The manga was very popular, having sold over 20 million copies after its serialization. Also, during its serialization, it was particularly popular with working-class people and college students who were involved in the New Left, who saw themselves likewise struggling against the system like Joe Yabuki did and revered him as an icon. Members of the Japanese Communist League-Red Army Faction who took part in the Yodogo hijacking in 1970 compared themselves to Joe as they saw a revolutionary message in the manga.