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Eyeshield 21
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Sena Kobayakawa (front) and the students of the Deimon Private High School
アイシールド21
(Aishīrudo Nijūichi)
Genre
Manga
Written byRiichiro Inagaki
Illustrated byYusuke Murata
Published byShueisha
English publisher
ImprintJump Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Jump
Original runJuly 23, 2002 – June 15, 2009
Volumes37 (List of volumes)
Original video animation
Eyeshield 21: The Phantom Golden Bowl
Directed byTamaki Nakatsu
StudioProduction I.G
Released
  • September 2003 (Jump Festa Anime Tour)
  • 2004 (Jump Festival)
Runtime30 minutes
Anime television series
Directed by
Music byKō Ōtani
StudioGallop
Licensed by
Original networkTV Tokyo
English network
Original run April 6, 2005 – March 19, 2008
Episodes145 (List of episodes)
Original video animation
Eyeshield 21: Christmas Bowl e no Michi
StudioGallop
Released2005
Runtime11 minutes
icon Anime and manga portal

Eyeshield 21 (Japanese: アイシールド21, Hepburn: Aishīrudo Nijūichi) is a Japanese manga series written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Yusuke Murata. The series tells the story of Sena Kobayakawa, an introverted boy who joins an American football club as a secretary, but after being coerced by quarterback Yoichi Hiruma, becomes the team's running back, wearing jersey number 21 and an eyeshield to conceal his identity. Inagaki chose American football as a central subject of Eyeshield 21 after realizing that it fit perfectly with his idea for the series.

The manga was originally serialized in Shueisha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from July 2002 to June 2009. The series consists of 333 chapters collected in 37 tankōbon volumes. An anime adaptation consisting of 145 television episodes was co-produced by TV Tokyo, NAS, and Gallop. The television series first aired on Japan's TV Tokyo network from April 2005 to March 2008. The Eyeshield 21 franchise has spawned two original video animations (OVAs), audio albums, video games, and other merchandise.

In North America, the manga was released by Viz Media from April 2005 to October 2011. The anime series was later licensed in North America by Toonami Jetstream as a joint effort with Viz Media and aired in December 2007, on its site, but before its completion, the streaming service was shut down. The whole series was streamed in English by Crunchyroll, while Sentai Filmworks licensed the series, with distribution from Section23 Films on DVDs.

By July 2025, the manga had over 27 million copies in circulation. The manga and anime have been featured at various times in weekly top ten lists of best-selling in their respective media. The anime has been watched by a large number of television viewers in Japan, helping to raise American football's popularity in the country. Publications for manga, anime, and others have commented on Eyeshield 21, which received praise for its artwork and characters, and criticism towards its non-football related plotlines.

Plot

[edit]
See also: List of Eyeshield 21 characters

Sena Kobayakawa is a timid and physically unremarkable student at Deimon Private Senior High School in Tokyo.[note 1] Despite his frail appearance, he possesses exceptional speed and agility. These unique talents are recognized by the school's American football team captain, Yoichi Hiruma, who forcibly recruits him as the Deimon Devil Bats' running back. To protect Sena from rival teams seeking to recruit him, he is concealed under the alias "Eyeshield 21", playing while wearing a helmet with an eyeshield and publicly serving as the team's manager.

The team's initial foray into the spring tournament ends in a decisive defeat against the dominant Ojo White Knights, highlighting their inexperience. The team's true focus becomes the fall tournament, a single-elimination tournament where Tokyo's top teams vie for a chance to advance to the Christmas Bowl, the championship game between the best high school teams from the Kantō and Kansai regions. Determined to build a competitive team, Hiruma, Sena, and head lineman Ryokan Kurita assemble a ragtag group of players. This includes former baseball player Tarō "Monta" Raimon, who becomes the team's star wide receiver, and several delinquents who fill out the offensive line. Their shared ambition is to reach the Christmas Bowl, a particularly urgent goal for the second-year students as a school rule prohibits third-year students from participating in club activities.

The team engages in rigorous training and exhibition matches, including a notable game against the visiting NASA Aliens from the United States. During this match, Sena befriends their running back, Patrick "Panther" Spencer, a former ball boy. The team then travels to the United States for intensive training under their former mentor, Doburoku Sakaki, enduring a grueling trek through the desert that forges stronger bonds and culminates in Sena revealing his true identity to his teammates.

Upon returning to Japan, the revitalized Devil Bats enter the fall tournament. As they advance, Sena learns the "Eyeshield 21" moniker originally belonged to a Japanese-American player from Notre Dame High School. After securing a place in the Kantō tournament, the team overcomes formidable opponents, including the Shinryuji Naga, led by the ruthless prodigy Agon Kongo, and a rematch against the Ojo White Knights. They ultimately win the Kantō championship, earning their place in the Christmas Bowl. There, they face the undefeated Teikoku Alexanders from Osaka, led by Takeru Yamato, the original Eyeshield 21. In a dramatic finish, the Devil Bats win the championship, and Yamato acknowledges Sena as the rightful successor to the Eyeshield 21 legacy.

Subsequently, Sena is invited to study at Notre Dame High School in America. Upon returning to Japan, he enrolls at Enma University, reuniting with former teammates and rivals who now play for various university and company teams. Together, they vow to compete for the Rice Bowl, Japan's national football championship.

In a later bonus chapter, the NFL's International Player Pathway Program offers a single spot with the San Antonio Armadillos to a Japanese player. Sena, now playing for the Enma Fires, and Hiruma, of the Saikyodai Wizards, compete against one another in the Koshien Bowl to determine the candidate. Although the Enma team is implied to be victorious, the final selection is not revealed.

Production

[edit]

Before the series was published regularly, Riichiro Inagaki and Yusuke Murata published two one-shots called Eyeshield Part 1 (前編, Zenpen) and Part 2 (後編, Kōhen) on March 5 and 12, 2002, in Weekly Shōnen Jump.[4][5][6] When it would become a serial, the editorial department asked if Inagaki wanted to both write and draw the series, but Inagaki felt he was "so rookie",[7] so he asked Murata to be the illustrator. Before being asked to work on Eyeshield 21, Murata had read some of Inagaki's manga and noted that they "had many cool design concepts of uniforms and equipment". He said, "it could be turned into a great manga story" and he would "be happy to take the challenge"; eventually he was chosen.[8]

During Eyeshield 21's original run in the magazine, Inagaki went to the United States to see college football matches,[9] and National Football League games.[10] Despite having never played American football, Inagaki chose this theme after deciding that he wanted to create "a protagonist that was wimpy at the beginning, yet could perform outstandingly in a sports game", and with this premise in mind he decided that American football would be "a very suitable material".[8] When originally creating Eyeshield 21, Inagaki said he was wary because he did not want his manga becoming "a simulator of football".[11] The fact that football is not a popular sport in Japan also worried Inagaki. As last resort, he thought to turn the series into a "Kamen Rider-style masked hero story" if it could not met the popularity required for the magazine.[12] However, it was such a popular series that online commentators said that, considering the series' final length, the editors may have insisted that Eyeshield 21 be kept going due to business reasons. However, Inagaki declared that the manga was "exactly how [he] wanted to tell the story" and that Murata also seconded it.[13]

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]
Main article: List of Eyeshield 21 chapters

The Eyeshield 21 manga series was written by Riichiro Inagaki, illustrated by Yusuke Murata, and originally serialized by Shueisha in the shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from July 23, 2002,[14][15] to June 15, 2009.[16][17] The manga consists of 333 chapters spanning 37 tankōbon (collected volumes), released from December 20, 2002,[18] to October 2, 2010.[19] Eyeshield 21 has also been published as part of the Shueisha Jump Remix series of magazine-style books. Fourteen volumes were released between June 28, 2010,[20] and February 14, 2011.[21] A special 55-page one-shot chapter, to celebrate the series' 21st anniversary, was published in Weekly Shōnen Jump on January 29, 2024.[22][23][24]

An English translation of the manga was published in North America by Viz Media under the Shonen Jump Advanced label between April 5, 2005, and October 4, 2011.[25][26][27]

The manga has also been licensed in some countries such as in France by Glénat,[28] in Hong Kong by Culturecom,[29] in Indonesia by Elex Media Komputindo,[30] in Italy by Panini Comics,[31] in South Korea by Daewon Media,[32] and in Taiwan by Tong Li Publishing.[33]

Original video animations

[edit]
Main article: List of Eyeshield 21 episodes § OVAs

Two original video animations (OVA) based on the Eyeshield 21 manga series were developed. The first one, named The Phantom Golden Bowl[Jp 1], was developed by Production I.G and shown as part of the Jump Festa Anime Tour in September 2003 and in Jump Festa 2004.[34] The second OVA, titled Eyeshield 21: Christmas Bowl e no Michi – Minami no Shima de Tokkun da! YA-HA!! –[Jp 2], was shown at Jump Festa 2005.[35] The two OVAs were later released on DVD; the first was released with the second OVA of Naruto in a compilation called Jump Festa 2004 Super DVD.[36] The other was released by Bandai Visual as an extra track on the sixth DVD of the Eyeshield 21 anime series.[35]

Television series

[edit]
Main article: List of Eyeshield 21 episodes

The Eyeshield 21 anime adaptation was co-produced by TV Tokyo, NAS, and Gallop,[37][38] and was directed by Masayoshi Nishida until episode 103, and by Shin Katagai from 104 to 145.[39] The series of 145 television episodes aired in Japan from April 6, 2005, to March 19, 2008, on TV Tokyo.[40][41] In Japan, Bandai Visual distributed the anime in DVD format; thirty-six volumes were released between July 26, 2006, and June 26, 2007.[42][43] Some changes were done in comparison to the manga; for example, swearings and guns or gambling references were reduced.[44] Initially, Viz Media and Cartoon Network planned to air a dubbed version of Eyeshield 21 on the internet video streaming service Toonami Jetstream, and on NFL Rush site as a joint effort with National Football League (NFL).[45] The anime was eventually posted only on Toonami Jetstream,[46] with the first episode, which condensed three episodes,[44] being available on December 17, 2007.[47] However, it was not completed due to Toonami Jetstream's cancellation and shutdown.[17] In December 2008, the video streaming service Crunchyroll announced that it would begin to stream Eyeshield 21 subtitled on its site on January 2, 2009.[46] The last episode was available on November 1, 2009, for premium users, and on March 7, 2010, for free users.[48] On February 26, 2010, Section23 Films announced that Sentai Filmworks received the license to the anime.[49] The first fifty-two episodes were released on four subtitled-only DVDs between May 18, 2010, and February 8, 2011.[49][50]

Audio

[edit]

The music for the Eyeshield 21 anime adaptation was composed by Kō Ōtani.[37][38] The series use twelve pieces of theme music, five opening and seven ending themes. The opening themes are "Breakthrough"[51] and "Innocence" by V6,[52] "Dang Dang" by ZZ,[53] "Blaze Line" by Back-On,[54] and "Honō no Running Back"[Jp 3] by Short Leg Summer.[37] The ending themes are "Be Free" by Ricken's,[51] "Blaze Away" by The Trax,[55] "Goal" by Beni Arashiro,[52] "Run to Win" by Aya Hirano, Miyu Irino, Koichi Nagano and Kappei Yamaguchi,[53] "A day dreaming..." by Back-On,[54] "Flower" by Back-On,[56] and "Song of Power" by Short Leg Summer.[37]

A number of audio CDs linked to the anime series have been released in Japan. The original soundtrack was released on two discs by Avex Mode on March 5, 2008, under the title Eyeshield 21 Complete Best Album.[57] Three compilation albums, Eyeshield 21 Original Soundtrack Sound Field 1, Eyeshield 21 Sound Field Especial, and Eyeshield 21 Song Best, featuring opening and ending themes, insertion songs, and character and team songs were released on August 31, 2005, December 21, 2005, and March 23, 2006, respectively.[58][59][60] Six maxi singles containing character songs have also been published. The first three, for Sena Kobayakawa, Mamori Anezaki, and Monta, were released on October 26, 2005.[61][62][63] The other three, with the songs of Haruto Sakuraba, Seijurou Shin, and Suzuna Taki, were released on January 25, 2006.[64][65][66] In addition to the musical CDs, Eyeshield 21 Drama Field 1, an audio drama CD, was released by Avex on September 21, 2005.[67]

Video games

[edit]

Konami produced Eyeshield 21 games for Sony video game systems; it released Eyeshield 21: Let's Play American Football! Ya! Ha!![Jp 4] for the PlayStation 2 on December 22, 2005, and Eyeshield 21: Portable Edition[Jp 5] for the PlayStation Portable on March 2, 2006.[68][69] Nintendo secured the rights to the Eyeshield 21 video game license for its systems in December 2004,[70] releasing Eyeshield 21: Max Devil Power for the Nintendo DS on February 2, 2006, and Eyeshield 21: Devilbats Devildays for the Game Boy Advance on April 6, 2006.[71][72] Another game was scheduled for release on the GameCube, but it was later canceled.[70] Nintendo published an Eyeshield 21 game for the Wii, entitled Eyeshield 21: The Field's Greatest Warriors[Jp 6], which was released in Japan on March 8, 2007.[73] Two non-football games, Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars, released for the Nintendo DS, have featured characters from the series. Various Devil Bats, Shin and Sakuraba from the White Knights appear in support cameos.[74][75]

[edit]

Two art books based on Eyeshield 21 were released. The first, Eyeshield 21 Illustration Collection: Field of Colors[Jp 7], was published on November 2, 2006.[76] The second, entitled Paint Jump: Art of Eyeshield 21, was released on December 19, 2008.[77] Eyeshield 21 Official Databook: Chou Senshu Retsuden Ballers High[Jp 8], a databook, was published on October 4, 2005.[78] A pair of light novels were launched; the first, written by Katsumi Hasegawa, based on and named for the first OVA, was published on March 24, 2004. The second, Eyeshield 21: Netto no Hundred Game![Jp 9], written by Eijima Jun, was published on May 26, 2006. The only original creator of the series who worked on these light novels was Murata, who illustrated them.[79][80]

Other

[edit]

In Japan, jigsaw puzzles,[81] action figures,[82] plush dolls,[83] calendars,[84] key chains,[85] and a medal game machine were sold as merchandise for the series.[86] Konami also released a collectible card game series.[87][88]

Reception

[edit]
Best-selling manga rankings
No. Peak
rank 		Notes Refs
2 7 1 week [89]
3 6 2 weeks [90]
4 5 1 week [91]
5 6 2 weeks [92]
7 8 2 weeks [93]
8 5 1 week [94]
9 4 1 week [95]
10 4 2 weeks [96]
11 6 2 weeks [97]
12 7 1 week [98]
13 3 2 weeks [99]
14 7 1 week [100]
15 4 2 weeks [101]
16 3 2 weeks [102]
19 2 2 weeks [103][104]
20 3 2 weeks [105]
21 2 2 weeks [106]
22 3 2 weeks [107][108]
23 3 2 weeks [109][110]
24 5 2 weeks [111]
25 2 2 weeks [112]
26 3 1 week [113]
27 3 2 weeks [114]
28 5 2 weeks [115]
29 6 2 weeks [116]
30 5 2 weeks [117]
31 2 1 week [118]
32 4 2 weeks [119]
33 1 2 weeks [120]
34 4 2 weeks [121]
35 3 2 weeks [122]
36 5 1 week [123]
37 4 2 weeks [124]

Popularity

[edit]

By July 2025, the manga had over 27 million copies in circulation (including digital copies);[125] individual volumes frequently appeared on top ten lists of best-selling manga there (see table). Individual volumes have appeared in Diamond Comic Distributors's lists of 300 best-selling graphic novels in North America several times.[126][127][128] The anime adaptation was also featured several times in Japanese television rankings,[129][130] with the first episode having a 7.5 percent television viewership rating.[131] In 2006, Japanese television network TV Asahi conducted a poll for the top hundred anime, and Eyeshield 21 was placed 47th.[132] Moreover, Eyeshield 21's series is credited with increasing the number of Japanese teenagers playing American football.[133][134] However, commenting on its genre's lack of popularity in the United States, Jason Thompson wrote in Anime News Network that "Even Eyeshield 21, a sports manga which is practically made for Americans, wasn't a big hit here".[135]

Reviews

[edit]

Critics have generally given the Eyeshield 21 manga positive reviews. Deb Aoki from About.com wrote that tying with Bleach, Eyeshield 21 was the best continuing shōnen manga of 2007, because it "has well-written characters, dynamic artwork, nail-biting cliffhangers, plus a winning mix of comedy, action and drama".[136] On the 2008 list, Aoki listed Eyeshield 21 as the best continuing shōnen, as it was able to "[come] into its own" from other shōnen series.[137] In that same year, Pop Culture Shock's Sam Kusek elected it the best continuing manga series.[138] Chris Zimmerman of Comic Book Bin was positive on his review of the volumes 30–33; he affirmed it is "one of the best shonen titles out there" and described it as "a superb series, with well developed characters, intense action, and touching humor".[139] Scott Campbell of Active Anime commented it is an "action-filled" series with great artwork and humor, and that it "has managed to continually get more and more dynamic with each volume".[140]

Jarred Pine from Mania.com praised the humor and how the creators "bring out the energy and excitement of the game for the readers".[141][142] June Shimonishi, reviewing for School Library Journal, wrote that it "delivers a fresh and entertaining take on all the standard sports clichés". She also said that its art is "superb ... with every inch filled with details and no gag left unseen".[143] Zac Bertschy from Anime News Network (ANN) declared Eyeshield 21 "defies convention" by turning what most might consider "a really ridiculously bad idea" into "something most everyone would be able to enjoy".[144] Carlo Santos from ANN called it a "typical sports story", writing that what make it an above average series are its characters and artwork. He also wrote that people who think American football is boring "may change their minds after seeing the action sequences in Eyeshield 21."[145] Later, Santos said, "[a] lot of familiar clichés show themselves" in Eyeshield 21, and that "[t]he storyline also does a sloppy job of keeping track of the game ... making it even less believable than it already is".[146] However, overall, he considered the story has good art, action and pace, featuring "pure sports storytelling at its finest".[146]

The anime adaptation of Eyeshield 21 received positive and mixed responses. Bobby Cooper from DVD Talk praised how the rules of American football are "explained to a foreign audience that has no clue what it's all about", adding that instructions at the commercial breaks "were informative and similar to the Go lessons of Hikaru No Go." He also said the explanations were "hilarious", but that "Eyeshield 21 is an excellent introduction to football".[147] The on-field action was also praised, with he saying the sports action is "where Eyeshield 21 truly shines", although he criticized the scenes away from the football field, "the pacing slows to a crawl and the storyline gets a little boring".[148] In her review, Erin Finnegan from Anime News Network stated, "[t]he pace of Eyeshield 21 is its saving grace. It's way less boring than all the time outs and commercial breaks in a regular NFL game. Football is hard to understand, but Eyeshield 21 explains the Byzantine rules ... in an entertaining way. We're never left waiting for the ref's decision for long minutes like in real life. A lot of dramatic tension carries the action between plays".[149] Finnegan also criticized the artwork, saying, "any episode [of the show] without a game is clearly farmed out to an inferior animation studio".[150] Chris Beveridge from Mania Entertainment wrote that Eyeshield 21 "has a good solid story idea, showing a young man finding his way through sports by finding friends and realizing he has potential, but it is so sidelined so often that it's frustrating to see it deal with situations as it does".[151]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Eyeshield 21

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Eyeshield 21 is a Japanese manga series written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Yusuke Murata, focusing on the underdog story of Sena Kobayakawa, a shy high school freshman with exceptional running speed who is recruited to play American football for the Deimon Devil Bats team, adopting the alias "Eyeshield 21" to conceal his identity while wearing a tinted visor on his helmet. The series was originally serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shōnen Jump magazine from July 22, 2002, to June 15, 2009, spanning 333 chapters collected into 37 tankōbon volumes. It blends intense sports action with comedic elements, highlighting themes of teamwork, perseverance, and personal growth as the team competes in high-stakes matches against rival schools. The manga was licensed in by , which released the English translation from April 5, 2005, to October 4, 2011, introducing —a relatively niche sport in —to a broader audience through its dynamic storytelling and detailed illustrations. An adaptation, produced by NAS and animated by Studio Gallop, aired on from April 6, 2005, to March 19, 2008, consisting of 145 episodes that faithfully cover the manga's early arcs while adding original content to extend the narrative. The series gained popularity for its energetic portrayal of football strategies, memorable character designs—such as the demonic and the massive lineman Gen Takekura—and its emphasis on realistic athletic techniques, earning acclaim among enthusiasts. Beyond the main story, Eyeshield 21 has inspired various media adaptations and, in 2024, a 21st anniversary one-shot manga titled "BRAIN×BRAVE" was published, accompanied by a special animated short directed by ; it remains distinct for its focus on rather than more traditional Japanese sports like or soccer.

Premise and characters

Plot summary

Sena Kobayakawa enters Deimon Private Senior High School as a freshman, determined to escape his past as a bullied errand boy who relied on his remarkable speed to evade tormentors. However, his speed catches the eye of , the intimidating captain and of the school's struggling team, the Deimon Devil Bats, who blackmails him into joining as the . To shield Sena from rival scouts, Hiruma outfits him with a visored helmet, transforming him into the mysterious "Eyeshield 21," a player renowned for his agility and quick maneuvers on the field. With the help of lineman Ryokan Kurita, the Devil Bats assemble a ragtag roster through intense training and unconventional recruitment tactics, adapting to the Japanese high school context where the sport is niche and underfunded. The team participates in practice games and local qualifiers, including a flashback to an earlier practice game where they suffered a crushing 0-99 defeat to the Ojo White Knights, and later in the Spring Tournament, a match against the same Ojo White Knights where they lost 12-68 (Deimon 12, Ojo 68), with Ojo leading 35-6 at halftime and dominating the second half. These early rivalries with strong opponents like Ojo test their resolve and reveal Sena's growing confidence. These matches emphasize , with Hiruma's strategic and the players' perseverance driving their progress. Advancing through the regional Kanto Tournament, the Devil Bats clash with formidable opponents, including the brute-force Shinryuji Naga in the semifinals, each encounter showcasing specialized techniques like trick plays and defensive walls while fostering bonds among teammates such as Monta and Mamori. Qualifying for the Christmas Bowl, they face the undefeated Kansai champions, the Teikoku Alexanders, in the . In a hard-fought finale, the Devil Bats emerge victorious, symbolizing themes of overcoming adversity through unity and determination. Following their Christmas Bowl triumph, Sena and several teammates are selected for Japan's under-18 national team to compete in an international youth tournament. Joined by rivals like Shin Seijuro and Kongo, they face strong teams from around the world, ultimately defeating the favored American squad in the final, highlighting global growth in the sport and the characters' continued development.

Key characters

Sena Kobayakawa serves as the and star of the Deimon Devil Bats, known under the alias Eyeshield 21 due to his signature green (later blue) eyeshield that enhances his focus during plays. A shy and timid high school freshman with a history of being bullied and forced into errands, Sena's natural speed—honed from years of evading tormentors—transforms him into a formidable athlete when recruited by quarterback . His key technique, the Devil Light Hurricane, allows him to spin past defenders at high speeds, exemplifying his growth from a self-doubting pushover to a confident leader who inspires his teammates. Throughout the series, Sena's arc emphasizes building courage and team loyalty, evolving from reliance on others' protection to proactively shielding his comrades on the field. Yoichi Hiruma, the cunning and of the Deimon Devil Bats, drives the team's strategy with manipulative tactics and unyielding determination, often using blackmail via his "Book of Threats" to assemble and motivate players. Despite his devilish, intimidating persona—complete with a penchant for firearms and provocative language—Hiruma harbors deep loyalty to his teammates, as seen in his efforts to preserve the club's legacy and support members like Ryokan Kurita during hardships. As a founding member alongside Kurita and Gen Takekura, he fosters a high-risk, high-reward dynamic within the team, blending trick plays with genuine care that reveals his hidden compassionate side over time. The Deimon Devil Bats' offensive line provides crucial support, with Ryokan Kurita anchoring as the massive center and defensive tackle, his immense strength (bench pressing 160 kg) enabling techniques like the Kuri-Hammer to bulldoze opponents and protect the backfield. Kind-hearted yet dim-witted, Kurita's unwavering dedication to the Christmas Bowl dream strengthens team bonds, evolving from a gentle giant into a resolute protector after key setbacks. Complementing him are linemen Gen Takekura (alias Musashi), a level-headed kicker and linebacker whose powerful leg delivers long field goals and onside kicks, and Shozo Togano, the laid-back offensive tackle whose quiet reliability and artistic flair contribute to the Ha-Ha Brothers' (with Jumonji and Kuroki) unbreakable front line. Tetsuo Ishimaru, the team's versatile second and occasional receiver, embodies the "plain" everyman whose unassuming presence allows subtle plays like the Insubstantial technique to go unnoticed by foes. Recruited from the track team, his pushover nature initially mirrors Sena's, but he grows into a dependable blocker, enhancing the Devil Bats' trickery and overall cohesion. Supporting the team off-field, Mamori Anezaki acts as the protective manager and Sena's childhood friend, using her rule knowledge to devise strategies and shield him from harm, though her overprotectiveness eases as Sena matures. Suzuna Taki, the energetic self-appointed cheerleader, boosts morale with her outgoing cheers and nicknames, joining after a chance encounter abroad and adding levity to the group's dynamics. Among rivals, Riku Kaitani, the speedy running back for the Seibu Wild Gunmen, serves as Sena's childhood mentor and friendly competitor, his 4.5-second pushing Sena to refine his evasion skills and fostering mutual respect in their races. Agon Kongo, the arrogant utility player for the Shinryuji Naga, embodies a wildcard threat with his God-Speed Impulse reaction time, his chauvinistic laziness clashing against the Devil Bats to highlight themes of talent versus hard work and spurring Hiruma's strategic evolution.

Production

Development

Eyeshield 21 was created by writer and artist , with Inagaki handling the story and Murata providing the illustrations. Inagaki developed the initial concept as a sports underdog tale centered on a timid who excels in , a sport he had a pre-existing interest in prior to the series' inception. The collaboration began after Murata was selected to illustrate Inagaki's storyboards, which had won a , allowing the duo to divide the workload effectively for weekly serialization. To ensure accurate depictions of , Inagaki and Murata conducted extensive by watching games at various levels, including high school, college, Japanese professional, and matches. Neither creator had personal experience playing the sport—Inagaki had participated in , soccer, and during high school, while Murata enjoyed a range of sports—but their studies focused on understanding tactics and dynamics to inform the manga's action sequences. The series began serialization in on July 22, 2002, and concluded on June 15, 2009. It spans 333 chapters collected into 37 volumes. Inagaki introduced the football theme early, around the fourth or fifth chapter, while preparing contingency plans, such as shifting to a more fantastical narrative style, in case initial reader interest waned due to the sport's niche popularity in . One key challenge during development was balancing realistic football elements with the exaggerated, superhuman techniques characteristic of , such as the Devil Light Hurricane—a dramatic, physics-defying spin move. The creators also navigated Shōnen Jump's rigorous editorial standards, toning down certain character behaviors for a younger audience while leveraging Murata's strengths in dynamic action art to enhance the series' appeal.

Art and writing

Riichiro Inagaki's writing in Eyeshield 21 employs a blend of humor, intense match sequences, and character-driven subplots to propel the narrative. Humor emerges through exaggerated character interactions, such as the demonic antics of team captain , which provide amid high-stakes games. Intense match sequences build tension by focusing on strategic plays and individual growth, drawing from Inagaki's extensive research into at various levels to ensure authenticity. Character subplots, like Sena Kobayakawa's evolution from a timid errand boy to a confident , underscore themes of perseverance and team dynamics, with supporting figures like manager Mamori Anezaki serving as protective influences. The story's structure relies on cliffhangers at chapter ends to maintain reader engagement, particularly during escalating arcs that pit the Deimon Devil Bats against increasingly formidable opponents. Inagaki delayed introducing core football elements until early chapters, allowing initial focus on character establishment before ramping up competitive stakes, a deliberate choice to hook audiences in the serialized format of Weekly Shōnen Jump. Yusuke Murata's art style features dynamic paneling that heightens the energy of action scenes, using varied angles and to depict football plays with visceral intensity. Detailed renderings of football gear, including helmets and uniforms, convey realism while distinguishing team identities, as seen in the Deimon Devil Bats' logo, which Murata iterated through multiple prototypes to capture Hiruma's menacing essence. Expressive character designs emphasize emotional depth, with protagonists like Seijuro Shin evolving from idealized action-hero inspirations to more grounded portrayals over the series. Murata's approach evolved toward stylized speed effects in later volumes, enhancing Sena's running sequences through blurred lines and multi-perspective panels that simulate and impact. Techniques such as integrate sound effects into the visuals, amplifying the physicality of tackles and sprints, while multi-angle views break down complex plays for clarity and excitement. motifs, including the eyeshield obscuring Sena's identity, recur to represent hidden potential and transformation, woven seamlessly into both and artwork. The manga's influences merge shōnen tropes of underdog triumph with authentic elements, avoiding clichéd power-ups in favor of skill-based progression. Inagaki drew from for character-driven sports drama, adapting its themes of hard work versus talent to football contexts. Murata incorporated -style battle dynamics into match sequences, emphasizing teamwork and limits, while grounding depictions in real gear and strategies for credibility. This fusion elevates the sports genre by prioritizing realistic escalation over supernatural elements.

Media adaptations

Manga

Eyeshield 21 was serialized in Shueisha's magazine from July 23, 2002, to June 15, 2009, spanning 333 chapters collected into 37 volumes published by between December 20, 2002, and October 2, 2009. In , Viz Media licensed and released the series in English, with the first volume debuting on April 5, 2005, and the full run concluding in October 2011; digital editions are also available through Viz's Shonen Jump platform. The manga's narrative structure follows chapter breakdowns organized into major story arcs centered on high school competitions in . For instance, volumes 1 through 6 (chapters 1–52) introduce protagonist Sena Kobayakawa's recruitment to the Deimon Devil Bats team and their initial matches in the fall tournament, establishing key characters and gameplay mechanics. Subsequent arcs, such as volumes 15–20 (chapters 127–180) covering the Kanto regional tournament and volumes 28–37 (chapters 241–333) depicting the national Christmas Bowl, escalate the stakes with intense rivalries and strategic plays. has released special editions, including wide-ban compilations for enhanced readability and digital formats for broader . The content emphasizes the sport of within a high school league setting, blending action, humor, and drama across its 333 chapters to explore themes of perseverance and . Side stories, such as bonus chapters featuring character backstories or post-series events, appear in select volumes, while author notes from Inagaki provide insights into real-world football rules, strategies, and research conducted for authenticity. By the conclusion of its serialization in 2009, the had sold over 20 million copies in ; as of July 2025, total circulation exceeded 27 million copies worldwide. The series' dynamic artwork by Murata effectively captures the speed and intensity of football plays.

Anime

The anime adaptation of Eyeshield 21 includes two original video animations (OVAs) released prior to the television series. The first, Eyeshield 21: The Phantom Golden Bowl, was produced by Production I.G and directed by Tamaki Nakatsu; it premiered during the Jump Festa Anime Tour in September 2003 and at Jump Festival in 2004, running 30 minutes and depicting an early team adventure. The second OVA, Eyeshield 21: Christmas Bowl e no Michi – Minami no Shima de Tokkun da! YA-HA!!, was animated by Gallop and released in 2005 as a promotional special for Jump Festa, covering 11 minutes of the Deimon Devil Bats' training on a southern island and preparations for key matches. Both OVAs featured the same voice cast as the TV series, emphasizing the series' high-energy sports action in a compact format. The main television series, produced by (NAS) and animated by Gallop under directors Masayoshi Nishida and Shin Katagai, consists of 145 episodes that aired weekly on from April 6, 2005, to March 19, 2008. It adapts the manga's early to mid-arcs, including the formation of the Deimon Devil Bats team (roughly episodes 1–17) and the intense national tournament preliminaries (episodes 126–145), with adjustments to pacing for the broadcast schedule that extend certain training and match sequences compared to the source material. The series highlights dynamic animation during football plays, though some episodes incorporate minor original content to bridge manga chapters. Sena Kobayakawa is voiced by , whose performance captures the character's timid yet determined growth, alongside as the explosive and as the protective Mamori Anezaki. Musically, the anime features five opening themes that evolve with the story arcs: "Break Through" by Coming Century (episodes 1–35), "Innocence" by 20th Century (36–64), "Dang Dang" by ZZ (65–103), "BLAZE LINE" by BACK-ON (104–126), and "Hanno no Runningback" by SHORT LEG SUMMER (127–144). Nine ending themes provide emotional contrast, starting with "Be Free" by Rikkenzu (episodes 1–13) and "Blaze Away" by The Trax (14–35), then shifting to tracks like "Goal" by Beni Arashiro (36–64) and "Song of Power" by SHORT LEG SUMMER (127–144). The score, composed by Ko Otani, underscores the tension of games and character motivations, with soundtrack releases including the Eyeshield 21 Original Soundtrack (2005) and the Eyeshield 21 Complete Best Album (2008), compiling themes and instrumental tracks.

Other media

The Eyeshield 21 franchise has been adapted into several video games, primarily developed for Japanese consoles and handhelds, focusing on simulations that incorporate story modes following the manga's narrative arcs. The first game, Eyeshield 21: DevilBats Devildays for , released in 2004 by and Eighting, allows players to control the Deimon Devil Bats team in matches emphasizing running plays and team-building mechanics. Subsequent titles include Eyeshield 21: AmeFoot Yarouze! Ya! Ha! for in 2005 by , which features arcade-style football with minigames and recruitment elements inspired by the series' plot, and Eyeshield 21: Portable Edition for PSP in 2006, offering over 50 story-based minigames recreating key events in 3D. Later entries like Eyeshield 21: Max Devil Power for in 2006 by and Eyeshield 21: Field Saikyō no Senshi-tachi for in 2007 expand on team management and versus modes, blending simulation gameplay with character progression tied to the Devil Bats' journey. Mobile adaptations appeared in the , including browser-based games on Japanese platforms that simulated quick matches and team strategies, though many are no longer available due to service shutdowns. These games typically prioritize fast-paced action over realistic rules, adapting the manga's exaggerated plays for interactive entertainment. In print media beyond the manga, the series inspired supplementary books that delve into character backstories and tactical analyses. Official guidebooks, such as the Eyeshield 21 Official Data Book: Ballers High released by in 2005, provide comprehensive character profiles, team statistics, and play breakdowns, serving as reference materials for fans. Further data files and character books followed in 2007–2009, including volumes detailing player abilities, equipment designs, and strategic formations used in major arcs, enhancing understanding of the series' football mechanics. Merchandise tied to Eyeshield 21 includes action figures of key characters like Sena Kobayakawa in his eyeshield gear, apparel such as team jerseys and hoodies featuring Devil Bats logos, and accessories like replica footballs and visors, often sold through official shops and events. Crossovers appear in broader titles, such as for in 2006, where Eyeshield 21 characters join fighters from other series in battle royale modes, and similar integrations in . Post-2020, the franchise has seen renewed international availability through streaming platforms offering subtitled versions of related content, alongside dubs in languages like English and Spanish for select adaptations, broadening access beyond . The series has influenced real-life in , credited with boosting participation among teenagers and inspiring clinics and youth programs that teach fundamentals like passing and tackling, often referencing the manga's plays to engage new players. Events such as football workshops hosted by Japanese leagues in the drew on Eyeshield 21 themes to promote the sport, contributing to increased high school team registrations during the manga's run.

Reception and legacy

Critical response

Critics have praised Eyeshield 21 for Riichiro Inagaki's compelling narrative, which follows Sena Kobayakawa's transformation from a bullied errand boy to a star , emphasizing perseverance and team growth in an context unfamiliar to many Japanese audiences. Anime News Network's review of volume 4 highlighted the manga's ability to generate excitement through full-length matches that build tension and humor, rating it B+ overall for its unique sports setting that differentiates it from typical shōnen titles. Yusuke Murata's artwork has been lauded for its fluid depiction of action sequences, using dynamic speed lines, exaggerated perspectives, and expressive character designs to convey the intensity of football plays and everyday . Some reviewers noted criticisms regarding the series' formulaic structure, with matches often following a predictable pattern of buildup, strategy reveals, and climactic plays that could feel repetitive in later volumes. Anime World critiqued the pacing in extended arcs for occasional inconsistencies in field positioning and over-reliance on exaggerated character abilities, which sometimes strained realism despite the manga's generally accurate portrayal of football tactics like passing routes and defensive schemes. Thematic analyses of Eyeshield 21 often focus on its exploration of as essential to overcoming individual limitations, with Sena's eyeshield symbolizing hidden identity and the pressure to perform under scrutiny, ultimately promoting through mutual among rivals. These elements have been discussed in broader examinations of Japanese , where the series is noted for challenging of foreign sports while reinforcing values of strategic collaboration and personal growth.

Popularity and cultural impact

Eyeshield 21 achieved significant commercial success as a serialization, spanning 37 volumes from 2002 to 2009 with over 20 million copies in circulation, and garnering high user ratings on platforms like , where it holds a weighted mean of 8.193 from 280 ratings. The accompanying adaptation, which aired 145 episodes on from 2005 to 2008, further boosted its reach with a weighted mean user rating of 7.456 from 739 ratings on the same site and international broadcasts in countries including the in 2007 and in the late . Merchandise extended to Konami-developed video games, such as Eyeshield 21: Portable Edition for [PlayStation Portable](/page/PlayStation Portable) in 2006, contributing to the franchise's multimedia presence. The series cultivated a dedicated fanbase in , evidenced by its prominence in shōnen circles and participation in events like at conventions, while internationally, licensing by for English releases and streaming on starting in January 2009 facilitated broader accessibility and growth among global audiences. In fan polls during the , Eyeshield 21 ranked among popular shōnen titles. Key characters like Sena Kobayakawa emerged as fan favorites, often highlighted in community discussions and rankings. Eyeshield 21 had a notable cultural impact by popularizing in , a niche at the time, through its engaging portrayal of high school teams and strategies, which exposed many young fans to the game and inspired increased participation among teenagers. The series influenced real-world events, including exhibition matches featuring elements from the story, and contributed to a surge in youth interest that aligned with reports of growing high school leagues during the mid-2000s. The franchise's legacy endures through crossovers in Nintendo DS titles like (2005) and (2006), where characters such as Sena and Hiruma interact with icons from other series. Enduring elements, including memes centered on Sena's "Eyeshield 21" speed motif, persist in online communities, while 2020s revivals include a 55-page anniversary one-shot in January 2024.

References

  1. https://www.viz.com/eyeshield-21
  2. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/manga.php?id=2869
  3. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4778
  4. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/01/29/eyeshield-21-manga-gets-21st-anniversary-one-shot
  5. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0996695/plotsummary/
  6. https://aiptcomics.com/2015/03/09/eyeshield-21-vol-1-3-review/
  7. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Spring_Tournament_Arc
  8. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Deimon_Devil_Bats
  9. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Christmas_Bowl
  10. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Sena_Kobayakawa
  11. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Yoichi_Hiruma
  12. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Ryokan_Kurita
  13. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Gen_Takekura
  14. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Shozo_Togano
  15. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Tetsuo_Ishimaru
  16. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Mamori_Anezaki
  17. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Suzuna_Taki
  18. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Riku_Kaitani
  19. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Agon_Kongo
  20. https://otakuusamagazine.com/riichiro-inagaki-interview/
  21. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2009-08-20/interview-riichiro-inagaki-and-yusuke-murata-creators-of-eyeshield-21
  22. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Eyeshield_21_(series)/Volumes_and_Chapters
  23. https://us.oricon-group.com/news/5453/
  24. https://www.manoanow.org/kaleo/features/manga-mondays-eyeshield-21-bridges-the-gap-between-japanese-and-american-culture/article_580df5b8-f2ae-11e4-ae4e-8b6c714ba9c2.html
  25. https://escholarship.org/content/qt5xt6w3nb/qt5xt6w3nb_noSplash_722c9a5ca858eede25a7142aab4a7a75.pdf
  26. https://x.com/MangaMoguraRE/status/1947898646831501456
  27. https://myanimelist.net/anime/6418/Eyeshield_21__Jump_Festa_2005_Special
  28. https://myanimelist.net/anime/15/Eyeshield_21
  29. https://vgmdb.net/product/5635
  30. https://www.ign.com/games/eye-shield-21-portable-edition
  31. https://www.ign.com/games/eye-shield-21-field-saikyou-no-senshi-tachi
  32. https://eyeshield21.fandom.com/wiki/Games
  33. https://www.ebay.com/itm/173848498506
  34. https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/Complete-Volumes-Official-Scoring-Eyeshield/dp/B0D34F46TG
  35. https://eyeshield21.shop/
  36. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-12-30/crunchyroll-adds-eyeshield-21-football-anime
  37. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-17/eyeshield-21-football-manga-ends-in-japan-after-7-years
  38. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/eyeshield-21-gn-4
  39. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/eyeshield-21-gn-3
  40. https://animeworld.com/reviews/eyeshield21.html
  41. https://the-artifice.com/eyeshield-21-treatment-opposing-teams/
  42. https://musingsofashiftlessloser.wordpress.com/2015/08/23/things-that-rocked-things-that-sucked-eyeshield-21/
  43. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-06-15/eyeshield-21-manga-ends-in-japan-after-7-years/.149000
  44. https://www.vgchartz.com/game/3233/eyeshield-21-portable-edition/
  45. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2024/1/29/eyeshield-21-manga-gets-21st-anniversary-one-shot
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