BLUELOCK Soccer Manga Reaches 15 Million Copies in Print Thanks to TV Anime & World Cup

Japanese publisher Kodansha announced today that Muneyuki Kaneshiro (story) and Yusuke Nomura’s (art) soccer-themed sports manga BLUELOCK It has been printed in 15 million copies.

The manga has been serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine since August 2018 and its latest 22nd tankobon volume will be released in Japan this Friday. Its TV anime adaptation has also been shown in Japan since October 8. Simulcast on Crunchyroll Its members in North America (Central America), South America, South America and Europe.

As reportedThe manga crossed the 10 million mark in July, which means that five million copies were added within five months. The November 7 post of the manga official Twitter wrote it was 12 million copies at the time, and according to Oricon NewsTwo weeks before the publication of today’s Weekly Shonen Magazine, the magazine had sold 13 million copies. These two factors are the FIFA World Cup 2022 and TV anime that have been airing well. The Japanese national team won the last 16 FIFA World Cups. 

Synopsis:

Japan’s team is struggling to recover after a devastating defeat at the 2018 World Cup. But what is missing? They need an absolute Ace Striker to guide them to victory. Japan Football Union is determined to create a striker who craves victory and can turn around a losing match. They have gathered 300 of Japan’s brightest youth players. Which one will be the next leader of the team… and will they be able beat everyone who stands in their path?

Furthermore, New original manga art exhibitThe largest ever to date is scheduled for the spring of 2023. More details will be revealed later.

Sources: Oricon News, “BLUELOCK Original Art Exhibition” official Twitter

©Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura/KODANSHA

©Muneyuki Kaneshiro, Yusuke Nomura, KODANSHA/”BLUELOCK” Production Committee