Blue Lock

Summary

Blue Lock (Japanese: ブルーロック, Hepburn: Burū Rokku) (stylized as BLUELOCK) is a Japanese manga series written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. It has been serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine since August 2018, with its chapters collected in 28 tankōbon volumes as of March 2024.

Blue Lock
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Yoichi Isagi
ブルーロック
(Burū Rokku)
Genre
Manga
Written byMuneyuki Kaneshiro
Illustrated byYusuke Nomura
Published byKodansha
English publisher
ImprintShōnen Magazine Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Magazine
DemographicShōnen
Original runAugust 1, 2018 – present
Volumes28 (List of volumes)
Manga
Blue Lock: Episode Nagi
Written byMuneyuki Kaneshiro
Illustrated byKōta Sannomiya
Published byKodansha
English publisher
  • NA: Kodansha USA
MagazineBessatsu Shōnen Magazine
DemographicShōnen
Original runJune 9, 2022 – present
Volumes3 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed by
  • Tetsuaki Watanabe
  • Shunsuke Ishikawa[a]
Written byTaku Kishimoto
Music byJun Murayama
StudioEight Bit
Licensed byCrunchyroll
Original networkANN (TV Asahi)
English network
Original run October 9, 2022 – present
Episodes24 (List of episodes)
Anime film
Blue Lock: Episode Nagi
Directed byShunsuke Ishikawa
Written byTaku Kishimoto
Music byJun Murayama
StudioEight Bit
ReleasedApril 19, 2024 (2024-04-19)
icon Anime and manga portal

An anime television series adaptation produced by Eight Bit aired from October 2022 to March 2023. An anime film adaptation based on the Episode Nagi manga is set to premiere in April 2024. A second season has been announced.

By November 2023, the manga had over 30 million copies in circulation, making it one of the best-selling manga series. In 2021, Blue Lock won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category.

Plot edit

The Japan national team finished 16th in the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The Japan Football Union hires the football enigma Ego Jinpachi. His master plan to lead Japan to stardom is Blue Lock, a training regimen designed to create the world's greatest egotist striker. Those who fail Blue Lock will never again be permitted to represent Japan. Yoichi Isagi, an unknown high school football player conflicted about his playing style, decides to join the program in order to become the best striker in the world.

Characters edit

Yoichi Isagi (潔 世一, Isagi Yoichi)
Voiced by: Kazuki Ura[2] (Japanese); Ricco Fajardo[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Ryōhei Takenaka (stage play)[4]
Meguru Bachira (蜂楽 廻, Bachira Meguru)
Voiced by: Tasuku Kaito[2] (Japanese); Drew Breedlove[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Nobunaga Sato (stage play)[4]
Rensuke Kunigami (國神 錬介, Kunigami Rensuke)
Voiced by: Yūki Ono[2] (Japanese); Alex Hom[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Shōta Matsuda (stage play)[4]
Hyōma Chigiri (千切 豹馬, Chigiri Hyōma)
Voiced by: Soma Saito[2] (Japanese); Aaron Dismuke[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Ryō Saeki (stage play)[4]
Wataru Kuon (久遠 渉, Kuon Wataru)
Voiced by: Masatomo Nakazawa[5] (Japanese); Mark Allen Jr.[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Jin Saori (stage play)[4]
Jingo Raichi (雷市 陣吾, Raichi Jingo)
Voiced by: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka[5] (Japanese); Aaron Campbell[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Takamichi Sato (stage play)[4]
Yūdai Imamura (今村 遊大, Imamura Yūdai)
Voiced by: Shōya Chiba[5] (Japanese); Jesse Pinnick[3] (English)
Gin Gagamaru (我牙丸 吟, Gagamaru Gin)
Voiced by: Shugo Nakamura[5] (Japanese); Lee George[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Kōki Muramatsu (stage play)[4]
Asahi Naruhaya (成早 朝日, Naruhaya Asahi)
Voiced by: Daishi Kajita[5] (Japanese); Spencer Liles[3] (English)
Okuhito Iemon (伊右衛門 送人, Iemon Okuhito)
Voiced by: Ryūnosuke Watanuki[5] (Japanese); Anthony DiMascio[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Takuro Sawada (stage play)[4]
Gurimu Igarashi (五十嵐 栗夢, Igarashi Gurimu)
Voiced by: Aoi Ichikawa[5] (Japanese); Kyle Igneczi[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Yuki Kakikawa (stage play)[4]
Ryōsuke Kira (吉良 涼介, Kira Ryōsuke)
Voiced by: Kenichi Suzumura[5] (Japanese); Blake Shepard[3] (English)
Jinpachi Ego (絵心 甚八, Ego Jinpachi)
Portrayed by: Shojiro Yokoi
Voiced by: Hiroshi Kamiya[5] (Japanese); Derick Snow[3] (English)
Anri Teieri (帝襟 アンリ, Teieri Anri)
Voiced by: Eri Yukimura[5] (Japanese); Kasi Hollowell[3] (English)
Shouei Barou (馬狼 照英, Barō Shōei)
Voiced by: Junichi Suwabe[6] (Japanese); Matthew David Rudd[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Yuki Izawa (stage play)[4]
Zantetsu Tsurugi (剣城 斬鉄, Tsurugi Zantetsu)
Voiced by: Kazuyuki Okitsu[7] (Japanese); Matthew Elkins[8] (English)
Portrayed by: Takumi Masunaga (stage play)[4]
Seishirō Nagi (凪 誠士郎, Nagi Seishirō)
Voiced by: Nobunaga Shimazaki[9] (Japanese); Bryson Baugus[10] (English)
Portrayed by: Ryōtarō Kosaka (stage play)[4]
Reo Mikage (御影 玲王, Mikage Reo)
Voiced by: Yuma Uchida[9] (Japanese); Kamen Casey[10] (English)
Portrayed by: Shuji Kikuchi (stage play)[4]
Ikki Niko (二子 一揮, Niko Ikki)
Voiced by: Natsuki Hanae[11] (Japanese); David Matranga[3] (English)
Portrayed by: Kosei Tsubokura (stage play)[4]
Junichi Wanima (鰐間 淳壱, Wanima Junichi)
Voiced by: Ryōta Suzuki[11] (Japanese); Chris Guerrero[8] (English)
Portrayed by: Masahide Funaki (stage play)[4]
Keisuke Wanima (鰐間 計助, Wanima Keisuke)
Voiced by: Ryōta Suzuki[11] (Japanese); Chris Guerrero[8] (English)
Portrayed by: Masahiro Kawai (stage play)[4]
Sae Itoshi (糸師 冴, Itoshi Sae)
Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai[11] (Japanese); Alejandro Saab[3] (English)
Rin Itoshi (糸師 凛, Itoshi Rin)
Voiced by: Koki Uchiyama[12] (Japanese); Matt Shipman[10] (English)
Portrayed by: Kōhei Nagata (stage play)[13]
Jyubei Aryu (蟻生 十兵衛, Aryū Jūbee)
Voiced by: Katsuyuki Konishi[12] (Japanese); Bradley Gareth[10] (English)
Aoshi Tokimitsu (時光 青志, Tokimitsu Aoshi)
Voiced by: Shinnosuke Tachibana[12] (Japanese); Jordan Dash Cruz[10] (English)
Ryūsei Shidō (士道龍聖, Shidō Ryūsei)
Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura[14] (Japanese); Van Barr Jr.[15] (English)
Tabito Karasu (烏 旅人, Karasu Tabito)
Voiced by: Makoto Furukawa[14] (Japanese); Clifford Chapin[16] (English)
Eita Otoya (乙夜影汰, Otoya Eita)
Voiced by: Kengo Kawanishi[14] (Japanese); Davon Oliver[17] (English)
Kenyu Yukimiya (雪宮剣優, Yukimiya Kenyu)
Voiced by: Takuya Eguchi[14] (Japanese); Jim Foronda[18] (English)
Julian Loki (ジュリアン・ロキ, Jurian Roki)
Voiced by: Hiro Shimono[14] (Japanese); Kevin D. Thelwell[19] (English)
Leonardo Luna (レオナルド・ルナ, Reonarudo Runa)
Voiced by: Shin'ichiro Kamio[14] (Japanese); Brandon Acosta[20] (English)

Media edit

Manga edit

Written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura, Blue Lock started in Kodansha's Weekly Shōnen Magazine on August 1, 2018.[21] Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was released on November 16, 2018.[22] As of March 15, 2024, twenty-eight volumes have been released.[23]

In January 2021, Kodansha USA announced that they licensed the manga for English digital release in North America, starting on March 16, 2021.[24] In January 2022, Kodansha USA announced that they would release the manga in print.[25]

The manga has also been licensed in France by Pika Édition;[26] in Germany by Kazé;[27] in Taiwan by Tong Li Publishing;[28] in South Korea by Haksan Publishing;[29] in Italy by Panini Comics;[30] in Spain by Planeta DeAgostini;[31] in Thailand by Vibulkij Publishing;[32] in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo;[33] and in Argentina by Editorial Ivrea.[34]

A spin-off manga focusing on Seishiro Nagi, titled Blue Lock: Episode Nagi, began serialization in Kodansha's Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine on June 9, 2022.[35] The spin-off is written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Kōta Sannomiya.[36] Its chapters have been collected in three tankōbon volumes as of September 14, 2023.[37] Kodansha has published the series in English on their K Manga service.[38] In October 2023, Kodansha USA announced that the manga is planned to be published in print starting in Q3 2024.[39]

Anime edit

An anime television series adaptation was announced on August 12, 2021. The series is produced by Eight Bit and directed by Tetsuaki Watanabe, with Shunsuke Ishikawa serving as assistant director, Taku Kishimoto overseeing the series' scripts, Masaru Shindō providing the main character designs and serving as chief animation director, Hisashi Tojima serving as a chief action director, and Jun Murayama composing the music.[2] It ran for 24 episodes.[40] The series aired from October 9, 2022, to March 26, 2023, on TV Asahi's NUMAnimation [ja] block.[2][5][b] The first opening theme song is "Chaos ga Kiwamaru" (カオスが極まる, "Chaos Reigns") by Unison Square Garden, while the first ending theme song is "Winner" by Shugo Nakamura.[11] The second opening theme song is "Judgement" by Ash Da Hero, while the second ending theme song is "Numbness like a ginger" by Unison Square Garden.[42][43]

Crunchyroll has licensed the series and has streamed an English dub starting on October 22, 2022.[44][3] Medialink licensed the series in Asia-Pacific;[45] it is streamed on their Ani-One YouTube channel,[46] and on iQIYI,[47] bilibili,[48] Netflix,[49] and Animax Asia.[50]

Following the end of the first season, a second season was announced.[51][14]

Film edit

At the end of the first season, an anime film adaptation of the Episode Nagi manga was also announced.[14] The film will feature the staff and cast reprising their roles with Shunsuke Ishikawa, who served as assistant director for the first season, assigned to direct the film and manga writer Muneyuki Kaneshiro supervising the story.[52] It will premiere in Japanese theatres on April 19, 2024.[53] Nissy and Sky-Hi will perform the film's theme song "Stormy".[54]

Stage plays edit

A stage play adaptation of the manga was announced by Kodansha in December 2022. It ran May 4–7, 2023, at Osaka's Sankei Hall Breeze and May 11–14 at Tokyo's Sunshine Theater. The play was directed and written by Naohiro Ise. The cast included Ryōhei Takenaka as Yoichi Isagi, Nobunaga Satō as Meguru Bachira, Shōta Matsuda as Rensuke Kunigami, and Ryō Saeki as Hyōma Chigiri.[55]

A second play, subtitled 2nd Stage, ran January 18–24, 2024, at Kyoto Theater and January 25–31 at Hulic Hall Tokyo. The play was again directed and written by Ise and Kōhei Nagata joined the cast as Rin Itoshi.[56][13]

Video game edit

A smartphone game based on the series, titled Blue Lock: Blaze Battle, is set to be released in 2024 for both iOS and Android devices. A promotional video for the game, featuring Hey! Say! JUMP's Ryosuke Yamada, has been released.[57][58]

Reception edit

Manga edit

By August 2020, the manga had over 1.9 million copies in circulation;[59] by January 2021, it had over 3 million copies in circulation.[60] over 4 million copies in circulation by April 2021;[61] by August 2021, it had over 5 million in circulation;[62] over 6 million copies in circulation by February 2022;[63] over 8.3 million copies in circulation by March 2022;[64] over 9.3 million copies in circulation by June 2022;[65] over 10 million copies in circulation August 2022;[66] over 16 million copies in circulation by December 2022;[67] over 18 million copies in circulation by January 2023;[68] over 21.5 million copies in circulation by February 2023;[69] over 24 million copies in circulation by March 2023;[70] over 25.5 million copies in circulation by April 2023;[71] over 26 million copies in circulation by May 2023;[72] over 27 million copies in circulation by July 2023;[73] over 28 million copies in circulation by August 2023;[74] and over 30 million copies in circulation by November 2023.[75]

Blue Lock was the best-selling manga series in the first half of 2023 (the period between November 2022 and May 2023), with over 8 million copies sold,[76] while volumes 12–14 and 21–23 were among the best-selling manga volumes from the same period.[77] Volumes 22–24 were among the best-selling manga volumes of 2023.[78]

The series was recommended by manga author Hajime Isayama of Attack on Titan fame, for whom Yusuke Nomura previously worked as an assistant.[79] Blue Lock was one of the Top 3 Sports Manga Series of the "Nationwide Bookstore Employees' Recommended Comics of 2020" by Honya Club.[80] Blue Lock won the 45th Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category in 2021.[81][82] The series was nominated for a Harvey Award in the Best Manga category,[83] and Youth Selection category at the 49th Angoulême International Comics Festival in 2022.[84]

Rebecca Silverman of Anime News Network, in her review of the series' first two volumes, called the "dystopian sports" concept something that makes it stand out among other sports series; however, she said that it is so "blatantly absurd that it doesn't entirely work". Silverman praised its art, noting Tite Kubo's overtones, and concluded that while the first two volumes are not perfect, there is enough going to make her want to read more.[85]

Anime edit

Bamboo Dong of Anime News Network described the first half of the first season, saying that while the superhuman abilities provide a good chuckle, the characters also go a long way in broadening the series' appeal for anime fans who didn't know or care about soccer. Dong praised the action scenes, noting that these plays are a "genuine thrill to watch", although she felt there are times when the consistency and quality dip. Nonetheless, she concluded that Blue Lock is a really good time, especially if they have a high tolerance for camp and absurdity. Action fans will enjoy the strategy sessions and head-to-head showdowns, while soccer fans will enjoy the impassioned and mildly angry love story to the sport, like armchair quarterbacking brought to life.[86]

Writing for The O'Colly, Baylor Bryant praised its dynamics in games, calling it both "strong" and "compelling". Baylor wrote that Blue Lock has flaws and is still a sports anime, while its climactic moments are still just soccer matches. However, the games are interesting, filled with their own storylines and each match showcases new and unique strikers with their own style and narrative they bring to the story. The writer described about the animation, noting that "it has moments, but with players moving around the field playing a game of soccer, it's not always clean and crisp." Nevertheless, despite the animation has limitations, the anime would be more enjoyable to watch if anyone wants more comedy and not tended to read the manga.[87]

Rafael Motamayor of IGN comparing the show to 2021's Squid Game, while describing it as "a fairly typical of sports anime". Rafael said that the anime does have some interesting things to say about sports, their competitiveness, and what it means to be a great athlete. The animation was criticized, saying that the use of 3D computer animation, and particularly the back-and-forth between CG and traditional 2D animation, became "jarring" to watch compared to Haikyu!! which has full fluid of movements. However, he concluded that it compensates for uneven CG with striking keyframes and fantastic use of visual metaphors.[88]

In 2023, Blue Lock won the New Face Award at the Japan Character Awards by Japan's Character Brand Licensing Association (CBLA).[89] The series ranked second in the anime category of Yahoo! Japan Search Awards, based on the number of searches for a particular term compared to the year before.[90]

See also edit

  • Tesla Note, another manga series illustrated by Kōta Sannomiya

Notes edit

  1. ^ Assistant Director (副監督)
  2. ^ TV Asahi lists the series premiere at 25:30 on October 8, 2022, which is effectively 1:30 a.m. JST on October 9.[41]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Blue Lock. Kodansha USA. Archived from the original on April 29, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f Pineda, Rafael Antonio (August 12, 2021). "Blue Lock Soccer Manga Gets TV Anime by 8-Bit in 2022". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r Mateo, Alex (October 21, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime Reveals English Dub's Cast, October 22 Premiere". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p 舞台「ブルーロック」開幕!潔世一役の竹中凌平「人生の活力になる作品に」. Stage Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 23, 2023. Archived from the original on May 17, 2023. Retrieved May 23, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 13, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime Reveals Promo Video, October Premiere, 10 More Cast Members". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 13, 2022. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
  6. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 10, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime Casts Junichi Suwabe". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 10, 2022. Retrieved June 10, 2022.
  7. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 16, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime Casts Kazuyuki Okitsu". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 16, 2022. Retrieved July 16, 2022.
  8. ^ a b c "BLUELOCK (2022)". Behind the Voice Actors. Archived from the original on September 7, 2023. Retrieved September 7, 2023.
  9. ^ a b Hodgkins, Crystalyn (July 24, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime Casts Nobunaga Shimazaki, Yūma Uchida". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on July 24, 2022. Retrieved July 24, 2022.
  10. ^ a b c d e Dempsey, Liam (October 21, 2022). "BLUELOCK English Dub Reveals Cast & Crew, Release Date [UPDATED]". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on September 5, 2023. Retrieved September 5, 2023.
  11. ^ a b c d e Pineda, Rafael Antonio (August 12, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime's Video Reveals More Cast, Opening Song, October 8 Premiere". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  12. ^ a b c Morrissy, Kim (September 9, 2022). "Blue Lock Anime Casts Kouki Uchiyama, Katsuyuki Konishi, Shinnosuke Tachibana". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 15, 2022. Retrieved September 9, 2022.
  13. ^ a b Mateo, Alex (September 12, 2023). "BLUELOCK Series Gets 2nd Stage Play in January 2024". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  14. ^ a b c d e f g h Loo, Egan (March 25, 2023). "BLUELOCK Anime Gets 2nd Series, Film With 6 More Cast Members". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  15. ^ Barr Jr., Van [@VanBarrJr] (April 8, 2023). "Hey #BLUELOCK! My name is Van Barr Jr. and I'm the English voice of Ryusei Shidou! I CAN'T WAIT" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2023 – via Twitter.
  16. ^ Chapin, Clifford [@CliffordChapin] (April 8, 2023). "Very excited to announce that I joined the cast of #bluelock today as Tabito Karasu! Can't wait to see what this guy's all about in season 2! Many thanks to @RetroJono for casting me. Check the series out on @Crunchyroll!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2023 – via Twitter.
  17. ^ Oliver, Davon [@DavonOliverVO] (April 8, 2023). "LET'S GOOO!! I'm blessed to announce..I VOICE EITA OTOYA IN BLUE LOCK!!! I LOVE Otoya, his design, his potential! Blue Lock has been my obsession since October and I get to bring one of my faves to dub life!! A million thanks to @RetroJono and Derric for having me!!" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2023 – via Twitter.
  18. ^ Foronda, Jim [@JimForonda] (April 8, 2023). "Who's looking to be the best striker in Japan? You'll see…it's me! Thanks to @RetroJono and @DashCruzVA for bringing me on #Bluelock as the English voice of Kenyu Yukimiya! He's set his sights on winning no matter what! (Couldn't get a screenshot on Android so I improvised! 😅)" (Tweet). Retrieved April 10, 2023 – via Twitter.
  19. ^ Thelwell, Kevin [@KevinDThelwell] (April 1, 2023). "Alight I'll shut up soon I promise, but it's already rare when black characters appear in anime and EVEN MORE rare when there's one who even fits my type of voice. Been here nearly 5 yrs now and this is my 2nd black character✊🏿 It's not often I can say HE LOOKS LIKE ME FRFR" (Tweet). Retrieved April 2, 2023 – via Twitter.
  20. ^ Acosta, Brandon [@KinglyRed] (April 1, 2023). "¡EL BLUE LOCK ES REAL! ⚽🔥 Honored to join the amazing cast of #BLUELOCK as the Scion of Royale...LEONARDO LUNA! So thankful to@RetroJono,@DashCruzVAand Derric Benevides for bringing me onboard and guiding me through some crazy fun sessions! Let's get started, egoists..." (Tweet). Retrieved April 2, 2023 – via Twitter.
  21. ^ 金城宗幸×ノ村優介、W杯優勝を目指すFW育成物語「ブルーロック」週マガで. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. August 1, 2018. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  22. ^ ブルーロック(1) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 2, 2022. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  23. ^ ブルーロック(28) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on February 17, 2024. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  24. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (January 26, 2021). "Kodansha Licenses 7 New Manga by Jet Kusamura, Marimo Ragawa, Fly, More". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  25. ^ Mateo, Alex (January 6, 2022). "Exclusive: Blue Lock Soccer Manga Gets Print Releases in English". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 6, 2022.
  26. ^ De la Cruz, Bruno (October 16, 2020). "Le battle royal phénomène Blue Lock annoncé chez Pika". Anime News Network (in French). Archived from the original on January 31, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  27. ^ "KAZÉ Manga lizenziert "Blue Lock"". Manga Passion (in German). March 21, 2021. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  28. ^ "BLUE LOCK 藍色監獄". tongli.com.tw (in Chinese). September 12, 2019. Archived from the original on December 14, 2019. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  29. ^ "블루 록(BLUE LOCK)1권". haksanpub.co.kr (in Korean). November 12, 2020. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  30. ^ "Panini Comics annuncia ufficialmente Blue Lock: il calcio spietato arriva in Italia". everyeye.it (in Italian). April 30, 2021. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  31. ^ "Lanzamientos Planeta Cómic marzo 2022". ramenparados.com (in Spanish). March 12, 2022. Archived from the original on March 13, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  32. ^ "BLUE LOCK ขังดวลแข้ง 1". vibulkijshop.com (in Thai). June 11, 2019. Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
  33. ^ "Elex Media to Publish "Blue Lock" Manga in Indonesia". kaorinusantara.or.id. September 12, 2021. Archived from the original on October 18, 2021. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  34. ^ "BLUE LOCK". ivrea.com.ar (in Spanish). Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved April 14, 2022.
  35. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (March 9, 2022). "Blue Lock Soccer Manga Gets Spinoff in June". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 9, 2022. Retrieved March 9, 2022.
  36. ^ Mateo, Alex (May 9, 2022). "Tesla Note Artist Kōta Sannomiya Draws Blue Lock Spinoff". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  37. ^ ブルーロック-EPISODE 凪-(3) (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on July 30, 2023. Retrieved July 30, 2023.
  38. ^ "Kodansha's K Manga app launches with 60 English simupubs among 400 titles". Sora News 24. May 10, 2023. Archived from the original on May 10, 2023. Retrieved May 10, 2023.
  39. ^ Mateo, Alex (October 14, 2023). "Kodansha USA Licenses Blue Lock -Episode Nagi-, Tank Chair, He's Expecting Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 14, 2023. Retrieved October 14, 2023.
  40. ^ ブルーロック:テレビアニメは全24話 連続2クール放送 南野拓実選手が“名誉キャプテン”に. mantan-web.jp (in Japanese). September 23, 2022. Archived from the original on October 5, 2022. Retrieved December 7, 2022.
  41. ^ 「ブルーロック」に花江夏樹・鈴木崚汰・櫻井孝宏が出演、1話&2話の先行劇場上映も. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. August 12, 2022. Archived from the original on November 3, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  42. ^ Hazra, Adriana (December 24, 2022). "Ash Da Hero Performs New Opening Theme for Blue Lock Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 24, 2022. Retrieved December 24, 2022.
  43. ^ Loo, Egan (January 21, 2023). "Unison Square Garden Performs Blue Lock Anime's New Ending Song". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 21, 2023. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  44. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (May 28, 2022). "Crunchyroll to Stream Blue Lock, Orient 2nd Part, Rent-A-Girlfriend Season 2 Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 28, 2022. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
  45. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (September 26, 2022). "Ani-One Asia Streams Gundam: The Witch From Mercury, My Master Has no Tail, Blue Lock Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 26, 2022. Retrieved September 26, 2022.
  46. ^ Hazra, Adriana (October 1, 2022). "Ani-One Simulcasts The Human Crazy University, Blue Lock Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  47. ^ iQIYI [@iQIYI] (October 1, 2022). "Calling all #BlueLock fans! Are you ready?Catch Blue Lock, premiering 9 October on #iQIYI and http://iQ.com!👉🏻App: http://bit.ly/downloadiQiyitwt (Territories: MY/TH/ID/TW) #anime #ブルーロック" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  48. ^ "Blue Lock". bilibili. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  49. ^ Netflix Indonesia [@NetflixID] (October 9, 2022). "3️⃣ Blue Lock 4️⃣ Mobile Suit Gundam The Witch From Mercury Dua-duanya tayang tiap hari Minggu" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  50. ^ Pineda, Rafael (September 29, 2022). "Animax Asia Airs Simulcast of Beast Tamer, Blue Lock Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 9, 2022. Retrieved October 9, 2022.
  51. ^ Saabedra, Humberto (March 25, 2023). "BLUELOCK Anime Strikes Back with Season 2, Movie Plans". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  52. ^ Mateo, Alex (August 16, 2023). "BLUELOCK -Episode Nagi- Anime Film's Trailer Reveals Spring 2024 Premiere". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  53. ^ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 26, 2023). "BLUELOCK -Episode Nagi- Anime Film's Trailer Reveals April 19 Debut". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 26, 2023. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  54. ^ Tai, Anita (February 4, 2024). "AAA Members Nissy, SKY-HI Perform BLUELOCK -Episode Nagi- Film's Theme Song". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 5, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  55. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (December 13, 2022). "Blue Lock Manga Gets Stage Play Next May". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  56. ^ 【公式】舞台『ブルーロック』 [@BLUELOCK_STAGE] (May 14, 2023). 舞台『ブルーロック』2ndSTAGE 2024年1月 公演決定!! (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved May 23, 2023 – via Twitter.
  57. ^ 「ブルーロック BLAZE BATTLE」のTVCMキャラクターに山田涼介さんの起用が決定!. Gamer (in Japanese). November 20, 2023. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  58. ^ 新作ゲーム『ブルーロック BLAZE BATTLE』(ブレバト)TVCMキャラクターに山田涼介さんの起用が決定! (Press release) (in Japanese). Bael Inc. November 20, 2023. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023 – via PR Times.
  59. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (August 23, 2020). 『ブルーロック』最新10巻 発売ホヤホヤです!! (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Twitter.
  60. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (January 25, 2021). /㊗️皆さんの応援のお陰で、✨既刊全巻に超大重版が ✨決定いたしました!!!\ (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via Twitter.
  61. ^ ブルーロック初原画展「BLUE LOCK EXHIBITION」開催決定!タワレコ渋谷で5月15日~6月6日、オリジナルグッズも販売! (Press release). Tower Records. April 26, 2021. Archived from the original on June 23, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021 – via PR Times.
  62. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (August 30, 2021). 累計500万部突破しました (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved August 30, 2021 – via Twitter.
  63. ^ 『ブルーロック』キャラPV・蜂楽廻編公開!海渡翼が蜂楽の魅力を語る. Animage+ (in Japanese). Tokuma Shoten. February 16, 2022. Archived from the original on February 23, 2022. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  64. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (March 30, 2022). ✨㊗️全巻大重版㊗️✨🎊累計830万部突破🎊 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved March 30, 2022 – via Twitter.
  65. ^ 『ブルーロック』己こそがナンバーワン!!選手は全員エゴイスト! 究極の状況から誕生した最もエゴい&イカれた名台詞・名シーンをまとめました!!. Animate Times (in Japanese). June 29, 2022. Archived from the original on July 10, 2022. Retrieved July 10, 2022.
  66. ^ 秋アニメ『ブルーロック』スペシャルステージイベントがABEMA にて生配信決定! 声優・浦和希さん、海渡翼さん、仲村宗悟さん、市川蒼さんが出演. Animate Times (in Japanese). August 8, 2022. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved August 12, 2022.
  67. ^ 『ブルーロック』新ビジュアル&振り返りダイジェストムービー公開!. Animage+ (in Japanese). December 26, 2022. Archived from the original on January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  68. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (January 27, 2023). ✨🎊全巻重版1800万部突破🎊✨ (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved January 27, 2023 – via Twitter.
  69. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (February 20, 2023). ✨🎊全巻重版2150万部突破🎊✨『ブルーロック』1〜22巻全巻重版です📚🎊最新23巻は3月17日発売です🙌ぜひあわせて皆様の元に迎え入れてやってください🙇‍♂️いつも応援ありがとうございます🔥 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved February 20, 2023 – via Twitter.
  70. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (March 17, 2023). 🎊📚全巻重版2400万部突破📚🎊先程の23巻に加え、1〜22巻にも重版がかかり、累計部数2400万部を突破しました🎉エゴイストの皆様、いつもたくさん応援していただきありがとうございます😭✨最新刊発売ホヤホヤの#ブルーロック 1〜23巻ぜひ読んでみてください🙇‍♂️🙌#エゴい (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved March 17, 2023 – via Twitter.
  71. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (April 29, 2023). 🎊📚重版速報2550万部突破📚🎊おかげさまで、ブルーロック累計部数が2550万部を突破しました🎉皆さまの日々のエゴい応援に大感謝す😭✨ゴールデンウィークは#ブルーロック1〜23巻ぜひたくさんの方にお読みいただきたいです🙇‍♂️🙌 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved May 1, 2023 – via Twitter.
  72. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (May 17, 2023). 🎊📚本日発売&2600万部突破📚🎊#ブルーロック 最新24巻本日発売いたしました‼️今巻で2600万部突破です🙌 いつも応援いただき、ありがとうございます🙇‍♂️✨表紙は氷織羊🐏🔥ぜひお手にとってみてください🤗 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved May 28, 2023 – via Twitter.
  73. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (July 15, 2023). ✨㊗️累計2700万部突破㊗️✨ 「ブルーロック 最新25巻」&「ブルーロック 25 潔・蜂楽サイン入り公式応援セット付き特装版」発売ホヤホヤ‼️ 累計部数は 2700万部を突破しました🎉📚🎊 ぜひ #ブルーロック で 25巻を読んだ感想を 教えていただけたら嬉しいです🙌 特装版のグッズは 添付画像にてチェック👀🎁 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved July 15, 2023 – via Twitter.
  74. ^ Soccer Manga Blue Lock [Official] [@bluelock_wm] (August 17, 2023). ✨📚累計2800万部突破📚✨#ブルーロック 累計部数が2800万部を突破いたしました🔥いつもエゴい応援をいただきありがとうございます😭😭まだまだエゴく頑張ります⚽️2024年春の公開が発表された「劇場版 ブルーロック -EPISODE凪-」と TVアニメ第2期もどうぞお楽しみに🙌🎁 (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved August 21, 2023 – via Twitter.
  75. ^ 「劇場版ブルーロック -EPISODE 凪-」4月19日ロードショー! 玲王、斬鉄、世一らが集結したビジュアル&予告編も公開. AnimeAnime.jp (in Japanese). November 26, 2023. Archived from the original on November 27, 2023. Retrieved November 27, 2023.
  76. ^ Loo, Egan (May 30, 2023). "Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Series: 2023 (1st Half) — Blue Lock Sells 8 Million After Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  77. ^ Loo, Egan (May 30, 2023). "Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 2023 (1st Half) — One Piece 105 Sells 1.76 Million". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 31, 2023. Retrieved May 31, 2023.
  78. ^ Loo, Egan (November 30, 2023). "Top-Selling Manga in Japan by Volume: 2023 — One Piece Tops Chart for 13th Time". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on November 30, 2023. Retrieved November 30, 2023.
  79. ^ 諫山創×金城宗幸×ノ村優介、「ブルーロック」1巻発売を記念し週マガで鼎談. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. November 14, 2018. Archived from the original on February 7, 2021. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  80. ^ Mateo, Alex (February 1, 2020). "Japanese Bookstores Recommend 15 Top Manga for 2020". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved January 27, 2021.
  81. ^ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (April 7, 2021). "45th Annual Kodansha Manga Awards' Nominees Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on August 1, 2021. Retrieved April 7, 2021.
  82. ^ Mateo, Alex (May 13, 2021). "45th Annual Kodansha Manga Awards' Winners Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 21, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
  83. ^ Hazra, Adriana (August 14, 2022). "Harvey Awards Nominate Blood on The Tracks, Blue Lock, Cat + Gamer, Chainsaw Man, Red Flowers, Spy x Family". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 2, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  84. ^ "49th Edition : Youth Selections". Angoulême International Comics Festival. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  85. ^ Silverman, Rebecca (May 1, 2021). "Blue Lock GN 1 & 2 - Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 1, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
  86. ^ Dong, Bamboo (January 22, 2024). "BLUELOCK BD+DVD - Season 1 Part 1 Anime Series Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  87. ^ Bryant, Baylor (March 29, 2023). "'Blue Lock' review: Season one sets a high bar for sports anime". The O'Colly. Archived from the original on February 16, 2024. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  88. ^ Motamayor, Rafael (March 31, 2023). "Blue Lock Season 1 Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on September 22, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  89. ^ 2023年6月28日 2022年の最高のキャラクターがついに決定!! (in Japanese). June 22, 2023. Archived from the original on July 12, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2024.
  90. ^ Yahoo!検索大賞アニメ1位は「【推しの子】」 「君たちはどう生きるか」や宮野真守も. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on December 4, 2023. Retrieved February 16, 2024.

External links edit

  • Blue Lock official manga website at Pocket Shōnen Magazine (in Japanese)
  • Blue Lock official anime website (in Japanese)
  • Blue Lock (manga) at Anime News Network's encyclopedia