If someone were to ask me, “If you could only recommend one manga, what would it be?”, I would answer with full confidence in saying Haikyu!! It is one of the most impactful series I have ever read! Haikyu!! centers around a young man, Hinata, who once saw a high schooler known as “The Little Giant” play on TV and was so inspired by him that he decided to go play volleyball for his school too. The thing is, just like The Little Giant, Hinata is considered to be short and some would say too short to play! However, he won’t let that talk stop him because he wants to be the best volleyball player ever and isn’t planning to give up on his dreams. Even when a young man known as “the King of the Court” defeats him in his first official match, he still declares he will be the King’s ultimate rival. However, little does he know that his declared rival is also going to be his new teammate in high school!

ADVENTURE: Hinata’s journey, from volume one all the way to the final volume, is a deeply inspiring one, but in regards to the first volume, Hinata is truly an inspiration. He is consistently told that he’s too short, not good enough, and to just give up already, but no matter what, Hinata refuses. Even if no one will help him train and get better, he looks for ways to practice on his own and gives well over hundred percent in all he does. His adventure has just begun, but it is one that is sure to leave a powerful impact on readers.

ACTION: From the first few pages to the final page, Haikyu!! is nonstop action! As soon as Hinata makes the decision that he is going play volleyball, Hinata doesn’t stop playing. It doesn’t matter if he’s super tired or even dehydrated, he will keep running to where the ball is and spiking it with all he can. Not just Hinata though! Everyone on his new team is all about playing volleyball, practicing volleyball, and generally just talking about volleyball.

ROMANCE: Unlike almost every other manga title I have reviewed, this is one title where there is no kind of romance whatsoever. I will mention though that one of the players makes it known he has a huge crush on one of the volleyball managers. It is not very prevalent in the first volume, but it will be made known to readers more often in further volumes.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Haikyu!! may be a sports manga centering around volleyball, but it is one manga that I hear many people say, “I never thought I could like a manga or anime about volleyball!” The story and the characters are so compelling that it is hard not be swept away in the action, the humor, players’ determination, and so much more. I absolutely love all these characters and talk about them often on my social media and in real life. It is a story I recommend for those who like sports or those who don’t. It is such a deeply inspiring and fun story that I highly recommend!