A Fresh Kickoff: Paradon Manga Series Starts in Weekly Shonen Sunday
There is some really great news for sports manga fans! A brand-new high school soccer series titled Paradon has officially made its grand debut. Based on the original creative work by Ichiyo Hajime, this exciting new story has started its serialization in the Weekly Shonen Sunday No. 13 (published by Shogakukan), which was released just today, February 25th. If you have been looking for a fresh sports narrative that captures the intense pressure of the football pitch, then this might just be it.
Paradon Episode 1 cover page (c) Ichiyoki Karakaraen/Shogakukan
The Story of a Substitute Goalkeeper
The plot is set within the competitive world of a high school soccer team. Our main protagonist is Yusei Harumi, who serves as the second goalkeeper for his school. For quite some time, Yusei has been quite comfortable playing on the bench as a substitute for his senior. He actually enjoys his days being free from the immense pressure that usually comes with being in such a difficult position. Usually, goalkeepers are the ones held responsible for every goal conceded, but as a substitute, Yusei didn't have to worry about all that stress.
However, his peaceful life on the sidelines takes a very sharp turn when his younger brother, Arashi, joins the same club. Arashi is not just any regular player; he is a talented member of the Japan Under-15 team. With his overwhelming skills and somewhat irreverent behavior, Arashi quickly shakes up the team's dynamics. During a match against Kouhaku, Arashi's performance is so intense that it literally breaks the heart of the team's first goalkeeper. This sudden crisis forces Yuharu to step up and finally play on the field.
Why You Should Check Out Paradon
The shift in Yuharu's daily life is quite dramatic. He was perfectly content being a bystander, but now his younger brother is attacking his comfort zone like a total storm. Many fans are already saying that Paradon is going to be a very unique take on the sports genre because it focuses on the internal struggle of a reluctant athlete. It is not just about winning matches, but also about the complex relationship between the two brothers.
- Protagonist: Yusei Harumi (Yuharu), the second-choice goalkeeper who prefers the bench.
- The Catalyst: Arashi, the prodigy younger brother who forces Yuharu into the spotlight.
- The Setting: A high-stakes high school soccer environment where every goal matters.
The artwork by Ichiyo Hajime looks very sharp, and the expressions during the soccer matches are truly top-notch. If you want to dive into a story that feels grounded yet exciting, you should definitely see why Paradon is the next must-read manga. It is definitely looking like a solid addition to the Weekly Shonen Sunday lineup, and we are quite eager to see how Yuharu handles the pressure of the goalpost in the upcoming chapters.
