Muneyuki Kaneshiro’s manga, Blue Lock, has completely redefined sports manga. Even fans who typically are not interested in sports or sports manga have enjoyed the story of Blue Lock, the intriguing and complex characters and relationships, and, of course, the heart-racing action scenes during games. The cover art for the manga volumes is just as well-designed as the plot itself.

With beautiful art from talented artist Yusuke Nomura, bold colors, and compelling designs that reflect the contents of the volumes well, the covers certainly deserve appreciation. Each one reflects a different Blue Lock character either carefully posed or in the midst of a tense game of soccer. Cover art is the first thing potential readers see when looking at a new manga volume and deciding whether to look at it further or not, and the manga art of Blue Lock certainly gets onlookers interested in delving into the pages of the volumes.

Chigiri Hyoma Pushes Through a Difficult Injury in Bold Red Cover Art

Volume #3

Chigiri Hyoma, one of Team Z’s best players, has faced unfortunate health setbacks in his soccer career. He suffered a horrible leg injury. However, he was so committed to his love for soccer that he refused to quit playing, surpassing his rivals at lightning fast speed in spite of his hurt leg.

The chain on Chigiri’s neck on the Volume #3 cover could perhaps reference the metaphorical chain of his leg injury. However, in the cover art, he is still poised and ready to kick the ball anyway, not letting anything deter him from his dream. The bright red background of the cover matches appealingly with Chigiri’s hair and eyes of the same shade, making it a visually pleasing cover too.

Reo Mikage Prepares for an Intense Soccer Match by Tying up His Hair

Volume #8

Reo Mikage’s love of soccer runs deep because it is the only thing he’s ever truly had to fight for. In the volume #8 cover art, he reaches his hands over his head to tie his purple hair back, preparing to play the game he loves so dearly. This image is relatively simple compared to some other Blue Lock covers, but fits who Reo is perfectly.

Reo grew up rich and had most of what he wanted to be handed to him, but soccer inspired him to start working towards a goal he could only obtain through hard work. His tenacious and steadfast expression hints at his desire to win and prove himself as an excellent player. The relatively simplistic cover is a gorgeous purple that fits with Reo’s hair, eyes, and jersey, as well as his purposeful facial expression that conveys his intention to be the best.

Isagi Yoichi Is Determined To Make the Most of His Second Chance at Soccer

Volume #1

Volume #1’s cover art of Isagi Yoichi is what many fans think of when Blue Lock is mentioned. In the famous cover art, he races towards the ball with a determined expression, as if he won’t let anything stand in his path. The green and blue background ties the image together and matches Isagi’s design perfectly.

Isagi is known to be extremely determined and dedicated to his goals. Soccer means everything to him, and he would face any obstacle if it meant becoming the best striker. After his loss during an important game in high school, Blue Lock is his final chance to prove himself in soccer. The cover art of Volume #1 displays his persistent attitude and continual striving towards his dream.

Michael Kaiser’s Smug and Stylish Design Shines Against a Blue Background

Volume #19

Michael Kaiser is one of the world’s best soccer players, and he definitely knows it. His indisputably cool and colorful design and cocky, villainous persona make him an enjoyable character to watch, but he certainly thinks very highly of himself. As one of Germany’s most accomplished players, he has the accomplishments to back up his massive ego.

In the Volume #19 illustration, his overconfident expression and pose seem to hint at these aspects of his personality. Michael wears a smug smirk and stands proudly with his chest puffed out. His character design is unique and quite stylish, with the tips of his hair dyed blue and a hand tattoo that is deeply meaningful to him and meant to inspire him to always work hard.

Shido Ryusei Is in Motion and Ready To Kick the Ball by Any Means Necessary

Volume #12

Shido Ryusei’s volume #12 manga cover is one of the most intense and action-filled. The art seems to be in motion as he swings back his leg to kick at the approaching ball. He is upside down, moving his entire body into the correct position to strike at the ball with full force.

Interestingly, Shido loves the game of soccer for what it is and takes pleasure solely in the act of playing the game, not specific accomplishments like being “the best”. He still gives his absolute all, though, as can be seen in his careful posing on the cover. Another interesting detail of the image is how well his pink eyes match the bright pink background of the cover, creating a cohesive piece of art.

Sae Itoshi Appears Mighty but Bored in Colorful Cover Art

Volume #17

Sae is a soccer prodigy and overshadows his brother Rin. He differs from the players in Blue Lock due to his dislike for Japanese soccer. After playing elsewhere, he decided other countries’ players are more gifted at the sport. The cover art of volume #17 gives him an almost godlike and mighty portrayal.

In the image, he looks almost bored, with glowing green eyes and a calm expression. Chains surround his neck and chest, contrasting against the red color of the cover. Sae’s design is one of Blue Lock’s most visually intriguing and distinctive, and the muted background color and glowing pupils of the soccer hero make the one-of-a-kind illustration stand out.

Rin Itoshi’s Determination and Persistence Know No Bounds

Volume #6

Rin’s relentlessness is one of his greatest character traits and helps him survive in the stiff competition of Blue Lock. His brother Sae is a master at soccer, giving Rin a difficult standard to live up to. As the series progresses, Rin begins to play for his own benefit and with the new goal of being number one, rather than just hoping to show up his brother.

His fist is clenched in determination in the volume #6 cover art, a sign of his unbreakable resolve to be the best. His blue eyes stand out most of all, capturing the viewer’s eye immediately. His expression seems fairly calm, but there is an air of steadfast persistence in his eyes.

Nagi Seishiro’s Design and Steadfast Personality Stand Out

Volume #5

Nagi Seishiro has undergone greater character development than anyone else in Blue Lock. As depicted in the recent film, BLUE LOCK THE MOVIE -EPISODE NAGI-, he morphed from a lazy and bored boy who had no desire to do anything but play video games to an intense soccer lover with a passion for winning. With Reo’s help, he uncovered the key to relieving his unending boredom.

In the volume #5 cover, almost everything, from his outfit to the background, is dark blue or black, providing an incredible contrast with his snow-white hair and gleaming green eyes. He looks forward with a powerful but tranquil expression, since he is the type of hero who does not wear his emotions on his sleeve. The cover stands out because it not only looks wonderful, but reveals Nagi’s disposition and everyday demeanor with no words needed.

Bachira Meguru Breaks Free From Metaphorical Chains, Becoming Truly Himself

Volume #2

Bachira Meguru is not just Blue Lock’s most fun, comic-relief character, he is one of the most talented players. In the volume #2 cover art, he stands facing an oncoming soccer ball, ready to make his next move. A chain weaves around his shoulders and torso, but doesn’t tie him down.

Most of the Blue Lock cover art photographs contain chains, but what makes Bachira’s illustration particularly distinctive is that he is not held down by the chain, it simply snakes around him and moves out of his way. This is meaningful when considering his unhindered style of playing soccer and the way he broke free from past bullying and criticism from others to become authentically himself.

Ego Jinpachi’s Goal of Creating the Best Striker Is a Constant Chain Around His Neck

Volume #11

Ego Jinpachi is in charge of the Blue Lock Project. This monumental role explains the chain around his neck, attached sturdily on four sides. The soccer ball sitting between his crossed legs glows a mesmerizing shade of blue, drawing eyes to the center of the amazing cover art.

Ego has a very intense personality and seems unwilling to give up the dream that inspired the Blue Lock facility: creating the best striker. However, this is not an easily achievable goal, and the successes and losses of the players he hand selected for the job impact him. His goal constantly looms over him, like the chain around his neck. Aside from the important metaphorical meaning of the chains, the cover art is visually stunning with almost everything in black and white except for the bright light from the shining soccer ball.