in Japan, with over 85 million copies in circulation by 2025. As popular as was the anime series and its merchandise, such as Kinkeshi, a line of action figures released as M.U.S.C.L.E. in North America. It received the Shogakukan Manga Award for children's manga in 1984.

A new anime television series adaptation produced by Production I.G, based on the 2011 revival manga and celebrating the 40th anniversary of the