Ten volumes in, Blue Box continues to deliver, but holy hell, this installment truly highlighted the series' strengths and weaknesses. The opening chapters were a chore, repeatedly using the tired trope of Taiki and Chi's conversations being derailed by chance encounters. This shit happened three times in just two chapters, feeling less like coincidence and more like forced, lazy storytelling.
Thankfully, the volume found its footing with the introduction of Yumeka. Her background story was genuinely touching and realistic, perfectly capturing how life and relationships evolve. The final significant conversation in the book was particularly impactful, beautifully illustrating the pain of losing a close friend.
While the beginning left a sour taste, the rest of the volume largely redeemed itself. I'd rate it a solid 3.5 out of 5.
Clothes shopping makes for a cute date for Chinatsu and Taiki, but their every move is accidentally dogged by people getting in the way. From rivals to ex-friends to being stuck in their heads, this whole thing might take a while…
There’s something refreshing about the way Blue Box presents itself as a basic old romance that is about a guy falling for a girl and her returning the sentiment. No destiny, no crazy, just a feeling that this person is kind of special.
If anything, Chinatsu and Taiki are too alike. Both of them are hard workers who have earned their success through hard work. They don’t have the arrogance that comes of being a prodigy or just being the best.
But consequently they are also both easily thrown off in matters of the heart, even when it’s absolutely perfectly obvious they both have feelings for each other. Lack of confidence is a hell of a drug and when their would-be date tosses in both rivals (the accidental mention of Hina stops Chinatsu dead in her tracks) and a former friend of Chinatsu’s, it gets sent down a track it can’t really come back from.
Taiki’s would-be rival for Chinatsu’s affection is honestly one of the better subversions of this notion that I’ve seen in a while. Matsuoka is back from playing basketball in America, all smarm and charm and very obviously after Chinatsu.
And given how well this jerk knows Chinatsu, Taiki is right to worry. Unless he paid any attention to Chinatsu, mind, who clearly knows that Matsuoka is a prick. Chinatsu is clearly more into Taiki, but the latter is basically making a rival scenario for himself out of his insecurities. That happens all the time, but rarely in manga, it’s a nice way to take it.
That ex-friend of Chinatsu’s, Yumeka, is the version that had all the confidence and was basically Chinatsu’s hero. But her story took a different path than the latter’s, as Yumeka was always the best until she suddenly wasn’t and her solution was to give up rather than try to move forward.
It might be a little predictable and her attitude towards Taiki hides more than a little tsundere sentiment towards Chinatsu, who she’s genuinely concerned for, but that’s only until Chinatsu reveals a little more of her own perspective at the end. The way Yumeka gets jammed in here out of nowhere is a little trite, but the story does a good job of making her a decent, if harsh, character.
In addition to its sharp storytelling, Blue Box works because it pays attention to the details (hello KitKat!) and offers a surfeit of little extra bits that really flesh it out. Taiki’s mom doesn’t need to love k-dramas, but it’s the little stuff like that that makes the story pop.
It also remains wonderfully grounded, drawing upon the drama generated by everybody being young and hormonal and in the pressure cooker of competitive sports. Yeah, it has the dopey premise and they pile on the tropes, but the core is very relatable.
Plus it is, if not hilarious, very amusing and the chemistry between Taiki and Chinatsu is absolutely palpable. They have such a good vibe together that makes them easy to root for (even as the stage is slowly being set for Hina to get crushed yet again).
4.5 stars - a little narrative contrivance getting all these pieces and new characters into place aside, the only word I have for this volume was engrossing. I don’t think it’s wrong of me to say that this is one of my favourite things to ever come out of Shonen Jump.
a solid volume. i really don’t like yumeko but i understand where she’s coming from and why she quit the team. i just wish her and natsu’s friendship didn’t have to suffer in the process. i hope they reconcile !!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Yumeka…a new character with a *personality.* She seems very harsh and unyielding type, but I hope Chinatsu can be friends with her again. In this arc, I hope it addresses that your perceptions of other people - their thoughts, efforts, abilities - are not necessarily reality. To believe that Chinatsu doesn’t want to skip, that she wants to put in the work…it’s more like she has a goal and putting in the work is the only way to reach it. It only seems effortless because you’re not the one making the effort. Hating someone because you can’t live up to what you imagine their expectations are, is foolish and self centered. There was a hint that maybe her mom was a notable player, so maybe that will have been what really caused too much pressure.
A note about the artwork. Several times I’ve thought that girls on the basketball team were guys. I don’t know if that’s intentional or not, but it’s disconcerting. I don’t like the returnee guy all that much atm, either. I wonder if he has a history with Yumeka, and if he likes Chinatsu himself or simply doesn’t want her to be distracted. I find it odd he’s always practicing with them - maybe the teams go year round? For us, the girls and guys play during different seasons so they don’t overlap in the gym.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Blue Box Volume 10 is another incredible chapter in Taiki’s journey. This volume is filled with raw emotion, growth, and the kind of tension that keeps you hooked from start to finish. As Taiki’s badminton career progresses, so does his self-reflection, and the inner struggles he faces are both relatable and inspiring. It’s clear that his journey is not just about improving in the sport—it’s about understanding himself, his ambitions, and how to navigate the complexities of his relationships.
The bond between Taiki and Chinatsu takes on even more depth in this volume. Their relationship grows in a way that feels so natural, with both characters pushing each other to be better, not just as individuals, but together. I love how their connection isn’t rushed—it’s a slow burn, and every moment feels earned.
The pacing of Volume 10 is spot on, allowing emotional beats to land while still keeping the story moving forward. The art continues to impress, capturing every moment perfectly. By the end, I was left with a sense of fulfillment and a strong desire for what comes next. Blue Box continues to be a beautiful, inspiring read—this volume is a standout in the series.
While I still want Hina and Taiki to be together, there is one thing I like about Chinatsu and Taiki's relationship, which is that they both get inspired by how hard the other is working.
I'm glad that they later talked about the fact that just because you have natural talent, doesn't mean that you're the best. Like in Haikyu!! Tobio Kageyama mentions that he still has to work hard and train.
While I did enjoy this volume more than the previous ones, I'm not sure if I'm going to continue buying this series, I will keep reading it but I'm not sure if I will buy the next volumes yet, for now I will read the next chapters on the Shonen Jump app.
this volume had SO many frustrating characters and moments!! first of all, matsuoka is such a slimey guy....he's absolutely terrible to taiki, though I'm glad chinatsu seems to see through it. then yumeka is introduced, and while I understand some of her feelings, she is so incredibly nasty. the picture of her as a hissing cat is spot on!!
in between all these frustrations though, there are some really amazing moments for taiki and chinatsu. their shopping date is adorable, him making sure to pack chinatsu the best foods is so sweet, and then her reflecting on her relationship with him at the end made my heart skip a beat. I really hope they confess soon!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4.5/5 Another great volume! This volume delves more into Chinatsu's childhood and why she is so dedicated to basketball. We learn about her childhood friend and their falling out. We also get to learn more about how Chinatsu views Taiki and his dedication to badminton. This story continues to be a treat with excellent characters.
Possiamo dire tranquillamente che a nessuno è importato nulla dell’amica delle medie di Chinatsu e non sentivamo il bisogno di dedicare un intero volume a questo tema? Se questo volume fosse una puntata sarebbe praticamente un filler… poi vediamo come continua, ma comunque questo volume è il primo della serie che mi ha fatto pensare “noia!”
This volume was really great in terms of the storytelling. It starts with Taiki and Chinatsu hanging out. Then, they meet a new character. I actually can't believe how much that new character contributes to Chinatsu's basketball career at Eimei. For this volume, I was so annoyed by Matsuoka, i really hope he can "Go Home" from Taiki and Chi, please!
Siguiendo la lógica de siempre, 91-100. Este volumen y sobretodo los últimos capítulos los resumo en "muy shojo, no habíamos visto un shojo tanto este año, como este año tanto shojo" Mis bebés, sobretodo Taiki está pero 🥺
Even though it's not going smoothly, I'm happy with the progress of Taiki × Chinatsu. The appearance of the character Yumeka here makes I even more familiar with the flashbacks of Chinatsu who likes basketball.
ok now things are finally getting good. I was in Hina's position not too long ago and I wept when Taiki put his foot down and firmly rejected her advances. It was painful but I wish the same was done for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
“He isn’t some ‘other thing.’” … “When I feel unsure about whether this relentless practice is really worth it. When I’m feeling discouraged, he makes me feel empowered.”
Can't believe a weekly series built around a love triangle has been able to go for 10 volumes without totally jumping the shark with an amnesia plotline or secret twins or something.