Liverpool Football Club’s matchday programme has long been a treasured keepsake for fans, a tangible piece of the matchday experience. This weekend, however, the programme will sport a unique look, as the cover gets a vibrant and expressive makeover in the style of shōjo manga, a genre of Japanese comics and animation primarily targeted at young women. This special edition is a collaboration with the club’s official publication partner, Kodansha, and features three of Liverpool’s star players in a way that has never been seen before.
The Fusion of Football and Manga
For the Premier League clash with Ipswich Town, the matchday programme showcases Reds trio Darwin Nunez, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk in a style far removed from their usual on-field action shots. Instead, they are rendered in the distinctive style of shōjo manga, complete with expressive eyes, dynamic poses, and the delicate linework characteristic of the genre. This unexpected fusion of the high-energy world of football with the intricate emotional depth of manga is the brainchild of celebrated shōjo manga artist, Ema Toyama.
Ema Toyama: The Artist Behind the Cover
Ema Toyama is a well-known figure in the world of shōjo manga, famed for her works such as Missions of Love and Vampire Dormitory. Her style is distinguished by its delicate emotional portrayals, dramatic storylines, and stunning visuals. She has a unique talent for capturing characters’ feelings through expressive gestures and intricate details. Toyama’s work often focuses on the emotional depth of her characters. Her illustrations skillfully use both subtle and dramatic cues to convey these feelings. In this special collaboration with Liverpool FC, Toyama’s art brings a fresh perspective to the club’s players, portraying them in a way that highlights their passion and intensity. This innovative approach offers a novel way for fans to connect with their favorite athletes.
Decoding the Shōjo Manga Style
The shōjo manga style, originally created for young women, has grown to be appreciated by readers of all genders and ages. The style’s visuals and themes provide a sense of wonder and inspiration to a wide audience. The roots of shōjo manga can be traced back to the early 20th century, with the emergence of magazines for young girls. These magazines featured illustrations that emphasized beauty, elegance, and romantic themes. The artistic style is influenced by ukiyo-e, particularly the bijinga subgenre, which focuses on portraits of beautiful women. The characteristics of bijinga, such as slender figures, soft lines, and small mouths, are reflected in much of shōjo manga art. The style has evolved over the decades, with the 1970s and 80s seeing a surge in popularity. Artists like Riyoko Ikeda, known for Rose of Versailles, helped shape the modern shōjo style with dramatic character designs and emotional storytelling.
Key features of shōjo manga art include:
- Large, Expressive Eyes: Often the focal point, eyes are used to convey a wide range of emotions.
- Slender Figures: Characters are typically depicted with willowy, elongated bodies.
- Delicate Lines: The linework is often fine and detailed, creating a sense of elegance.
- Emotional Depth: Focus is given to depicting characters’ feelings and inner conflicts.
- Dramatic Poses: Characters are frequently drawn in dynamic, emotionally charged positions.
The 2010s saw further evolution in the art style. While retaining the core aspects, animation became more subtle, and colors were richer. The eyes became an even more prominent feature, often conveying the character’s deeper personality. The line art also became thicker during this period, giving the animations a more manga-like feel. This continuous evolution keeps the genre fresh and appealing.
A Meeting of Two Worlds: Football and Art
This collaboration is not the first time that Liverpool FC and Kodansha have joined forces to blend the worlds of football and manga. In May 2024, the matchday programme featured an original manga illustration by artist Tsuyoshi Yasuda, and there have been other collaborations including artwork at Anfield stadium. These efforts reflect Kodansha’s mission to inspire the impossible, bringing together seemingly disparate worlds to create unique and engaging content. Just as Toyama’s works connect people through compelling narratives, Liverpool’s players inspire and unite supporters through the drama and passion of football.
Liverpool’s matchday programmes have a long and storied history. For decades, they have served as both a matchday essential and a collector’s item, documenting the history of the club. The programmes feature articles, team information, and historical insights, offering a wealth of information for fans. A book, Liverpool Football Programmes: The Definitive Collector’s Guide, meticulously catalogues 75 seasons of Liverpool matchday programmes, highlighting their importance to the club’s heritage. This new shōjo manga cover marks a modern chapter in this history. It is an innovative and captivating way to celebrate the spirit of the game, while embracing Japanese pop culture.
Where to Find the Special Edition
Fans will be able to purchase this special-edition matchday programme at Anfield on Saturday, January 25th, 2025, and through the club’s online store. This unique edition is a must-have for both LFC supporters and manga enthusiasts, serving as a remarkable keepsake of this novel collaboration. This creative partnership between Liverpool FC and Kodansha demonstrates the club’s commitment to engaging with its fans in new and exciting ways, while celebrating the beautiful game and the art that brings it to life. This programme is more than just a matchday guide; it’s a work of art that captures the energy of football with the unique style of manga. The blend of these two worlds creates a collectible that is sure to be treasured by fans.
