Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura isn’t out yet but the hype surrounding its upcoming release has reached fever pitch after Netflix dropped its first official trailer. The epic crossover will feature the leads of Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura in an animated feature film that has anime fans begging for its immediate release.
What would it be like if Goku and Superman fought? While we won’t get the answer to this age-old question anytime soon, Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura is the next best thing. As expected, social media is blowing up with fans on Reddit and X sharing their thoughts.
Fans Are Loving the New Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura Trailer
“Damn this trailer was heat” mentioned one fan on X. “I would watch multiple seasons of the Kengan Ashura roster vs the Baki roster. Like Biscuit Oliver vs Jun Sekibayashi or Doppo vs Cosmo Imai.” said another on the same platform.
So far, over a million have tuned in and watched the 2-minute and 10-second long trailer on X, which plays to the tune of the opening theme song, “Fly High” by ATARASHII GAKKO!. This highlights the show and its significance. A Reddit user described it best when they said that the film is a “well-funded fanfic.” But, while this may seem like a fever dream, the collaborative effort between the established fighting franchises features the involvement of the original writer of Kengan Ashura, Yabako Sandrovich.
Aside from the trailer, Netflix also dropped a key visual for Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura confirming the following fights: Saw Paing Yoriozuka vs. Kaoru Hanayama, Raian Kure vs. Jack Hammer, and of course, the clash between “The Strongest Highschooler” Baki Hanma and “The Successor of the Niko Style” Ohma Tokita.
Why is Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura a Big Deal?
Baki Hanma and Kengan Ashura enjoy huge followings for featuring characters who live and breathe to fight and become the strongest in the world. Fans of Baki Hanma will be tuning in to watch the series as it picks up following its conclusion on Netflix. The said season faithfully adapts the “Strongest Father and Child Quarrel Saga” from the manga, leaving fans wondering how powerful the titular protagonist has grown, especially ahead of the announced anime adaptation of Baki-Dou, which currently lacks a release date.
As the movie isn’t based on existing source material, the crossover offers never-before-seen fights between multiple characters from different universes that employ unique fighting styles and strengths. In the words of one fan when the initial teaser dropped in March, “I don’t think people on the outside looking in understand how crazy this is this is like if we got an actual Goku vs Superman movie.”
Unlike Baki Hanma, Kengan Ashura is still ongoing on Netflix. The two-part first season made its debut in July 2019. This crossover should attract fans from both fighting anime universes. This bodes well for the upcoming release of Part 2 of Season 2 of Kengan Ashura on August 2024.
For some, this would serve as an introduction to either series. Those who haven’t watched one or the other before might want to see what the hype surrounding Kengan Ashura or Baki Hanma is all about. But, for the hardcore fans, it’s a chance to see their favorite characters in a different light against new opponents.
Who Will Win? Baki Hanma or Ohma Tokita?
As expected, the movie is already sparking discussions about who will win. Some believe this will be a 3-0 stomp for the characters from Baki Hanma. But, others aren’t convinced. Nevertheless, as a crossover collaboration, this unique event is expected to offer fresh perspectives about matchups previously thought impossible.
Regardless of which fighter wins, it will be the fans who will be celebrating the once-in-a-lifetime event. This is a can’t-miss opportunity for fans of both franchises, so be sure to tune in when Baki Hanma vs. Kengan Ashura becomes available to watch on June 6.
Mac Montoya