Zero

This is my first Matsumoto manga and i couldn't have asked for a better one. This manga is one of the only mangas that could be compared to Ashita no Joe in terms of the passion for Boxe, how it can convey certains emotions... The protagonist Goshima is a flower that has blossomed on the ring and is waiting for another flower to bloom before dying in the ring. He has never been able to make another flower bloom before because they were all too fragile, until he found one worthy of being called a friend. The art style in this manga really was abreath of fresh air, Matsumoto's style is precise but at the same time incredibly rough but most importantly its style is dynamic, he can do whatever he wants with his character bodies like, for example, he distorts them to make them look grotesque, the same goes for the background. (No wonder why Yuasa style matches perfecty Matusmoto's style in Ping Pong the Animation). This manga is only 2 volumes and overall it gives you an exciting experience, especially in the second volume.

I’ve really missed sports series like this, emotional, and grounded in character development. Zero brought back the same intensity I felt watching classics like Ashita no Joe. The emotional weight of the final fight in Zero instantly took me back to Joe’s legendary match against José Mendoza—one of the most unforgettable moments in anime and manga history. You can feel every punch, not just physically but emotionally too. What stood out in Zero wasn’t just the boxing itself, but the internal struggles of the protagonist—the quiet moments between matches, the psychological toll, and the slow unraveling of his past. It gave the story a deeper edge,something that’s rare in modern sports manga. By the end, I was both satisfied and slightly frustrated. The manga was excellent overall—gripping, emotional, and full of heart—even though I’m not usually a fan of open endings. Personally, I would have preferred a more definitive conclusion, something more conclusive to wrap up the journey. Still, the ambiguity does leave room for reflection, which I can appreciate in its own way. ZERO Lets 8o Toavis! Come with me up to the Wonderful place!...highet......stronger I'm on your side forever ! 🥀🥀 🥀🥀

Esta obra corta de Taiyō Matsumoto nos permite apreciar su estilo artístico característico, expresivo y dinámico, aplicado en un contexto de boxeo. La historia se centra en un campeón veterano invencible, y explora la disciplina, la rivalidad y la tensión dentro del ring, mostrando la habilidad de Matsumoto para capturar emociones y acción en pocas páginas. Si bien la obra es breve, funciona como una entrada ideal al trabajo del autor, dejando entrever su estilo narrativo único y su capacidad para transmitir intensidad con pocos recursos. Sin embargo, existen otros mangas de boxeo que abordan el deporte con más profundidad y desarrollo de personajes, por loque la obra puede sentirse limitada en comparación. En conjunto, es un trabajo destacable y recomendable para quienes quieran explorar el arte y narrativa de Matsumoto, aunque su corta duración y su enfoque limitado hacen que sea más un aperitivo que una obra completa sobre boxeo, aún con esas, logra explorar la psicología de sus personajes y entregar un mensaje potente de manera efectiva. ENG: This short work by Taiyō Matsumoto allows us to appreciate his characteristic, expressive, and dynamic art style, applied to a boxing context. The story centers on an invincible veteran champion and explores the discipline, rivalry, and tension within the ring, showcasing Matsumoto's skill in capturing emotion and action in just a few pages. While the work is brief, it serves as an ideal introduction to the author's work, hinting at his unique narrative style and his ability to convey intensity with limited resources. However, there are other boxing manga that approach the sport with greater depth and character development, so this work may feel limited in comparison. Overall, it's a noteworthy and recommended work for those who want to explore Matsumoto's art and storytelling, although its brevity and limited focus make it more of an appetizer than a full-fledged work on boxing. Even so, it manages to explore the psychology of its characters and deliver a powerful message effectively.