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Kuroko's Basketball Omnibus #15
Kuroko's Basketball, Vol. 15
Seirin High’s greatest basketball superstar was the one no one literally saw coming—the invisible Kuroko!
Tetsuya Kuroko doesn’t stand out much. In fact, he’s so plain that people hardly ever notice when he’s around. Though he’s just as unremarkable on the basketball court, that’s where his plainness gives him an unexpected edge—one that lets him execute awesome moves without others noticing!
Izuki’s performance has Seirin on the comeback trail, but the team’s still losing as they enter the fourth quarter. Koganei’s moves give Hyuga the inspirational hint he needs to exact revenge on Mibuchi! But everything changes when Akashi gets serious. Is this the end of the line for Seirin?!
Tetsuya Kuroko doesn’t stand out much. In fact, he’s so plain that people hardly ever notice when he’s around. Though he’s just as unremarkable on the basketball court, that’s where his plainness gives him an unexpected edge—one that lets him execute awesome moves without others noticing!
Izuki’s performance has Seirin on the comeback trail, but the team’s still losing as they enter the fourth quarter. Koganei’s moves give Hyuga the inspirational hint he needs to exact revenge on Mibuchi! But everything changes when Akashi gets serious. Is this the end of the line for Seirin?!
440 pages, Paperback
Published December 4, 2018
8 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Tadatoshi Fujimaki
164 books185 followersTadatoshi Fujimaki (藤巻 忠俊, Fujimaki Tadatoshi, born June 9th, 1982, Tokyo) is a Japanese mangaka, most known for his manga Kuroko no Basuke, serialized in Weekly Shōnen Jump. Fujimaki was brought up in a good household and environment. He attended Toyama High School and enrolled to Sophia University. He chose for a manga career after finishing his studies.
Also known as 藤巻 忠俊 and 藤巻忠俊.
Also known as 藤巻 忠俊 and 藤巻忠俊.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 18, 2023
4.5 stars.
What a perfect way to close the story.
After how intense the whole of this last match had been, that last rise to glory was everything I could have expected from it, made all the more impactful by the proper send-off of the themes of the story woven in between.
Even if a bit cheesy at times, the heart and soul that each of the characters brought to the final game, after everything that had transpired became heartfelt and romantic and a lot more fun.
While there is always a star in every team, and Kagami and Kuroko's value and growth cannot be underestimated or dismissed, seeing everyone on the team help have a moment on the spotlight was probably one of my favorite things to see. Maybe not all of them stayed long, but they were all indispensable.
As for characters in particular, I have to say that Akashi surprised me the most, as finally getting some depth into his character really helped me understand him more. Even though most of his character arc is handled... loosely the explanation is solid enough that I can appreciate, and like his character by the end, and that alone is a great fit.
The role that each of the new and old characters, including the ones not playing, took at this late stage in the game was a very fun and interesting puzzle to see unravel.
In the end, this final goodbye felt quite perfect for the story at large, and I feel quite satisfied with it.
Then, we have to ask, is it a perfect ending? No, there are things I would have loved to see more of, and a bit more time spent with the closing statements would have felt less abrupt, but it completed the arguments that had been explored from the beginning of the very first chapter and did not leave any loose threads, and that is a win in my book.
If in the future there was ever more content created for this series, I would gladly welcome it, but I can rest peacefully with what we have right here, even if I'll miss this story.
“I’m not being carefree about it, and I’m doing all that I can like this. But playing in a match has gotta be fun, right?”
What a perfect way to close the story.
After how intense the whole of this last match had been, that last rise to glory was everything I could have expected from it, made all the more impactful by the proper send-off of the themes of the story woven in between.
Even if a bit cheesy at times, the heart and soul that each of the characters brought to the final game, after everything that had transpired became heartfelt and romantic and a lot more fun.
“You know, it’s true that there are things that do and don’t suit people. But there are no sports that are fun from the get-go. Sometimes you have to stick with it and see.”
While there is always a star in every team, and Kagami and Kuroko's value and growth cannot be underestimated or dismissed, seeing everyone on the team help have a moment on the spotlight was probably one of my favorite things to see. Maybe not all of them stayed long, but they were all indispensable.
As for characters in particular, I have to say that Akashi surprised me the most, as finally getting some depth into his character really helped me understand him more. Even though most of his character arc is handled... loosely the explanation is solid enough that I can appreciate, and like his character by the end, and that alone is a great fit.
The role that each of the new and old characters, including the ones not playing, took at this late stage in the game was a very fun and interesting puzzle to see unravel.
“Kagami-kun, why don’t you give up for once? I don’t mean to give up on the match. I meant, give up fighting on your own. I think that was too heavy a burden for you to shoulder. Even though we said we’d trust you, so if that’s the case, then why not let me help you carry that burden?”
In the end, this final goodbye felt quite perfect for the story at large, and I feel quite satisfied with it.
Then, we have to ask, is it a perfect ending? No, there are things I would have loved to see more of, and a bit more time spent with the closing statements would have felt less abrupt, but it completed the arguments that had been explored from the beginning of the very first chapter and did not leave any loose threads, and that is a win in my book.
If in the future there was ever more content created for this series, I would gladly welcome it, but I can rest peacefully with what we have right here, even if I'll miss this story.
“It’s not like this is the end of everything. In fact, it’s only the beginning. From now on, we’ll be able to fight as many times as we want. We can play the basketball we love as much as we want, from now on…”
May 8, 2020
"Seirin can't afford to waste a single second!" (pg 171)
This entire volume takes place in roughly 15 minutes, give or take because of time outs. Crazy, right? I agree.
So we pick up directly after the last volume, including the tension of the last. If you thought the last one was full of tension, you are wrong. This one is worse.
Because of the time limit, the author slowed down the story in order to give as much information as possible. The story is wild. I honestly can't believe the series of events. It's an uphill battle for Seirin High and you can really tell how much the boys want this championship.
The characters finish their arcs and are very very skilled compared to volume one. I'm just so proud of everyone. They did so good!!
The story's ending wasn't satisfying enough. It did clear up somethings but it wasn't enough. Then I read the author's note, which explains why it ended this way. I was then okay with it.
I'm gonna miss this series. I really am. I think I started this series a year ago? It's not too long, with only 30 volumes (compared to Bleach's 74 and InuYasha's ~60).
This entire volume takes place in roughly 15 minutes, give or take because of time outs. Crazy, right? I agree.
So we pick up directly after the last volume, including the tension of the last. If you thought the last one was full of tension, you are wrong. This one is worse.
Because of the time limit, the author slowed down the story in order to give as much information as possible. The story is wild. I honestly can't believe the series of events. It's an uphill battle for Seirin High and you can really tell how much the boys want this championship.
The characters finish their arcs and are very very skilled compared to volume one. I'm just so proud of everyone. They did so good!!
The story's ending wasn't satisfying enough. It did clear up somethings but it wasn't enough. Then I read the author's note, which explains why it ended this way. I was then okay with it.
I'm gonna miss this series. I really am. I think I started this series a year ago? It's not too long, with only 30 volumes (compared to Bleach's 74 and InuYasha's ~60).
February 3, 2022
At the time of this LONG OVERDUE review, I have finished the series.
The cover of this volume should tell you everything about how this volume ends, but I am going to indirectly talk about the end to avoid spoilers.
Koganei vs. Mibuchi
Koganei goes against Mibuchi, which seems like an unfair matchup. Mibuchi compares Koganei to a housecat, but then he realizes that Koganei is no mere housecat as revealed on page 25. In this moment, Koganei also helped Hyuga figure out Mibuchi's Void.
Hyuga vs. Mibuchi
This was so good! I want to write out some lines from this match up, but I am not going to ruin the trick to Void. That explanation is on pages 98-99. This finishes up the teaser matchup from the previous volume.
"Junpei Hyuga...He's a real threat. He can distinguish between my three shots and react in time. I'll have to rely on the one he has no hope of stopping-void! However, the fact that he's playing so recklessly into the fourth quarter despite foul trouble tells me that he might've come up with a counter for void. Should I stop shooting threes then? Maybe pass? NO! THIS IS A BATTLE, AFTER ALL!! As a shooter, I pride myself on my heaven and earth shots. But on a personal level...void is far dearer to me!! And as a Rakuzan player, I know there's no backing down. I have to put it all on the line with void!!" This really shows how much respect Hyuga earned from Mibuchi. Remember, Mibuchi is one of the Uncrowned Generals, who would have been the greatest shooter if it wasn't for Midorima. So for him to consider Hygua a threat is saying something.
"Sheesh! My back hurts...It's still throbbing...Is Riko seriously that strong?! No way...cuz...what I'm feeling is more than that. More than just that smack...I've got the whole team's will on my back! It's No Wonder My Back Feels Like It's On Fire. I'm Gonna Take That Heat And Turn It Into the Strength I Need To Stop Void!! I do not have any real initial analysis for this, but I like how it represents Hyuga's attitude about his role and how it fits in with the team. This is in contrast to what Mibuchi said earlier. Mibuchi is mainly playing for himself while Hyuga playing for his team, which is giving him more motivation. This leads to another line about this matchup.
"GENERALS? RAKUZAN? I DON'T CARE! NO MATTER HOW FREAKING STRONG YOU ARE...THIS SHOT'S THE ONE THING I'LL STOP!!" Hyuga is that determine to stop Mibuchi and Rakuzan.
Kiyoshi vs. Nebuya
Uncrowned General vs. Uncrowned General. Center vs. Point Guard. What?! Center vs. Point Guard, but I thought this was Center vs. Center. Yes, Kiyoshi's position is center for Seirin, due to their need, but he originally is a point guard. Remember, the Uncrowned Generals each fill a position on a basketball team. Five positions. Five members. Five Uncrowned Generals. There can't be two people with the same position this dawned on me eventually.
"In the end, well...After seeing my pals fighting desperately out here...My leg? The future...? I can't just make the safe decision and call it a day." Go Kiyoshi! From 82-84, we see how good Kiyoshi is going against another Uncrowned General when he puts it all on the line in spite of his injury as Hyuga put it.
"Oh well. I thought it might turn out this way...No matter what we said, you were always gonna overdo it...Even if Riko pulled you out, you'd just hit the court again and bring her to tears...If this is how you're gonna play...I ain't gonna stop you. It's The End Of The End, So Go Wild If That's What You Want! HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING CENTER, KIYOSHI?! YOU REALLY GONNA LET THAT MUSCLE-BOUND BOZO BEAT YOU?!" With that, the matchup has been decided.
Akashi
With this volume, we go back to Akashi and how he is split. Remember, he has split himself into two. We can say this splitting was due to the trauma he faced as a kid. His father always pushed him to win and he had these talents lurking below the surface. This caused him to snap making one side of himself accelerate faster creating the emperor eye. The other team theorizes that Akashi actually has TWO abilities. I disagree. The split gave us a rougher, edgier Akashi, which turned the emperor eye into a harsher thing. To use leadership styles as a point of reference, the Akashi that everyone knew was an authoritative leader. He can get stuff from his team, but it is in fear to what Akashi can do to them. We see that in a flashback on pages 109 to 112. In this volume and in this quote, we see what the emperor eye could be:
"Akashi's wide field of vision and exceptional aptitude for basketball give him a complete understanding of both opponents and teammates. This gives him control over these ultimate passes, which have zero margin for error and are ordinarily impossible. Through this...he draws out the maximum potential of his teammates." Doesn't that sound like a nicer version of emperor eye? This is the mark of a true king. Not some overreaching emperor. This also allow for pages 266-267 to happen. Yet, this is different from what Seirin's answer was.
We also see who Akashi can be. Pages 247-250 shows the true Akashi.
The Door
We already know that there is something beyond the Zone. In this volume, we find out what that is. I am going to place some lines that give you clues on what it is.
Kuroko: "I don't mean give up on the game. I mean give up on trying to win this alone. We're all counting on you...But I think that burden may be too much to bear. And if that's the case...Let me take some of that weight off your shoulders."
Kagami: "As if...I should be enough. I'll figure something out! Just Gotta..."
Kuroko: [Stares at Kagami]
Kagami: [Stares back and thinks] "I'm wrong, aren't I? Didn't I learn this lesson already? I need to stop obsessing over this. Crying over this locked gate ain't gonna open it. And if it won't open, I've got no choice but to move on and do what I can."
Kagami [Out loud]: "Got it. Help me out here, buddy. THE TWO OF US...WILL TAKE AKASHI DOWN!!"
Akashi: "This is what lies beyond the gate...A zone to surpass the zone. No...Rather, this is its fundamental form...The true zone!!"
This is nice segue into one of the most woo-woo of topics in Kuroko's Basketball that is not as woo-woo as we think.
The Zone and Teamwork
In the business world, the zone is a where high-performance is possible, especially in a team setting. This can take awhile to master within a team. A team has four stages: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Pages 324-336 show the performing stage, which is in contrast to Rakuzan. Technically, Rakuzan is in the norming maybe at the very least the storming stage, because Akashi is driving it all. Seirin all has a piece of the pie in this teamwork. I truly believe that Kuroko's Basketball could be a case study in a business class about teamwork. I had more that I wanted to talk about on this subject, but my patience for writing about it is being used up.
Guest Star
Okay, I feel this should have been teased earlier in the game, unless I missed it. Someone from the past appears in this game, which really helped Seirin.
Great Lines and Moments
1. "You were so sure I'd pass...That you forgot about defending the three-pint line. Your defense must be meticulous. Because if it wavers for even an instant...you'll never stop me." Akashi annoys me with his arrogant attitude, but you have to admit there is power behind it, even if it is the intimidation kind.
2. "BUT THEY AIN'T GIVING UP! WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING DOWN GOLIATHS...HEART'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN STRATEGY!" This is such a motivational line!
3. "It's another reminder...Of what a good voice he has...I'm talking about his tone. There are all sorts of team captains out there...And no one type is necessarily the best. Take Kiyoshi's voice, for instance. Kind, big-hearted, with a reassuring quality. Whereas Izuki's voice has a way of helping you keep a cool head. But Hyuga's voice comes through strong and firm. The perfect voice for a captain to invigorate his team with a call to action." This is such as good point about leaders and how there are different types to get a team to work. Haikyu!! is a perfect example of this, because there are a lot of leaders and captains in that series.
4. "TAKE NOTE, AS YOU BOW DOWN...YOUR DEFEAT IS ABSOLUTE." Okay, I do not like what this represents, but it is a mic drop of a line that tells you things are serious.
5. "What I do isn't like a magic performance onstage, with a set order to the process. To use misdirection in basketball...I have to consider every player in every moment. What moves they'll be more easily led into...Their playing styles, strengths, weaknesses, habits, how they think...I need insight into all of that." This shows that Kuroko CANNOT be replaced as the sixth man. To me, the sixth man is the person that could fill in for any position within reason. There is something about his style that allows him to fill in and strive in the game.
6. "Observing people is part of the training I was just talking about. It would be more shocking if I didn't notice a change in my teammate." The Sherlock Holmes of Basketball, everyone.
7. "So We're Finally Getting To The Main Course!" Only Kagami would think that! Most people would consider that as the main course!
8. Pages 300-307 were great! It includes the blast from the past.
9. "Yup...I AIN'T FIGHTING ALONE! WE'RE IN THIS...TOGETHER!" YES!
10. Aomine has an epiphany on pages 322-324. Look at that face!
11. "No...Victory is...MINE! YOU'RE 100 YEARS TOO EARLY TO COME AT THE KING!" Are they? Hmmm? [Knowing face]
12. "Keep calm. Don't be rash. Wits beat passion at times like this!"
13. Hyuga was amazing on page 372!
14. "That dummy had to go and say 'final play.' I know he didn't mean it that way, but still...It's true. This is the last play he'll make with all of us. NO REGRETS. NOT A SINGLE ONE. NOTHING LEFT BUT TO DO IT."
15. "That...stinkin'...LITTLE PUNK! I knew it was coming...I was on guard!! But still! In the moment I started wondering who'd shoot...forgot about him...How could his lack of presence turn into such a threat? The Phantom Sixth Man...KUROKO!!"
16. "I'm...A Shadow." A beautiful page! Look at it!
17. Final quarter's cover art is great!
18. Pages 414-415 is another well done scene
19. Now for Akashi to look really young. Such growth!
20. "YES. Time after time. Because this isn't really the end of anything. In fact, it's only just begun. Because we'll keep coming back...to face each other...on the court we love so much. Time after time.
21. Epilogue of sorts was good and I love the second to last page, because it shows the rift has been healed!!! That picture was part of an OVA that was great!!!
Verdict: I really enjoyed this series!
The cover of this volume should tell you everything about how this volume ends, but I am going to indirectly talk about the end to avoid spoilers.
Koganei vs. Mibuchi
Koganei goes against Mibuchi, which seems like an unfair matchup. Mibuchi compares Koganei to a housecat, but then he realizes that Koganei is no mere housecat as revealed on page 25. In this moment, Koganei also helped Hyuga figure out Mibuchi's Void.
Hyuga vs. Mibuchi
This was so good! I want to write out some lines from this match up, but I am not going to ruin the trick to Void. That explanation is on pages 98-99. This finishes up the teaser matchup from the previous volume.
"Junpei Hyuga...He's a real threat. He can distinguish between my three shots and react in time. I'll have to rely on the one he has no hope of stopping-void! However, the fact that he's playing so recklessly into the fourth quarter despite foul trouble tells me that he might've come up with a counter for void. Should I stop shooting threes then? Maybe pass? NO! THIS IS A BATTLE, AFTER ALL!! As a shooter, I pride myself on my heaven and earth shots. But on a personal level...void is far dearer to me!! And as a Rakuzan player, I know there's no backing down. I have to put it all on the line with void!!" This really shows how much respect Hyuga earned from Mibuchi. Remember, Mibuchi is one of the Uncrowned Generals, who would have been the greatest shooter if it wasn't for Midorima. So for him to consider Hygua a threat is saying something.
"Sheesh! My back hurts...It's still throbbing...Is Riko seriously that strong?! No way...cuz...what I'm feeling is more than that. More than just that smack...I've got the whole team's will on my back! It's No Wonder My Back Feels Like It's On Fire. I'm Gonna Take That Heat And Turn It Into the Strength I Need To Stop Void!! I do not have any real initial analysis for this, but I like how it represents Hyuga's attitude about his role and how it fits in with the team. This is in contrast to what Mibuchi said earlier. Mibuchi is mainly playing for himself while Hyuga playing for his team, which is giving him more motivation. This leads to another line about this matchup.
"GENERALS? RAKUZAN? I DON'T CARE! NO MATTER HOW FREAKING STRONG YOU ARE...THIS SHOT'S THE ONE THING I'LL STOP!!" Hyuga is that determine to stop Mibuchi and Rakuzan.
Kiyoshi vs. Nebuya
Uncrowned General vs. Uncrowned General. Center vs. Point Guard. What?! Center vs. Point Guard, but I thought this was Center vs. Center. Yes, Kiyoshi's position is center for Seirin, due to their need, but he originally is a point guard. Remember, the Uncrowned Generals each fill a position on a basketball team. Five positions. Five members. Five Uncrowned Generals. There can't be two people with the same position this dawned on me eventually.
"In the end, well...After seeing my pals fighting desperately out here...My leg? The future...? I can't just make the safe decision and call it a day." Go Kiyoshi! From 82-84, we see how good Kiyoshi is going against another Uncrowned General when he puts it all on the line in spite of his injury as Hyuga put it.
"Oh well. I thought it might turn out this way...No matter what we said, you were always gonna overdo it...Even if Riko pulled you out, you'd just hit the court again and bring her to tears...If this is how you're gonna play...I ain't gonna stop you. It's The End Of The End, So Go Wild If That's What You Want! HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING CENTER, KIYOSHI?! YOU REALLY GONNA LET THAT MUSCLE-BOUND BOZO BEAT YOU?!" With that, the matchup has been decided.
Akashi
With this volume, we go back to Akashi and how he is split. Remember, he has split himself into two. We can say this splitting was due to the trauma he faced as a kid. His father always pushed him to win and he had these talents lurking below the surface. This caused him to snap making one side of himself accelerate faster creating the emperor eye. The other team theorizes that Akashi actually has TWO abilities. I disagree. The split gave us a rougher, edgier Akashi, which turned the emperor eye into a harsher thing. To use leadership styles as a point of reference, the Akashi that everyone knew was an authoritative leader. He can get stuff from his team, but it is in fear to what Akashi can do to them. We see that in a flashback on pages 109 to 112. In this volume and in this quote, we see what the emperor eye could be:
"Akashi's wide field of vision and exceptional aptitude for basketball give him a complete understanding of both opponents and teammates. This gives him control over these ultimate passes, which have zero margin for error and are ordinarily impossible. Through this...he draws out the maximum potential of his teammates." Doesn't that sound like a nicer version of emperor eye? This is the mark of a true king. Not some overreaching emperor. This also allow for pages 266-267 to happen. Yet, this is different from what Seirin's answer was.
We also see who Akashi can be. Pages 247-250 shows the true Akashi.
The Door
We already know that there is something beyond the Zone. In this volume, we find out what that is. I am going to place some lines that give you clues on what it is.
Kuroko: "I don't mean give up on the game. I mean give up on trying to win this alone. We're all counting on you...But I think that burden may be too much to bear. And if that's the case...Let me take some of that weight off your shoulders."
Kagami: "As if...I should be enough. I'll figure something out! Just Gotta..."
Kuroko: [Stares at Kagami]
Kagami: [Stares back and thinks] "I'm wrong, aren't I? Didn't I learn this lesson already? I need to stop obsessing over this. Crying over this locked gate ain't gonna open it. And if it won't open, I've got no choice but to move on and do what I can."
Kagami [Out loud]: "Got it. Help me out here, buddy. THE TWO OF US...WILL TAKE AKASHI DOWN!!"
Akashi: "This is what lies beyond the gate...A zone to surpass the zone. No...Rather, this is its fundamental form...The true zone!!"
This is nice segue into one of the most woo-woo of topics in Kuroko's Basketball that is not as woo-woo as we think.
The Zone and Teamwork
In the business world, the zone is a where high-performance is possible, especially in a team setting. This can take awhile to master within a team. A team has four stages: forming, storming, norming, and performing. Pages 324-336 show the performing stage, which is in contrast to Rakuzan. Technically, Rakuzan is in the norming maybe at the very least the storming stage, because Akashi is driving it all. Seirin all has a piece of the pie in this teamwork. I truly believe that Kuroko's Basketball could be a case study in a business class about teamwork. I had more that I wanted to talk about on this subject, but my patience for writing about it is being used up.
Guest Star
Okay, I feel this should have been teased earlier in the game, unless I missed it. Someone from the past appears in this game, which really helped Seirin.
Great Lines and Moments
1. "You were so sure I'd pass...That you forgot about defending the three-pint line. Your defense must be meticulous. Because if it wavers for even an instant...you'll never stop me." Akashi annoys me with his arrogant attitude, but you have to admit there is power behind it, even if it is the intimidation kind.
2. "BUT THEY AIN'T GIVING UP! WHEN IT COMES TO TAKING DOWN GOLIATHS...HEART'S MORE IMPORTANT THAN STRATEGY!" This is such a motivational line!
3. "It's another reminder...Of what a good voice he has...I'm talking about his tone. There are all sorts of team captains out there...And no one type is necessarily the best. Take Kiyoshi's voice, for instance. Kind, big-hearted, with a reassuring quality. Whereas Izuki's voice has a way of helping you keep a cool head. But Hyuga's voice comes through strong and firm. The perfect voice for a captain to invigorate his team with a call to action." This is such as good point about leaders and how there are different types to get a team to work. Haikyu!! is a perfect example of this, because there are a lot of leaders and captains in that series.
4. "TAKE NOTE, AS YOU BOW DOWN...YOUR DEFEAT IS ABSOLUTE." Okay, I do not like what this represents, but it is a mic drop of a line that tells you things are serious.
5. "What I do isn't like a magic performance onstage, with a set order to the process. To use misdirection in basketball...I have to consider every player in every moment. What moves they'll be more easily led into...Their playing styles, strengths, weaknesses, habits, how they think...I need insight into all of that." This shows that Kuroko CANNOT be replaced as the sixth man. To me, the sixth man is the person that could fill in for any position within reason. There is something about his style that allows him to fill in and strive in the game.
6. "Observing people is part of the training I was just talking about. It would be more shocking if I didn't notice a change in my teammate." The Sherlock Holmes of Basketball, everyone.
7. "So We're Finally Getting To The Main Course!" Only Kagami would think that! Most people would consider that as the main course!
8. Pages 300-307 were great! It includes the blast from the past.
9. "Yup...I AIN'T FIGHTING ALONE! WE'RE IN THIS...TOGETHER!" YES!
10. Aomine has an epiphany on pages 322-324. Look at that face!
11. "No...Victory is...MINE! YOU'RE 100 YEARS TOO EARLY TO COME AT THE KING!" Are they? Hmmm? [Knowing face]
12. "Keep calm. Don't be rash. Wits beat passion at times like this!"
13. Hyuga was amazing on page 372!
14. "That dummy had to go and say 'final play.' I know he didn't mean it that way, but still...It's true. This is the last play he'll make with all of us. NO REGRETS. NOT A SINGLE ONE. NOTHING LEFT BUT TO DO IT."
15. "That...stinkin'...LITTLE PUNK! I knew it was coming...I was on guard!! But still! In the moment I started wondering who'd shoot...forgot about him...How could his lack of presence turn into such a threat? The Phantom Sixth Man...KUROKO!!"
16. "I'm...A Shadow." A beautiful page! Look at it!
17. Final quarter's cover art is great!
18. Pages 414-415 is another well done scene
19. Now for Akashi to look really young. Such growth!
20. "YES. Time after time. Because this isn't really the end of anything. In fact, it's only just begun. Because we'll keep coming back...to face each other...on the court we love so much. Time after time.
21. Epilogue of sorts was good and I love the second to last page, because it shows the rift has been healed!!! That picture was part of an OVA that was great!!!
Verdict: I really enjoyed this series!
February 22, 2025
“Because this isn’t really the end of anything. In fact, it’s only just begun. Because we’ll keep coming back…to face each other…on the court we love so much. Time after time.”
The final tip off, to the final basket. With this volume, the story of Kuroko, Kagami, and the Seirin High School Basketball team finally comes to an end. I’ve reread “Kuroko’s Basketball” many times so I know I’m a little biased, but this series is always so fun to read. Fujimaki forgo realism a long time ago, but it doesn’t mean this series doesn’t have heart or the ability to pull the readers into this world. Not to mention it always gets me hyped to read these matches.
I have to give special praise to Akashi’s backstory and development in this last volume. As the last Generation of Miracles member to be introduced, he doesn’t get as much depth as the others. But what we do see is very beautiful. Fujimaki does a good job of humanizing Akashi; we can see why Akashi acted the way he did throughout the story, but it doesn’t excuse him either.
I hope Kuroko is able to keep playing basketball to his heart’s content - as a shadow, as Kagami’s partner - in the way he wants to. The kind of basketball that only Kuroko can play.
The final tip off, to the final basket. With this volume, the story of Kuroko, Kagami, and the Seirin High School Basketball team finally comes to an end. I’ve reread “Kuroko’s Basketball” many times so I know I’m a little biased, but this series is always so fun to read. Fujimaki forgo realism a long time ago, but it doesn’t mean this series doesn’t have heart or the ability to pull the readers into this world. Not to mention it always gets me hyped to read these matches.
I have to give special praise to Akashi’s backstory and development in this last volume. As the last Generation of Miracles member to be introduced, he doesn’t get as much depth as the others. But what we do see is very beautiful. Fujimaki does a good job of humanizing Akashi; we can see why Akashi acted the way he did throughout the story, but it doesn’t excuse him either.
I hope Kuroko is able to keep playing basketball to his heart’s content - as a shadow, as Kagami’s partner - in the way he wants to. The kind of basketball that only Kuroko can play.
May 9, 2022
Hahaha, I finished this whole series already—I don’t even know what to say for myself. I still don’t like basketball, but I do love these basketball obsessed kids! I am excited that the anime is on Netflix. I miiiiight just be watching that next!
P.S. Actually, I do kind of get why I loved this series. It’s like Food Wars but with basketball, even down to Mimasaka and his tracing ability! If there are more series that follow this general formula, point me to them! Apparently I will happily devour 30+ volumes even about topics I have no interest in if you throw in ridiculous specialties and showdowns where (almost) everyone gains respect for each other or whatever.
P.S. Actually, I do kind of get why I loved this series. It’s like Food Wars but with basketball, even down to Mimasaka and his tracing ability! If there are more series that follow this general formula, point me to them! Apparently I will happily devour 30+ volumes even about topics I have no interest in if you throw in ridiculous specialties and showdowns where (almost) everyone gains respect for each other or whatever.
October 5, 2019
A satisfying end to the series.
January 30, 2021
30/01/2021 - reread the whole series
October 4, 2022
One of the best endings I have ever seen for a manga. It clearly wasn’t just thrown together. It was so well designed. I enjoyed this journey more than any other. Thank you!
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