A new soccer manga titled “Embers” is set to debut in the pages of Weekly Shonen Jump on February 3rd, 2025. The series is generating considerable buzz due to its connection to the hit manga, “Blue Lock,” as the artist, Sotaro Nishi, previously worked as an assistant on that project. “Embers” is written by Kei Kurumazaki, and its debut is highly anticipated by fans and industry insiders alike.
From Backgrounds to the Forefront: Sotaro Nishi’s Rise
Sotaro Nishi, the illustrator behind “Embers,” is not a newcomer to the manga scene. He has honed his skills working on the backgrounds of both “Blue Lock” and “Wistoria: Wand and Sword”. His contributions to “Blue Lock” were particularly noted for their dynamic and sharp qualities. Now, Nishi steps into the spotlight as the lead artist for “Embers”, marking his first serialized work.
Yusuke Nomura, the artist of “Blue Lock,” has publicly praised Nishi’s talent, jokingly remarking that “Embers” is coming to “completely crush” his own work. He described Nishi as a “terrifying talent” and urged fans to check out the new series. Toshi Aoi, the artist of “Wistoria: Wand and Sword,” also recognized Nishi’s skills, referring to him as an “ace”.
“Embers”: A Delinquent’s Unexpected Path to Soccer
“Embers” tells the story of Haitani, a delinquent known as the strongest fighter in his school, who unexpectedly stumbles into the world of soccer. The manga is presented as a major new series for Weekly Shonen Jump, with its debut chapter spanning 54 pages and including a color spread. This significant launch indicates the high expectations the magazine has for the title.
The initial preview for “Embers” poses an intriguing question: “The strongest delinquent, Haitani, meets soccer—what happens next!?” This premise suggests a unique blend of action and sports, diverging from the more traditional focus on technically skilled athletes. It promises to explore themes of growth and self-discovery as Haitani navigates the challenges of a sport he initially knows nothing about.
“Blue Lock”: A Benchmark in Soccer Manga
The anticipation surrounding “Embers” is amplified by the success of “Blue Lock”. Written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, “Blue Lock” has revolutionized the sports manga genre with its intense focus on individual ego and ruthless competition.
The Premise of Blue Lock
“Blue Lock” follows the story of a unique training program designed to create the world’s best striker for the Japanese national team. After a disappointing defeat at the 2018 World Cup, the Japanese Football Union launches the “Blue Lock” project, gathering 300 of Japan’s most talented high school forwards. These players are pitted against each other in a series of rigorous challenges, with only one destined to emerge as the top striker. The series has been described as “Squid Game-meets-World Cup” due to its high-stakes elimination format.
Themes and Impact
“Blue Lock” emphasizes the importance of ego and self-interest in achieving athletic greatness. The series departs from typical sports manga tropes by focusing on individual ambition rather than teamwork. This approach, coupled with dynamic art and intense action, has resonated with fans worldwide. The manga has also garnered critical acclaim, winning the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the shonen category. As of January 2025, “Blue Lock” has over 40 million copies in circulation.
Anime Adaptation and Further Success
The popularity of “Blue Lock” has been further boosted by its anime adaptation. The first season of the anime aired from October 2022 to March 2023, while the second season aired from October to December 2024. An anime film adaptation based on the “Episode Nagi” spin-off premiered in April 2024. The success of the anime has brought the manga to an even wider audience, solidifying its place as a major force in the sports manga landscape.
“Embers” vs “Blue Lock”: A New Era of Soccer Manga
The arrival of “Embers” raises questions about how it will measure up against “Blue Lock.” While both manga center around soccer, their core themes and approaches appear different. “Blue Lock” emphasizes cutthroat competition and the development of a singular “egoist” striker. “Embers,” on the other hand, seems to explore a different dynamic, examining the unexpected journey of a delinquent entering the world of soccer.
Given Nishi’s experience on “Blue Lock,” “Embers” is expected to deliver high-quality artwork and dynamic action sequences. However, the story, written by Kei Kurumazaki, will determine if it can achieve the same level of impact and critical acclaim as its predecessor.
Weekly Shonen Jump’s New Wave
The debut of “Embers” is part of a broader trend of new series launching in Weekly Shonen Jump. Following the conclusion of popular titles such as Mission: Yozakura Family and Undead Unluck, the magazine is introducing fresh talent and new concepts. In addition to “Embers”, Weekly Shonen Jump is launching other new series as well. These new releases signal a shift and evolution in the magazine’s offerings.
Where to Read “Embers”
“Embers” will be available for simultaneous release on the MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA platform, starting on February 3rd, 2025. This means that readers outside of Japan will be able to access the manga at the same time as its Japanese release. This accessibility will help the manga gain a wider audience, contributing to its potential success.
Conclusion
The launch of “Embers” marks an exciting moment for soccer manga fans. With a talented artist from the “Blue Lock” team and a fresh premise, “Embers” has the potential to become a major hit. Its debut in Weekly Shonen Jump alongside other new series highlights the ever-evolving nature of the manga industry and the constant search for fresh and engaging content. As fans eagerly await the release, the question remains: Can “Embers” surpass the legacy of “Blue Lock,” or will it carve out its own unique path in the world of sports manga?
