Funimation's been around the acquisition block quite a bit lately, and today they've announced their newest license for North American distribution: the first season of 50-episode TV anime series Shijou Saikyou no Deshi Kenichi. Titled Kenichi: The Mightiest Disciple in English, the series follows the exploits of a high-school wimp of the same name. He's down on his luck as usual when he runs into an impossibly gifted (in more ways than one) fighting lass named Miu. Miu belongs to an elite combat dojo headed up by six martial-arts masters, and Kenichi is quick to join after witnessing Miu's prowess. Kenichi wants to become stronger and stand up for the weak and belittled, but he doesn't know what's he's about to face: hellish training from the six dojo masters and the unwanted attention of the most dangerous individuals around.

Funimation will be releasing Kenichi in box-set format. Two sets will contain 13 episodes apiece, though no price point has been announced yet. Funi's press release makes sure to mention that they have both DVD and broadcast rights to Kenichi. While this probably just means it'll be showing on the Funimation Channel eventually, it'd be a very nice fit for Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, in my opinion. No word on if they'll be picking up season 2, but if the show performs well in the North American market, I don't doubt that'll show up here as well.