New Soccer Manga by Former Blue Lock Assistant Kicks Off in Weekly Shonen Jump This February
A brand-new series called Embers will start in Weekly Shonen Jump on February 3. The manga will be written by Kei Kurumazaki and illustrated by Sotaro Nishi, who previously worked as an assistant on the hit series BLUE LOCK and Wistoria: Wand and Sword. Since both of these series have impressive artwork, fans are eager to see what Embers will bring to the table.
What Is Embers About?
The story follows Haitani, a delinquent feared as the strongest fighter in his school. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he stumbles into the world of soccer. Unlike traditional sports manga, Embers seems to focus on a tough, street-smart character entering the competitive soccer scene. The debut chapter will be a 54-page introduction, complete with a color spread, showing how much confidence Weekly Shonen Jump has in the series.
Praise from BLUE LOCK and Wistoria Creators
The announcement of Embers has already gained attention, especially from major manga artists.
Yusuke Nomura, the artist of BLUE LOCK, praised Nishi’s talent, calling him “terrifying” and joking that Embers is coming to crush them.
Toshi Aoi, the artist of Wistoria, also supported Nishi, calling him the "ace" of their team and sharing a sample of his artwork.
With such high praise, it’s clear that Nishi’s artwork will be a major highlight of the new series.
A New Rival for BLUE LOCK?
With BLUE LOCK being the best-selling manga of 2023, Embers faces a tough challenge. However, its success could depend on how it differentiates itself. BLUE LOCK is often described as a "battle manga" with soccer elements, focusing on high-energy action and intense rivalries. Embers might take a different approach by emphasizing tactics, character development, or a more realistic soccer experience.
Weekly Shonen Jump has recently lost several big titles, including My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, Mission: Yozakura Family, and Undead Unluck. With these series ending, the magazine is introducing fresh stories to attract new readers. Embers is one of the major additions for 2024, aiming to bring in both sports manga fans and shonen readers alike.
With its strong creative team and unique premise, Embers has the potential to be a major hit. Will it rise to the challenge and become the next big soccer manga? We’ll find out when it launches on February 3!