Ikki Tousen - Ikkitousen ("Strength of a Thousand"), also known as Battle Vixens in North America, is a manga series written and illustrated by Yuji Shiozaki. Based on the classic Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the series revolves around an all-out turf war in the Kanto region of Japan where fighters known as Tōshi (meaning "fighting soldier") from seven schools battle for supremacy. The story centers on Hakufu Sonsaku, a fighter who transfers to Nanyo Academy, one of the seven schools involved in the turf war.
Battle Vixens Characters
Photo by Yenra
Ryomou Shimei of Battle Vixens
"Battle Vixens," known in Japan as "Ikki Tousen," is a manga series written and illustrated by Yuji Shiozaki. The series is loosely based on the classic Chinese novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," but with significant twists: it's set in a modern-day high school environment, and the characters are predominantly voluptuous, fighting girls.
The plot of "Battle Vixens" revolves around seven high schools in the Kanto region of Japan that take the names of kingdoms from the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms." The students are reincarnated heroes from this era who possess sacred jewels (magatamas) that imbue them with different levels of fighting spirit, power, and destiny. The students, led by their respective leaders, wage fierce battles against each other to unite all the high schools under one banner.
The protagonist of the series is Hakufu Sonsaku, a busty, air-headed high school girl who is a skilled fighter despite her often clueless demeanor. Hakufu is the reincarnation of the legendary warrior Sun Ce (known as Sonsaku Hakufu in Japan), and she possesses a powerful magatama. She is drawn into the fierce inter-school battles soon after transferring to a new school.
"Battle Vixens" is known for its combination of martial arts action, fan service (a term used in manga and anime to refer to material intended to amuse or excite its audience), and the creative reinterpretation of historical Chinese figures and events. It's important to note that while the manga has been the subject of criticism for its extensive fan service and depictions of women, it has also gained a substantial fanbase for its unique concept, dynamic action sequences, and reinterpretation of the "Romance of the Three Kingdoms."
"Battle Vixens" (Ikki Tousen) has been adapted into multiple anime series and OVAs (Original Video Animations).