Step into the high-kicking world of Jason Striker, where martial arts mastery meets heart-pounding action-adventure! Created by Piers Anthony and Roberto Fuentes, the Jason Striker series is a thrilling dive into the 1970s martial arts craze, blending intense combat with a hero who fights for peace. Follow Jason, a 5th dan judoka and master of karate, kung-fu, and aikido, as he navigates deadly tournaments and sinister conspiracies with a moral compass that sets him apart.
This cult classic series captures the raw energy of its era, delivering fast-paced stories that resonate with fans of action-packed narratives. Ready to discover why Jason Striker remains a hidden gem? Let’s explore!
How Jason Striker Began
In the early 1970s, as Bruce Lee films and the TV series Kung Fu ignited a global martial arts frenzy, Piers Anthony, a prolific sci-fi and fantasy author, teamed up with judo expert Roberto Fuentes to create something unique. Originally named Caesar Kane, their hero was a judoka—a nod to Fuentes’ expertise—before being renamed Jason Striker to avoid confusion with David Carradine’s TV character. Their first book, Kiai!, hit shelves in 1974, tapping into the era’s obsession with martial arts while offering a fresh perspective through Striker’s judo roots and peaceful philosophy.
Anthony’s storytelling prowess and Fuentes’ authentic martial arts knowledge birthed a series that stood out among the flood of kung-fu paperbacks. Written during a time when judo was considered passé, the series boldly championed the art, proving its lethality in thrilling narratives.
The Heart of Jason Striker
The Jason Striker series spans six books, each plunging our hero into high-stakes adventures. In Kiai! (1974), Jason enters a brutal, no-rules martial arts tournament in Nicaragua, facing deadly opponents in a setup reminiscent of modern MMA. Mistress of Death (1974) sees him entangled in a drug conspiracy, clashing with the fierce karate mistress Ilunga. Bamboo Bloodbath (1974) and Ninja’s Revenge (1975) ramp up the action with exotic locales and ninja-filled chaos, while Amazon Slaughter (1976) pits Striker against a corrupt official and a ninja master in Brazil’s jungles. The series concludes with Curse of the Ninja (1976), tying up its wild ride.
Themes of honor, self-defense, and moral struggle define the series. Jason’s commitment to peace, despite his lethal skills, adds depth to the blood-and-guts action. The settings—spanning Nicaragua, Japan, and Brazil—evoke a gritty, globe-trotting vibe, while the prose, vivid and fast-moving, captures the intensity of martial arts combat. Though occasionally dated, the series’ raw energy and detailed fight scenes keep readers hooked.
Co-authored by Anthony, known for his Xanth series, and Fuentes, a Yodan in judo, the books blend pulp adventure with authentic martial arts techniques. This mix, paired with Striker’s complex character, makes the series a standout in the action-adventure genre.
Why Jason Striker Resonates
Though not as famous as Anthony’s Xanth novels, the Jason Striker series carved a niche among martial arts enthusiasts and action fans. Its influence can be seen in the rise of tournament-style narratives, echoing in films like Bloodsport and modern UFC culture. Fans praise its detailed combat descriptions and Striker’s principled heroism, with some calling it a “time capsule” of 1970s martial arts mania.
Despite its cult status, the series’ gritty charm and unique judo focus keep it alive for collectors and genre lovers. Its reprints in the early 2000s by Xlibris show enduring interest, proving Jason Striker’s adventures still pack a punch.
- Publication Years: 1974–1976
- Number of Books: 6
- Authors: Piers Anthony and Roberto Fuentes
- Genre: Action-Adventure, Martial Arts
Grab Kiai! and dive into Jason Striker’s pulse-pounding world of martial arts mayhem!