Hidden meanings in works of fiction are only apparent if you look hard enough within stories. Amongst manga series, Fist of the North Star is a prime example. What appears to be a shonen battle series is actually less of a mindless slugfest than you think. Upon inspection, a deep examination of the human condition can be found.

Why do we live, and what do we live for? The various characters of Fist of the North Star have different answers to these questions.

Kenshiro has become an icon of Japanese pop culture, and is responsible for most if not all shonen protagonists who followed him, being not just a fighter, but the best fighter around. Before Dragon Ball invented the tropes of shonen series, Kenshiro was around, ending evil wherever he found it.

He is not, as many say, an antihero, as that becomes apparent when other members of the cast appear.

The art is simply sublime from start to finish. There isn't a gradual rise in quality, it starts the way it means to go on. I don't think any other shonen series matches the quality of its artwork.

If you want a shonen series with less focus on teenage protagonists are more focus on blood-and-guts (if you're squeamish, don't even go near this series) combat, this
iis the one for you.