Manga Blue Lock is a standout work in the sports genre, especially soccer, written by Kaneshiro Muneyuki and illustrated by Nomura Yusuke. First published in 2018 in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine, “Blue Lock” quickly attracted readers' attention thanks to its unique approach and engaging plot.
Plot
Blue Lock The series opens with an interesting premise that is different from other sports manga. After the Japanese national football team fails miserably at the World Cup, the Japan Football Association decides to change its strategy by searching for a great striker who can lead the team to glory. To achieve this goal, they create a special training camp called Blue Lock, which gathers 300 promising young strikers from all over Japan.
Our main character, Isagi Yoichi, is one of the strikers selected to enter the Blue Lock. Isagi is a player with potential but has not had the opportunity to shine. At Blue Lock, he has to compete with hundreds of other players to win the number one striker position. From here, Isagi's journey begins, and he has to face many challenges both physically and mentally.
Figure
One of the strengths of Blue Lock is a diverse and rich cast of characters. Each character in Blue Lock has their own unique characteristics and playing style, creating diversity and appeal to the story.
- Isagi Yoichi: The main character of the manga, Isagi is a talented striker who has not found his own way. Through the challenges at Blue Lock, he gradually discovers his special ability and improves his skills to become an excellent player.
- Ego Jinpachi: Is the person who leads and coaches the players at Blue Lock. Ego is a cold and ruthless person, always aiming to find the best striker without caring about the personal feelings of the players. However, it is this ruthlessness that helps the players reveal their full potential.
- Bachira Meguru: One of Isagi's close friends at Blue Lock. Bachira has excellent personal skills and a cheerful personality, always encouraging and supporting Isagi in challenges.
- Nagi Seishiro: A soccer genius with excellent ball control. Nagi was initially not interested in soccer but after being invited to Blue Lock, he gradually realized his potential and became passionate about the sport.
Art and Illustration
Nomura Yusuke's illustrations are a highlight in the Blue Lock. The matches are drawn in vivid detail, clearly showing the tension and drama of each phase of the ball. The action scenes are handled smoothly, with sharp lines and high technique. Each character has a unique design, reflecting their personality and playing style.
Theme and Message
Blue Lock It is not only a story about football but also a journey of self-discovery and overcoming limits. The work promotes competition, perseverance and relentless determination to achieve goals.
One of the main messages of Blue Lock is the importance of ego in football. In a sport that requires high team spirit like football, Blue Lock raises the question of whether an individual can make a difference on their own. Through the challenges at Blue Lock, players must learn to combine individuality with team spirit to become well-rounded players.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strength:
- Creative plot: “Blue Lock” brings a fresh and unique approach to the sports manga genre.
- Rich characters: Each character in Blue Lock has its own personality and skills, creating diversity and appeal.
- Excellent illustration: Nomura Yusuke's art really brings out the fights and action scenes in the manga.
Limit:
- slow pace:Some parts can feel slow-paced and drawn out, especially the training and character introspection scenes.
- Lack of reality:Some situations and techniques in the manga may be unrealistic and unlikely to occur in real life soccer.
Conclude
Blue Lock is a must-read sports manga with a creative plot, rich characters, and great art. Despite some limitations, overall, the work still provides hours of engaging entertainment and meaningful messages about perseverance and self-discovery. For those who love soccer and sports manga, Blue Lock is definitely an option not to be missed.
Also read: Review Manga Oshi No Ko