Manga Noritaka Le Roi De La Baston Tome 1 A 18 22 Better May 2026

Unboxing a Classic: Noritaka, Le Roi de la Baston (Vols 1–18)

If you grew up in the '90s or early 2000s and spent any time in a comic shop, you likely saw the iconic covers of Noritaka, le roi de la baston

. This series is a cornerstone of the "delinquent-turned-hero" comedy genre, blending high-octane martial arts with the kind of over-the-top humor that defined an era of manga. The Story: Love, Pain, and Muay Thai

The plot kicks off with Sawamura Noritaka, a shy, scrawny high schooler who is constantly picked on. His life changes when he falls head-over-heels for Tanaka, a girl who happens to be a massive fan of Arnold Schwarzenegger and only has eyes for "tough guys".

Desperate to impress her, Noritaka throws himself into the world of Muay Thai. What follows is a series of increasingly absurd and brutal duels against the school’s biggest "meatheads" and eventually, elite fighters. Why the 18-Volume Original Run?

The series, created by Hideo Murata and Takashi Hamori, was serialized in Weekly Shōnen Magazine and originally collected into 18 volumes. While there have been various editions and mentions of "22," fans often point to the original 18-volume set as the "true" complete experience for a few reasons:

Pacing and Arcs: The original 18-volume run covers the core journey from a weakling to a legendary fighter, concluding the story with the same high energy and "decalé" (quirky) spirit it started with.

Art Style Evolution: In the early volumes (1-5), the art is raw and exaggerated, perfectly matching the "pipi-caca" (slapstick) humor. As the series progresses, the fight choreography becomes more detailed and technical, making the later volumes a treat for martial arts fans.

The Completionist’s Choice: Most French editions by Glénat standardly package the series in these 18 volumes, making them the most accessible and cohesive way to own the full story. Is it Better Than Modern Manga?

While modern hits like Hajime No Ippo or Baki offer more grounded realism or extreme body horror, Noritaka holds a special place for its humor. It doesn't take itself too seriously, yet the "zero-to-hero" progression is genuinely satisfying. Reviewers often describe it as "hilarant" (hilarious) and a "super souvenir" of the golden age of shōnen.

If you are looking for a series that combines actual martial arts techniques with laugh-out-loud absurdity, this 18-volume collection is a must-have for your shelf.

Ready to start your collection? You can find early volumes and sets at retailers like Fnac or Amazon to see where Noritaka's journey began. Noritaka - Wikipédia

The manga series Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston (originally Hakaiou Noritaka ) is a cult classic martial arts comedy published in 18 volumes

in its original Japanese run and the standard French edition by Wikipédia

While the standard series consists of 18 volumes, some readers may encounter mentions of a

count or different "better" versions. This usually refers to variations in publishing formats or digital "re-packs" rather than new story content. Why 18 vs. 22 Volumes? manga noritaka le roi de la baston tome 1 a 18 22 better

The discrepancy in volume counts typically stems from how the series was collected across different markets and editions: Original/Glénat Edition (18 Tomes):

This is the most common physical format found in French-speaking regions. It follows the standard tankōbon release that ran from 1991 to 1994. The "22 Volumes" Mention:

This often refers to specific digital distributions or international versions where the chapters were redistributed into smaller volumes. If you are looking for the complete story, the 18-volume Glénat set

is the official and definitive way to read the full series in French. Wikipédia Series Overview

Noritaka Sawamura is a weak, timid student who starts training in Muay Thai (Thai boxing) to impress his crush, Tanaka, who only likes strong guys.

It is famous for its "delirious" 90s humor—mixing slapstick and crude jokes with legitimately intense martial arts action. Comparison: Often compared to Hajime no Ippo

for its boxing focus, but with a much heavier emphasis on absurd comedy and "over-the-top" characters. Amazon.com Collector's Note

If you are hunting for these volumes, be aware that there are "Old" and "New" cover styles

The manga series Noritaka, le roi de la baston ! (known in Japan as Hakaio Noritaka ) consists of 18 volumes in total Wikipédia . The French edition was published by between 1996 and 1999 Bedetheque Series Overview Total Volumes: 18 (Completed series) Wikipédia Written by Hideo Murata and illustrated by Takashi Hamori Wikipédia

Follows Noritaka Sawamura, a timid and weak student who takes up Muay Thai to impress a girl and eventually finds himself facing increasingly powerful martial artists Wikipédia Martial arts comedy (Shonen) Amazon.com Volume List (Glénat Edition)

The series was released on a regular schedule in the late 90s: Tomes 1–5: Released between March and November 1996 Bedetheque Tomes 6–11: Released throughout 1997 Bedetheque Tomes 12–17: Released throughout 1998 Bedetheque Final volume released in January 1999 Bedetheque Collector's Note If you are looking for specific volumes like

, it is likely a misunderstanding of the numbering or a different edition. The original Japanese and the French Glénat runs both conclude at Volume 18 Wikipédia

. Regarding "deep paper," if you are referring to the physical quality, early Glénat Manga Poche

editions from the 90s are known for their standard pocket-manga paper which may yellow over time Bedetheque beyond the main 18-volume run, or a re-edition with different numbering? Noritaka - Wikipédia

Pourquoi lire ces tomes ?

Title: Noritaka – Le Roi de la Baston : Relecture complète des Tomes 1 à 18 (et focus sur le Tome 22)

Genre : Combat de rue, School Delinquent, Shonen Retro Auteur : Atsushi Kase Statut de la série (VO) : Terminée (34 tomes) Statut de l’édition française : Longue, mais culte Unboxing a Classic: Noritaka, Le Roi de la

Si vous avez grandi dans les années 90 ou début 2000, le nom Noritaka vous fait instantanément penser aux lycées japonais les plus violents et aux combats au poing les plus mémorables du manga. Aujourd’hui, nous plongeons dans les 18 premiers tomes de Le Roi de la Baston, avec un clin d’œil spécial au très recherché Tome 22.

Partie 5 : Guide d’Achat – Comment Trouver les Tomes 1 à 18 en 2025 ?

Vous êtes convaincu. Vous voulez la "better" partie. Voici comment chasser ces trésors.

  1. eBay & Rakuten : Recherchez "Noritaka lot 1-18". Évitez les annonces "complet 1-22" surenchéries.
  2. Manga-brocante : Les reventes entre particuliers incluent souvent les tomes en VF (Génération Comics). Vérifiez l’état de la couverture autocollante.
  3. Bibliothèques & ressourceries : Les tomes 4, 7 et 9 sont les plus rares. Ne payez pas plus de 10€ par tome d’occasion.
  4. Version numérique : Certaines plateformes (Kobo, Amazon Kindle) proposent l’intégrale, mais là encore, achetez chapitre par chapitre jusqu’au chapitre 120 (fin du tome 18).

Conseil pro : Évitez les éditions "Perfect" modernes si elles fusionnent des tomes. La meilleure expérience reste la version originale brochée, tome par tome, de 1 à 18.

Résumé global (Tomes 1–18)

Les premiers tomes posent le décor : Noritaka, lycéen au tempérament explosif et au talent naturel pour le combat, se trouve pris dans un tourbillon d’affrontements entre clubs scolaires et gangs de quartier. Les chapitres alternent scènes d’entraînement, duels de rue et arcs où la loyauté et l’honneur sont confrontés. Progressivement, l’univers s’agrandit : rivaux puissants, mentors aux méthodes discutables et enjeux plus personnels apparaissent. Les tomes 1–18 suivent l’ascension de Noritaka comme combattant reconnu, avec des défaites formatrices et des victoires spectaculaires.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Set?

If you see a listing for Noritaka Tomes 1-18 + Tome 22, or you are considering picking them up individually: Do it.

It is a series that has aged gracefully because it never tried to be something it wasn't. It is funny, violent, and undeniably entertaining. It serves as a reminder of a time when manga was a little wilder and a lot less predictable.

Rating: 5/5 (A Classic of the Genre)

Recommendation: Grab a beverage, put on some 90s rock, and dive into the chaos. Long live the King

For fans of Noritaka, le roi de la baston , choosing between the various editions depends on whether you value original historical releases or more modern, compact collections. In France, this classic martial arts comedy has been published in two primary formats by Glénat. Comparison: 18-Volume vs. 22-Volume Editions Original 18-Volume Set (Glénat Manga Poche):

Availability: These are the classic "Poche" editions released between 1996 and 1999.

Content: This set is considered complete for the main French run. Each volume typically features approximately 192 pages.

Why choose it: This version is highly sought after by collectors for its nostalgia and original cover art. It is often found as a complete set on second-hand markets like eBay or LeBonCoin. 22-Volume Japanese Format (Tankōbon):

Structure: In Japan, the original run (1991–1994) was serialized in 18 volumes, but some subsequent international or digital formatting aligns more closely with a 22-volume structure.

Why choose it: If you find a 22-volume set, it often indicates a different regional print (like the original Japanese version) or a digital breakdown that may include extra chapters or "bonus" content not present in the tighter 18-volume French pocket edition. Quick Collecting Tips Completion: If you are buying in French, aim for the 18-volume set

from Glénat to ensure you have the full story as officially localized. Pour les amateurs de baston pure et dure

Condition: Look for editions with their original "jaquettes" (dust jackets), as early French manga releases in the mid-90s are prone to yellowing and spine damage.

Where to Buy: You can check availability for individual volumes or sets at retailers like Fnac or Amazon.

Are you looking to buy a complete set all at once, or are you hunting for specific missing volumes to finish your collection? Amazon.com: Noritaka - Tome 01: 9782723420914

Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston (also known as Hakaiou Noritaka) is a classic 1990s shōnen manga written by Hideo Murata and illustrated by Takashi Hamori . The series follows Noritaka Sawamura, a scrawny and timid 15-year-old high schooler who decides to master martial arts—specifically Muay Thai—to impress his crush, Nakayama, who only has eyes for tough, muscular guys . Series Overview

The complete original series consists of 18 volumes (tomes) . Total Volumes: 18 primary works . Publisher: Published in French by Glénat . Genre: Martial Arts, Comedy, Shōnen . Noritaka - Wikipédia

Noritaka, le Roi de la Baston (or Hakaiou Noritaka) is a cult classic martial arts manga that defined the "zero-to-hero" comedy genre for a generation of readers. Published by Glénat in France between 1996 and 1999, the series spans 18 volumes in its original run.

The story follows Noritaka Sawamura, a skinny, uncool high schooler who decides to learn Muay Thai to impress his crush, Miki Nakayama, who only has eyes for strong men. The Evolution: Volumes 1–18 vs. Beyond

While the core series officially concludes at volume 18 in most Western editions, the journey of Noritaka is often debated based on its pacing and shift in tone.

Tomes 1–18: The Core MasteryThe first 18 volumes cover Noritaka's transformation from a "weakling" (nicknamed "Caca" by his peers) to a formidable fighter. This run is famous for its repetitive but addictive loop: Noritaka accidentally offends a giant opponent, undergoes a seemingly ridiculous training regimen (like feeding a cat or marking territory like a dog), and eventually wins using those specific skills.

The Shift in ToneTowards the final volumes, the formula evolves. Noritaka becomes a traveling martial arts master, participating in global tournaments and helping others. This transition helps the reader appreciate how far the "scrawny kid" has come, moving from a dependent disciple to a master in his own right.

Is "22" Better?In some markets or re-releases, additional chapters or spin-offs may extend the numbering. Generally, fans of the series appreciate the original 18-volume run for its tight comedic timing, while the later chapters are often seen as "extra" content for completionists who want to see Noritaka in more serious, high-stakes environments. Why Noritaka is a Must-Read

Educational Humour: Despite the "gross-out" humour, the manga provides genuine technical descriptions of martial arts like Muay Thai, Karate, and Judo, often referencing real-world legends.

Iconic Art Style: Takashi Hamori's art is known for its exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic fight choreography that makes the comedic payoffs hit harder.

Relatability: Unlike series like Baki or Hajime no Ippo, Noritaka remains a scrawny underdog for a long time, making his hard-won victories feel more satisfying for readers who identify with the "gringalet" archetype. Collector's Guide NORITAKA T.01 : Murata, Hideo, Hamori, Takashi: Amazon.ca

Partie 7 : Verdict – Noritaka, une série culte à redécouvrir

Alors, est-ce que "manga noritaka le roi de la baston tome 1 a 18 22 better" vaut le détour ?

Oui, mille fois oui. Mais à condition :

Noritaka n’est pas un Ken le Survivant ni un Holyland. C’est un punk rock de la baston lycéenne : imparfait, brutal, mais avec un cœur immense.

Manga Noritaka Le Roi de la Baston : Pourquoi les Tomes 1 à 18 sont Supérieurs aux Tomes 19 à 22