Titan Manga has announced the upcoming release of an omnibus edition of Yūgo Kobayashi’s acclaimed soccer manga, Aoashi. This exciting news has fans eagerly anticipating a new way to experience the story of Ashito Aoi’s journey through the world of competitive soccer.
What is Aoashi?
Aoashi is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi. It began serialization in Shogakukan’s Weekly Big Comic Spirits in January 2015. The story centers around Ashito Aoi, a talented but hot-headed young soccer player from rural Japan. Ashito’s aggressive playing style and poor decision-making often hinder his team. However, his exceptional spatial awareness and raw talent catch the eye of Tatsuya Fukuda, a youth team coach for the prestigious J-League club Tokyo Esperion.
Fukuda invites Ashito to Tokyo to try out for Esperion’s youth academy. There, Ashito must overcome his personal flaws and learn to work as part of a team if he wants to achieve his dream of becoming a professional soccer player. The manga follows Ashito’s growth both on and off the field as he navigates the challenges of competitive youth soccer, builds relationships with his teammates, and confronts his own limitations.
Aoashi is known for its realistic portrayal of soccer tactics and youth player development, as well as its compelling characters and engaging storyline. The manga has been a critical and commercial success in Japan, winning the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for Best General Manga in 2020. As of May 2025, the series has over 15 million copies in circulation, and the series is still ongoing.
An anime adaptation produced by Production I.G premiered in April 2022 and ran for 24 episodes, further boosting the series’ popularity.
Story Synopsis
Titan Manga describes the story of Aoashi as: “To the world stage! Glory and…loss.”
Ashito Aoi is a young, gifted soccer player from a humble background. His explosive temper frequently causes trouble for himself and his teammates. The manga is a coming-of-age story that emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking in soccer.
Why Aoashi Stands Out
- Realistic Soccer Depiction: Unlike some sports manga that exaggerate abilities, Aoashi emphasizes tactical understanding, player development, and the mental aspects of the game.
- Character-Driven Narrative: The focus extends beyond Ashito, giving depth and development to a wide cast of teammates, coaches, and rivals.
- Relatable Protagonist: Ashito’s struggles with his temper and his journey to overcome his shortcomings make him a relatable and inspiring character.
- Critical Acclaim: Winner of the Shogakukan Manga Award, Aoashi has earned recognition for its quality storytelling and artwork.
- Successful Anime Adaptation: The anime adaptation by Production I.G has expanded the fanbase and brought the story to life with excellent animation and voice acting.
What is an Omnibus Edition?
An omnibus edition is a collection of previously published material, typically combining multiple volumes of a manga series into a single, larger book. Omnibus editions are popular among readers for several reasons:
- Convenience: Collecting multiple volumes in one book saves space and reduces the number of individual books to keep track of.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Omnibus editions are often more affordable than purchasing the individual volumes separately.
- Collector’s Appeal: Omnibus editions often feature special covers, bonus content, and other features that make them desirable for collectors.
Other Manga Omnibus Examples
- Attack on Titan Omnibus: Compiles three volumes into one, with a larger size and embossed cover.
- Fullmetal Alchemist Fullmetal Edition: Collects multiple volumes in a deluxe hardcover format.
- Blade of the Immortal Omnibus: Combines multiple volumes of the epic samurai manga.
Release Details
The first omnibus volume of Aoashi is set to launch on May 12, 2026. It will include volumes one, two, and three of the original manga series. The omnibus edition will be available for order on Forbidden Planet in the U.K., as well as other North American retailers.
- Title: Aoashi Omnibus Edition Vol. 1
- Publisher: Titan Manga
- Release Date: May 12, 2026
- Content: Volumes 1-3 of the original manga
- Availability: Forbidden Planet (U.K.), North American retailers
Why This is Exciting
The release of the Aoashi omnibus edition is exciting news for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. For existing fans, the omnibus edition offers a new way to collect and experience the story they love, with the added convenience of having multiple volumes in one book. The special embossed cover also adds to the collector’s appeal.
For new readers, the omnibus edition is an accessible and affordable way to dive into the world of Aoashi. The first volume covers the beginning of Ashito’s journey, making it a perfect starting point for those who are curious about the series. With the popularity of the anime adaptation, many new fans have been drawn to Aoashi, and the omnibus edition provides a great opportunity for them to explore the original manga.
About Yūgo Kobayashi
Yūgo Kobayashi is a Japanese manga artist best known for creating Aoashi. Aoashi is his first serialized manga of note. His detailed artwork and storytelling have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. Kobayashi’s passion for soccer is evident in his work, and he is known for his accurate portrayal of the sport’s tactics and techniques.
Where to Pre-Order
The Aoashi omnibus edition will be available for pre-order at the following retailers:
- Forbidden Planet (U.K.)
- North American retailers (check your local comic book store or online retailer)
In Conclusion
The upcoming release of the Aoashi omnibus edition is a testament to the series’ enduring popularity and critical acclaim. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Aoashi, this omnibus edition is the perfect way to experience the thrilling story of Ashito Aoi’s journey to become a professional soccer player. Mark your calendars for May 12, 2026, and get ready to dive into the exciting world of Aoashi!
