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ブルーロック [Blue Lock] #1-3
Blue Lock Omnibus 1
Un pack de un manga futbolístico de infarto. Pack que incluye los tres primeros tomos de la serie más tres postales de regalo. ¡Ser los mejores del mundo hasta ahora era solo un sueño! ¡Para cumplirlo, han reunido a 300 delanteros egoístas! En el Mundial de 2018, Japón no pasó de dieciseisavos… Tras este fracaso, y con la intención de conseguir que Japón ganase por fin una Copa del Mundo, la Asociación de Fútbol de Japón reunió a 300 delanteros de ligas estudiantiles en unas instalaciones de entrenamiento llamadas “BLUE LOCK”. Su entrenador, Jinpachi Ego, afirma que lo que Japón necesita es un “delantero movido por el egoísmo”. Poco a poco, el hasta ahora desconocido delantero, Yoichi Isagi, y sus compañeros, irán convirtiéndose en esos egoístas capaces de alcanzar la victoria.
- GenresMangaYoung Adult
608 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
2 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Muneyuki Kaneshiro
351 books269 followersMuneyuki Kaneshiro (金城宗幸, Kaneshiro Muneyuki) is a Japanese mangaka.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC. I heard a lot about this manga before so I was excited. I even made a point to go into it blind and I’m glad, I don’t it would have felt the same otherwise.
Of course I knew it was about football not the concept which is very intriguing. Reminding me a bit of Squid games in a way.
This first volume is everything you’d expect, action packed in best way. And the art is also amazing. I honestly really liked it. Definitely recommend checking out this omnibus edition of blue lock, comes out on the 24th of this month so be ready!
Of course I knew it was about football not the concept which is very intriguing. Reminding me a bit of Squid games in a way.
This first volume is everything you’d expect, action packed in best way. And the art is also amazing. I honestly really liked it. Definitely recommend checking out this omnibus edition of blue lock, comes out on the 24th of this month so be ready!
March 3, 2026
Thank you so much to Netgalley, Kodansha and the author for giving me the opportunity to read this as an arc!
This review is only about volume 1, as stated in the copy provided by the publisher.
Blue Lock is a manga about football, it focuses on Japan's search for their star striker. Before seeing this on Netgalley, I had no clue this existed but I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read this since I'm a big football fan.
Vol. 1 is very interesting, but a little slow at the beginning, due to all the details and the setting up needed for the beginning of the story. I liked seeing Isagi start to change to become the striker he wants to be. I will definitely check out the next volumes because I want to know how the story evolves.
This review is only about volume 1, as stated in the copy provided by the publisher.
Blue Lock is a manga about football, it focuses on Japan's search for their star striker. Before seeing this on Netgalley, I had no clue this existed but I'm so happy I had the opportunity to read this since I'm a big football fan.
Vol. 1 is very interesting, but a little slow at the beginning, due to all the details and the setting up needed for the beginning of the story. I liked seeing Isagi start to change to become the striker he wants to be. I will definitely check out the next volumes because I want to know how the story evolves.
March 6, 2026
3.5
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Do you have the courage to dream of winning the world cup?
A psychological-thriller-esque take on soccer, Blue Lock is not an ordinary slice of life sports manga. It's closer to the fantasy (ish) depictions with the hype centered on the 'superpowers' rather than a play-by-play depiction of a real life game. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're a fan of the former aspect (think Kuroko no Basket instead of Haikyuu!!) then Blue Lock is definitely for you.
I've read the first two volumes independently prior to requesting this copy for Netgalley, so I can rate the story itself as a 3.5: the beginning is slow, with longer chapters, however, they are essential in developing a solid foundation between the characters. It builds the hype slowly (and sometimes a little more than necessary), and I'm glad I was able to revisit this thanks to the omnibus copy.
That being said, due to file size limitations, only Volume 1 was included in the Netgalley copy - and upon emailing Kodansha,I have yet to receive a response even this close to the archive date. There should have been a disclaimer but what's done is done. Instead, I've gone out to borrow Volume 2 and Volume 3 to read on my ownEDIT: This has been resolved although it did take a little bit (thank you Christopher from their Library Services!) and I was able to read Volume 2 and Volume 3. Still, it does not change my opinion of the story thus far and the official translation and localization was pretty well done as well.
Overall, I'm glad I was able to relive my first read of Blue Lock and I will be continuing my read through for this.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
Do you have the courage to dream of winning the world cup?
A psychological-thriller-esque take on soccer, Blue Lock is not an ordinary slice of life sports manga. It's closer to the fantasy (ish) depictions with the hype centered on the 'superpowers' rather than a play-by-play depiction of a real life game. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you're a fan of the former aspect (think Kuroko no Basket instead of Haikyuu!!) then Blue Lock is definitely for you.
I've read the first two volumes independently prior to requesting this copy for Netgalley, so I can rate the story itself as a 3.5: the beginning is slow, with longer chapters, however, they are essential in developing a solid foundation between the characters. It builds the hype slowly (and sometimes a little more than necessary), and I'm glad I was able to revisit this thanks to the omnibus copy.
That being said, due to file size limitations, only Volume 1 was included in the Netgalley copy - and upon emailing Kodansha,
Overall, I'm glad I was able to relive my first read of Blue Lock and I will be continuing my read through for this.
Big thanks to the publisher for providing me this ARC via NetGalley. This does not in any shape or form influence my review on this book.
February 8, 2026
…Are you the worlds top egoist?
Thank you as always to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC!
These first three volumes are so action packed!!
It’s I saw another review say it’s kind of squid game-esque, and I agree!
Anyway it’s high stakes, which makes everything so much more interesting. I like the setting a lot.
A standout for me as someone who loves soccer is that I enjoy the fast paced style of the games! Soccer definitely more of a backdrop at times, or a setting per say. I think blue lock is ultimately an action manga- but I enjoy seeing the soccer representation! It makes it really fun to read.
For the characters I think they’re all unique and something that helps (especially if you’re not someone who reads a lot of manga) is that they’re super identifiable right off the bat. I’ve come to love Chigiri, Bachira, Isagi, and Kunagami, already!
The art is great, it’s clean enough to tell what’s happening, unique enough to feel creepy or uncanny when it wants, I think it’s really nice to look at in general!
I think it’s a good read! It’s got good characters, a rewarding plot, and plenty of emotion. I’d mainly recommend it if you like action, if you like soccer, or if you’re looking for something different that kind of blends genres.
I do have a bit of nitpick though, because there’s one girl In this entire series (which is fine, it’s a comic staring high school boys who get locked away from the world lol.) but like she’s treated so horribly. All those weird old men and even Ego treat her badly even though she’s a big reason the project is even running. There’s no reason to include a whole scene of of creepy old men talking about her and her body in work attire. It’s actually pointless- but maybe that’s just me.
Thank you as always to NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC!
These first three volumes are so action packed!!
It’s I saw another review say it’s kind of squid game-esque, and I agree!
Anyway it’s high stakes, which makes everything so much more interesting. I like the setting a lot.
A standout for me as someone who loves soccer is that I enjoy the fast paced style of the games! Soccer definitely more of a backdrop at times, or a setting per say. I think blue lock is ultimately an action manga- but I enjoy seeing the soccer representation! It makes it really fun to read.
For the characters I think they’re all unique and something that helps (especially if you’re not someone who reads a lot of manga) is that they’re super identifiable right off the bat. I’ve come to love Chigiri, Bachira, Isagi, and Kunagami, already!
The art is great, it’s clean enough to tell what’s happening, unique enough to feel creepy or uncanny when it wants, I think it’s really nice to look at in general!
I think it’s a good read! It’s got good characters, a rewarding plot, and plenty of emotion. I’d mainly recommend it if you like action, if you like soccer, or if you’re looking for something different that kind of blends genres.
I do have a bit of nitpick though, because there’s one girl In this entire series (which is fine, it’s a comic staring high school boys who get locked away from the world lol.) but like she’s treated so horribly. All those weird old men and even Ego treat her badly even though she’s a big reason the project is even running. There’s no reason to include a whole scene of of creepy old men talking about her and her body in work attire. It’s actually pointless- but maybe that’s just me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Disclaimer: I received a review copy for free via Netgalley, and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts. Many thanks to Kodansha Comics for the opportunity!
I absolutely adore sports anime was recommended Blue Lock from my friend who knew my tastes very well. I binged through season one of the anime a couple years ago and immediately fell in love with the premise and the characters!!!
I'm glad to report that the anime is a true adaptation of the manga, which adds great detail to the scenes that play out in the anime. The art is glorious with the intense speedlines and the dramatic play with text and art in the page layouts work incredibly well to match the vibe of Blue Lock.
This omnibus that collects the first three volumes which is a very fun early arc in the series, covering 22 chapters. If you've watched the anime, the entire first season ends on chapter 94. It also has some fun bonuses at the end of the book!
Blue Lock is a dramatic series that doesn't take itself too seriously and the characters are endearing and charming. It succeeds at what other sports series does which is showcasing a group of high school athletes who are competitive, with varying reasons to why they enjoy the sport, and a lot of grit and heart and this first arc is a nice setup for the entirety of the series.
I absolutely adore sports anime was recommended Blue Lock from my friend who knew my tastes very well. I binged through season one of the anime a couple years ago and immediately fell in love with the premise and the characters!!!
I'm glad to report that the anime is a true adaptation of the manga, which adds great detail to the scenes that play out in the anime. The art is glorious with the intense speedlines and the dramatic play with text and art in the page layouts work incredibly well to match the vibe of Blue Lock.
This omnibus that collects the first three volumes which is a very fun early arc in the series, covering 22 chapters. If you've watched the anime, the entire first season ends on chapter 94. It also has some fun bonuses at the end of the book!
Blue Lock is a dramatic series that doesn't take itself too seriously and the characters are endearing and charming. It succeeds at what other sports series does which is showcasing a group of high school athletes who are competitive, with varying reasons to why they enjoy the sport, and a lot of grit and heart and this first arc is a nice setup for the entirety of the series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Read: February 23rd
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Not gonna lie, feel a bit cheated because this says vol 1-3 but the netgalley file only gives volume 1 for size reasons >_>
I like sports shounen. I love both Haikyuu and Kuroko no Basket. Though Blue Box is a romance, I love the sports aspect to it, as well as the basketball bits we have in Cheeky Brat. The main difference between those (besides Blue Box) and this what sort of puts me off from this story: its focus on the individual. I liked the start where there's mention of soccer being a game of eleven people, but then it puts the main character light purely on the striker.
I get it, and it didn't make me hate the manga or anything. I'd have kept reading if the other two volumes were given. It just made it so that I didn't feel as compelled by the manga. What can I say? I value friendship and teamwork much more than main character syndrome 🤣 I think I'd vibe more with the anime, but I've heard the animation quality dropped in season 2, so...
Overall, yeah, an enjoyable manga, but not one that would stick with me like the others I mentioned (unless something changes later on).
Format: E-Book
Rating: 3 Stars
Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Not gonna lie, feel a bit cheated because this says vol 1-3 but the netgalley file only gives volume 1 for size reasons >_>
I like sports shounen. I love both Haikyuu and Kuroko no Basket. Though Blue Box is a romance, I love the sports aspect to it, as well as the basketball bits we have in Cheeky Brat. The main difference between those (besides Blue Box) and this what sort of puts me off from this story: its focus on the individual. I liked the start where there's mention of soccer being a game of eleven people, but then it puts the main character light purely on the striker.
I get it, and it didn't make me hate the manga or anything. I'd have kept reading if the other two volumes were given. It just made it so that I didn't feel as compelled by the manga. What can I say? I value friendship and teamwork much more than main character syndrome 🤣 I think I'd vibe more with the anime, but I've heard the animation quality dropped in season 2, so...
Overall, yeah, an enjoyable manga, but not one that would stick with me like the others I mentioned (unless something changes later on).
March 6, 2026
I am obsessed with Bluelock. It’s been a while since my heart raced while reading. Each game felt like I was watching it in real life. From the lost game in the very beginning to when Ego told everyone to abandon their group mentality in the round robin tournaments. I was rooting and gasping all the way through Vol. 1. I think that just shows how well the story is structured with stakes literally locking them in. Also the artwork does a good job at showing the actions and movements of the characters. There’s a lot of grit to the characters and it shows that the author took their time understanding the subject of what they were writing. Bluelock has become one of my top 10 manga of the year.
I’ve read all the way to Vol. 27 and it was rewarding to see how much Isagi and the others have grown. My favorite comparison is the very beginning of Vol.1 compared to who he ends up training with in the recent volumes. It’s a really heart warming comparison. I can’t wait for more.
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this e-arc. The review is my own
I’ve read all the way to Vol. 27 and it was rewarding to see how much Isagi and the others have grown. My favorite comparison is the very beginning of Vol.1 compared to who he ends up training with in the recent volumes. It’s a really heart warming comparison. I can’t wait for more.
Thank you Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this e-arc. The review is my own
March 1, 2026
I have heard a lot of good things about this manga, so I was very excited when NetGallery and the publisher let me read the ARC.
Before I continue, it is important to note that the ARC I was given only has the first volume. So my rating is in regards to that part only. I cannot speak for the other two volumes that will come in this omnibus.
I have never read or watched a sports manga/anime before. I don't even watch real sports! But I had heard so many good things about this series, I had to give it a try.
It did feel a little slow at first and the volume assumes you at least know basic knowledge of how soccer is played (which...I didn't). I did not let that ruin my experience, though. Overall, the story was interesting. Especially once they entered Blue Lock.
The art was well done and the characters felt unique.
I would definitely recommend this to people who know that they like sports manga.
Before I continue, it is important to note that the ARC I was given only has the first volume. So my rating is in regards to that part only. I cannot speak for the other two volumes that will come in this omnibus.
I have never read or watched a sports manga/anime before. I don't even watch real sports! But I had heard so many good things about this series, I had to give it a try.
It did feel a little slow at first and the volume assumes you at least know basic knowledge of how soccer is played (which...I didn't). I did not let that ruin my experience, though. Overall, the story was interesting. Especially once they entered Blue Lock.
The art was well done and the characters felt unique.
I would definitely recommend this to people who know that they like sports manga.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha for this ARC!
What can I really say about Blue Lock that hasn't already been said? I love this series and I was very pleased to see that we will be getting an omnibus version of this story. The ARC only contains the first volume of this story, which was a little surprising. However, I've read far past this point using the individual novels. This is a great series. IMO this is the best soccer manga out there and it honestly makes a solid argument for the title of best sports manga of all time. I highly recommend this to all fans of manga, not just those interested in soccer or sports in general. The art style is phenomenal and the way the panels are laid out from page to page really encapsulates the speed of play happening in the games. 10/10.
What can I really say about Blue Lock that hasn't already been said? I love this series and I was very pleased to see that we will be getting an omnibus version of this story. The ARC only contains the first volume of this story, which was a little surprising. However, I've read far past this point using the individual novels. This is a great series. IMO this is the best soccer manga out there and it honestly makes a solid argument for the title of best sports manga of all time. I highly recommend this to all fans of manga, not just those interested in soccer or sports in general. The art style is phenomenal and the way the panels are laid out from page to page really encapsulates the speed of play happening in the games. 10/10.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blue Lock Omnibus is a sports manga focusing on football. With a dream to win the World Cup, the Japan Football Union sets up the Blue Lock Program with 300 top high school forwards.
These High School potentials are placed in a special training to find the best striker, one who is egoistic enough to win. They must forget all they have known about football — to ditch the teamwork makes the dream work, and the all for one, one for all spirit — and fight to outlast all other players to be the best.
If you are a fan of sports manga, especially on football, this is easily your fun read. I finished Vol 1-3 in one sitting, and I’m looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
These High School potentials are placed in a special training to find the best striker, one who is egoistic enough to win. They must forget all they have known about football — to ditch the teamwork makes the dream work, and the all for one, one for all spirit — and fight to outlast all other players to be the best.
If you are a fan of sports manga, especially on football, this is easily your fun read. I finished Vol 1-3 in one sitting, and I’m looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you so so much to Netgalley and Kodansha comics for giving me the chance to read Blue Lock Omnibus 1 (Vol. 1-3) by Muneyuki Kaneshiro in exchange for my honest review.
A loved diving back to the world of Blue lock and seen the beauty of the manga again after so long and the amazing panels and story of one the latest favourite sports manga of many manga readers. Reading the manga has lit a new spark in me to watch the anime again (even though the heavy critics of the second season). But the fact that the omnibus covers so much ground of the story made me so passionate in wanting to see it come alive again, which is a testament to how great the story and the art style is in the original manga.
Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy sports manga !
A loved diving back to the world of Blue lock and seen the beauty of the manga again after so long and the amazing panels and story of one the latest favourite sports manga of many manga readers. Reading the manga has lit a new spark in me to watch the anime again (even though the heavy critics of the second season). But the fact that the omnibus covers so much ground of the story made me so passionate in wanting to see it come alive again, which is a testament to how great the story and the art style is in the original manga.
Definitely worth checking out if you enjoy sports manga !
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blue Lock is published in new 3 vol editions just in time for the live action movie later this year. 300 high school football strikers are gathered to a rather psycho boarding school to put them through a regime that aims to produce a striker that can win Japan the World Cup. The idea is that it’s not a team sport but something that depends on one suberb talent who wants to win no matter what. Unfortunately, I can’t tell how that’ll turn out beyond the beginning, as the review edition only had 1 vol. of the 3. Will team spirit win over the insane instructor? Art is heavy and not really to my liking, but there were lovely colour plates of the characters at the beginning.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ve watched the anime adaptation and really enjoyed it. I was excited to read this and it did not disappoint. This was such a fun and engaging read, even for someone who doesn’t have a strong interest in soccer.
The storyline is fast paced and immediately pulls you in. It is intense and is filled with high stakes throughout the volume. The characters are well developed, distinct and each bring something unique and intense to the story. The artwork adds so much emotion to the story and the lettering is very clear.
(this copy only includes the first volume and extras)
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this ARC!!
The storyline is fast paced and immediately pulls you in. It is intense and is filled with high stakes throughout the volume. The characters are well developed, distinct and each bring something unique and intense to the story. The artwork adds so much emotion to the story and the lettering is very clear.
(this copy only includes the first volume and extras)
Thank you to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this ARC!!
February 12, 2026
I usually don’t follow football at all, but Blue Lock managed to pull me in right away. It feels very much like a shonen manga with all the familiar elements (high-stakes competition, intense rivalries, and a protagonist who’s both driven and fascinating to watch). I found myself genuinely invested in his journey.
I only had access to Volume 1 (plus some bonus material) due to NetGalley’s limits, and unfortunately couldn’t get the rest of the omnibus despite reaching out to the publisher. That said, what I read was engaging enough that I’d definitely continue the series. A strong start for fans of sports manga, or anyone curious to see why football can be so thrilling in fiction!
I only had access to Volume 1 (plus some bonus material) due to NetGalley’s limits, and unfortunately couldn’t get the rest of the omnibus despite reaching out to the publisher. That said, what I read was engaging enough that I’d definitely continue the series. A strong start for fans of sports manga, or anyone curious to see why football can be so thrilling in fiction!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Turns out I like sports romance manga and not sports manga.
The characters did not work for me in this survivor-esque soccer manga. Most of the characters seemed at least mildly unhinged, with the 2 people in charge being the worst (i.e. more than mildly - full on crazy)
Their concept of soccer was unpleasant to say the least and fostered an atmosphere where the characters seem unlikely to connect with each other (or, in my case, the reader.)
I'm sure this is someone's cup of tea, (it's popular enough to be getting an omnibus treatment) but it's not mine.
Note: the e-arc only contained volume 1 of the 3 that will be in the omnibus and the bonus content.
The characters did not work for me in this survivor-esque soccer manga. Most of the characters seemed at least mildly unhinged, with the 2 people in charge being the worst (i.e. more than mildly - full on crazy)
Their concept of soccer was unpleasant to say the least and fostered an atmosphere where the characters seem unlikely to connect with each other (or, in my case, the reader.)
I'm sure this is someone's cup of tea, (it's popular enough to be getting an omnibus treatment) but it's not mine.
Note: the e-arc only contained volume 1 of the 3 that will be in the omnibus and the bonus content.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Blue Lock Omnibus ended up not being for me, when it was compared to squid game I think I was expecting something with some thriller elements or a bit of gore. It was an error on my part but I had still wanted to give this popular manga series a chance. I hadn’t minded the art style but I only ended up liking one character (Bachira) aside from that this manga just didn’t work for me. I couldn’t find myself much invested in this story at all and the characters just weren’t particularly likable to me,(I only had access to the first volume on NetGalley) thank you to the publisher for my complimentary review copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
2.5
I was excited to give this a try since I haven't read many sports manga that I enjoyed and had hopes that I would like this one. But, I think I've just got to be honest with myself and accept that maybe sports manga just isn't for me. I found it entertaining enough and thought the concept was unique. But I couldn't bring myself to care about anyone or find myself too invested in where the plot was going. I can see why this series is loved by others though, Its just not for me. I did enjoy the art, even when it became a bit outrageous in their facial expressions 🤣
Thank you Kodansha for the ARC via netgalley!
I was excited to give this a try since I haven't read many sports manga that I enjoyed and had hopes that I would like this one. But, I think I've just got to be honest with myself and accept that maybe sports manga just isn't for me. I found it entertaining enough and thought the concept was unique. But I couldn't bring myself to care about anyone or find myself too invested in where the plot was going. I can see why this series is loved by others though, Its just not for me. I did enjoy the art, even when it became a bit outrageous in their facial expressions 🤣
Thank you Kodansha for the ARC via netgalley!
March 1, 2026
One of my favorite sports manga, hands down.
(The anime is just as good)
I was never really into sports, but this?
I’m into thissss lol.
The tournament style. The players. The techniques!!
This is just such an amazing read, even if you’re not into sports. The stakes are so intense too. It’s not like, life threatening, but some may consider it so with everyone’s pride on the line ⚽️
The art style is 🔥 too, such a sick manga. It’s such a love - hate situation w/ all the characters, you really can’t root for anyone just yet w/ the tournament style, which makes it feel even more on edge ‘cause the switch ups are crazy.
Overall, do yourself a favor and pick this up lol.
(The anime is just as good)
I was never really into sports, but this?
I’m into thissss lol.
The tournament style. The players. The techniques!!
This is just such an amazing read, even if you’re not into sports. The stakes are so intense too. It’s not like, life threatening, but some may consider it so with everyone’s pride on the line ⚽️
The art style is 🔥 too, such a sick manga. It’s such a love - hate situation w/ all the characters, you really can’t root for anyone just yet w/ the tournament style, which makes it feel even more on edge ‘cause the switch ups are crazy.
Overall, do yourself a favor and pick this up lol.
March 16, 2026
Blue Lock is a tried and loved title for me, one that I had to take a pause in the middle of the series because I was becoming too invested in it that I had to "touch grass" and leave for a breather for a minute. It's been awhile since I picked it back up; the series even going on to have spin-offs now, so it was good to be back in this world and remind myself of a series that genuinely thrilled me and had me turning the pages at 3 am.
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Kodansha Comics and NetGalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A Squid Games-esque football manga that I thought was just okay. I do think the illustrations are fabulous and convey emotions perfectly (also a bit creepy, but it works!). The story itself was very fast paced, but didn't really grab me in like I thought it would.
FYI: The review copy I received only includes the first volume and bonus content in the omnibus, so my thoughts are based on reading that much.
FYI: The review copy I received only includes the first volume and bonus content in the omnibus, so my thoughts are based on reading that much.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha for the ARC!
While Blue Lock isn't a "new" manga, it's been on my radar for over a year and I was thrilled to get approved for this ARC!
The story is really interesting and intriguing so I will likely continue reading. I have it a 4 because it has a lot of potential but the ARC omnibus was only the first volume, not the full omnibus so there was less story to read.
Definitely keeping this one on my To Read Shelf.
While Blue Lock isn't a "new" manga, it's been on my radar for over a year and I was thrilled to get approved for this ARC!
The story is really interesting and intriguing so I will likely continue reading. I have it a 4 because it has a lot of potential but the ARC omnibus was only the first volume, not the full omnibus so there was less story to read.
Definitely keeping this one on my To Read Shelf.
February 26, 2026
Although I'm not too much of a football fan, this was an enjoyable football manga to read.
300 high school strikers enter into the Blue Lock programme, and only 5 will be the chosen ones to lead Japan into a future victory in the world of football.
The high schoolers undergo some gruesome training and competition between the players... who will get there in the end?
Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this copy!
300 high school strikers enter into the Blue Lock programme, and only 5 will be the chosen ones to lead Japan into a future victory in the world of football.
The high schoolers undergo some gruesome training and competition between the players... who will get there in the end?
Thanks to Netgalley and Kodansha Comics for this copy!
February 27, 2026
4 stars!
I knew nothing about blue lock going into this except that its relatively popular. Volume 1 was very interesting. I can definitely see my younger self loving this! My tastes have changed quite a bit, so it's been a long time since I've read a sports manga, but younger me would have ate this up. I can definitely see myself continuing this sometime in the future! While I only read volume one, I'm pretty invested! :)
I knew nothing about blue lock going into this except that its relatively popular. Volume 1 was very interesting. I can definitely see my younger self loving this! My tastes have changed quite a bit, so it's been a long time since I've read a sports manga, but younger me would have ate this up. I can definitely see myself continuing this sometime in the future! While I only read volume one, I'm pretty invested! :)
March 13, 2026
A review of Volume 1 as that was what was provided in the E-ARC.
The art style is very dynamic and fits super well with the actiony style of the sports world that the story covers. It is definitely a lot of set up in the first volume but it is something I would continue with. I only hope for maybe a bit less weirdness surrounding the one female character and all the old men talking about her body.
3.5/5 stars
The art style is very dynamic and fits super well with the actiony style of the sports world that the story covers. It is definitely a lot of set up in the first volume but it is something I would continue with. I only hope for maybe a bit less weirdness surrounding the one female character and all the old men talking about her body.
3.5/5 stars
March 20, 2026
What if the hunger games was football, but no one died however they were the same level of Unwell over it all?
I am so incredibly biased towards this manga, it’s the first season I watched in two night shifts and then watched again straight away with my sister. It truly brings me an immediate joy to read about these characters and see how their struggles and triumphs unfold because they’re Unhinged and I love them.
Thank you to the publisher and NETgalley for the ARC.
I am so incredibly biased towards this manga, it’s the first season I watched in two night shifts and then watched again straight away with my sister. It truly brings me an immediate joy to read about these characters and see how their struggles and triumphs unfold because they’re Unhinged and I love them.
Thank you to the publisher and NETgalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A cutthroat competition of strikers in soccer competing to become the best striker in the world, with a catch. It’s like Hunger Games but for soccer. There is such energy here, it’s immediately entertaining! Such high stakes make it hard to put down! I can’t wait to get to the next one I absolutely loved it!
March 28, 2026
I recieved a digital copy of this ARC thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics. All opinions below are honest and entirely my own.
If you really enjoy sports, or people being far too obsessed with winning, you'll like this story. I found the art to be done well and the premise was interesting. However, I found this omnibus to be a very slow start and I was rather bored throughout.
If you really enjoy sports, or people being far too obsessed with winning, you'll like this story. I found the art to be done well and the premise was interesting. However, I found this omnibus to be a very slow start and I was rather bored throughout.
March 15, 2026
This is a ridiculous, over the top soccer-meets-squid game manga where the 300 strikers battle it out to be the last man standing and become the key to Japan winning the world cup. Fun time!
Thanks to netgalley for an free arc in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to netgalley for an free arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a big nerd for sports manga, and this has become my new obsession! The start of this series is very very strong, I can see why it's so popular!
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