Ao Ashi (Aoashi)

Aoashi[a] (アオアシ) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yūgo Kobayashi and based on a concept by Naohiko Ueno. It has been serialized in Shogakukan's seinen manga magazine Weekly Big Comic Spirits since January 2015. The series involves youth football player Ashito Aoi and his journey and experiences in the Tokyo Esperion youth academy.

An anime television series adaptation produced by Production I.G aired from April to September 2022.

By February 2023, the manga had over 17 million copies in circulation. In 2020, the manga won the 65th Shogakukan Manga Award for the general category.

Introduction:

Many sports anime come and go, but every so often, a series appears that grabs viewers' attention. This Spring 22 season, Ao Ashi has achieved that feat, but does it stack up against other sports anime? As a football/soccer fan from the UK, I’ve been waiting for a good soccer anime for a long time, and I have to say that Ao Ashi has shown all the signs of being not just one of the best soccer anime, but a great sports anime up there with the best in the genre.

Body:

On the face of it, Ao Ashi looks like just another sports anime. However, it's shown enough to suggest it could be something much more special. The series delivers an excellent level of realism alongside classic tropes for a hugely enjoyable experience. What sets Ao Ashi apart from other sports anime is its attention to detail. Many sports anime dramatize the sport itself while simplifying everything else around the players and teams. But Ao Ashi's author, Yūgo Kobayashi, genuinely loves soccer, and it shows in the details, from positions and tactics to the tough realities of any kid trying to go from school football to the professional ranks.

The main character, Ashito Aoi, is another standout aspect of the series. He's a likable and determined character grounded by a poor upbringing that makes him feel incredibly genuine. Ao Ashi frames itself as a rags-to-riches story, with Ashito Aoi competing against people who stand in the way of his road to success. His story is one that is incredibly easy to get behind, making those moments when he does rise to the challenge feel special.

Ao Ashi delivers the sporting realism that appeals to soccer fans, but it also doesn't shy away from dramatizing certain moments for impact. The series injects passion into otherwise simple moments, making it an enjoyable experience for all sports anime fans.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for a great soccer anime, Ao Ashi is a must-watch this season. Its attention to detail, likable protagonist, and impactful moments make it stand out from the crowd. So, don't miss out on this series and get ready to be impressed by one of the best sports anime yet!