Hayato Kuno, a man who chose to become a hitman to support his family as the eldest son after his father committed suicide. In a world like this, the only people who can believe in each other are family members, and it is the eldest son who must endure, never dreaming! What is reflected in Hayato's eyes as he faithfully carries out his orders and lives only in the present reality...? A violent action manga with soul!

The story is about Hyuma Hoshi, a promising young baseball pitcher who dreams of becoming a top star like his father Ittetsu Hoshi in the professional Japanese league. His father was once a 3rd baseman until he was injured in World War II and was forced to retire. The boy would join the ever popular Giants team, and soon he realized the difficulty of managing the high expectations. From the grueling training to battling the rival Mitsuru Hanagata on the Hanshin Tigers, he would have to take out his best pitching magic to step up to the challenge. (Source: Wikipedia)

Isamu was born under a rough sign – a Japanese father, an American Indian mother, both killed by a group of racist thugs in the old west, and rescued by one of the most wanted men of the era. The son of a samurai and an Indian tracker he could become the most powerful gunslinger in the west – if can only survive one of the roughest childhoods anyone has ever seen… (Source: Animeraider)

Betting his youth on a bloodcurdling manga apprenticeship! Ichitaro Hata, the main character, started working as an assistant for a popular mangaka, and met Sosuke Otani, an unparalleled mangaka. Impressed by Otani's description of "A Man's Promise" Ichitaro became his apprentice and began training in the art of manga...! This is the first volume of the "record of the soul" of the young man who supported the dawn of "Weekly Shonen Jump" and who continued to pursue the "Man's Promise" in his works and in his life!

American football player, Taka Yuhino, aspires to become a superstar in the NFL, the professional football league in the United States. In order to train himself further, he travels to the United States where he meets his childhood coach, Bob McKenzie! On the way there, he meets the members of the U.S. football team. Confronted by their condescending attitude, Taka challenges them to a game...? Won the 2nd Kodansha Manga Award for Shounen in 1978.

There are seven young brothers and sisters who grow up peacefully supported by the love and care of their parents. As a token of gratitude, the children present a trip to the couple on their wedding anniversary. This heartfelt deed, however, causes a terrible misfortune as their parents are killed while on their travels. Though it is certainly a shocking tragedy to the youngsters, they cannot be left in sorrow for a long time. Rather they have to make efforts to stand on their own feet in a body without depending on anybody else. So, their strenuous and daring living starts anew helping one another with brotherly affection, and their sincere attitude and lively activities gradually win admiration and encouragement from people of the community. (Source: Wikipedia)

Hyuuma Hoshi is now adult and recovered from his injury. He wants to prove he still the best pitcher.

Ushida Mansaku, following his family tradition, became a boxer, but his career is a succession of defeats. After one last loss, he decides to run away and starts a new life living as a woman. Eventually, he became an office lady in a big company, under the name of Ushida Manko (Myriam), where everybody sees him as a beautiful, warm, and gentle OL. *Note: Release dates are based on the tankoubon volumes.*

Ichirou Azuma, a young amateur wrestler, wants to participate in the Olympics Games in Mexico. (Source: Anime News Network)

A slapstick gag comedy depicting the ruckus caused by Kaze Daizaemon, an ambitious boy who came to Tokyo from Aomori. There is also the aspect of a sports manga that aims to become a first-class judoka under the guidance of his late father's best friend. A representative work of Noboru Kawasaki. Received the 14th Shogakukan Manga Award (1968).

This installment of Chikuma Bunko's "contemporary manga" series is curated by Natsume Fusanosuke and contains excerpts and stand alone short works that represents the greatest action and sports manga of the 1960's-70's 1. **Zashiki Warashi** (ざしきわらし) \[Sanpei Shirato\] 2. **Tachimochi Umanosuke** (太刀持右馬之介) \[Hiroshi Hirata\] 3. **Kyojin no Hoshi** (巨人の星) \[Ikki Kajiwara & Noboru Kawasaki\] 4. **Ashita no Joe** (あしたのジョー) \[Asao Takamori & Tetsuya Chiba\] 5. **Karate Baka Ichidai** (空手バカ一代) \[Ikki Kajiwara & Jirou Tsunoda\] 6. **Otokogumi** (男組) \[Tetsu Kariya & Ryoichi Ikegami\] 7. **Juukyoden** (柔俠伝) \[Baron Yoshimoto\] 8. **Nikudan Jidai** (肉弾時代) \[Kazuhiko Miyaya\] 9. **Tomo yo Isoge** (友よ急げ) \[Akihiro Takadera\]