ドカベン [Dokaben] #1

The cover of this first volume sets an energetic tone, presenting a group of powerfully built young athletes in martial arts and sports gear, dominated by a towering figure in a bright yellow judogi at the center — almost certainly our protagonist Dokaben himself. Creator 水島新司 (Mizushima Shinji) launches what would become one of the most beloved sports manga series in Shōnen Champion Comics history, and this opening volume, published by Akita Shoten, captures that rough-and-tumble spirit right from the start. If you're exploring the roots of Japanese baseball and sports manga culture, this is a genuinely rewarding place to begin.