A new soccer manga titled ‘Embers’ is set to make its debut on Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service. The manga, launching February 3rd, has generated significant buzz because of its connection to the popular ‘Blue Lock’ series. The simultaneous release with the Japanese version in the 10th issue of Weekly Shonen Jump is highly anticipated by manga fans worldwide.
The Creative Team Behind ‘Embers’
‘Embers’ is the creation of writer Kei Kurumazaki and artist Sotaro Nishii. Nishii is not a newcomer to the manga scene, as he previously contributed backgrounds to popular series like ‘Blue Lock’ and ‘Wistoria: Wand and Sword’. He also has a few one-shot manga to his name. This experience has garnered attention and praise from notable figures in the manga industry.
‘Blue Lock’ Artist’s Endorsement
Yusuke Nomura, the artist behind the hugely successful ‘Blue Lock’, has publicly acknowledged ‘Embers’ as a potential rival. Nomura has highlighted Nishii’s talent, specifically praising his dynamic and sharp background art, which was a key element in ‘Blue Lock’. He humorously stated that ‘Embers’ was “completely coming to take us down”, indicating a sense of friendly competition and respect for Nishii’s skills. Toshi Aoi, the artist for ‘Wistoria’, has also shown support, further solidifying the hype around the new manga.
‘Embers’: A High School Soccer Drama With a Twist
The plot of ‘Embers’ revolves around a high school delinquent named Haitani. Haitani is described as a powerful fighter who encounters the world of soccer. The series will explore the dynamics of his introduction to the sport and how his raw strength and rebellious attitude translate onto the soccer field. This premise offers a fresh take on the sports manga genre, promising a blend of high-energy action with character development and team dynamics.
Plot Highlights:
- Delinquent Protagonist: Haitani, known for his fighting prowess, enters the world of soccer.
- High School Setting: The story unfolds within the context of a high school soccer team.
- Action-Oriented Narrative: Expect high-impact scenes and intense soccer matches.
- Character-Driven Story: The series will focus on Haitani’s personal growth and his interactions with his teammates.
Manga Plus: A Platform for Global Manga Access
MANGA Plus, operated by Shueisha, is a service that provides simultaneous releases of manga chapters in multiple languages. It plays a vital role in making Japanese manga accessible to a global audience. The platform also features a variety of one-shot manga and series, allowing fans to discover new talent and enjoy popular titles.
MANGA Plus Features:
- Simultaneous Releases: New manga chapters are available in English at the same time as their Japanese release.
- Extensive Library: It offers a wide selection of manga series and one-shots, catering to diverse preferences.
- Free Access: Many manga are available for free, with options for purchasing collected volumes.
- Global Reach: MANGA Plus connects fans around the world with the latest Japanese manga.
The Rise of Soccer Manga
The popularity of soccer manga has surged in recent years, with series like ‘Blue Lock’ captivating audiences. ‘Blue Lock’ distinguishes itself by focusing on a radical training program aimed at producing an ego-driven striker who is hungry for goals. This narrative approach has propelled the series to over 40 million copies in circulation, further amplified by its anime adaptation. The anime’s second season, titled ‘Blue Lock vs U-20 Japan’, will focus on a high-stakes match that will determine the future of the Blue Lock project.
Key Soccer Manga Series:
- Blue Lock: A hyper-competitive training program to create the ultimate striker.
- Catenaccio: A recently published football manga also available on Manga Plus.
- Whistle, Fantasista, and Sayonara Football: High school soccer stories dealing with issues players face.
Blue Lock’s Impact and Continued Growth
The ‘Blue Lock’ manga and anime have had a substantial impact on the sports manga genre, redefining the approach to soccer narratives. It has also led to collaborations with major sports teams like Liverpool FC, where the characters were depicted wearing the team’s iconic kits. This collaboration extends beyond manga and football, embodying a spirit of teamwork and relentless pursuit of success. The manga has been a major hit globally, and Kodansha Comics has announced that beginning in July 2025 the manga will be released monthly to catch up with the Japanese releases.
‘Blue Lock’ Highlights:
- Radical Training Program: A unique and intense approach to developing a top striker.
- Anime Adaptation: A popular anime that has further boosted the manga’s fanbase.
- Global Recognition: Has achieved significant success both in Japan and internationally.
- Spin-off Series: ‘Blue Lock: Episode Nagi’ explores the story of one of the main characters.
What to Expect From ‘Embers’
Given the background of its creator, ‘Embers’ is expected to be a visually striking manga. Sotaro Nishii’s experience with dynamic backgrounds and action sequences suggests a series that will be both engaging and visually impressive. The narrative, penned by Kei Kurumazaki, hints at a compelling character-driven story that explores themes of competition, personal growth, and teamwork. The manga’s premise of a delinquent joining a soccer team offers a fresh perspective within the genre.
Why ‘Embers’ is Worth Watching:
- Experienced Creative Team: A collaboration of a writer and an artist with a proven background in manga.
- Unique Premise: A delinquent’s journey into soccer provides an interesting narrative hook.
- Visual Appeal: Nishii’s background work promises dynamic and captivating artwork.
- Potential for a Rivalry: The acknowledgment from the ‘Blue Lock’ team suggests a series that aims to compete in the soccer manga landscape.
The release of ‘Embers’ on MANGA Plus is a noteworthy event for manga enthusiasts and soccer fans. With its strong creative team and an intriguing premise, the series has the potential to become a new favorite in the sports manga landscape. The simultaneous release on February 3rd will allow a global audience to experience the start of this new series, making it a highly anticipated debut for the start of 2025.
