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紅色HERO [Beniiro Hero] #4
Crimson Hero, Vol. 4
Crimson Hero takes volleyball and bents it like Beckham in a story that pits traditional values against the love of the game. All that matters to 15 year old Nobara Sumiyoshi is volleyball; she is an awesome volleyball player with big time ambitions. But sometimes it seems like a girl just can not get a break in the competitive world of high school volleyball.
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2006
3 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 6, 2024
Book: Crimson Hero, Vol. 4
Author: Mitsuba Takanashi
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I'm still thoroughly enjoying this series continues to deliver the same high-energy, character-driven narrative that makes this series so easy to dive into. Sometimes, you just need a series that’s fun and easy to read, and this one ticks all the right boxes. Whether you're a long-time sports manga fan or new to the genre, there’s something undeniably engaging about the way Takanashi blends sports action with heartfelt personal development. It's one of those series that never feels like a chore to pick up, and I find myself excited to see what happens next.
In this volume, the highly anticipated moment we've been waiting for finally arrives: the opening game of the girl's volleyball team. While the team has been working hard to improve and bond with each other, they’re still very much the underdogs, facing off against the league's top-ranked team. The tension is palpable, as they go into this match not as favorites but as a team with something to prove.
Despite their underdog status, what stands out in Volume 4 is the tenacity of the characters. There’s a palpable sense of determination and resilience that runs through the narrative, and you can’t help but root for the team. The action during the game is intense, and though the girls aren’t the best team in the league, their willingness to give it their all creates some truly thrilling moments.
One of the biggest draws of this series is the way Takanashi handles the development of the characters, particularly the relationships between them. The dynamics within the team aren’t smooth sailing. The players have their differences, some of which are rooted in their individual insecurities and past experiences. But these differences aren’t just obstacles—they’re a key part of the narrative, and watching the characters learn to navigate their conflicts and come together is what makes their victories (both big and small) feel so satisfying.
There’s a focus on teamwork, yes, but also on individual growth. The girls have to work through their own personal challenges before they can truly function as a team. And that’s what makes the stakes feel real—not just in the context of the game, but in the emotional arcs each character undergoes. Whether it's overcoming a personal weakness or learning to trust each other, the characters' evolution is central to the story, and Takanashi does a fantastic job balancing these personal moments with the larger sports narrative.
The tension in this volume comes not just from the game itself, but from the very fact that the girls are so outmatched. The opposing team is presented as nearly unbeatable, and while that might seem like a typical setup, the stakes are raised because we’ve seen the girls struggle. They are still in the early stages of forming a cohesive team, and their lack of experience and skill compared to the powerhouse team they face seems like a huge disadvantage. However, that only makes their fight more compelling. As readers, we are just as invested in the outcome, not just because of the game itself, but because we’ve witnessed how far these characters have come, and we want to see their hard work pay off.
I don't want to give too much away, but it’s clear that the story is setting up for even more intense moments ahead. The challenges they face in this volume are not just physical—they’re emotional and mental, too. And that makes for a compelling read because it’s not just about winning or losing, but about how these characters grow, both as athletes and as people.
Takanashi has mastered the pacing of this series. Even with the focus on the game in this volume, the manga doesn’t lose sight of its character-driven narrative. The blend of sports action, character growth, and interpersonal drama is seamless. It’s clear that this is a series that’s not just about the sport—it’s about what happens off the court as much as it is about what happens on the court.
The tone is also worth mentioning—while the stakes are high and the drama can get tense, there’s an underlying lightness and fun that never lets things get too heavy. It’s a great balance, and it’s one of the reasons why this series is so accessible. Even in moments of hardship, there’s always a sense of hope and determination that keeps things feeling uplifting, even if they’re not always going according to plan.
This volume delivers exactly what fans of the series are looking for: character development, compelling drama, and thrilling sports action. The underdog story remains a strong driving force, and while the team still has a long way to go, the emotional highs and lows of the game make for an engaging read.
I can’t wait to see how the story continues to unfold in future volumes. There’s still plenty of room for the characters to grow, and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them next. Even if I’m not at the "end" of the series yet, the progression of the story so far has me fully invested. If you’re a fan of sports manga or just looking for an engaging, character-driven series, Crimson Hero is definitely worth the read.
4o mini
Author: Mitsuba Takanashi
Rating: 4 Out of 5 Stars
I'm still thoroughly enjoying this series continues to deliver the same high-energy, character-driven narrative that makes this series so easy to dive into. Sometimes, you just need a series that’s fun and easy to read, and this one ticks all the right boxes. Whether you're a long-time sports manga fan or new to the genre, there’s something undeniably engaging about the way Takanashi blends sports action with heartfelt personal development. It's one of those series that never feels like a chore to pick up, and I find myself excited to see what happens next.
In this volume, the highly anticipated moment we've been waiting for finally arrives: the opening game of the girl's volleyball team. While the team has been working hard to improve and bond with each other, they’re still very much the underdogs, facing off against the league's top-ranked team. The tension is palpable, as they go into this match not as favorites but as a team with something to prove.
Despite their underdog status, what stands out in Volume 4 is the tenacity of the characters. There’s a palpable sense of determination and resilience that runs through the narrative, and you can’t help but root for the team. The action during the game is intense, and though the girls aren’t the best team in the league, their willingness to give it their all creates some truly thrilling moments.
One of the biggest draws of this series is the way Takanashi handles the development of the characters, particularly the relationships between them. The dynamics within the team aren’t smooth sailing. The players have their differences, some of which are rooted in their individual insecurities and past experiences. But these differences aren’t just obstacles—they’re a key part of the narrative, and watching the characters learn to navigate their conflicts and come together is what makes their victories (both big and small) feel so satisfying.
There’s a focus on teamwork, yes, but also on individual growth. The girls have to work through their own personal challenges before they can truly function as a team. And that’s what makes the stakes feel real—not just in the context of the game, but in the emotional arcs each character undergoes. Whether it's overcoming a personal weakness or learning to trust each other, the characters' evolution is central to the story, and Takanashi does a fantastic job balancing these personal moments with the larger sports narrative.
The tension in this volume comes not just from the game itself, but from the very fact that the girls are so outmatched. The opposing team is presented as nearly unbeatable, and while that might seem like a typical setup, the stakes are raised because we’ve seen the girls struggle. They are still in the early stages of forming a cohesive team, and their lack of experience and skill compared to the powerhouse team they face seems like a huge disadvantage. However, that only makes their fight more compelling. As readers, we are just as invested in the outcome, not just because of the game itself, but because we’ve witnessed how far these characters have come, and we want to see their hard work pay off.
I don't want to give too much away, but it’s clear that the story is setting up for even more intense moments ahead. The challenges they face in this volume are not just physical—they’re emotional and mental, too. And that makes for a compelling read because it’s not just about winning or losing, but about how these characters grow, both as athletes and as people.
Takanashi has mastered the pacing of this series. Even with the focus on the game in this volume, the manga doesn’t lose sight of its character-driven narrative. The blend of sports action, character growth, and interpersonal drama is seamless. It’s clear that this is a series that’s not just about the sport—it’s about what happens off the court as much as it is about what happens on the court.
The tone is also worth mentioning—while the stakes are high and the drama can get tense, there’s an underlying lightness and fun that never lets things get too heavy. It’s a great balance, and it’s one of the reasons why this series is so accessible. Even in moments of hardship, there’s always a sense of hope and determination that keeps things feeling uplifting, even if they’re not always going according to plan.
This volume delivers exactly what fans of the series are looking for: character development, compelling drama, and thrilling sports action. The underdog story remains a strong driving force, and while the team still has a long way to go, the emotional highs and lows of the game make for an engaging read.
I can’t wait to see how the story continues to unfold in future volumes. There’s still plenty of room for the characters to grow, and I’m excited to see where their journey takes them next. Even if I’m not at the "end" of the series yet, the progression of the story so far has me fully invested. If you’re a fan of sports manga or just looking for an engaging, character-driven series, Crimson Hero is definitely worth the read.
4o mini
January 13, 2018
**Contains Spoilers** This was my favourite volume so far! I ABSOLUTELY loved the tension and the game that the mangaka showed to the reader between the two teams. First official match of Beniiro's team in the regional tournament with the best team which got low ranking due to a scandal. Wow, intense right from the beginning!
Nobara realises her feelings for Yuushin but she cant do anything because she knows he has a girlfriend he cares about.
Yushin brings his girlfriend which distracts Nobara from the first set in which she does nothing. Everyone in the team is nervous and can't perform well knowing that the other team's best members are benched because they dont even consider them worth playing with. Everyone finally pulls together in the second set and Nobara is the one that raises everyone's spirits and they attack and play brilliantly getting the most famous and best player of the other team onto the field.
OF course Shouji comes and beats them for the first few balls but then Nobara and everyone else picks up their game impressing the other team even though they lose. Shouji challenges Nobara to come up to the top and fight against them in the finals.
On the other hand, the boys' team wins three games in the tournament and moves up.
Nobara realises her feelings for Yuushin but she cant do anything because she knows he has a girlfriend he cares about.
Yushin brings his girlfriend which distracts Nobara from the first set in which she does nothing. Everyone in the team is nervous and can't perform well knowing that the other team's best members are benched because they dont even consider them worth playing with. Everyone finally pulls together in the second set and Nobara is the one that raises everyone's spirits and they attack and play brilliantly getting the most famous and best player of the other team onto the field.
OF course Shouji comes and beats them for the first few balls but then Nobara and everyone else picks up their game impressing the other team even though they lose. Shouji challenges Nobara to come up to the top and fight against them in the finals.
On the other hand, the boys' team wins three games in the tournament and moves up.
June 4, 2020
Set 13 - 16
- Benino vs. Yaba
- Benino Boys won their own match
- Still fighting over gym and training hardcore
The guys cheered Nobara on until the very end. In Yuushin's case, he completely forgot his girlfriend. Keisuke literally had to block his path and remind him. Osaka retires and becomes captain. Nobara couldn't get out of her jealous and envy fog in the beginning of her match. The guys back home called Yuushin out for being a dick for leaving his girlfriend alone and teased for possibly having feelings for Nobara.
- Benino vs. Yaba
- Benino Boys won their own match
- Still fighting over gym and training hardcore
The guys cheered Nobara on until the very end. In Yuushin's case, he completely forgot his girlfriend. Keisuke literally had to block his path and remind him. Osaka retires and becomes captain. Nobara couldn't get out of her jealous and envy fog in the beginning of her match. The guys back home called Yuushin out for being a dick for leaving his girlfriend alone and teased for possibly having feelings for Nobara.
August 31, 2020
Igual no esperaba que ganaran el primero, pero ese primer set desperdiciado por eso? Osea todas tuvieron nervios, pero la protagonista desconcentrarse por eso? El drama anterior de tu pasión por el deporte no se condice adjksfbolsihdfdña
March 13, 2018
shojo sport manga
December 9, 2019
2,5 stars
January 25, 2020
Sport-related shojo is not my stuff, but it's entertaining and cute enough to keep reading.
March 1, 2013
This book reminds me of when I practice volleyball and when I have volleyball tournaments because that's what this book is about. Nobara's team practices, and practices, and practices for their first official game ever. All their hard work put into a game with the Yabe Business School, the school with the best girls' volleyball team. A rookie team against the best; will Nobara's persevering team win against them?
I picked this book up because I found it in the library right beside the #2 book in this series. I knew that I was going to complete the second book quickly, I thought that I might as well get the third one too.
I completed this book because it was so good that I couldn't stop. It only took me about 20 minutes to complete it and it was a very good 20 minutes used up.
Similar to all the other books of this series, I still recommend this book to all athletes, everywhere. It's the perfect scenario for all athletes in trouble.
I picked this book up because I found it in the library right beside the #2 book in this series. I knew that I was going to complete the second book quickly, I thought that I might as well get the third one too.
I completed this book because it was so good that I couldn't stop. It only took me about 20 minutes to complete it and it was a very good 20 minutes used up.
Similar to all the other books of this series, I still recommend this book to all athletes, everywhere. It's the perfect scenario for all athletes in trouble.
September 6, 2011
Reviewed in Crimson Hero, Volume 1, Crimson Hero, Volume 2 and Crimson Hero, Vol. 14
November 9, 2011
So GOOD!
October 2, 2012
what? they worked so hard!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2014
It feels like Crimson Hero has finally found its grove. Sure, there's still a lot of crying, but what am I to know? Maybe athletes are all just big criers.
June 3, 2013
I like the story in Crimson Hero and the characters are getting more depth in every volume. But I just don't understand the girls' hair... I'm annoyed by weird things.
December 10, 2014
Mmmm, found my OTP in this book : Ichiba x Haibuki. XDD Too bad this is shoujo. ;P
August 9, 2015
Another good volume. Good series so far. And the art design for the characters is also good.
August 31, 2016
see full review @ Katie's Corner
April 4, 2010
good book
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews