With the first season of Blue Lock set to conclude this Sunday, March 26, fans of the anime have eagerly engaged in comparisons between the series’ protagonist and other sports anime protagonists. Notably, the most prevalent match-up involves Hinata Shoyo from Haikyuu!!
Hinata has held the throne as one of the most beloved sports anime characters for nearly a decade, while Isagi has only recently made his presence known in the industry with the premiere of the Blue Lock anime. Undeniably, Blue Lock has gained significant popularity, partly due to the coinciding excitement surrounding the FIFA World Cup 2022.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers from the Blue Lock and Haikyuu!! manga.
Haikyuu!!’s Hinata vs. Blue Lock’s Isagi: Who is the better-written protagonist? While Blue Lock’s Yoichi Isagi may benefit from recency bias, it was surprising to observe numerous anime fans backing Hinata Shoyo from Haikyuu!! in the comparison between the two protagonists, specifically in terms of their character development.
Many fans supporting Isagi argued that his boldness in insulting teammates and opponents to their faces, while maintaining an intimidating presence, made him a superior character. Isagi’s ability to deliver cutting insults has been showcased multiple times, with memorable instances including his confrontations with Shoei Barou and Michael Kaiser.
However, despite Isagi’s knack for insults, it wasn’t enough for him to be declared the better-written protagonist. Even Blue Lock fans agreed that Hinata had undergone superior character development. Unlike Isagi, who was chosen as part of a project to create the best player in his sport, Hinata started out as a member of what was likely the weakest team in his first junior high school tournament.
Confusion arose on Twitter as fans questioned why Isagi’s achievements at the age of 17 were being emphasized when the argument focused on the quality of character writing. While Isagi demonstrated intelligence and fearlessness in facing formidable opponents, Hinata stood out for his exceptional mentality, particularly during the Brazil storyline, which showcased his growth and resilience.
Moreover, fans were quick to assert that there is no other character quite like Hinata Shoyo. One of the reasons cited was his ability to intimidate players twice his size despite his short stature. For instance, Hinata confidently stared into the eyes of the 6’2″ Wakatoshi Ushijima, declaring his intent to defeat him, and later emerged victorious despite the height disadvantage. His iconic words to the Shiratorizawa player encapsulated his determination: “I’m Hinata Shoyo, from the concrete. I’m going to beat you and go to nationals.”
While Isagi may be a skilled footballer and one of the best within the Bastard Munchen team, he has yet to become an upgraded version of himself that top playmakers from the country would want to play with. This parallels Hinata’s journey, as both national and district-level setters like Atsumu Miya and Toru Oikawa expressed their desire to play alongside him.
Additionally, Hinata possesses an unnerving bird-eye stare that sends shivers down the spines of those who witness it. He has even managed to instill fear in talented players who find themselves matched up against him, causing them to question their presence on the court. Despite his obvious height disadvantage, Hinata has consistently spiked the ball over towering opponents. Consequently, many fans believe that his unyielding mentality would pose a significant challenge for Isagi.
In conclusion, while Isagi from Blue Lock may benefit from recency and his bold insults, the consensus among fans is that Hinata Shoyo from Haikyuu!! is the better-written protagonist. Hinata’s exceptional character development, unwavering determination, and ability to intimidate players regardless of their size contribute to his status as a unique and beloved sports anime character.
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