Kengan Ashura

Kengan Ashura is an anime series available on Netflix, first launched in 2019. Adapted from a manga series written by Yabako Sandrovich and illustrated by Daromeon, the show has garnered a dedicated following of fans who appreciate the fast-paced action, complex characters, and intricate storytelling. The series is loaded with intense fight scenes, showcasing the brutal but strategic world of gladiatorial combat that becomes the nucleus of the storyline.

The narrative pivots around Tokita Ohma, a skilled and powerful fighter known as 'Ashura' in the series. He fights under the banner of the Yamashita Trading Co., a modest firm catapulted into an enclave of such fights, known as the Kengan matches. These underground combats are held secretly by wealthy businessmen and merchants for centuries and are far removed from the public eye.

Ohma's story in Kengan Ashura is a gripping narrative often told through body-crushing brawls in the underground fighting arenas. His raw power and unparalleled fight style are incredible, especially when employed in the no-holds-barred battles of the Kengan matches. The audience is on a constant adrenaline high, just like the fighters, as Ohma delivers one breath-taking performance after another.

At the heart of the series is Kazuo Yamashita, an unassuming middle-aged businessman working in the Yamashita Trading Co. The man's tedious life takes an exhilarating turn when he remakes the acquaintance of Ohma, who quickly gets roped into fighting in the Kengan matches on behalf of the trading company. Kazuo becomes Ohma’s manager, a role that exposes him not only to incredible bouts, but he has to wade through the treacherous terrains of corporate politics and intrigue as well.

Kengan Ashura adeptly uses the world of underground martial arts as a metaphor for corporate battles. Here, the company's strength is measured not based on ledgers, but how well their representative fighters perform in the underground arena. The stakes run high, the duels often having serious impact on business deals and transactions in the sunlit upper world. This blend of capitalist critique and martial-arts-oriented narrative keeps the audience on the edge of their seat.

The series places a great emphasis on strength and fighting skills, with each combatant possessing a unique style. These styles range from traditional martial arts to modern fight methods, making every match an unpredictable event. It is not just about physical power in Kengan Ashura; the characters must hone their strategic thinking, perseverance, and mental toughness to survive and achieve victory.

Away from the brutal collisions, Kengan Ashura also invests in character development and plot twists. Every character you meet has a backstory that slowly unfolds as the series progresses, further enriching the narrative. The fighters and their motivations are explored, imbuing life and depth into their characters, making them more than just fighting machines.

Kengan Ashura is graphically violent but maintains a level of realism in its portrayal of martial arts. The show does unsparingly show the gory results of a violent fight, but at the same time, it does not glorify the violence. Instead, it uses it as a tool to portray the raw, unfiltered reality of such brutal fights, reiterating that every action has its consequences.

The series also benefits from the strong bond between Ohma and Yamashita. They become an unlikely, yet deep-rooted pair who provide each other with courage and support in their high-stake endeavors. This emotional aspect, coupled with an engaging storyline and high-octane action sequences, make Kengan Ashura an entertaining watch for viewers with an appetite for intense battle anime.

Kengo Ashura is not for the faint-hearted. This Netflix adaptation has done a commendable job of replicating the essence of the original manga, portraying harsh realities punctuated with beautifully choreographed fight scenes. Despite their gritty nature, these scenes are a distinguishing feature of the series and reflect the dark world the characters inhabit. With a thrilling plot and fabulous visualization, Kengan Ashura has all the makings of a captivating brutal action series.