Blue Lock, Vol. 1

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 1. 2018. 214p. ISBN 9781646516544. Available in the graphic  novels section of the library.

Yoichi is the best striker on his school soccer team, and finds himself in an excellent position to score and earn his ticket to the national championship. Unfortunately, he makes the unselfish decision to pass it to a friend he deems in a better position. His friend misses his shot, preventing the team from moving forward. Depressed, Yoichi returns home, only to find a letter inviting to participate in an exclusive academy for soccer players. Curious, Yoichi agrees to attend.

With its defeat at the 2018 World Cup, the national Japanese soccer team leadership seeks a way to improve their pool of talent. The leadership team appoints Jin-Pachi Ego to set up a facility where the best youth Japanese players can train and outplay each other, to shape the best striker in the world. This facility is called Blue Lock.

When Yoichi arrives at Blue Rock, he discovers a facility divided into five pods each of 60 players. The best 300 youth players in Japan are here. Yoichi discovers that he's rated 299 out of 300. Jin-Pachi Ego presents the objective of Blue Lock, which is to develop the best striker in the world, and that, he believes, can only be done through selfishness. The most selfish and egotistical player will become the best striker Japan has ever produced. And out of 300, only 1 player will be promoted to the national team. The other 299 will never be allowed to play for the national team.

With stakes so high, Yoichi has only one option. Become the best youth striker in the nation!

The story continues in Blue Lock, Vol. 2.