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メダリスト [Medalist] #8
Medalist Vol. 8
In the cold northern reaches of Japan, the All-Japan Novice tournament has begun-Inori and Tsukasa's long-awaited first national event, and also their first chance to compete directly against the seemingly unbeatable Hikaru. Inori scores an early break when she draws a spot well after Hikaru's in the skating order, but after learning the quadruple salchow, she's the center of attention on the sport's national stage-and she's got a gauntlet of experienced skates and coaches to take on!
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2023
5 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 1, 2025
This volume gets a downgrade for Hikaru's ugly arms' position on every jump, but the 3A. It's hard to believe in her "genius" when she's starting to look like a doped-up Russian teen.
October 3, 2023
The All-Japan Novice A competition is our setting for this volume, as Inori and Hikaru’s rivalry is about to get even more heated. Inori finally managed to land her quadruple salchow, but, in case you haven’t heard, figure skating is a brutal, brutal place…
As long as I set aside my general issues with judging in figure skating, this story continues to make an impressive case for why anybody would give a crap about any part of the sport. Along with the crisp visuals and depth of storytelling it makes for an excellent ride.
As much as Hikaru and Inori are currently butting heads, with Hikaru all icy professionalism and Inori being the ‘leading with her heart’ type, the added layer to this conflict is the way that Jun and Tsukasa are clearly throwing down as well, using their students as the weapons.
It’s a great way to go and it doesn’t necessarily present either adult in a great light, even as Tsukasa states firmly that he is only doing any of this for Inori’s sake and not for his own purposes. Which is likely true, but, as Tsukasa stands up against Jun’s arrogance, the results are still basically the same.
Inori’s the absolute perfect manga underdog, honestly, and boy is she ever going to need that underdog triumph arc energy because the competition in this volume is absolutely insane.
It starts off with the hilariously obnoxious Suzu, who appears to have a real podium dream based entirely on the world appreciating exactly how cute she is. The writing threads that needle to keep her on the right side of annoying.
At this point, the art shifts into high gear and really sells how strong Suzu’s performance is. The whole scoring aspect is now blissfully omnipresent, yet not overly explained, and it works with the manga to convey what’s going on. It’s the best integration of that aspect yet.
And that’s all a mere warmup for Hikaru’s performance, which is drawn within an inch of its life and just a thing of beauty to see, while also delivering a whole lot of plot about the machinations on the go here. Plus a little extra about just what Tsukasa himself is putting into Inori’s training.
That it accomplishes all this while telling a “story” that is, I have to say, the sort artsy-fartsy interpretative choreography that drives me nuts in figure skating? I mean, five stars alone for me enjoying it despite itself. And that routine is very overwrought for a good story reason.
For a volume that’s only partway through an arc, this absolutely keeps the momentum. We’ve seen Inori fail in the past; we’ve seen her improve a lot too. Even so, she’s up against odds that feel, at best, to be insurmountable and how Tsukasa handles that should be interesting. The manga has shown it is quite happy to have its lead stumble, figuratively and literally, and that makes the stakes so believably high.
5 stars - this volume pretty much covers everything about why this series works. It has great art, lots to think about in terms of story, and it’s also got some great jokes (that plushie is a thing of beauty). It’s the perfect example of how kids will be kids, until the moment they’re tearing one another to shreds. Superlative manga.
As long as I set aside my general issues with judging in figure skating, this story continues to make an impressive case for why anybody would give a crap about any part of the sport. Along with the crisp visuals and depth of storytelling it makes for an excellent ride.
As much as Hikaru and Inori are currently butting heads, with Hikaru all icy professionalism and Inori being the ‘leading with her heart’ type, the added layer to this conflict is the way that Jun and Tsukasa are clearly throwing down as well, using their students as the weapons.
It’s a great way to go and it doesn’t necessarily present either adult in a great light, even as Tsukasa states firmly that he is only doing any of this for Inori’s sake and not for his own purposes. Which is likely true, but, as Tsukasa stands up against Jun’s arrogance, the results are still basically the same.
Inori’s the absolute perfect manga underdog, honestly, and boy is she ever going to need that underdog triumph arc energy because the competition in this volume is absolutely insane.
It starts off with the hilariously obnoxious Suzu, who appears to have a real podium dream based entirely on the world appreciating exactly how cute she is. The writing threads that needle to keep her on the right side of annoying.
At this point, the art shifts into high gear and really sells how strong Suzu’s performance is. The whole scoring aspect is now blissfully omnipresent, yet not overly explained, and it works with the manga to convey what’s going on. It’s the best integration of that aspect yet.
And that’s all a mere warmup for Hikaru’s performance, which is drawn within an inch of its life and just a thing of beauty to see, while also delivering a whole lot of plot about the machinations on the go here. Plus a little extra about just what Tsukasa himself is putting into Inori’s training.
That it accomplishes all this while telling a “story” that is, I have to say, the sort artsy-fartsy interpretative choreography that drives me nuts in figure skating? I mean, five stars alone for me enjoying it despite itself. And that routine is very overwrought for a good story reason.
For a volume that’s only partway through an arc, this absolutely keeps the momentum. We’ve seen Inori fail in the past; we’ve seen her improve a lot too. Even so, she’s up against odds that feel, at best, to be insurmountable and how Tsukasa handles that should be interesting. The manga has shown it is quite happy to have its lead stumble, figuratively and literally, and that makes the stakes so believably high.
5 stars - this volume pretty much covers everything about why this series works. It has great art, lots to think about in terms of story, and it’s also got some great jokes (that plushie is a thing of beauty). It’s the perfect example of how kids will be kids, until the moment they’re tearing one another to shreds. Superlative manga.
February 12, 2024
esse mangá é muito excepcional. eu particularmente já sou uma pessoa q gosta de esportes então pra esse mangá me agradar seria em tese mt fácil. mas uma das minhas obsessões q persiste até hj tem 4 anos é eu ser fã do yuzuru hanyu, e com isso, um conhecimento até q bom das regras e do funcionamento da patinação artística. então se esse mangá apresentasse mts inconsistências eu com certeza notaria e isso me tiraria do sério. mas esse mangá é tão tão bom, retrata os treinos e as competições no fs tão bem, além da arte e a caracterização dos personagens estarem no ponto. tenho certeza q foi por causa da tradução horrível q eu li do inglês mas todas as meninas tem as suas particularidades e é tão tão bom de acompanhar e torcer pela inori 🥹🥹🥹🥹
minha única reclamação talvez seria o nível dos saltos q estão sendo praticados e a idade delas. é muito difícil mesmo um quad jump ser feito e a inori ter um quad no repertório e ainda colocar num combo é a parte ficcional da história. queria q os pulos se mantivessem no nível q elas estão competindo e q conforme elas fossem crescendo, elas pudessem colocar esses quad jumps e o 3A no repertório !!
mas fora isso esse mangá eh perfeito
minha única reclamação talvez seria o nível dos saltos q estão sendo praticados e a idade delas. é muito difícil mesmo um quad jump ser feito e a inori ter um quad no repertório e ainda colocar num combo é a parte ficcional da história. queria q os pulos se mantivessem no nível q elas estão competindo e q conforme elas fossem crescendo, elas pudessem colocar esses quad jumps e o 3A no repertório !!
mas fora isso esse mangá eh perfeito
October 7, 2025
Well, I had to wait a few weeks for this volume to ship and it was WORTH IT.
Medalist as a series is just so good, and this volume is absolutely no different.
We’ve finally made it to the all-Japan novice championship, a competition that has been built up for a while now and the competition is fierce.
This volume focuses on the start of the competition.
From all the strategy, to the first programs, and how our favorite skaters prepare & perform. The stakes are high, the jumps are higher, and it’s just a great volume overall!
Okay so like I just gotta say, I don’t know much about figure skating. Honestly seeing the programs in this manga are so entrancing, to the point it has got me watching like every category. From junior age to past Olympic programs. Singles and pairs, even some ice dancing. So I seriously recommend this volume, and the entire series as well because it does a really good job of not just building up the plot and characters, but diving into the beauty of the sport as well.
Medalist as a series is just so good, and this volume is absolutely no different.
We’ve finally made it to the all-Japan novice championship, a competition that has been built up for a while now and the competition is fierce.
This volume focuses on the start of the competition.
From all the strategy, to the first programs, and how our favorite skaters prepare & perform. The stakes are high, the jumps are higher, and it’s just a great volume overall!
Okay so like I just gotta say, I don’t know much about figure skating. Honestly seeing the programs in this manga are so entrancing, to the point it has got me watching like every category. From junior age to past Olympic programs. Singles and pairs, even some ice dancing. So I seriously recommend this volume, and the entire series as well because it does a really good job of not just building up the plot and characters, but diving into the beauty of the sport as well.
May 10, 2025
The All Japan Novice Championships begin, and its stars - Hikari, Suzu, and others bring their A game! Tensions mount as Inori and Tsukasa watch the performances and prepare for Inori's turn on the ice.
I loved this volume. It showcases both beautifully drawn ice skating, great explanations for the technical side of skating competitions, and deep dives into several characters. The highlight of this volume is Hikaru, and she absolutely lives up to the hype.
I can't wait for the next volume, and Inori's answer to the challenge Hikaru has thrown to everyone!
I loved this volume. It showcases both beautifully drawn ice skating, great explanations for the technical side of skating competitions, and deep dives into several characters. The highlight of this volume is Hikaru, and she absolutely lives up to the hype.
I can't wait for the next volume, and Inori's answer to the challenge Hikaru has thrown to everyone!
January 26, 2025
4.5 stars
Ein wirklich toller Band mit ganz viel Spannung. Nicht nur fiebert man mit den Läuferinnen, und vor allem Inori, mit, sondern der Manga ist auch sehr informativ was das Eiskunstlaufen angeht. Die Meisterschaft hat begonnen und einige Teilnehmerinnen waren schon auf dem Eis. Was Hikaru gezeigt hat, war einfach riesig. Und Inori hat sich aufgrund dessen ein neues Ziel gesetzt. Bin super gespannt, wie es im nächsten Band damit weitergeht.
Ein wirklich toller Band mit ganz viel Spannung. Nicht nur fiebert man mit den Läuferinnen, und vor allem Inori, mit, sondern der Manga ist auch sehr informativ was das Eiskunstlaufen angeht. Die Meisterschaft hat begonnen und einige Teilnehmerinnen waren schon auf dem Eis. Was Hikaru gezeigt hat, war einfach riesig. Und Inori hat sich aufgrund dessen ein neues Ziel gesetzt. Bin super gespannt, wie es im nächsten Band damit weitergeht.
October 10, 2025
J’ai retrouvé l’ambiance si intense des qualifications japonaises, l’attention portée aux entraîneurs, aux motivations de chaque patineur·se, et ce duo Tsukasa/Inori qui reste au cœur du récit. J’ai adoré le personnage de Suzu, qui apporte un éclairage différent sur ce sport.
Et cette fin ! Un cliff-hanger comme je les aime, avec les larmes aux yeux d’un coup. J'ai adoré !
Ma chronique complète est dispo ici : https://sorbetkiwi.fr/index.php/l-ent...
Ma chronique complète est dispo ici : https://sorbetkiwi.fr/index.php/l-ent...
March 26, 2025
I know it's not the real world but since it is a sports manga I really can't take it seriously because are we really expecting bunch of 12 yr olds can do triple and quads that even experienced skaters in juniors and seniors skating struggle with. But still overall a fun read of the competition
May 30, 2025
The hype.is. REAL!!! It's time for the Novice A championships. Inori faces immense pressure and Hikaru takes the stage. Will her performance shake Inori or will she be ready to sweep her rival off the podium??
September 23, 2023
Oooooh there's going to be an anime
February 4, 2024
this is the best sports manga i've read in a long time
March 25, 2025
The most spell blinding performance I’ve ever seen
August 21, 2025
Faced with other skaters' killer programs, will Inori rise to the challenge?
September 18, 2025
This work of fiction is so good it makes me want to kill myself.
January 7, 2026
I LOVED This volume. Watching all the other girls compete, letting Inori sit on the side lines for awhile, really helped flush out a lot of the supporting cast. I want all the girls to win!
January 17, 2025
Hikaru I love u but like holy calm down 🥲🥲🥲
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews