Cyber Blue

If you're already familiar with Fist of The North Star then expect a bit of the same material with a science fiction twist as we follow the heroics of Blue the Cyber Being; a human fused with a machine. (If you haven't read or watched Fist of The North Star then Cyber Blue may serve as a gateway to that franchise.)

Taking place in the year 2035 on the Planet Tinos, we discover human beings need equipment to survive on this planet known as life support systems which aid in breathing. The first chapter begins with the debut of a young teen named Blue whose in need of medical aid. Due to being lied to, Blue ends up with a robot named Fatso and is eventually killed by a corrupt cop. Fatso being moved by Blue's kind spirit, decides to fuse his body with Blue's causing this young man to be revived as a cyber being; being both man and machine. Now older, Blue goes on a hunt to kill the corrupt law enforcement, however the story begins to diverge into more interesting scenarios.

While this series was created with the collaboration of 3 people, its story is very similar to Fist of The North Star, however this is a good thing. Much of the chapters deal with Blue rescuing the oppressed while killing villains in very brutal methods and like Kenshiro, Blue also shares the same grief as humanity due to his own torment during childhood. In other words, if you enjoyed Hokuto No Ken then you'll know what to expect in this series. There are some scenes that are almost identical to the Hokuto stories, much of it includes certain characters resembling Shin, Rei, Souther and Raoh but hilariously the main villain is modeled after the singer Prince. I should note that the artist for Cyber Blue is Tetsuo Hara who drew Fist of The North Star so his involvement may have been the result of the series bearing similar writing and characters.

Blue is definitely similar to Kenshiro but manages to be his own character. Aside from his Robocop origin, Blue's signature trademark is his constant swearing which adds to his somewhat laid back attitude. If I were to compare Blue to another character it be Kasumi Kenshiro as both characters are heroic but seem vulgar when compared to Kenshiro's respectful demeanor. (One scene in particular shows Blue placing his feet on a table while speaking to a woman which is something Kenshiro wouldn't do.) The early chapters contain a lot of humor especially when Blue himself is quite expressive with his coarse language which really separates him from the stoic hero Kenshiro. To end the conversation of Blue's character, Blue is very powerful who can basically hack people's brain to search their memories, gifted with impressive shooting skills that could rival Golgo 13, can merge with technology and constantly evolves which allows him to create weaponry and increased strength. Blue is manly and is just as dangerous as Kenshiro.

So for my final words, the later chapters focus on Blue fighting against these Bio Soldiers who are people merged with animals giving Blue a much deserved challenge. The flaws to this series are very minor which my only complaint was the lack of more intimidating villains as most of the featured enemies were just the common thugs and corrupt figure heads much like in the beginning of Fist of The Blue Sky. Thankfully, the Bio Soldiers were a well executed threat, regardless of their short appearances. Much of the content delivers the same somber feels as North Star and ends with a fight that's akin to a tribute to Kenshiro Vs Raoh as the enemy Galgo is a lion version of Raoh. Cyber Blue displays impressive artwork, great action, very fascinating sci-fi and manliness. It's a shame that the series never got an anime adaptation as it would blended nicely with other anime of the 1980's due to its flair of manly action and its gritty science fiction.

This is great read if you appreciate Tetsuo Hara's work & science fiction.
The story itself made for good entertainment. With a good plot, characters, action & an cyberpunk like setting and Tetsuo Hara's art style.- but that just my thoughts.-.<