Summary
Writer and illustrator Haruichi Furudate is credited for creating one of the most recognizable stories in the anime community. Although relatively ‘new’, debuting in 2014,Haikyu!!has hit the global stage as an international sensation amassing millions of fans. It combines comedy, drama, and of course, sport for a refreshing story of physicality and the vigor of youth.
Matching its essence, Furudate’s art is tender and fresh, evoking nostalgia for readers even on the first go-through. He masterfully uses movement and perspective to create interest, combining dynamic poses, fun colors, and stirring expressions. The manga covers peak into the parallel plot and illustratively expresses the characters’determination, friendship, and love of volleyball.
Haikyu!! Taught Me a Very Important Lesson About the True Value of Anime
Anime such as Haikyu!! inspire us to join the characters in their pursuit of a particular skill or dream.
10Behind-the-Scenes Support
Volume 26 “Battle Lines”
Many players admit that they would not have progressed as far as they have without the help of many minor characters, and this cover is a sweet acknowledgment of the Karasuno school’s managerial pillar of support. Volume 26 depicts Kiyoko Shimizu standing proud in the center of a bright stadium clad in cool grays and bright whites. Adding a pop of color, she holds two bags that allude to a recent issue and a story of changing purpose.
A wonderful part aboutHaikyu!!, apart from the hilarious interactions between the teams and their riveting gameplay, isthe heartwarming support they all receive from their managers, coaches, and fans in the stands. Whether they help teammates avoid disaster like the reliable Kiyoko retrieving Hinata’s shoes, or help shift falling morale like taiko leader Saeko Tanaka, fans see all aspects of the volleyball game, both on and off the court.
9A Childhood Dream
Volume 37 “The Party’s Over”
The only cover illustration to show characters in their childhood years, issue 37 is a tender look at Nekoma’s frontrunners Tetsuro Kuroo and Kenma Kozume. Young Kuroo laughs with a ball in hand while shy Kenma slouches to the side, both covered in dirt. Its soft lighting and coloring is calm and nostalgic as they exude an endearing essence of youth.
This volume is a reminiscent look at the lifelong friends, their discovery of volleyball, and their growth in power, skill, presence, and love for the sport. Although readers are torn about who to root for, as all players have moving aspirations and goals, the volleyball teams see past the competition to acknowledge each other and create friendships. Hinata and Kuroo wished for Kenma to enjoy the sport to the fullest degree, andthe Dumpster Battlewas a bittersweet yet touching conclusion to Karasuno and Nekoma’s rivalry.
8The Team’s All Here
Volume 12 “The Tournament Begins”
Issue 12 is the first to illustrate all of the Karasuno starting players together. The seven boys are stacked closely together, all in motion as if in the middle of a match. Furudate has mastered dynamic poses and bodily movement seen in real-life volleyball. Although Tanaka, Daichi, Tsukishima, Asahi, Kageyama, Hinata, and Nishinoya all wear the same black and orange uniform, they each hold a presence with their unique designs and poses.
Through Karasuno and their opposition,Haikyu!! uses sport as an avenue to depict struggle, aspiration, and companionship. Fans follow a diverging story that gives each persona their moment, making it easy to love and support each one. The crows are the obvious protagonists, and although they start off uncoordinated and grating, it is wonderful to see them grow closer and better as friends and teammates.
7Fly
Volume 9 “Desire”
Protagonist Shoyo Hinata takes center stage on the cover of volume 9. He stands close to the reader, tongue out in concentration as he runs up to spike. Colorful painterly strokes blur the edges of his skin and hair, creating a backward-whooshing movement as he draws his arms back to strike. Hinata’s facial expression are pointed and hungry, clearly showing his focus on the unseen ball.
Hinata has beena striking character in both design and talentsince the beginning of the series. His head of orange hair flying about the page or screen always draws the eye, just for him to follow through with inspiring resolve and physical ability. Readers can’t help but cheer for him as the story progresses as his cheerful personality and unfaltering passion and commitment become infectious.
6Reluctant Passion
Volume 10 “Moonrise”
Volume 10 stands apart from the others with its dark and reserved illustration. Middle blocker Kei Tsukishima walks to the left with his signature headphones on. The moon, reminiscent of his name, is seen in the background, while volleyballs and a net are molded into his uniform. Creating a darker aesthetic, this issue’s drawing signifies his relationship with the sport that he reluctantly acknowledges and comes to love.
Each person inHaikyu!!is thought out and distinct, and Tsukishima is no exception. In his introduction, he doesn’t seem like the picture ‘team player’, stating that the club holds no deeper meaning. Fans become divided over his character as he bickers with and teases others, but with not-so-subtle encouragement and a momentous block in one ofHaikyu!!’s most epic match moments, against Shiratorizawa’s ace Wakatoshi Ushijima,he too falls in love with volleyball and helps the Crows to grow further.
5Friends & Rivals
Volume 36 “I Win”
Hinata and Kenma stand across from each other on the cover of issue 36. Surrounded by trash, broken objects, and their mascot animals of crows and cats, the two players hold weapons while smiling and staring at each other. The background is a solid white, drawing contrast against the unclean and messy bottom. Fun and laughter are intrinsic throughout the plot, dialogue, and drawings, and this cover page is a silly addition.
Haruichi Furudate addsa sense of humor to his illustrations with exaggerated sets and props. Although metaphorically depicting the Karasuno versus Nekoma Dumpster Battle, seeing timid Hinata and Kenma face off with knives in hand is a laughable situation.
4The Protagonist’s Dedication
Volume 24 “First Snow”
The series protagonist profile takes up the entire page on issue 24. As the series continues, the illustrator and author’s style becomes more refined and crisp. The lines and coloring are more solid, while the background, texture, and movement are more detailed. Furudate finds his stride with this close-up cover of Hinata, as his vibrant orange hair brightens up the winter scene and contrasts his soft green scarf.
AlthoughHaikyu!!’s art style is jovially simple in some panels, others areextremely detailed with gradient shading, interesting perspective, and intricate layers. This cover illustration is simply composed, but Hinata moving through the cold winterscape shows his diligence. He stares off the page with resolve, and although serious and quiet, this drawing remains simultaneously cute and dedicated, just like Hinata.
3Achieving Goals
Volume 45 “Challengers”
Hinata and Kageyama jump across the page on the final cover of theHaikyu!!manga. The two main characters wear their adult team uniforms and look up to the sky with mature confidence. Their bodies appear more defined with continuous training, although their stances are reminiscent of their races in high school. Hinata’s cheery expression and hair stand in the foreground. Meanwhile, Kageyama’s more reserved style backs him.
This cover brings the series to its end in a full circle as it copies the composition of the first issue. The two boys have grown into professional men, and fans are brought to tears after seeing allthe hardships and labor they have gone through to achieve their lifelong dreams. Whether they play together as youths, apart in opposing teams, or together again on an international stage, Hinata and Kageyama’s evolution is an endearing and exciting journey to follow.
2Feeling Change
Volume 42 “Becoming”
Compared to the other issues found later in the manga, volume 42’s coloring and linework are softer, as if covered in a haze of snow. Hinata’s otherwise dazzling hair is slightly muted against a velvety white background. Also, contrasting other artworks of the protagonist, snowflakes and the puff of his breath surround his face as he quietly gazes at the readers with a solemn expression.
As the sunshine character experiences new frustrations and unfavorable circumstances, fans see a new side to the otherwise unfaltering middle blocker.His journey would not be complete without youthful frustrations and painful evolution, creating a more realistic and multifaceted character thatinspires readers. This cover is a whispered expression of these emotions before Hinata, his team, and others move on to other things.
1Where We Began
Volume 1 “Hinata and Kageyama”
Kicking off the series, volume 1 depicts Hinata and Kageyama jumping off into the sky with bright enthusiasm. The two wear their black and orange Karasuno jerseys and sneakers, as a ball soars beside them. The boys appear smaller and less experienced, yet fervent as always, and fans can reminisce with this nostalgic cover highlighting their youth.
Haikyu!!masterfully depicts the real emotions and physical struggle of the sport while also balancing the experiences that hopeful teenagers go through. This sports sensation is awholesome story with a moving plot and loveable characterswho work together to overcome their obstacles. Furudate’s creation is a compelling and rereadable work of art that fans can enjoy for years to come.
Haikyu!!
Cast
Haikyu!! follows Shoyo Hinata, a high school student determined to become a top volleyball player despite his short stature. After watching a national championship match, he sets his sights on joining the renowned Karasuno High School volleyball team. Alongside his rival-turned-teammate, Tobio Kageyama, and other team members, they strive to lead Karasuno back to its former glory on the national stage.
