Samson, a former wrestler with cancer, heads the Akatsuki Pro Wrestling group in this violent, often bloody episodic narrative.

I can’t help but like Samson, perhaps out of pity. A lot of wrestling matches take place throughout the series, but most of them are fought by his rivals, adversaries and tormentors. The few officially sanctioned matches that Samson has fought in the manga yield lackluster results, with the once-famous wrestler usually losing, sometimes intentionally. Nevertheless, Samson is always quick to laugh at himself, even in the most humiliating of situations.

Like Samson’s career, many of the chapters and plot buildups essentially go nowhere. Stories are often cut off abruptly, with no continuation or recognition in the following chapter. In a way this approach almost feels appropriate, as the story is sprinkled with subtle reminders of Samson’s bleak future, shown through doctors’ visits and phone calls.

The largest overarching event so far, a revenge rematch against a rival, is postponed and ultimately cancelled following an organized attack on the opponent. Samson takes utter offense and pummels the attacker, followed by an apologetic yet unwelcome visit to his rival’s family. Most of Samson’s battles, in fact, are fought off stage and with the purpose of defending or avenging somebody else, showing his tendency to place honor and pride over fame and recognition.