It does not seem to matter what genre or story Takahashi creates, because if her name is linked to it there's a 99% chance it will be a great read. One-Pound Gospel (Ichi-Pound no Fukuin) is one of those stories. This series ran from 1989 to 1996, in Young Sunday, and was compiled into three volumes in 1991 it was adapted into an Original Animated Video.

     One-Pound Gospel is the story of Kosaku Hatanaka, a boxer looking to score in the big time. He is the first pro to come out of Mukaida's Gym, and is therefore the only hope his coach has of brining some honor to his disgrace establishment. Though Hatanaka is a skilled fighter he seems to always lose the fight to his appetite.

     As a boxer trying to make his weight class, it is important to follow a proper diet and keep fit. Hatanaka keeps fit, but can't help himself when it comes to the dinner table. Or lunch table, breakfast table, and a couple snack tables for that matter. His eating habits force him to take laxatives before fights just to make his class, a ritual that makes him the butt of many jokes. Hatanaka's boxing career is laughable at best. He has gone from junior bantamweight, bantamweight, junior featherweight, etc. His gluttony has caused his trainer to lose all hope in his prized fighter, and has made Hatanaka's opponents the favored boxer in every fight.

     But despite his struggle with gluttony, one person seems to see something special in the young boxer. Sister Angela a novice nun, she's a Mother Theresa type of person. Hatanaka visits Sr. Angela often to confess his gluttony and to be forgiven for his eating habits. But the students and employees at St. Mary's know different. They know he is there to see Sister Angela and her beautiful smile. And Sr. Angela is glad to see him as well.

     This beautifully drawn Manga is one of Takahashi's finest works, combining sports, romance and humor. The overall themes of temptation run rampant throughout the series as Hatanaka must stay away from food and Sister Angela must stay away from Hatanaka's tempting charm. The story has a magical feel to it as well, as Hatanaka starts making his weight despite his eating habits. Humor comes in, as he can't seem to grasp Angela's status as a nun. His frequent attempts to win her love are met with a slap and fuel for his next fight.

     One-Pound Gospel is a different kind of work from Takahashi. It uses elements from the romance and sports manga genres to create a very successful story. Rumiko Takahashi continues her success as One Pound Gospel lands a knockout punch.

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