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Blue Lock was one of the most talked-about manga series of 2022, ranking as the seventh best-selling manga of the year. This was a significant achievement, particularly for a sports anime series. After the anime adaptation was released, the series gained even more recognition and popularity. However, with the hype surrounding the series, it is natural to wonder whether Blue Lock is truly worth your time or if it is just overrated.
In this review, we will explore all aspects of the series, including its plot, characters, animation, soundtrack, and more. By the end of this review, we hope to provide a final conclusion on whether Blue Lock lives up to its reputation or not.
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Why Blue Lock Stands Out?
Ready to kick off why Blue Lock is a must-watch for fans? Let's take a look at what makes this sports anime a winner.
Blue Lock: A Series that Appeals Beyond The Sports Genre
Blue Lock is not just a soccer anime. Muneyuki Kaneshiro has used soccer as a medium to craft a thrilling psychological series that will keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering what will happen next. Thus, it's not just for sports genre lovers.
The intense matches and psychological warfare between the characters create an incredible sense of tension and anticipation throughout Blue Lock. Even if you're not a fan of soccer, the emotional elements of the series are enough to keep you invested. Its ability to appeal beyond its sports genre is a testament to its well-crafted storyline, characters, and execution.
Blue Lock's Impressive Character Development
Blue Lock's character development is nothing short of impressive. Despite a large cast of characters, the series manages to give each one a unique and well-crafted backstory. From the main protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, to the supporting characters, each one has a compelling story that shines a light on their motivations and emotions. This adds a layer of depth to the characters that make them more relatable and engaging for viewers.
With Blue Lock's character development, fans are able to connect more deeply with the show and its characters. The emotional arcs and growth of the characters throughout the series are what make the story truly captivating. Whether it's watching a character overcome their personal struggles or form unexpected bonds with their teammates, the development is always well-executed and impactful.
Blue Lock's Impressive Use Of Soccer Skills
Blue Lock takes the beauty of soccer and elevates it to new heights. With impressive skills like dribbling, speed, accuracy, and passing on display, the show creates a thrilling experience. Each character has their own unique set of skills, which they use to outclass their opponents and stay alive in the cutthroat world of Blue Lock. These skills are referred to as "weapons" in the series, and those who are able to master their own weapons or learn others' skills first have a higher chance of surviving the competition.
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This setup makes the series all the more engaging, as viewers can see the characters develop their skills and come up with new strategies to outsmart their opponents. The use of soccer-based skills as weapons adds a unique twist to the traditional sports anime formula and makes for an exciting viewing experience.
Blue Lock's Stunning Animation
Blue Lock's animation is nothing short of impressive. Studio Eight Bit has done a fantastic job in bringing the characters and their soccer skills to life. Blue Lock proves that Studio Eight Bit is an underrated studio with a lot of potential.
The attention to detail in Blue Lock's animation is also worth noting. From the characters' facial expressions to the soccer fields and backgrounds, everything is well-crafted and visually appealing. The animation truly enhances the overall viewing experience and makes Blue Lock a must-watch for anime fans.
Blue Lock's Memorable Soundtracks
Blue Lock's amazing soundtracks add a whole new layer of emotion and intensity to the show. Even if you're not consciously paying attention to the music, it's impossible to ignore the way it enhances every scene. From heart-pumping battle music to emotional piano pieces, the show's soundtrack is truly top-notch.
The show's use of sound effects is equally impressive. Each soccer move is accompanied by the perfect sound effect, adding a level of realism that makes the action even more exciting. The music is composed by Jun Murayama, who has also worked on other great anime series. His contribution to Blue Lock's music is evident, making it an absolute treat for the ears.
Expect The Unexpected
Unpredictability is a hallmark of a great anime, and Blue Lock delivers on that front. Despite being a soccer anime, the series manages to keep viewers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. Muneyuki Kaneshiro has woven a gripping narrative that constantly surprises and delights audiences.
Whether it's an unexpected outcome to a match or a character taking an unforeseen turn, Blue Lock keeps viewers engaged with its unpredictability. It's a testament to the writer's skills that they can keep the audience guessing while still delivering the excitement and thrills that make sports anime so enjoyable.
Where Blue Lock Falls Short
Beyond its strengths, Blue Lock also has its weaknesses. Here's what you need to know before watching.
The Impracticality Of Blue Lock's Regime
Blue Lock regime and its stages might seem appealing in theory, but in reality, such a strict and rigorous system might not work. Moreover, if the most skilled player leaves the team due to bad team dynamics, Blue Lock's success will come crashing down.
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Overall, it's important to recognize that Blue Lock's regime is a fictional concept and should not be taken as a model for real-life sports teams. While it makes for a compelling story, it may not be a practical approach to team dynamics and player development.
Striker-Centric Plot
Blue Lock's focus solely on the striker position leaves other positions in soccer largely ignored, giving the impression that they are less important. However, soccer is a team sport, and the success of a team depends on all players, not just the striker. By placing all the emphasis on the striker, Blue Lock overlooks the value of teamwork and the contributions of other players.
While the anime's concentration on the striker position may make for exciting matches, it fails to capture the essence of soccer as a team sport. The absence of attention to other positions is a significant flaw in the storytelling and could be a drawback for viewers who value the team dynamic of soccer.
Unrealistic Gameplay
Blue Lock's gameplay can sometimes feel unrealistic and exaggerated for the sake of the story. For instance, players can betray their team yet not get disqualified, and certain characters possess god-like skills to increase their superiority over others. While this might make for an exciting and unpredictable plot, it can also detract from the realism of the show.
However, it's worth noting that Blue Lock is still a work of fiction, and some degree of creative liberty is necessary to make the story compelling. Additionally, the exaggerated gameplay could be seen as a commentary on the high-stakes and cutthroat nature of competitive sports. But to some viewers, the originality of soccer might matter a lot.
Capping It Off: Final Thoughts On Blue Lock
Blue Lock is a captivating anime that will leave you wanting more after each episode. With impressive animation and an excellent soundtrack, it manages to keep you on the edge of your seat. Although there might be some criticism about its gameplay and the impracticality of its regime, they are insignificant when compared to the overall enjoyment factor.
Muneyuki Kaneshiro's storytelling and Yusuke Nomura's stunning animation make Blue Lock a must-watch for soccer and anime fans alike. Once you start watching the series, it is highly unlikely that you will be able to resist the urge to binge-watch it. Overall, Blue Lock is a phenomenal anime that leaves a lasting impression on its viewers.
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