Masaomi Kanzaki's Street Fighter II manga holds the distinction of being the first to illustrate Gouken, the mysterious sensei of Ryu and Ken, in a published narrative format. This 1993 serialization in Family Computer Magazine arrived before the release of Super Street Fighter II, meaning the story was confined to the original twelve World Warriors without the expanded roster of later games. The series was produced in Japan and later translated into English by Tokuma Comics, a now-defunct U.S. imprint, which notably altered the artwork to fit Western reading habits by flipping panels and changing dialogue direction. While other Street Fighter manga existed, this specific adaptation was one of the earliest to reach an English-speaking audience, establishing a unique narrative that diverged significantly from the game's plot by introducing a drug called Doll that brainwashed victims into violence. The story begins with Ryu and Ken training under the reluctant Gouken, only to be interrupted by Cho, a friend of Ken who reveals the dark agenda of M. Bison's organization, Shadaloo. Cho's panic leads to a violent confrontation where he is attacked by Bison's lieutenants, Vega and Sagat, setting the stage for a tragedy that leaves Gouken for dead and Ken missing, presumed dead by Ryu.
The Doll Drug and The Tournament
Years after the initial tragedy, the narrative shifts to a martial arts tournament held on the island of Shad, where the drug Doll has corrupted the lives of soldiers and officers alike. Guile, a soldier, and Chun-Li, an Interpol officer, arrive on the island to investigate Shadaloo and reach M. Bison, who has become the tournament's champion. Ryu, now a more capable fighter, also enters the tournament, befriending Cho's orphaned girlfriend Po-Lin and her little brother Wong-Mei, who run a family Chinese restaurant. The tournament features a gauntlet of opponents including Blanka, E. Honda, Dhalsim, and Zangief, each with their own personal goals. Chun-Li and Guile struggle against Vega and Sagat, with Guile still recovering from a match against Zangief and Chun-Li hindered by rage. The emotional core of the story emerges as Chun-Li recalls advice from her father and Ryu, regaining control to surprise Vega with a powerful Kikoken. Meanwhile, Guile is nearly defeated by Sagat until Ken, who has regained his senses, intervenes to save him. The narrative weaves together the personal struggles of these characters, showing how the Doll drug has affected their lives and motivations.The Final Showdown and The Broken Hand
The climax of the manga centers on the final match between Ken and M. Bison, but the story takes a tragic turn when Bison uses the Doll drug to control Ken again, ordering him to fight Ryu. The fight stops when Ryu ceases fighting and tells Ken to resist Bison's orders, leading to a flashback of their years under Gouken. Ken snaps out of the influence in the middle of a Shoryuuken, turning the attack away from Ryu and smashing his hand into a wall, breaking it in the process. With his hand broken, Ken asks Ryu to take his place in the tournament's finale against Bison. Ryu agrees, and after an emotional battle witnessed by many, including notable Street Fighters and people affected by Shadaloo, Ryu emerges victorious. The story concludes with a narrative by Chun-Li implying that both Doll's time and Shadaloo's control over Shad have passed. Ryu departs once more, leaving Ken, Po-Lin, and Wong-Mei as he sets off on a journey. This ending marks a significant departure from the game's narrative, focusing on the emotional and psychological impact of the Doll drug on the characters.