Kinnikuman
Kinniku Suguru, widely known by his ring name Kinnikuman, is the titular protagonist of the manga and anime franchise Kinnikuman. Originally depicted as a clumsy, incompetent superhero, he develops into the core leader of the Justice Chojin and eventually ascends as the 58th King of Planet Kinniku. Blessed with the miraculous Burning Inner Strength that erupts during desperate moments, he overcomes formidable cosmic threats through unyielding perseverance and deep bonds of friendship, earning a reputation as the Miracle Reversal Fighter.
Overview
Kinniku Suguru, widely known by his ring name Kinnikuman, is the titular protagonist of the manga and anime franchise Kinnikuman. Originally depicted as a clumsy, incompetent superhero, he develops into the core leader of the Justice Chojin and eventually ascends as the 58th King of Planet Kinniku. Blessed with the miraculous Burning Inner Strength that erupts during desperate moments, he overcomes formidable cosmic threats through unyielding perseverance and deep bonds of friendship, earning a reputation as the Miracle Reversal Fighter.
Appearance
He possesses a heavily muscular, inverted-triangle physique with a slightly overweight build. His standard gear consists of trunks, wristbands, and boots, with a golden KIN mark on his left buttock. He wears a mask featuring a top crest, eyebrowless eyes, a pig nose, thick lips, and the kanji for meat on his forehead, which disappears from the top as his energy drains. The red trim on his chin functions as an ascending faceguard, and his ears contain soundproofing up to 100,000 phons. Beneath the mask, he is a handsome figure with black hair. He also dons colorful entry robes, suits, matching tag-team tank tops, and an early green mask.
Personality
Initially timid, cowardly, and prone to foolish behavior, he frequently panics or begs for mercy when confronted by formidable opponents. His vanity and hot-headed antics occasionally lead to misunderstandings, yet at his core lies an extraordinary capacity for empathy and mercy. He stands by the weak and shows genuine compassion even toward ruthlessly aggressive foes, converting countless former enemies into trusted allies through his warmth. Despite his cowardly quirks, he never abandons his duties when lives are at stake. As he matures into royalty, his humility, resilience, and emotional intelligence solidify his standing as a true hero.
Abilities
A well-balanced wrestler, he excels in throws and submissions taught by Prince Kamehame, mastering both the 48 Killer Arts and 52 Joint Locks. His signature techniques include the Kinniku Buster, Kinniku Driver, Muscle Spark, Fuurin Kazan, and Chojin Strangling. In dire straits, he unleashes Burning Inner Strength, elevating his base power to incredible levels. His arsenal also features the purifying Face Flash light, the detachable Kinniku Cutter crest, flatulence capable of sub-dimensional escape, low-power energy beams, and temporary giant transformation upon consuming garlic.
Background
Born as the prince of Planet Kinniku, he was accidentally thrown into space as an infant when his parents mistook him for a pig, leading to his arrival on Earth. Raised in obscurity as a ridiculed low-tier superhero, his fortunes shifted after winning the Chojin Olympic tournament and training under Prince Kamehame. He subsequently defended Earth against relentless invasions by Devil Chojin and Perfect Chojin. During the Kinniku Throne Possession Tournament, he overcame internal power seals and rival contenders to win the crown, ultimately being inaugurated as the 58th King of Planet Kinniku.
Relationships
He is the son of Kinniku Mayumi and Kinniku Sayuri, and the younger brother of Kinniku Ataru. He marries Hormone Bibimba, with whom he fathers Kinniku Mantaro. His closest friend Terryman forms the legendary tag team The Machineguns with him, while his mentor Prince Kamehame partnered with him as part of the Muscle Brothers. Alexandria Meat serves as his faithful assistant and second. Through his battles, he transforms former opponents—such as Robin Mask, Warsman, Ramenman, Buffalo Man, and Neptune Man—into lifelong allies.
Trivia
His given name Suguru was derived from former professional baseball player Suguru Egawa. The concept of his face being a mask originated when creator duo Yudetamago visited New Japan Pro-Wrestling and was asked by Kotetsu Yamamoto if the character was wearing a mask. He is an obsessive lover of gyudon (beef bowl), self-proclaiming as the president of the All Japan Gyudon Lovers Club. Additionally, hearing Beethoven's Für Elise involuntarily forces his body to break into dance.
