This lone wolf is hangry. This last Netflix anime is an unexpected and very original transposition of the beloved manga Garouden. Attention spoilers ahead!
An old story
Netflix does not want to stop and Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf is just the last anime transposition of a popular and beloved martial art manga. The story of Garouden start in 1985, with the publication of the first novel, which was continually adapted with manga during the years, as well with a feature movie and two videogames.
Another focus
A peculiar choice the one made by this anime transposition, because instead of focusing on the protagonist of the series Bunshichi Tanba, Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf is centered on Juzo Fujimaki, a wanted man by the police and practitioner of the “Takemiya Style”, rival of Bunshichi Tanba.
With a style that recalls Shenmue’s anime transposition and the accuracy of the martial art techniques of Kengan Ashura, Garouden: The Way of the Lone Wolf really does not go unnoticed. Unlike the prior mentioned masterpieces, the plot of Garouden is evolving fast, maybe too fast in opposition to its protagonist spirit. The fights of the series have the right depth, but the events are just sped up during the entire season, colliding with Fujimaki behavior and his seek of strength.
Inner animals
The interior fight of Juzo Fujimaki in holding back his inner animal instinct is continually opposed to his quiet attitude, this is translated in a proper mix of Karate e Brazilian Ju Jitsu. The fighting style of all the characters are well represented, specially: Hiroshi Nagata (a pro wrestling champion), Tsutomu Himekawa (a Kyokushin Karateka, disciple of Shozan Matsuo) and of course Bunshichi Tanba (a Karate practitioner who is constantly developing his own style).
This lone wolf is hangry. Did you like the original choice to focus the series in another character? Which Garouden character is your favorite?