Ashita no Joe is celebrating its milestone golden anniversary this year. Of course, the celebrations also include the upcoming spin-off anime, Megalobox, which features an original story. Now, the anime’s staff have finally revealed the upcoming series’ new teaser PV, as well as its key visual:

The anime will follow the boxer they call “Junk Dog,” or JD for short. He participates in fixed underground boxing matches in order to survive. However, as he takes on a certain new opponent, everything changes. Master Keaton animation director, You Moriyama, is directing the new TV anime over at TMS Entertainment. The anime will premiere sometime later this year, celebrating Ashita no Joe’s 50th anniversary.

And speaking of celebrations, Tokyo Solamachi’s Space 634 will be holding an Ashita no Joe 50th anniversary exhibition. It will feature artworks and illustrations, as well as materials from the anime and tribute artworks from various mangaka. They will be holding it for a limited time, from 28th April until 6th May.

Ikki Kajiwara wrote the manga’s story, while Tetsuya Chiba illustrated it. Together, the two launched the manga inside the pages of Shonen Magazine way back in 1968. It then went on to become one of the most iconic anime in Japan, and became the bar for later sports manga to follow.

Considered a true icon of Japanese pop culture, the manga follows the exploits of boxer Joe Yabuki. Growing up in an orphanage, Joe would often get himself into trouble, and even lands in juvenile prison. However, everything changes after he meets former boxing trainer, Danpei.

Source: Comic Natalie