Must-watch Anime Recommendations for Air Master Fans

Yokusaru Shibata's Air Master was brought to life as an anime by Toei Animation in 2003 but unfortunately, it faced limited support, resulting in the lack of subsequent seasons. It is truly regrettable as this series is often overlooked despite having a dedicated fan base that strongly advocates for its well-deserved recognition.

Our central character, Maki Aikawa, is an adolescent and former gymnast who finds immense excitement in participating in physical altercations. Engaging in underground fights and competitions, she adeptly incorporates her gymnastics expertise into her distinctive fighting technique, known as "Air Master."

Check out the following anime series, listed in no specific order, which offer a similar vibe for fans seeking captivating shows.

Note: The viewpoints expressed here are exclusively those of the author, and individual perspectives may differ.

10 anime series for people who have enjoyed Air Master

1. Record of Ragnarok

Gods Vs. Humans in Record of Ragnarok (Image via Graphinica).

Record of Ragnarok differs greatly from Air Master in terms of its plot elements, particularly the concept of humans engaging in intense battles with gods in order to secure their survival. However, it still revolves around a central focus of a tournament where numerous formidable contenders face off against each other. Similar to Maki, there are several characters who share a fervor for combat, resulting in the inclusion of the beloved anime trope of a tournament arc.

In this narrative, the gods have made the decision to bring an end to humanity. As a means of salvation, humanity is presented with the Ragnarok Clause, whereby a group of fighters from various historical periods are chosen to engage in individual battles against multiple gods. The outcome of these battles will determine the fate of humanity - if the human fighters emerge victorious, humanity will be spared.

This story serves to explore several historical and mythical figures from human culture while also celebrating some significant themes about what makes humanity as a whole.

2. Baki

Baki is a thrilling watch, known for its exhilarating action sequences and hilarious moments (Image via TMS Entertainment).

If Maki had a sibling, it would undoubtedly be Baki. These two series share numerous similarities: their protagonists are teenagers who possess a passion for fighting and actively partake in underground tournaments. With its striking blend of humor and intense martial arts battles, both shows exude a comparable vibe, offering a well-rounded entertainment experience.

Air Master and Baki center around individuals who find enjoyment in the act of fighting. The story revolves around Baki Hanma, a teenager whose father, Yujiro Hanma, is considered the most powerful person worldwide and responsible for his mother's demise. In an attempt to surpass his father, Baki dedicates himself to intense training to become a skilled fighter, although his goal seems nearly unattainable.

This series has garnered a reputation for its occasional absurdity and instances where the physical feats performed by the characters push the boundaries of possibility for ordinary humans. Nevertheless, it undergoes significant transformations and carries a compelling message of personal growth, resonating with many viewers, similar to Air Master.

3. One Punch Man

One Punch Man has a similar premise to Air Master in its way (Image via Jump Comics).

Both Air Master's Maki and One Punch Man's Saitama share a common desire for a worthy combat challenge. However, their paths diverge as Maki is striving to reach the top while Saitama has already attained unmatched power.

It is important to note the distinct scales of Air Master, a street-level manga, and One Punch Man, which operates on a much larger scope. Saitama's relentless training has made him the most formidable hero, capable of defeating anyone with a single punch. Unfortunately, this overwhelming power has led to a monotonous life for Saitama, as he fruitlessly seeks a worthy adversary and inadvertently impacts the world in profound ways.

4. Kengan Ashura

Another fight/tournament anime (Image via Larx Entertainment).

Air Master and Kengan Ashura share the common theme of underground battles and tournaments, although Kengan Ashura takes a more direct approach. For centuries, the world's high-ranking individuals have participated in this underground tournament and carefully choose their fighters to compete on their behalf, vying for the ultimate prize of wealth and riches.

Kengan Ashura offers a captivating exploration of various fighting styles, diverse perspectives on battle, and an exhilarating depiction of combat. With its action-packed storytelling and numerous standout moments, it is unfortunate that this series does not receive the recognition it truly deserves.

5. Yu Yu Hakusho

Yu Yu Hakusho has an interesting similarity to Air Master (Image via Studio Pierrot).

Yu Yu Hakusho, a highly acclaimed shonen series from the 90s, is often overlooked despite its quality. It was the breakthrough work of Yoshihiro Togashi, the renowned author of Hunter X Hunter, and played a significant role in shaping the shonen genre during that era by pushing its boundaries.

Yusuke Urameshi and Maki share a common thread as both are teenagers who find pleasure in fighting and engage in numerous battles. However, Yusuke's story delves into the supernatural realm, setting him apart from Maki.

As Yusuke confronts demons and other spiritual dangers, he undergoes personal growth and begins to question his motives for fighting. This exemplifies Togashi's exceptional character development and writing style, foreshadowing his later success in Hunter X Hunter. Beyond its abundant action, Yu Yu Hakusho boasts a captivating ensemble of characters and a progressively intricate series of story arcs. This phenomenal series truly deserves the utmost acclaim and recognition.

6. Dragon Ball

A timeless classic (Image via Toei Animation).

Nowadays, almost every anime enthusiast has probably seen Dragon Ball Z, but how about the original Dragon Ball? The one that kick-started everything? It's always exciting and rejuvenating to revisit this series because it showcases the remarkable progression of the characters and the captivating elements that made the story captivating from the start.

While the series still heavily revolves around intense combat, it places a greater emphasis on martial arts, humor, and thrilling adventures, resulting in a much more diverse narrative. Moreover, this particular segment of Dragon Ball focuses more on magical elements rather than the sci-fi aspects that Akira Toriyama introduced later on. This enchanting quality is what resonates with many, leading them to consider it as the ultimate Dragon Ball anime.

7. Ranma 1/2

Rumiko Takahashi's first big hit (Image via Studio Deen).

Air Master and Ranma 1/2 both feature martial arts, combat, and strong female leads. Ranma 1/2, in particular, marked a significant milestone for author Rumiko Takahashi, who went on to create Inuyasha. Published in the 1980s, it established Takahashi as one of the pioneering female mangaka, challenging traditional stereotypes.

The story revolves around Ranma, a martial arts prodigy with a disdain for women. However, a twist of fate leads him to fall into a magical spring that transforms him into a woman whenever he comes into contact with water. This recurring transformation, combined with a plethora of comedic mishaps, becomes the central focus of the series.

This series has a plethora of outrageous episodes and humor, yet it has stood the test of time remarkably well. Takahashi's adeptness at crafting captivating and delightful characters shines brightly in this series.

8. Fist of the North Star

If Air Master is all about fighting, martial arts, and sheer brutality, then Fist of the North Star takes it to another level. It is arguably the primary series that established the essence of Shonen and served as a major inspiration for numerous timeless classics in the medium, including Kentaro Miura's Berserk and Hirohiko Araki's JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, to mention just a few.

Kenshiro, the powerful warrior and successor of Hokuto Shinken, a renowned and lethal martial art style, ventures through the desolate lands of a post-apocalyptic world. His mission is to defend the vulnerable and bring hope to the hopeless. This anime is intense, action-packed, and delves into the depths of human despair.

For fans of Air Master seeking a more intense experience, Fist of the North Star is highly recommended. It is also an ideal opportunity to explore the 80s anime or the original manga, as a new adaptation is on the horizon.

9. Ashita No Joe

Air Master, though heartfelt, pales in comparison to the unparalleled uniqueness of Ashita No Joe in its depiction of combat. Despite being a product of the 70s, the series remains exceptionally compelling, particularly the 80s anime adaptation, making it a worthy contender for exploration.

Joe Yabuki harbors an unwavering desire to pursue a career in professional boxing, even in the face of numerous setbacks and ordeals. These include imprisonment, academic shortcomings, and a myriad of other obstacles. The narrative beautifully captures a Rocky-esque essence, evoking a genuine sense of admiration and support for Joe as he navigates the multitude of trials strewn across the series.

10. Hajime No Ippo

However, what sets Air Master and Ashita No Joe apart is their focus on choreography and technique. While some may view this as a deviation from the usual Air Master style, both series excel in these aspects and deliver outstanding performances.

While Maki may be seen as an underdog in certain parts of the Air Master anime, when it comes to being the king of underdogs in anime, no one can surpass Ippo Makunouchi from Hajime No Ippo. This manga series is widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time, and although the anime adaptation didn't cover the entire story, there is still plenty of amazing content to enjoy.

Final thoughts

Ippo initially displays shyness and insecurity, but the narrative effectively progresses his transformation from an underdog to a hero, gradually showcasing his growing comprehension of boxing. The story is infused with heartfelt emotions, compelling viewers to root for Ippo's triumphant breakthrough while delving into intricate details of the sport.

Final thoughts

Air Master is a remarkably underrated anime that truly deserves the utmost recognition it can garner, despite the highly unlikely possibility of a resurgence at this stage. Nevertheless, all anime enthusiasts should grant it an opportunity, just like they would with the other series featured on this list.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have a few thoughts on the article. Firstly, I appreciate the recommendations for anime series similar to Air Master, as I am always looking for new shows to watch. The descriptions of each anime are helpful in determining which ones might be a good fit for me.

However, I do have one critique of the article. The author states that "Record of Ragnarok differs greatly from Air Master in terms of its plot elements," but then goes on to describe how both shows revolve around a central focus of a tournament where numerous formidable contenders face off against each other. This seems to contradict the author's initial statement that the two shows are very different.

Overall, I think this is a well-written article that provides some great recommendations for anime series similar to Air Master. I would recommend it to anyone who is a fan of the show and is looking for something new to watch.