Kinnikuman is a very iconic anime and manga. The manga series was created in 1979 by Yoshinori Nakai and Takashi Shimada. The series follows Suguru Kinniku, a superhero turned wrestler that must win a giant wrestling competition against beings from different planets and dimensions to retain the title of Prince of Planet Kinniku.

RELATED: 5 90s Shounen Anime That Got Overlooked (& 5 That Were Way Too Popular)

This series actually has a deep history in the West although many may not even know. Sadly that history hasn't translated to readers, as Kinnikuman's popularity in the West greatly pales in comparison to that of it in Japan. This list will be giving a few reasons that this series needs to be your next manga binge.

Write for us! Do you have proven online publishing experience? Click HERE and Join our Team!

10 IT IS ONE OF THE MUST-READ SHONEN

For shonen fans, there are quite a few series that are must-reads. Among those titles are One Piece, Dragon Ball, Naruto, Bleach, Death Note, Baki, and more. Of course, some are much more popular in Japan than they are in places like the United States.

One of those series that is more popular in its homeland is, of course, Kinnikuman. In Japan, this series has been going on since the late '70s and is still one of the most popular manga.

9 YOU MAY ALREADY BE A FAN

Kinnikuman does have a bit of a presence in the United States already. The series enjoyed a degree of popularity as the rebranded minifigure line called, M.U.S.C.L.E (Millions of Unusual Small Creatures Lurking Everywhere). This series also had videogames released in the U.S. There was also the very popular 4kids airing of Kinnikuman's sequel, Kinnikuman: Nisei which was rebranded as Kinnikuman Legacy: Ultimate Muscle.

The reason that the series didn't really get its shine in its original form in the West was mostly due to the fact that it was very violent.

8 THE ART KEEPS GETTING BETTER

When first getting into the Kinnikuman manga, one will initially be greeted with the Yudetamago duo's earliest art. However, as the series moves on, it becomes very noticeable that the artists begin to get better and better, with the manga's current art being some of the most distinct and best in the medium.

RELATED: 10 Anime That Deserve a Revival

While the manga's early art might draw potential readers away, those who stick with the series are in for a treat. The art becomes amazing and is easily one of the best parts of the series due to the character designs that accompany it.

7 SUGURU IS ONE OF THE BEST SHONEN PROTAGONISTS

In the pantheon of shonen protagonists, Suguru Kinniku easily shines as one of the best. This once spoiled and selfish prince grows to be an amazing fighter and lead character of his manga. It is truly a treat to witness the birth of his legacy, especially because in the beginning he is looked at as a huge joke to all his peers.

This journey puts Suguru up there with names like Luffy, Goku, and Naruto. Despite his popularity not being as vast, there is actually an argument for Suguru being even better than those three.

6 THE ACTION IS AMAZING

Kinnikuman actually has some of the best action in all of manga. This is due to the fact that the characters are so darn creative and that the battles tend to defy all known laws of nature. This makes for some very unique battles that readers will not find anywhere else.

It only takes one quick look at the designs of the characters and their abilities to see exactly what is meant by this. Not to mention that the stages for battle tend to have some surprises in store as well.

5 THE CHARACTERS ARE GREAT

Speaking of character designs, they are part of the reason that so many of these characters are great. Each character in Kinnikuman has something different to offer both personality and design-wise. They all enjoy a bit of importance at one time or another, which makes it fun when they appear again.

Speaking of appearing, Kinnikuman is one of those shonen series that never forgets a character. Whoever someone ends up getting attached to, they don't have to fear that the character will never show up again after completing their initial part.

4 IT'S VERY CHARMING

One thing that every shonen series needs is charm. Without charm, no one will want to follow the manga. Thankfully, if there's one thing that Kinnikuman has in spades, it has to be charm.

RELATED: Shonen Jump: 10 Undeniable Ways That The Big Three Changed The Shonen Genre Forever

This charm comes from not only Suguru Kinniku, but also from the world around him. The characters, their designs, the relationships, and more all come together to create an experience unlike any other.

3 IT'S HILARIOUS

Kinnikuman's charm also comes into play when it comes to the manga's comedy. This series is one of the funniest around and will keep fans reading for the gags just as much as for the awesome fights.

A lot of this hilarity comes from Suguru himself, however, there are other characters that will leave readers laughing just as much every time they show up.

2 IT'S A SERIES FOR WRESTLING FANS

Kinnikuman can be seen as being written by wrestling fans. As the series is based around some heavily exaggerated wrestling from beings of different worlds, many moments play out a lot like wrestling promos, albeit on a galactic scale.

RELATED: 5 Annoying Shounen Anime Tropes That We Hope Disappear (& 5 That Aren't Going Anywhere)

Furthermore, the battles play out like wrestling matches. There are signature moves and a lot of awesome stages. Many of the signature moves are even inspired and taken from real wrestling.

kinnikuman charm

Kinnikuman is easily one of the most popular manga and anime in Japan and has a huge place in the history of the medium. As said earlier, the series started in the late '70s and has retained its popularity even until now with its recent reboot series.

It's really a shame that the rest of the world doesn't share the same love for the series, but that doesn't mean that it isn't worth getting into. Kinnikuman is absolutely worth the time.

NEXT: 5 Things Wrong with Shonen Jump Anime (& 5 Things They Do Better Than Anyone Else)