In a groundbreaking announcement that has fans of anime and martial arts alike buzzing with anticipation, the BAKI HANMA VS KENGAN ASHURA crossover anime movie has unveiled its first trailer. This eagerly awaited reveal was accompanied by the release of a new key visual, the announcement of the theme song titled Fly High by Atarashi Gakko, and the disclosure of the full roster of competitors set to bring the action to life on Netflix starting June 6.
The trailer gives fans a first look at the high-octane action and intense rivalry expected to unfold between the iconic characters from two of the most beloved martial arts manga and anime series. Notably, aside from the titular Baki Hanma and Ohma Tokita (also known as Ohma), matchups including Saw Paing Yoroizuka versus Kaoru Hanyama, and Raian Kure against Jack Hammer were disclosed, promising a series of epic confrontations that will undoubtedly captivate audiences.
The crossover was first announced at the Anime Japan 2024 event, signaling a collaboration that will merge the worlds of Hanma Baki and Kengan Ashura in a way fans have never seen before. The key visual accompanying this announcement showcases the fighters in stunning detail, hinting at the intensity and the high stakes of the battles that lie ahead.
The backstory of both series is a testament to their enduring popularity and the rich world-building that has captivated fans worldwide. Keisuke Itagaki’s Hanma Baki, which was serialized from 1991 to 1999, spawned three sequel manga series — Baki, Baki Hanma (Baki: Son of Ogre), and two iterations of Baki-Dou. The series’ latest reboot began in 2018 with Baki, followed by Baki: The Great Raitai Tournament Saga in Spring 2020, and the continuation with Baki Hanma Season 2.
On the other hand, Kengan Ashura, written by Yabako Sandrovich and illustrated by Daromeon, ran from 2012 to 2018 and introduced fans to a sequel, Kengan Omega, which continues to expand the series’ universe. The anime adaptation, launched on Netflix in 2019, quickly gained a following for its gripping fight sequences and detailed character development, with the second season excitingly airing its first part in September 2023, and the second part slated for release in August.
This cross-over event signifies a pivotal moment for both franchises as they bring together their most formidable characters for an unforgettable showdown on Netflix. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how these fighters’ unique styles and strengths will clash in the animated adaptation, promising a blend of strategic battles and raw power.
With the backing of Netflix, a platform that has become synonymous with the global distribution of anime, the HANMA BAKI VS KENGAN ASHURA crossover movie is set to reach a wide audience, tapping into the existing fanbases of each franchise and attracting new viewers intrigued by the prospect of this monumental battle.
As the release date approaches, fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and prepare for a spectacle that promises to deliver all the action, drama, and heart-stopping moments that have defined both Hanma Baki and Kengan Ashura as titans of the martial arts anime genre. With Fly High setting the tone, the stage is set for a confrontation that will be remembered in anime history.
