In this episode of Manga With Josh, I talk about Did Someone Force You To Become The Heavenly Demon?, a newer Korean manhwa that approaches the Murim genre from an unexpected angle. Rather than following a protagonist driven by ambition or revenge, this story centers on someone who simply wanted to survive and live a normal life — and ends up becoming a disciple of the Heavenly Demon because there was no other choice.

The series blends martial arts, cultivation, and comedy, but what makes it stand out is its focus on consequences. Power here isn’t free, and every technique comes with a psychological cost that the story refuses to ignore.

What We Talk About

The Murim world and the divide between orthodox and unorthodox factions

Who the Heavenly Demon is and why that title carries so much weight

A reluctant protagonist forced into discipleship to survive

Martial arts styles that come with emotional and mental drawbacks

Disciples shaped by anger, detachment, obsession, and anxiety

Humor as a way to explore darker themes without losing balance

The early training arc and the transition into the academy storyline

Why This Manhwa Stood Out

What makes this series interesting isn’t just its premise, but how seriously it takes the idea that power changes people. Each discipline taught by the Heavenly Demon introduces a flaw alongside its strength, and the story explores what it means to live with those consequences instead of overcoming them instantly. The protagonist’s response isn’t dominance or rebellion, but structure — introducing routine, rules, and even therapy into a world that doesn’t normally make space for any of that.

It’s a Murim story that understands the genre well enough to play with it, using humor and character dynamics to say something a little quieter and more grounded.

Final Thoughts

With only a few dozen chapters released so far, Did Someone Force You To Become The Heavenly Demon? is easy to catch up on and clearly still finding its footing. It may never become a massive, animated franchise, but it doesn’t need to. There’s room here for steady growth, deeper character exploration, and a long-term arc that feels earned rather than rushed.

If you enjoy Murim stories that aren’t built around power fantasies, this is one worth keeping an eye on.

About the Show

Manga With Josh is a podcast where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

Episode 12 – Hajime no Ippo

Subtitle: The Boxing Manga That Refused to Fade

In this episode, I talk about Hajime no Ippo, a boxing manga that has been running quietly and consistently for decades. First serialized in 1989, it’s a series that existed long before many modern readers were paying attention, yet it continues to shape conversations around sports manga today.

Rather than chasing trends or rushing its story forward, Hajime no Ippo focuses on steady growth, discipline, and the reality of pursuing something difficult over a long period of time. It follows Makunouchi Ippo, a bullied high schooler who stumbles into boxing and slowly builds himself into a professional fighter through training, setbacks, and persistence.

What We Talk About

The origins of Hajime no Ippo and its long publication history

Makunouchi Ippo’s journey from outsider to professional boxer

Why the series’ slow pacing works in its favor

The realism of its boxing, training, and recovery arcs

The anime adaptations across three different eras

How character growth and rivalries drive the story forward

Why the series still matters after more than three decades

Why This Manga Stood Out

Hajime no Ippo doesn’t try to overwhelm the reader with constant spectacle. It allows time to pass naturally, giving space for training, injuries, relationships, and doubt. Fights feel earned because you see the work that leads up to them, and victories never come without consequence.

The series also treats boxing with respect. It emphasizes fundamentals, preparation, and mental endurance rather than exaggerated techniques, which gives the story a grounded tone that’s rare in long-running sports manga.

Final Thoughts

This episode isn’t about convincing everyone to start reading 1,500 chapters overnight. It’s about recognizing a series that has lasted as long as it has for a reason. Hajime no Ippo rewards patience, attention, and an appreciation for gradual growth.

If you enjoy stories that value discipline, character development, and realism — especially within sports — this is a manga that’s worth approaching at your own pace.

About the Show

Manga With Josh is a podcast where I explore manga — well-known and obscure — through first impressions, reflection, and honest discussion.

As always, this is Manga With Josh — where we explore manga you may not have heard of, but probably should have.

In this episode, I talk about The Absolute Scholar, a lesser-known manga that caught my attention because of how quietly confident it is. At the time of recording, it’s a short series with roughly twenty chapters, which makes it easy to miss — but also easy to explore without a huge time commitment.

Rather than relying on spectacle, the story focuses on a scholar who embodies both intelligence and strength. It’s a refreshing take that blends discipline, knowledge, and capability in a way that feels grounded instead of exaggerated.

What We Talk About

• Discovering The Absolute Scholar and why it stood out

• First impressions and overall tone of the series

• The portrayal of a strong, capable scholar

• How the manga balances intellect and power

• Why short, lesser-known series can be worth exploring

• The appeal of finding manga outside the usual recommendations

Why This Manga Stood Out

The Absolute Scholar doesn’t rush to prove itself. It takes a measured approach, allowing the character’s intelligence and discipline to speak for themselves. The result is a story that feels focused and intentional, even in its early chapters.

Final Thoughts

This episode isn’t about declaring a must-read or overhyping a series. It’s about noticing something small, interesting, and different — the kind of manga you come across when you’re willing to dig a little deeper.

If you enjoy discovering hidden gems and exploring stories that approach familiar ideas from a quieter angle, this one is worth checking out.

About the Show

Manga With Josh is a podcast where I explore manga — well-known and obscure — through first impressions, reflections, and honest discussion.