Ekiden Bros Ends | A Sports Series with Mixed Reactions in Weekly Shonen Jump
Edited By
Ravi Patel
The sports manga Ekiden Bros by Daiki Nono concluded this week with its final Chapter 17 in Weekly Shonen Jump Issue #48. While some fans expressed disappointment, the mixed reception raises questions about the future of sports manga in the publication.
The Buzz Around the Final Chapter
Comments across various forums reveal a widespread ambivalence regarding the series. Some readers remarked, "Horrible from beginning to end," while others acknowledged, "It had moments. That’s all tbh." The feedback indicates a divide, with many believing the story failed to maintain its initial spark.
Themes from the Feedback
Lack of Engagement: A good number of people simply did not connect with the series. One commenter shared, "I didn’t enjoy this series at all. It is just not for me I guess."
Comparison with Previous Titles: Readers pointedly compared Ekiden Bros to successful predecessors like Run With the Wind. One user noted, "It was no Run With the Wind, but surprising to see nonetheless." This raises eyebrows about the criteria for success with new sports-themed content.
Character Development Issues: Several people highlighted the flaws in character arcs. One frustrated reader stated, "An immediate left-turn for the plot," suggesting abrupt shifts that compromised storyline coherence.
Sentiment Patterns
Feedback leans predominantly negative, pinpointing lack of character depth and effective storytelling as core issues contributing to the series’ inability to capture attention. The commentary also suggests a broader trend: sports manga appears to be losing its foothold in popular demand, with users citing a decline in interest since 2020.
Key Takeaways
📉 Mixed Reviews: A significant portion of comments lean towards negativity about the series.
🏃♂️ Comparative Lacks: Several fans expressed disappointment relative to other sports titles.
⚠️ Character Disconnect: Concerns around character development were frequently noted, causing dissatisfaction.
The future of sports manga in Weekly Shonen Jump hangs in the balance as this series exits the scene. Growing frustrations among people indicate a call for a new approach to storytelling in the genre.
What Lies Ahead for Sports Manga?
Looking ahead, several scenarios could unfold for sports manga in Weekly Shonen Jump. There's a strong chance that the publication will reevaluate its approach to storytelling, especially if feedback remains predominantly negative. Experts estimate that we could see a shift towards more innovative plots and deeper character exploration, which previous hits had successfully achieved. If the focus shifts to enhancing engagement, we may witness a resurgence in interest among readers, potentially reversing the decline noted since 2020. This change is essential to retain the current fan base and build a new audience in a competitive market.
Echoes from the Past
An intriguing parallel to this situation can be drawn from the rise and decline of reality TV shows in the early 2000s. Initially, these programs captivated audiences with fresh concepts and relatable characters, mirroring what Ekiden Bros attempted to do. However, as the novelty wore off, many viewers grew disenchanted with repetitive plots and shallow character development. Just like the evolving landscape of reality TV, sports manga faces a critical juncture. The need for innovation and depth might soon echo in the pages of Shonen Jump, inspiring a new wave of storytelling that addresses the root causes of fan dissatisfaction.