The Summer season is already started also for the anime world, but this time it will be pretty interesting for those who love the fighting genre, because The God of High School makes its debut. Do not you know what I am referring to? Keep reading and find out one of the future success of the anime world.
The Origin of the Myth
The God of High School was born as web manhwa in 2011, and yes, I am not talking about “manga” but “MANHWA”, because it is not Japanese, but it is a South Korean comic book! The writer and illustrator Yongje Park creates what will be one of the firsts South Korean comics so successful to enter in the Japanese manga market and beyond! The masterpiece of Yongje Park is so acclaimed that received a mobile game and, from the 6th of July, also an anime adaptation!
The Story of a Tough Guy
The God of High School is set in a contemporary Seoul, where a 17-year-old guy named Jin Mo-Ri is invited to join a Martial Art tournament called indeed The God of High School (GOH). The tournament is organized by a mysterious and shady corporation, and brings together high school students from all over South Korea in order to win the prize, that is to fulfill a wish. During the matches, Jin will meet very strong competitors from different fighting backgrounds. Many participants will use “Borrowed Powers”; mystical energy granted by various mythical creatures, spirits and monsters.
The Kicks of Jin Mo-Ri
Jin Mo-Ri is the main protagonist of the series. He is 17, he comes from Seoul and he is a Renewai Taekwondo prodigy, a fictional style of Taekwondo that appear more freestyle than the classic one. Jin personality is very friendly, funny and carefree. He looks much like Goku and it is not a coincidence, the author of the manhwa is a big fan of Dragon Ball.
The Fists of Han Dae-Wi
The contemporary of Jin, that practice Kyoukushin Karate. He is strong an hard-working young man that participate to the martial art tournament, in order to pay off his best friend‘s hospital bill.
The Sword of Yu Mi-Ra
Also contemporary of Jin and swordswoman. She is the 25th Master of the fictitious sword style Moonlight Sword and proud Chinese Kenpo practitioner. She is participating to the tournament in order to find husband to carry on her school bloodline.
The Guys of the Tournament
Despite the three main protagonist of the series, a full rooster of dangerous and incredible fighters will join the tournament like: Park Il-Pyo (a logical and calculating fighter who practice a fictional style of Taekkyon), Baek Seung-Cheol (the genius baseball-bat fighter) and Jae Kal-Taek (one of the antagonists of the series).
The Meaning of a Masterpiece
I admit that I have not already red the manhwa, but the first episode of the anime was really amazing. It is funny, youthful and very well animated. The fighting scenes are fluid and well integrated with the story. The music is a masterpiece. But what I like the most of The God of High School is that we have a representation of Seoul and the South Korea, not only with the environments of the city, but also thanks to the choice of the martial arts.
I believe that, in martial arts are hidden the roots and the story of a population. The choice of Yongje Park, introducing to the world the South Korean culture with his manhwa about fighting, it is really an intelligent and respectful idea. Taekwondo, Kyokushin Karate, Haidong Gumdo and Taekkyon are the emblem of the South Korean martial arts, which are inspired by various foreigner countries (first of all Japan), but they are still unique and unambiguous.
I see in this anime a lot of important references and powerful tributes, I cannot wait to continue the anime and read the manhwa!