Let's just jump into this LONG overdue review.
Bokuto as Team Captain
Each of the teams' captains are different in terms of personality and in some cases what position they play. Yet, we see why they are the captain and Bokuto is no different. Yes, he can be immature as well as enthusiastic, but he also has EQ, especially self-awareness. His leadership is highlighted in these quotes:
"Listen. You aren't thinking this is some kind of 'we can't afford to lose it' game, are you?...Ooh Bull's eye! But y'know? When have we ever played a game we could afford to lose?" This shows that he knows what one of his players is thinking and is addressing it, because he knows that this type of thinking can get them off track.
"Hey, Akaashi's not like me, y'know? He's actually mature and stuff. He's not gonna get all upset and sulk over being benched for a handful of rallies. He'll get his head straight and be his old self in no time. I mean, this is Akaashi we're talking about." Bokuto is self-aware. He knows that he does not act as he should. It also shows he trusts his teammate.
"'Think about what's fun...not what's easy.' My old coach from back in my junior league days harped on that all the dang time. I never really liked having to do things exactly as I was told...But that? That just kinda MAKE SENSE to me, y'know? Getting blocked is no fun. Botching digs is no fun. Missing serves is not fun. Getting tired is no fun. I wanna score every time. I wanna dig EVERY BALL. I wanna win EVERY GAME." Inspirational, enough said.
"It's not easy to give your full 100 percent during a game. But, Akaashi? From you...I want your 120 percent." Encouraging to do something that sounds really hard.
"I think it's totally awesome how you can hit just about any ball...but from now on, I think you should tell all the other guys who aren't the setter to step up and set better for you. Even if it's asking too much, you should do it." Stepping up to pass advice to another player.
"Hey, Akaashi! You Reflecting On The Game? Or Regretting Things? If You're Just Reflecting, I Won't Bug Ya!" See! We saw this already in the first quote I mentioned.
Akaashi: "I allowed myself to get distracted by unnecessary thoughts."
Bokuto: "You know what did it? Great! You'll be fine, then. Now you know how to fix it next time."
Akaashi: "Yes...!"
This piece of dialog happened right after the above quote. Bokuto asks if he needs to step in and then gives Akaashi some encouraging advice.
"NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE...JUST REALLY IMPROBABLE!" Yes! Bokuto! This is what we need in our life!
Karasuno and Nekoma Cheer Squads
I like the bonding on this one page. While this is the first time they met, I like how even the cheer squads have the same energy and relationship as the teams.
Spectators for the Next Karasuno Game
We see the return of another team, because they are cheering on Karasuno and have an interest in the next team. I cannot say who Karasuno's opponent is, but I can say the following. The spectator team is similar to Karasuno's opponent, except for one difference: they're bigger. I will leave this section with this thought. You know how in a fantasy story the heroes face a giant and win, but then a few pages later or the next story they find out that giant was a baby? Yeah, Karasuno's next opponent is a full-grown giant compared to the spectator team. There is a great visual and line about their next opponent from Coach Ukai followed by a panel with Hinata's, Kageyama's, Asahi's, and Tanaka's reactions.
I like it that we continue to see Kuroo and Kenma through Bokuto's game and the next one.
Third Year Watching
There is this funny moment, where Tanaka and Nishinoya are watching the third years backs. They are all serious when talking about the imposing backs of their third years, but as the reader you find out what the third years are talking about and it is not what Tanaka and Nishinoya think.
Hinata's Surprise
This was a great little moment and shows how Hinata has grown in confidence.
Words to Live By
As always, there are some great passages that are used for volleyball that can be applied to everyday living.
"Task focus. The end result of a game. The referees' judgments. The actions of the opponent. These are things outside of any one player's control. What a player can control...is their own thoughts and actions. The important things to keep in mind...are 'What CAN I do next?' and 'What SHOULD I do next?' Focus on the play in front of you."
And this one.
"When going up against stars, all I can do is what I always do...provide a steady and reliable supply. Like in yesterday's game. Like in the prelims. Like during practice. That much, I am confident I can manage."
Verdict: I LOVE this series!!!