Worst is an ongoing serial manga
written and illustrated by Hiroshi Takahashi. Originally published in Japan by Akita Shoten in the January 2002 issue of
Shonen Champion Monthly Magazine, where new chapters continue to be released. In addition to its regular run in SCM,
past chapters are concurrently reprinted and bound into collected volumes.
In addition to its native Japanese, Worst has also been
printed in Korean, French and Thai languages. US distribution rights were secured by DMP Publishers in 2004, but to date only three volumes have
been translated. At present, Worst has been put on hiatus by DMP and future English language volumes are uncertain.
Classified as a "delinquent" title in which
action typically revolves around gangs and physical violence, Worst incorporates strong themes of integrity,
loyalty, personal values and friendship while maintaining intense fighting sequences and engaging story lines. Characters are not your typical
"thugs" and even bitter enemies are most often portrayed as honorable rivals.
Considered a spin off or sequel to Crows, a previous series by
Takahashi, it is not required that newcomers initially introduced to Worst be familiar with past events, nor is reading Crows
a prerequisite to its overall enjoyment. While knowledge of the Crows back-story would provide readers of Worst further
insight into recurring characters and themes shared between the two series, the actual story arc in Worst is completely self contained and revolves
mainly around a new cast.
Worst follows the story of Tsukishima Hana. Upon
moving to the city from a remote village, Hana takes up residence in a boarding house and soon after enrolls as a freshman in the city's most
notorious school, Suzuran All-Boys High. At Suzuran a student's success is measured by knowledge of the streets, not books.
Wits and endurance are the only school supplies necessary. Tests are taken on the battlefield, and only those left standing pass.
Hana vows to become Suzuran's one and only leader. Many have
attempted, few have come close, but no one to date has achieved total domination. While Hana's true destiny is unknown, it is evident from his first day of class
that he will go down in Suzuran's history as a legend.
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