A special thanks to NetGalley and KODANSHA for providing an ARC Copy.
Before I begin this review, I would like to point out that I have reviewed the first volume of BLUELOCK previously. Since I will be reviewing the omnibus edition, let’s think of it as another opportunity to go over what was missed.
After a disastrous defeat, at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Japan Football League hires the football enigma, Ego Jinpachi, who has a master plan to lead Japan to stardom with a new program called BLUELOCK. BLUELOCK is the strictest sports training regimen in the world, the purpose is to the world’s greatest egoist striker, those who fail in the program will never represent Japan. A high school student named Yoichi Isagi is conflicted about the way he plays the sport, Isagi decides to take part in the new program to become the best striker in the world..
I said it once, but I’ll say it again. It is one of the most unique ideas in both manga and in the world today— having 300 football players being forced to compete to become the world’s greatest Egoist striker sounds completely insane… until you realize it perfectly fits in a hyper-competitive game like Football. Despite being a Shōnen title, it rejects the pillars of a Shōnen Manga that consist of “friendship, trying your best, and being selfless“— and that’s is what’s refreshing about this series.
Another aspect I have enjoyed the most about this Omnibus was that it is the perfect starting point (while offers the first three single volumes) for someone curious about the series— even if their starting point was the tv anime. A story that focuses on players who have to learn to lean hard into ego, to have the ambition, and the hunger to become the best striker in Japan.. you’ll have to forgive me for repeating myself, but it is hard to contain one’s excitement after reading a compelling story.
The next thing that works so well is you have a relatable protagonist, Yoichi Isagi is unsure of himself, questioning his abilities, and is learning quickly on how to survive and adapt to the grueling environment known as BLUELOCK.
The supporting cast I was impressed with, each character has a unique personality that keeps the reader’s attention from straying off— this includes the manga’s temporary antagonists, who Isagi’s team plays against for a certain arc in the story. Through the antagonists, you clearly see each player’s intense hunger to become the best striker, whether that hunger comes out through an aggressive style of football or by putting their own goals above the team’s.
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Finally, I want to discuss how much I admire Yusuke Nomura’s Illustrative work. The artwork was one of the most dynamic parts of this story, second only to the premise of this story. The football matches are packed with intense, kinetic action, and the characters’ facial expressions often add a layer of psychological intensity that makes every play feel high-stakes. I enjoy how each character’s unique personality is matched with how uniquely designed each are— my favorite example has to be the Wanima Twins, these two brothers think they are above everyone, but aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty if the situation calls for it. Junichi may be the strong, silent type but when both brothers are playing on the field— they become almost unstoppable.
BLUELOCK Omnibus Vol. One (Including Volumes 1-3) is available now, where books are sold, you can order your copy now, on Amazon. If you’re wanting to introduce a new reader to this series, I would recommend this book edition.
Final Grade:
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