Blue Lock

“Blue Lock” is an up and coming soccer anime, and as someone who has never watched a sports anime, this is an amazing watch. From the animation to the voice actors to the in-depth analysis in the soccer plays and every character’s skill, this anime does everything right and hooked me until the end.  

“Blue Lock” is a manga written by Muneyuki Kaneshiro and illustrated by Yusuke Nomura. It was later adapted into an anime in October of 2022. The anime has 24 episodes and has both a subtitled version, in Japanese with English subtitles, and an English dub version, meaning the characters speak in audible English.  

I was at first skeptical about any sports anime, as I do not enjoy sports in the slightest. I also did not know “Blue Lock” existed until recently. I figured I should give it a try, which turned out to be more than worth it.

This story focuses around Japan’s constant failures to win a Football World Cup. Afterwards, Japan regroups and makes a program called Blue Lock. This is a program that basically takes as many football players around Japan as possible and turns it into a soccer battle royal of sorts. 

This anime is pretty exciting. Everything happens so slow, and yet so fast at the same time. When the characters are thinking, the show slows down and gets the perspective of certain players. But when they’re playing it out, it’s light speed soccer action. I really liked the art style, as it gives some intense scenes and cliffhangers that are sure to leave watchers ready for more.

I recommend this anime to anyone looking for something new in anime. Anime is changing for the better, and shows such as” Blue Lock” will help the community grow as a whole. I give this anime a 9 out of 10. I cannot wait for season 2.