A fresh gust of manga energy is blowing onto the digital pages of Viz Media and Manga Plus. “Embers,” a brand-new series from the creative minds of Kei Kurumazaki and Sotaro Nishii, is now simultaneously available in English, offering fans a fiery blend of sports and shonen action. The first chapter was released on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025, and it’s already generating significant buzz among manga enthusiasts.
From Brawler to Baller: The Premise of Embers
“Embers” tells the story of Noboru Haitani, a middle school delinquent renowned for his unmatched fighting prowess. However, Haitani’s world takes an unexpected turn when he experiences the sting of defeat on the soccer field. This initial setback sparks an unexpected passion within him, gradually drawing him into the world of competitive soccer. He soon finds himself facing off against Takami, a prodigious middle school soccer player, setting the stage for a thrilling underdog story. It’s a classic tale of an unlikely hero finding his place, but with a distinctly high-octane shonen twist. The tagline perfectly encapsulates the series’ spirit: “An outlaw fights his way into the world of soccer!”
Meet the Creative Team
The creative force behind “Embers” is a promising duo. Kei Kurumazaki is the writer, while Sotaro Nishii handles the illustrations. Notably, Nishii previously worked as an assistant on the widely popular soccer manga “Blue Lock,” bringing a wealth of experience in depicting the energy and dynamism of the sport. Yusuke Nomura, the artist for Blue Lock, jokingly commented on X (formerly Twitter) about how Nishii is “completely out to crush us”
Sotaro Nishii’s Artistic Pedigree
Nishii’s background as an assistant on “Blue Lock” and “Wistoria: Wand and Sword” has equipped him with a keen eye for detail and a dynamic illustration style. Toshi Aoi, the artist of the “Wistoria: Wand and Sword” manga adaptation, praised Nishii as an “ace” and highlighted his skill in creating lively and sharp backgrounds. This artistic experience promises to bring a visually stunning and immersive experience to “Embers.”
Initial Reception and Fan Excitement
Even before its official release, “Embers” was generating considerable anticipation within the manga community. Fans are eager to see how Haitani’s fighting skills translate to the soccer field and how he navigates the challenges of a new and unfamiliar world. The series is being touted as a major new addition to Weekly Shonen Jump, further fueling the excitement. The fact that the first chapter is available for free on Viz Media and Manga Plus has lowered the barrier to entry, allowing a wide audience to sample the series and determine if it resonates with their tastes.
Comparisons to Other Popular Sports Manga
Inevitably, “Embers” is drawing comparisons to other popular sports manga, particularly “Slam Dunk.” Both stories center on a delinquent protagonist who finds purpose and redemption through sports. However, “Embers” appears to be carving its own niche by blending the intensity of shonen action with the strategic intricacies of soccer. The early reviews of the first chapter highlight the main character’s interesting personality and his immediate immersion into the world of soccer.
Where to Read “Embers”
For fans eager to dive into the world of “Embers,” the manga is readily accessible on two major platforms:
- Viz Media: Viz Media is a leading publisher of manga and anime in North America, offering a vast library of titles for online reading and purchase.
- Manga Plus: Manga Plus is Shueisha’s official online manga platform, providing simultaneous releases of popular series in multiple languages, including English.
Both platforms offer convenient ways to read “Embers” and stay up-to-date with the latest chapters.
What to Expect From “Embers”
Based on the initial chapter and the buzz surrounding the series, here’s what readers can anticipate from “Embers”:
- High-Octane Action: Expect dynamic and intense soccer matches, with Haitani’s unique fighting style adding a distinct flavor to the gameplay.
- Character Development: The series promises to explore Haitani’s transformation as he evolves from a brawler to a dedicated soccer player, learning the value of teamwork and discipline.
- Compelling Rivalries: The introduction of Takami, the soccer prodigy, sets the stage for a captivating rivalry that will push Haitani to his limits.
- Stunning Art: With Sotaro Nishii’s experience on “Blue Lock,” readers can expect visually striking artwork that captures the energy and excitement of the sport.
The Future of “Embers”
As “Embers” embarks on its serialization in Weekly Shonen Jump, its future remains bright. The series has all the elements of a potential hit: a compelling premise, a talented creative team, and strong initial reception. Whether it will reach the heights of “Blue Lock” or “Slam Dunk” remains to be seen, but “Embers” is undoubtedly a manga to watch in 2025. The creators are also teasing the audience by already releasing trailers of the manga.
Will “Embers” Spark a New Wave of Soccer Manga?
The success of “Blue Lock” and “Ao Ashi” has demonstrated the growing popularity of soccer manga. “Embers” has the potential to further fuel this trend, attracting new readers to the genre with its unique blend of action and sportsmanship. The manga also has the potential to create a larger audience for Weekly Shonen Jump in 2025.
“Embers” Chapter 1: A Detailed Look
Chapter 1 of “Embers” introduces us to Noboru Haitani, a bored and unchallenged brawler. Despite his reputation, the school staff seems to have given up on him, though he doesn’t instigate the fights himself. His teacher, Oshimi, offers him an alternative to fighting, which is soccer. Noboru reluctantly agrees to a one-on-one match with his teacher and loses repeatedly but continues to try.
Initial Impressions
The first chapter establishes Haitani as a typical sports shonen protagonist. He is easily angered, straightforward, and has an immense talent for soccer, even though he’s a novice. A cool panel shows his ability to act as a wall on the field. His friends eventually help him gather enough players for a real match against Yuga Takami from Aoba.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss the Kickoff
“Embers” is poised to be a breakout hit in the world of manga. With its engaging story, dynamic artwork, and readily accessible platform, it’s a series that should be on every manga fan’s radar. So, grab your digital copy, settle in, and prepare to be ignited by the fiery passion of “Embers.” The future of soccer manga may very well depend on it.
