Great news for manga lovers and baseball enthusiasts! Eko Mikawa’s popular baseball manga, Oblivion Battery (Bōkyaku Batterī), is now available on Shueisha’s MANGA Plus service. Starting June 26, 2025, fans can enjoy a simultaneous release with Japan, ensuring they stay up-to-date with the latest chapters of this exciting series. This addition promises to bring the unique blend of sports and comedy to a broader global audience.
What is Oblivion Battery?
Oblivion Battery is a Japanese manga series penned and illustrated by Eko Mikawa. It made its debut on Shueisha’s Shōnen Jump+ online manga platform in April 2018 and has since been compiled into 21 tankōbon volumes as of April 4, 2025. The story revolves around:
- Haruka Kiyomine: A prodigious pitcher celebrated for his near-perfect skills.
- Kei Kaname: A highly skilled catcher, once known as the “General,” who suffers from amnesia, causing him to lose all his baseball-related memories.
The duo was a force to be reckoned with in junior high, leaving a trail of defeated opponents in their wake. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when they both enroll in the little-known Kotesashi High School in Tokyo. Here, they cross paths with former baseball players who had given up on their dreams after being crushed by Haruka and Kei’s exceptional abilities.
Story Overview
In the world of middle school baseball, Haruka Kiyomine and Kei Kaname were a feared battery. Taro Yamada, after losing to them, quits baseball and attends Kotesashi High School, a school without a baseball club. Surprisingly, he encounters Haruka and Kei, only to find that Kei has amnesia, forgetting his baseball past and unwilling to play again. Joining the newly formed baseball club, Taro and Haruka aim to reignite Kei’s passion by showing him the joy of the game.
Why is this Exciting?
The addition of Oblivion Battery to MANGA Plus is a significant win for several reasons:
- Simultaneous Release: Fans no longer have to wait for translated versions or rely on unofficial sources. They can now read the latest chapters at the same time as Japanese readers.
- Accessibility: MANGA Plus offers a wide range of manga titles for free, making it easier for new readers to discover and enjoy Oblivion Battery.
- High-Quality Translation: Shueisha’s official translation ensures that the nuances and humor of the original manga are accurately conveyed to English-speaking audiences.
The Journey of Oblivion Battery
Manga
Written and illustrated by Eko Mikawa, the manga launched on Shonen Jump+ in April 2018. Shueisha has compiled the chapters into tankōbon volumes, with the first released in September 2018. As of December 2024, 20 volumes have been released.
Anime Adaptations
Oblivion Battery has seen significant success beyond the pages of the manga, including:
- Original Net Animation (ONA): In October 2020, an ONA adaptation produced by MAPPA was streamed as part of the Jump Special Anime Festa 2020 online event.
- Anime Television Series: An anime television series, also by MAPPA, aired from April to July 2024, comprising 12 episodes. A second season has already been announced, much to the delight of fans. Crunchyroll streamed the first season as it aired in Japan.
Anime Staff
- Director: Makoto Nakazono
- Assistant Director: Takeshi Iida
- Scriptwriter: Michiko Yokote
- Character Designer: Hitomi Hasegawa
- Music Composers: Tomoki Kikuya and Hiroko Yamasaki
The opening theme song for the anime is “Lilac” by Mrs. Green Apple, while the ending theme song is “Wasurena Uta” by Macaroni Enpitsu.
Stage Play
The series is also inspiring a stage play adaptation set to run in Tokyo and Osaka in October 2025. Ryousei Tanaka will play Haruka Kiyomine, and Yoshihiko Aramaki will play Kei Kaname. Akira Yamazaki, who previously worked on an Ace of Diamond musical adaptation, will direct and write the script.
Characters
Oblivion Battery features a colorful cast of characters, each with their unique personalities and motivations:
- Haruka Kiyomine: Voiced by Toshiki Masuda, Haruka is the star pitcher known for his exceptional talent.
- Kei Kaname: Voiced by Mamoru Miyano, Kei is the skilled catcher whose amnesia changes his personality, adding a comedic twist to the series.
- Taro Yamada: Voiced by Yūki Kaji, Taro is a former baseball player inspired to start a team at Kotesashi High School after encountering Haruka and Kei.
- Aoi Todo: Voiced by Yōhei Azakami, Aoi is another former player who joins the team.
- Shunpei Chihaya: Voiced by Nobunaga Shimazaki, Shunpei is a former player who, like Aoi, had his baseball dreams crushed by Haruka and Kei.
Reception and Reviews
Oblivion Battery has garnered positive reviews for its unique blend of sports drama and comedy. Critics have praised the animation quality, character development, and the engaging storyline.
- Some reviewers have noted that the series stands out due to its comedic elements, which set it apart from other sports anime.
- The series has been described as a hidden gem, offering a mix of hype, excitement, friendship, and humor.
- While some find the humor to be teenage boy-ish, it generally doesn’t cross the line and remains enjoyable.
- The use of the amnesia trope has been well-received, with many appreciating how it adds depth and comedic moments to the story.
However, some reviews point out that the series could have been better if it focused more on the underdog story and the characters’ support for each other. Despite minor criticisms, Oblivion Battery is generally well-regarded for its entertainment value and unique take on the sports genre.
Where to Read
As of June 26, 2025, you can read Oblivion Battery on the following platforms:
- MANGA Plus: Shueisha’s official platform offers a simultaneous release with Japan.
- Shonen Jump+: The original online manga app where the series debuted.
Final Thoughts
The addition of Oblivion Battery to MANGA Plus is a fantastic opportunity for fans worldwide to dive into this engaging and entertaining baseball manga. With its unique blend of sports, comedy, and compelling characters, Oblivion Battery promises to be a hit with both manga veterans and newcomers alike. Don’t miss out on the chance to follow Haruka and Kei’s journey as they navigate high school baseball and rediscover their passion for the game.
