#dusting off my degree in literature to overanalyse pretty manga art | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

boinin · 8 months

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This chapter illustration from the latest chapter really struck me, outside of being gorgeous. It's not obviously connected to the manga arc, until you start thinking about it.

Firstly, from Wikipedia: "A torii is a traditional Japanese gate most commonly found at the entrance of or within a Shinto shrine, where it symbolically marks the transition from the mundane to the sacred and a spot where kami [deities or spirits] are welcomed and thought to travel through."

The location depicted in this artwork is the Fushimi Inari-Taisha, dedicated to the kami Inari. Among many things, including foxes, Inari is associated with general prosperity and success, as well as swordsmiths. It's a fitting setting for these teammates. Bastard Munchen's crest predominantly features a sword.

Secondly, let's consider the positions and actions of the characters.

Isagi is walking the furthest ahead, having passed many sets of gates already, pointing at something. Kurona is at his side.

Yuki lags behind them. Instead of watching Isagi, he's consulting a leaflet or a map. His glasses are opaque, maybe a stylistic choice. But (at a stretch), this depiction is a nod to his literal and figurative short-sightedness. Yukimiya doesn't accept Isagi as the protagonist or take orders from him. Hence he remains behind.

As for Hiori, he is depicted at the beginning of the gates, alone. Unlike the others, he is looking backwards, not forward. With the way the wind is blowing, and the autumnal motif (autumn representing harvest, change and approaching death), the image evokes a sense of melancholy and farewell despite the bright colours.

Hiori is looking back at the mundane for the last time, before stepping through the gates onto sacred ground. He finally joins Isagi, Kurona and Yukimiya on their footballing journey.

#dusting off my degree in literature to overanalyse pretty manga art #i could keep going (dead leaves = fallen players) but i'll stay in my lane #“sometimes the curtains are just blue” NEVEEEER #blue lock #blue lock manga #blue lock manga spoilers #blue lock spoilers #bllk official art #bllk chp 232 #hiori yo #isagi yoichi #kurona ranze #yukimiya kenyu #bastard munchen #mine #boinin talks bllk

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