Fist of the North Star (北斗の拳 Hokuto no Ken, literally Fist of the Big Dipper) is a manga series that was originally serialized from 1983 to 1988 in the Japanese Weekly Shonen Jump, created by Tetsuo Hara and Buronson. It was originally collected in 27 individual volumes (tankobon) and later rerelased in 15 deluxe kazenban.

Set in a post apocalyptic world where the Earth is barren and the strong survive by preying on the weak, the series follows the journey of Kenshiro, the successor of Hokuto Shinken (北斗神拳, "Divine Fist of the Big Dipper"), a secret martial arts style that allows its practioner to destroy an opponent's body from within by striking into vital pressure points, often resulting in a violent and gruesome death (as the series was notorious for). Kenshiro uses his skills to protect the weak and innocent against the numerous villains that threaten their survival.

Fist of the North Star is often considered by many to be a precursor to various violent martial arts-themed manga series. Like many popular titles, it has inspired various animated adaptations, as well merchandises such as action figures and video games.

The Fist of the North Star animated film premiered in Japan on March 8, 1986, between the airings of episode #66 and #67 of the original series (during its third season), although the manga was already far ahead. The movie was intended to be a big-screen treatment of the manga, and avoid the watering-down of violence that came with the TV series. The English-dubbed version was released in North America by Streamline Pictures in 1991

In a notable deviation from the series, the film finds time to begin with a detailed peek at the Earth as it was before and during the fabled nuclear devastation. Starting with a calm, surreal look at various points of mother nature, a brief on-screen message then informs the audience of the imminent calamity, followed by unsettling scenes of human life consumed in flame.

The film draws heavily from the first two seasons of the original series, although certain liberties were taken to tell the story in a condensed form. Toki, the second of Kenshiro's older brothers, is never seen or mentioned. Out of the six Nanto Rokuseiken warriors, only Yuria, Shin and Rei are shown. Yuria's Nanto heritage is mentioned thorough the original Japan version (this was months before the Last Nanto Warrior arc was adapted in the series). Mamiya, Rei's love interest in the manga, is never seen, partly because Yuria never commits suicide and thus, is the heroine in her place.

Raoh serves as the main antagonist, with Jagi and Shin as the other two major villains. Many other villains from the manga such as the Colonel and Jackal only make cameo appearances as minor henchmen with some of the notable fight scenes involving Zeed, Heart and Uighur. Only Kiba Daio appears as a rival warlord against Raoh.

There were two endings produced for the film. The original theatrical ending showed Raoh emerging victorious over Kenshiro, but sparing his life, leaving him to protect Lin (hinting her Gento origins). The other ending, which was used on home video versions, ends the fight in a draw. The former ending was used in the English dubbed version by Streamline.

From Wikipedia