Blue Lock Anime Review

Blue Lock, the popular football anime from Kodansha, has been causing a stir among fans of shounen anime and sports anime alike since it first premiered. It has gained a reputation for turning the traditional genre on its head. But what is it about this story of arrogant teenagers that has people so captivated?

Overview

The manga, written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, brings a fresh perspective to the sports genre. It was eventually picked up by Eight Bit Studios and turned into a hit anime. The show follows the journey of Yoichi Isagi, a skilled football player who is approached by a mysterious coach to join a special program called Blue Lock. The program's goal is to train a single striker who can dominate games on their own and lead Japan to victory in the World Cup, without needing to rely on teamwork or other players.

In-Depth Analysis

After experiencing yet another disappointing World Cup performance, the Japanese football union sought to make a change. Enter Jinpachi Ego, a remarkable football coach renowned for his unconventional methods. Ego was tasked with revamping the team and getting them back on track. Through careful evaluation, Ego identified a crucial issue within the team: the lack of individualistic players. He believed that the team required a striker with exceptional talent, capable of scoring from any position on the field. Ego's unique approach focused on enhancing players' self-confidence and egos, which he believed would ultimately benefit the team's overall performance.

So, Ego came up with a cunning plan - a game similar to Squid Game, taking place in a pentagon facility. In this game, the best high school soccer players in the country compete against each other to score the most goals and at the same time, undermine each other. The reward? A highly coveted spot on the Under-20 World Cup team. But for those who lose, they are banned from ever playing for Team Japan again. Being expelled from the cool kids' club is similar to this, only the cool kids are the football greats they look up to, and the club is the World Cup. Needless to say, the stakes are high and the players take it very seriously.

One great thing about Blue Lock is its complex and well-developed characters. The main character, Yoichi Isagi, is initially portrayed as the typical good-guy shounen protagonist. However, things take a turn when he kicks a volley into a friendly rival's face, eliminating him from the game before it even begins.

As the plot unfolds in Blue Lock, we witness the main character's development as he confronts the mounting challenges presented by the Blue Lock program. The other characters in the series are multi-dimensional, each with their own distinct objectives, personalities, and gorgeous haircuts. However, what unites them on a deep level is their selfishness, as they are all willing to sacrifice others to become the best.

Blue Lock emphasizes selfishness, although the sport it represents is centered around teamwork. Consequently, the players must learn to balance their own goals with the needs of the team. The narrative is captivating as the team's dynamics shift and evolve, revealing each player's weaknesses and limitations.

This conflict becomes more intense as Isagi becomes closer to his teammates. With the aid of Bachira, a talented (yet slightly crazy) dribbler on the same team, Isagi is able to thrive in the fierce competition. Although Bachira is vastly different from Isagi in terms of personality, being confident, quirky, and relaxed, he recognizes the same drive in Isagi that he sees in himself and other football legends.

Blue Lock is a captivating sports anime that showcases the journey of a group of kids as they strive to dominate the field. Each player possesses a unique "weapon" that they must refine to become a formidable force. The excitement peaks when they discover the perfect formula for scoring goals and blend their skills with their teammates, creating a thrilling 'chemical reaction' that keeps everyone engaged.

What makes Blue Lock a sensation online is not just the characters but the rush of adrenaline that accompanies each match. The tension builds as the team battles it out on the pitch, dodging opponents, executing incredible footwork, and delivering bone-crunching tackles. These matches are truly an awe-inspiring sight.

The stunning artwork of Masaru Shindō adds to the appeal of Blue Lock. The dynamic and action-packed illustrations bring the matches to life with energy and excitement. The game is depicted with incredible attention to detail, and every movement is captured in dynamic, fluid stills that appear to almost fly off the screen. In addition, the character designs are unique and memorable, making it easy to distinguish between players and become invested in their individual journeys.

The show portrays Isagi's impressive problem-solving abilities through a captivating visual display. The puzzle pieces seem to come apart and then fall back together as he determines the most effective approach to score a goal. Additionally, the intensity level rises when players unleash their hidden potential, as evident by their irises forming into spirals and their bodies emitting a fierce power resembling that of a formidable beast. It's a sure sign that the game is about to become more intense.

The program aims to assemble a group of independent strikers, but it brings attention to the negative aspects of competing. As the story progresses, we witness the characters getting more and more obsessed with becoming the top player, regardless of the consequences. This illustrates a thought-provoking insight into the effects of ambition and competition on personal relationships. Furthermore, it is a reflection of how competition can sometimes overshadow our connections with others, urging us to prioritize individual success over teamwork.

Verdict

Blue Lock takes a unique stance by highlighting the importance of personal potential, even if it means surpassing your fellow athletes. The series follows Isagi and his team as they strive for self-improvement while balancing the value of teamwork and friendship. However, the path to greatness may require sacrificing the dreams of those closest to them, leaving audiences wondering who will come out of this intense journey unscathed and at what cost.

Blue Lock defies traditional sports anime conventions, setting the bar high for any series that follows in its footsteps. Exciting news for fans as Eight Bit has announced a second season and an Episode Nagi spinoff film, both set for release in 2024.

Episodes: 24

Studi0: 8bit

Genre: Sports

Sequel: Season 2 confirmed

My Rating: 4/5