ORBzine - Fist of the North Star (1984–1987) TV Review
[Season 1 !Season 2 !Season 3 !Season 4 ]
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 1]
God or Devil? The mightiest man who appeared in Hell.
Shown 4th Oct 1984
Reviewed June 2000
This much-touted Japanese Manga cartoon is basically just a stack of cliches. A mysterious stranger staggers across a post-apocalyptic landscape and wipes out a bunch of scummy raider types. He walks into town and gets thrown in jail, where his cell-mate is the stereotypical Japanese Manga bug-eyed loud-mouthed cool teenage boy.
The stranger reveals he has a tattoo on his chest that represents a constellation - the Big Dipper! He uses mystical powers on the villains, and their heads explode. The village wise-man predicts Where the Big Dipper goes, chaos follows. It probably loses something in the translation.
Apparently the show was originally filmed in 1984, and only redubbed for the English-speaking world in 1999. And for some reason, although the show only has about five characters the English-language cast list has over 20 names!
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 2]
The Zankei Death Blow!! Lights Appeared at the End!!
Shown 11 Oct. 1984
Reviewed First week of July 2000
The hero and comic-relief drive around a post-apocalyptic wasteland, helping strangers and slaughtering biker trash. Same as last week, in other words.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 3]
Punches Are Burning on a Dark Street! Five Fingered Explosive Burst!!
Shown 18 Oct. 1984
Reviewed second week of July 2000
The comic-relief dude is lost in the desert, starving. After a brief comedy interlude where he mistakes a hungry vulture for a turkey dinner, he sees the wee girl Lynn being transported by Slavers. He informs the Big Dipper dude, and they go to the Slavers' city.
The arch-villain is King, who rules with the aid of 4 Jacks - Spade (killed last week), Club, Heart and Diamond. This week it is Diamond and Clubs' turns.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 4]
Attack Bloody Cross!! The Secret Punch by Soft Strikes
Shown 25 Oct. 1984
Reviewed third week of July 2000
The hero goes up against the fourth Jack, a sumo-looking martial arts expert.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 5]
The Flame of Love in Hell. You're Already Dead!!
AKA
Can the Flames of Love burn in Hell? You are already dead.
Shown 3 Nov. 1984
Reviewed fourth week of July 2000
It turns out that the arch-villain is the Fist of the South Star, second pupil of the hero's Sensei. They were rivals over the affections of the hero's GF - and we finally get to see the hero get a dose of his own medicine.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 6]
The evil's plan. Attacking the man with 4 scars!
AKA
Search Order From Satan: Find the man with the 7 stars!
Shown 15 Nov. 1984
Reviewed fifth week of July 2000
The blonde-haired blue-eyed villain takes his dainty, distressed damsel to the city of Southern Cross, which he rules with a Special Forces unit called God's Army.
The hero permanently cripples a thug, and tells him you will have to find an honest way to earn a living. He then helps the serfs rebel against the police: they do not mind having the police take responsibility for law enforcement, but object to paying taxes!
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 7]
Villains! Countdown to death
Shown 22 Nov. 1984
Reviewed week of August 2000
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 8]
Rip into the Nerve Cells! No Requiem for the Bad Guys
Shown 29 Nov. 1984
Reviewed Last week of September 2000
Yes, this Manga trash is back. The Big Dipper guy is still facing off against God's Army. Their leader, The Colonel, uses razor-sharp boomerangs. Does he stand a chance against mr no-charisma? What do YOU think?
As well as the usual unbelievable martial arts hokum, we now get frag grenades that can obliterate one man but leave someone standing next to him completely unharmed!
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 9]
Criminals! Pray before you die!!
Shown 6 Dec. 1984
Reviewed second week of October 2000
The super-thug scares off a biker gang who have heard of his reputation. Then he helps some villagers who object to paying for their water supply.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 10]
Flame death blow! Too many people should die!!
AKA
raging flame reverse flow punch: there are too many who must die
Shown 13 Dec. 1984
Reviewed third week of October 2000
Last episode the hero won a phyrric victory. This time he tries to get a water supply for the villagers.
He meets a nobleman who offers him an alliance - and will help him rescue his GF. However, he is a communist or something, and rejects the offer.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 11]
Villains!! Listen to the requiem from Hell!!
AKA
Villains! Listen to the Blues of Hell!
Shown 20 Dec. 1984
Reviewed fourth week of October 2000
Our hero meets a little crippled orphan kid. He is a friend of the comedy sidekick's, so they all go back to the orphanage together. Water is short, and they have two options for getting it. Either dig a well through solid rock, or steal water from the bad guys.
There is a bounty on the hero's head. Nobody is smart enough to find out WHY he is so valuable, and thus never realises how dangerous he is.
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 12]
I am the God of Death!! I'll chase you to the ends of Hell!!
AKA
I AM DEATH! I'll chase you to the ends of Hell!
Shown 10 Jan. 1985
Reviewed fifth week of October 2000
This is a follow-up to the previous episode. Ken the mass-murderer is after the biker gang. We also see the set-up for the return of the main villain ...
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 13]
The arhat deva fist! The endless killing!!
Shown 17 Jan. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 14]
These grieving times! Many kind people die too early!!
Shown 24 Jan. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 15]
I count to three! You are the one who is dead!!
Shown 31 Jan. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 16]
Try to Sing, Villains! The Counting Rhyme of Hell!!
Shown 7 Feb. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 17]
Fight if you are a man! The guts of Confrontation Have Opened!
Shown 14 Feb. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 18]
Life or Death!? At the End of the Wilderness Lies the First Street of Hell!
Shown 21 Feb. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 19]
Damn! Get Ready to Die!!
Shown 28 Feb. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 20]
Nightmarish Full-Scale War! My Fists Pack One Million Volts!
Shown 7 Mar. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 21]
The Palace Is on Fire! Shin! I'm Close to Finding You!!
Shown 14 Mar. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 1, Episode 22]
Julia Forever... As Well as Shin!
Shown 21 Mar. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 1]
Stormy Times. Titanic Battles! Is Battle All That Awaits Me?!
Shown 28 Mar. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 2]
Nanto Suichoken! The Tragedy of the Mighty Begins!
Shown 4 Apr. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 3]
Sinners! Thy Name Is Fang!
Shown 11 Apr. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 4]
Tremble & Die! Villains of Night Fog Valley!
Shown 18 Apr. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 5]
Only Villains Can Smile! How I Hate This Age!
Shown 25 Apr. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 6]
Rei, I'll Wipe Your Tears Away with My Fists!
Shown 2 May 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 7]
It's Too Late to Beg for Mercy! To Hell with You, Boss Fang!
Shown 16 May 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 8]
Destiny Looms Near! Who Are You, Jagi?!
Shown 30 May 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 9]
The Iron Mask of Hell! The Fiend Who Calls Himself North Star!
Shown 6 Jun. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 10]
Four Linked Punches of Fury! Wait for Me in Hell, Jagi!
Shown 13 Jun. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 11]
This Is a Miracle Village! The Fallen Angel!!
Shown 27 Jun. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 12]
Toki! Are You Angel or Devil?!
Shown 4 Jul. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 13]
Evil One! Toki, Your Heart Has Been Corrupted!!
Shown 11 Jul. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 14]
There Is No Looking Back! Only Hating Evil, and Striking Toki Down!
Shown 18 Jul. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 15]
Instead, I Shall Reject Love! For I Bear the Cursed Star of Death!
Shown 25 Jul. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 16]
Crimson Fist of Lotus Mountain! A Tragic Woman Born of the Times!
Shown 1 Aug. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 17]
A Wicked Legacy! The Gates to Cassandra Open Now!
Shown 8 Aug. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 18]
Villains Need No Graves! This Is the Hellish Cassandra!
Shown 15 Aug. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 19]
The North Star's 2,000-Year Tragedy! I Can Hear the Fist King's Footsteps!
Shown 22 Aug. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 20]
A Century's End with No Tomorrow! I've Been Waiting for You, Ken!
Shown 5 Sep. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 21]
Cassandra Collapses! The North Star's Mythology Is Painted Anew!
Shown 12 Sep. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 22]
The Death Omen Star Shines! Fist King, Do You Control Even Death?!
Shown 19 Sep. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 23]
Those Who Fear the Reaper! Listen to the Voice of Lin's Fiery Heart!
Shown 26 Sep. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 24]
Voices from Hell! Rei, Did You See the Death Omen Star?
Shown 10 Oct. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 25]
The Nanto Dance of Death! I'll Give My Life for the Sake of Love!
Shown 17 Oct. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 26]
An Explosion of Secret Techniques! Beyond Hatred Is the Fate for the Brothers of the North Star
Shown 24 Oct. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 27]
The Greatest Battle in History, Raoh vs Ken! You're the One to Die!
Shown 31 Oct. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 28]
72 Hours to Live! The Death Omen Star Drags Rei In!
Shown 7 Nov. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 29]
Fate Without Tomorrow! And Yet, a Woman Believes in Love!
Shown 14 Nov. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 30]
Yuda of the South Star Six Sacred Fists! I'm the Most Beautiful!!
Shown 21 Nov. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 31]
Death Omen Star Is Falling! Rei! Heaven Tricks Time Cruelly!
Shown 28 Nov. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 32]
Beloved Mamiya! The Death Omen Star Lurks Behind the Sparkle in Your Eyes!
Shown 5 Dec. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 33]
Rei, Are You on Your Way to Death? A Man Is Beautiful Than Ever!
Shown 12 Dec. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 34]
Beautiful Warriors, Rei vs Yuda! A Man's Passage Needs No Tears!
Shown 19 Dec. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 2, Episode 35]
Farewell, Rei! Heroic Legend Will Be Told Throughout the Ages!
Shown 26 Dec. 1985
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 1]
Supreme Rule in Turbulence! As the South Star Fades, the North Star Appears!
Shown 9 Jan. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 2]
The Star of Darkness Engulfs the Heavens! Time Evolves Beyond the Deathmatch!
Shown 16 Jan. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 3]
Shu of the South Star White Heron Fist! What Will You Witness in the End of This Century!?
Shown 23 Jan. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 4]
Love on the Battlefield! Must the Time Tear Love Apart!?
Shown 30 Jan. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 5]
I am Souther, the Holy Emperor! I Disallow Love and Compassion!
Shown 6 Feb. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 6]
A Young Hero Challenges His Fate! Scream from Your Soul Shall Move the Heavens!
Shown 13 Feb. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 7]
A Bloody Battle, Shu vs Souther! Love, Drowned in the Tears of the Star of Benevolence!
Shown 20 Feb. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 8]
The Bloody Cross Mausoleum! Shu! I'll Catch Your Tears with My Heart!
Shown 27 Feb. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 9]
Run Kenshiro! Another Comrade is About to Die!!
Shown 6 Mar. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 10]
Clash of the Polar Stars, Ken vs. Souther! My Star Is the Only Protector of Heaven!
Shown 13 Mar. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 11]
Souther, the Despondent Holy Emperor! You Are Weary from Love!
Shown 20 Mar. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 12]
Critical Times of the North Star! The Three Brothers of Fate Are on the Move
Shown 27 Mar. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 13]
The Other Divine Fist of the North Star! Drive Raoh to Oblivion!!
Shown 3 Apr. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 14]
The Secret of Origin Revealed! The Heaven Prefers Tragedy!
Shown 10 Apr. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 15]
Farewell, Toki! A Man Only Cries Once!
Shown 17 Apr. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 16]
Ryuga of Sirius! I'll Seize the Rainbow in Tempest!
Shown 8 May 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 17]
A Wolf Running in the Horizon! There Lies the End of Love and Hatred!
Shown 15 May 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 18]
Forgive Me, My Sister! I Am Destined to Clash with the North Star!
Shown 29 May 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 19]
An Iron Fist for the Roaring Wolf! Toki Is in Danger!
Shown 5 Jun. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 20]
Conclusion of Part Three: Let the New Age Awaken! The Wolf's Howl Moves the Heaven!
Shown 12 Jun. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 21]
Shin of the South Star Sacred Fist! Risked Your Life for Love That Never Will!
Shown 26 Jun. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 22]
Rei of the South Star Waterfowl Fist! Was a Man Who Died for His Friends!!
Shown 10 Jul. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 23]
Yuda of the South Star Crimson Crane Fist! His Beautiful Smile Calls for Tragedy!
Shown 17 Jul. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 24]
Shu of the South Star White Heron Fist! The Heaven Only Bestows Cruel Destinies
Shown 24 Jul. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 3, Episode 25]
Holy Emperor Souther! Your Deep Affection Consumes You in Love!
Shown 31 Jul. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 1]
Raoh Must Die! The Legend Turns to Terror!
Shown 7 Aug. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 2]
The South Star Strikes Back! The Wind Brigade Protects the Last General of the South Star!
Shown 14 Aug. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 3]
Prelude to a Death Match! The Screams of Hyui of the Wind Echoes in the Heaven!
Shown 21 Aug. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 4]
The Burning Crimson Brigade! Shuren Is Drenched in Tears of Flame!
Shown 28 Aug. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 5]
Five Chariot Stars in Danger! Raoh Has Finally Pierced Through the Flames!
Shown 4 Sep. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 6]
The Five Chariot Stars Approach Kenshiro! Who Are You, Fudo?!
Shown 11 Sep. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 7]
The Crisis Is Near! Ken, Destiny Awaits at the Capital of the South Star!
Shown 25 Sep. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 8]
I Am Juza of the Clouds! I Shall Move with the Flow of Time!
Shown 16 Oct. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 9]
The Clouds Remain! The Masked General Is Finally Revealed!
Shown 23 Oct. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 10]
Juza of the Clouds Resurrects! I Have No Fear for Raoh!!
Shown 30 Oct. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 11]
Juza vs Raoh! An End of the Legend of the Invincible!!
Shown 6 Nov. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 12]
Fudo in Peril! Hurry, Ken. A Man Must Not Abandon His Friends!
Shown 13 Nov. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 13]
Treacherous Quicksand! Will the Hand of Salvation Reach Fudo?
Shown 20 Nov. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 14]
Juza Falls! I'll Give My Life to Protect the Woman I Love
Shown 27 Nov. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 15]
Farewell Yuria! A Strong Man Will Not Speak of Love, Even in Death!
Shown 4 Dec. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 16]
The Capital of the South Star Trembles! The Two Brothers of the North Star Finally Arrive!
Shown 11 Dec. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 17]
Sadness of the Five Chariot Stars! Love and Destiny Looms Over the Woman!
Shown 18 Dec. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 18]
The Ultimate Secret Technique, Unconscious Transmigration! Raoh, I've Got You Now!
Shown 25 Dec. 1986
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 19]
Is It the End of Raoh and His Ambitions? The Heaven Hesitates Once Again!
Shown 8 Jan. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 20]
Raoh, the Confused Giant! I Don't Believe in Love!!
Shown 15 Jan. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 21]
A Challenge from the Devil! Fudo, Be the Demon for Those You Love!
Shown 22 Jan. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 22]
Fudo, the Gentle Warrior! His Tears Awaken a Fiery Soul!
Shown 29 Jan. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 23]
Protect the Merciful Mother of the South Star! Even If It's the End of the Five Chariots!
Shown 5 Feb. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 24]
Raoh, Shaken by a Nightmare! Yuria, You Are the Only One!!
Shown 12 Feb. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 25]
Showdown at the North Star Mind and Body Training Ground! No One Can Stop Them Now!
Shown 19 Feb. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 26]
Farewell, the Brothers of the North Star! They're Beyond Love and Sorrow!
Shown 26 Feb. 1987
Fist of the North Star [Season 4, Episode 27]
Now Revealed! The 2000 Year History of the North Star!
Shown 5 Mar. 1987