
Author Rumiko Takahashi
Publisher Flag of Japan Shogakukan
Demographic Seinen
Magazine Flag of Japan Weekly Young Sunday
Original run 1987 (issue 9)2007 (issue 3/4)
Volumes 4
OVA
Director Makura Saki
Studio Studio Gallop
Episodes 1
Released 1988
Runtime 55 minutes

One-Pound Gospel (1ポンドの福音 Ichi-Pondo no Fukuin?) is a manga series created by Rumiko Takahashi, author of Maison Ikkoku, Ranma ½, and InuYasha. The series was serialized periodically in Weekly Young Sunday from issue 9 in 1987 to issue 3/4 in 2007. Released in North America by Viz Media, it is a fusion of the sports (specifically, boxing) and romantic comedy genres. The pop music group KAT-TUN's Kazuya Kamenashi stars in a live-action television drama series adaptation of the One-Pound Gospel manga, and rising actress Meisa Kuroki is the co-star. Takahashi had just finished the manga after twenty years and four manga volumes in March 2007. Viz published the manga in English, an anime OVA in 1988. Nippon Television plans to run the drama for one quarter of a year, and will air on Saturdays at 9:00 PM. [1][2]

[edit] Brief Overview

Kosaku Hatanaka is the pride of Mukaida Gym, for the most part. He went pro in only two bouts after leaving high school, and his strong punches are universally recognized by his opponents. While he is a natural at boxing, he can't control his voracious appetite. Not surprisingly, Kosaku eats anything and everything. As a result, he has been forced to change his weight class since high school. Going from flyweight, all the way up to feather weight, something his trainer tells him he doesn't have the frame for. On top of this he accepts challenges from higher weight classes, giving his coach (and himself) constant trouble.

Into this picture steps Sister Angela, a novice nun who takes Kosaku on as a personal project, determined to set him on the right path and break his habit of gluttony. She constantly encourages him, making sure that he stays in shape while staying away from food. Unfortunately, closeness can sometimes breed feelings of affection, which Kosaku begins to develop. Even worse, Sister Angela realizes she's beginning to have the same problems as well.

[edit] Notes

  • Kosaku is often seen eating a fish-shaped pastry called taiyaki.
  • The OVA was directed by Makura Saki, Osamu Dezaki's alter ego.

[edit] External links