What is Kinnikuman?#
Kinnikuman (also known as Muscleman) is a wild ride that blends science fiction, comedy, and high-stakes tournament action. The story follows Kinniku Suguru, a clumsy, gyuudon-loving excuse for a superhero who happens to be the prince of an alien planet. While he may start as a cowardly moron, Suguru possesses a deep sense of honor and an incredible capacity for growth.
Alongside his sidekick Meat-kun and allies like Terryman and Ramenman, Suguru strives to become the greatest Choujin (superhuman) on the planet. Through the “Power of Friendship” and his “Burning Inner Strength,” he manages to defeat opponents far more powerful than himself, often turning enemies into allies. It is a heartwarming journey of an idiot slowly becoming a true “Hero.”
If you’re looking to dive into this world, you can buy the Kinnikuman manga to get the full story from the start.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
If you are wondering, “Is Kinnikuman finished?”, the answer is no. The franchise has a long history of adaptations, but it is currently seeing a major resurgence.
While the original series from the 80s and 90s concluded their runs, the newer Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc is very much active. As of August 2025, a third season for the Perfect Origin Arc has been officially announced. With Season 2 having premiered in January 2025 and featuring high-profile casting (including WWE’s Shinsuke Nakamura), the story is still expanding.
Because the anime is ongoing, viewers who want a complete conclusion right now may find themselves needing to refer to the source material, though the current anime trajectory suggests more content is on the way. To stay updated on the latest releases, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Audience Appeal: Who Should Watch?#
Kinnikuman is perfect for fans of the “tournament arc” trope. If you enjoy seeing characters grow from weaklings to powerhouses through sheer determination and friendship, this is for you. Its unique blend of absurd comedy and genuine emotional stakes makes it accessible to a wide audience, especially those who enjoy classic shonen themes of honor and perseverance.
If you love the characters and the world, you might also want to pick up some Kinnikuman merchandise to show your support for the Choujins!
Recommended Watch Orders#
Navigating the Kinnikuman universe can be tricky due to the various sequels, spin-offs, and retellings. For a better visual understanding of how these series connect, we highly recommend checking out the relationship tree provided below this article.
The Release Order#
For those who want to experience the franchise as the world did:
- Start with the original 1983 Kinnikuman anime series and its immediate sequels (Seigi Chōjin arcs).
- Move to Kinnikuman: Kinnikusei Ōi Sōdatsu-hen (1991).
- Explore the Tatakae!! Rāmenman series (1988).
- Jump into the Ultimate Muscle / Kinnikuman Nisei era (starting 2001/2002).
- Finish with the modern Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc (2024-Present).
The Completionist Order#
If you want every single piece of content, you must include the side stories and spin-offs:
- Follow the Release Order, but ensure you include the Kinnikuman no Kōtsū Anzen side story and the Kessen! Shichinin no Seigi Chōjin vs. Uchū Nobushi spin-off.
- Include all iterations of Ultimate Muscle, including Ultimate Muscle 2 and Muscle Ninjin Sōdatsu! Chōjin Daisensō.
The Manga-Hybrid Order#
For those who don’t mind reading to get the most complete experience:
- Read the original Kinnikuman manga (1979–1987).
- Read the Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy manga and its sequels (Kyūkyoku no Chōjin Tag Hen).
- Watch the Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc anime to see the modern adaptation of the story.
If this guide helped you plan your watch order, consider supporting us on Ko-fi to keep our research going!
Quick Summary for Newcomers#
- Genre: Comedy/Tournament/Sci-Fi.
- Current Status: Ongoing (Perfect Origin Arc Season 3 announced).
- Vibe: Underdog story with plenty of humor and heart.
- Pro Tip: Don’t be fooled by the early comedy; the growth of the main character is genuinely satisfying.
Kinnikuman • manga • 1979 to 1987 (Shonen Jump Japan 1979 No.2,14,22 to 1987 No.21)
└─(sequel)→ Ultimate Muscle: The Kinnikuman Legacy • manga • 1998 to 2004 (part 1, serialized in <i>Weekly Playboy</i>)
└─(adaptation)→ Kinnikuman Nisei - Second Generations • anime • 2001-07-14
└─(alternate retelling)→ Kinnikuman Nisei: All Chōjin Daishingeki • manga • 2001-05-21 to 2007-03-20 (serialized in V Jump, Jul 2001 - May 2007)
└─(adaptation)→ Ultimate Muscle • anime • 2002-01-09 to 2002-12-25
└─(related)→ Kinnikuman Nisei: Muscle Ninjin Sōdatsu! Chōjin Daisensō • anime • 2002-07-20
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman Nisei - Ultimate Muscle • anime • 2003-10-18 to 2004-02-21 (USA; FoxBox)
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman Nisei - Ultimate Muscle 2 • anime • 2004-02-28 to 2004-05-22 (USA; FoxBox)
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman Nisei: Kyūkyoku no Chōjin Tag Hen • manga • 2005-11-18 to 2011-12-19
└─(adaptation)→ Kinnikuman • anime • 1983-04-03 to 1986-08-19
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman • anime • 1984-07-14
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Ōabare! Seigi Chōjin • anime • 1984-12-22
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Seigi Chōjin vs Kodai Chōjin • anime • 1985-03-16
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Gyakushū! Uchū Kakure Chōjin • anime • 1985-07-13
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Haresugata! Seigi Chōjin • anime • 1985-12-21
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: New York Kikiippatsu! • anime • 1986-03-15
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Seigi Chōjin vs Senshi Chōjin • anime • 1986-12-20
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Kinnikusei Ōi Sōdatsu-hen • anime • 1991-10-06 to 1992-09-27
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc • anime • 2024-07-07
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc • anime • 2025-01-12
└─(sequel)→ Kinnikuman: Perfect Origin Arc • anime •
└─(spinoff)→ Kinnikuman: Kessen! Shichinin no Seigi Chōjin vs. Uchū Nobushi • anime • 1984
└─(side story)→ Kinnikuman no Kōtsū Anzen • anime • 1986
└─(spinoff)→ Tatakae!! Rāmenman • manga • 1982-08 to 1988-12 (serialized in <i>Fresh Jump</i>)
└─(adaptation)→ Tatakae!! Rāmenman • anime • 1988-01-10 to 1988-09-11
└─(related)→ Tatakae!! Rāmenman • anime • 1988-07-09
└─(spinoff)→ Kinnikuman Lady • manga • 2008-06-19 to 2013-06-19
└─(related)→ Chō Kochikame • manga • 2006-09-15
└─(spinoff)→ Kinnikuman: Yomikiri Kessakusen • manga • 2011
