DD Fist of the North Star 2: Strawberry Flavor Plus
Synopsis
In the 21st century, the characters of Fist of the North Star are living in peaceful Japan. In particular, Kenshirou is a convenience store worker, Raoh works at a factory, and wracked by illness, Toki is looking for work. The legend of the Fighting NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) North Star begins in the modern day. (Source: Crunchyroll) Note: Short stories adapting Hokuto no Ken: Ichigo Aji manga are included at the end of each episode. Serving as a spinoff gag manga of the original Hokuto no Ken series, the story is a parody of Fist of the North Star by Buronson and Tetsuo Hara. It consists of page-long gags centered mainly on Souther, both within his final battle with Kenshiro and inserting himself into other parts of the series where he doesn't belong. One recurring gag involves the kid with a turban repeatedly stabbing Souther in the leg every time he climbs the pyramid's staircase, and another involves Rei suddenly transforming into Souther in his iconic moments. (Source: Hokuto no Ken Wikia)
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with a preference for the 'Strawberry Flavor' shorts featuring Souther. The main 'DD Hokuto no Ken 2' segments are criticized for being a weak parody that strays too far from the source material and delivers jokes poorly. While some find the series entertaining as a one-time watch, it's generally recommended only for dedicated fans of the original 'Fist of the North Star'.
Strengths
- Strawberry Flavor (Souther shorts) are well-received and funnier than the main DD Hokuto no Ken 2 segments.
- Embraces absurdity more than the previous DD Hokuto no Ken series.
- Some episodes are entertaining and even comfy/enjoyable for fans of the original.
Weaknesses
- DD Hokuto no Ken 2 segments are considered a parody of a parody and distant from the original series.
- Humor is often over-the-top, silly, and sometimes dumb, relying on in-jokes.
- Jokes are delivered too fast or lack substance in DD Hokuto no Ken 2.
- Strawberry Flavor segments are not consistently funny for all viewers.