Can Blue Lock Ever Surpass Haikyuu? Analyzed
Blue Lock's anime adaptation has taken the sports genre by storm, captivating viewers with its gripping storyline and relatable protagonist, Yoichi Isagi, as he embarks on a journey to become a fearless and bold striker Will Blue Lock surpass the beloved Haikyuu? Let's find out!
Blue Lock's anime adaptation was released last year and quickly became a massive success, following the relatable journey of Yoichi Isagi to become a more daring and brave striker. This has led to many comparisons to the iconic volleyball anime, Haikyuu, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports series in recent years.
When two similar series become successful, comparisons are inevitable. This is the case with Blue Lock and Haikyuu. Both have their strengths, although Haikyuu has an edge due to its conclusion. The question remains: Can Blue Lock surpass Haikyuu?
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for the Blue Lock and Haikyuu series. The opinions expressed here belong to the author and in no way reflect Our Website's.
Blue Lock could surpass Haikyuu
The protagonists of these two series, Isagi and Hinata, have captured the hearts of many fans (Image via Bandai and Production I.G.).
Upon its release in 2022, the Blue Lock anime garnered widespread acclaim and positive feedback, leading to numerous comparisons with the beloved Haikyuu.
Given their status as the top sports manga and anime franchises since the iconic Slam Dunk series in the 90s, it's understandable that people compare them. However, it's difficult to determine if this series could outshine others without knowing the full story. The conclusion will ultimately shape the legacy of the story, and it needs to continue developing to see where it will go.
Muneyuki Kaneshiro's manga offers a unique perspective on sports, focusing on the idea of being selfish and individualistic. In contrast, the Haikyu series pushes Hinata to improve while embracing a teamwork mindset, while Blue Lock's Isagi is faced with situations that require teamwork but also emphasizes individual growth and the drive to surpass others.
It is the ultimate celebration of ego and selfishness in sports, which is something that makes it stand out when compared to pretty much any other franchise of this ilk.
A deconstruction of a popular sport
Blue Lock has the potential to surpass Haikyuu and other sports series because of three big reasons: the sport it represents, the premise, and the themes that it explores.
The first reason is clear: football is the most popular sport in the world, making it more widely appealing. Even those who aren't typically fans of anime may give it a chance because it delves into the sport and explores intriguing psychological elements.
Furthermore, the series goes beyond the typical focus on winning a league or championship. It's a survival-of-the-fittest narrative, following characters like Isagi, Bachira, Barou, Nagi, Chigiri, and others as they navigate various obstacles in order to avoid elimination from the project or face a bleak future in their football careers.
Haikyuu fails to capture the same feeling of danger and unease that Blue Lock brings to its competitions. Blue Lock's emphasis on selfishness and intense rivalries sets it apart from other sports series, making it more appealing and exciting to many. Additionally, it serves as a deconstruction of traditional sports series.
Isagi and Nagi can go from playing alongside each other one day to becoming sworn enemies the next, adding a dynamic that brings a lot more intensity to the series. Furthermore, the show is very character-focused, delving into the reasons why these players are driven to win, which adds a compelling element to the story.
Haikyuu has risen to the pinnacle of sports anime and manga, leaving an enduring legacy that is untouchable. Its impact and success in a sport with a less global following like volleyball is unmatched.
Yet, in its early stages, Blue Lock has the potential to surpass Haikyuu if its final arcs fulfill their promise.
Final thoughts
Blue Lock has gained a dedicated fanbase in recent years, and now it's the moment for both the manga and the anime adaptation to showcase their value, a prospect that will soon become a reality.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have watched and enjoyed both Blue Lock and Haikyuu, and I have a few thoughts on the matter.
First of all, I think it's important to acknowledge that both shows are excellent in their own right and appeal to different audiences. Haikyuu is a more traditional sports anime that focuses on the power of teamwork and perseverance, while Blue Lock is a more unconventional show that explores the darker side of sports and the lengths people will go to in order to succeed.
Personally, I prefer Blue Lock because I find the premise more interesting and the characters more compelling. I also appreciate the show's willingness to tackle more mature themes, such as selfishness and betrayal. However, I can understand why some people might prefer Haikyuu, as it is a more lighthearted and heartwarming show.
Ultimately, I don't think it's fair to compare Blue Lock and Haikyuu directly, as they are two very different shows with different goals. However, I do believe that Blue Lock has the potential to surpass Haikyuu in terms of popularity and critical acclaim. Only time will tell if it can live up to its potential, but I'm excited to see what the future holds for this exciting new series.
