Medalist (Rating 4.73)

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Summary

Score

Overall Review

• Medalist is a highly refined work in the sports manga genre.
• The story stands out for its originality and the depth of its themes, especially its bold exploration of challenging topics, which leaves a strong impression!
• The character development is equally impressive, with the depiction of growth and relationships being detailed and emotionally resonant, creating a strong connection with readers.
• The pacing is also well-executed, with an engaging build-up to the climax and a thrilling sense of progression.
• This work goes beyond the boundaries of the sports genre, skillfully portraying universal themes and human drama, making it an exceptionally well-rounded piece. I highly recommend giving it a read!

Synopsis

• Medalist tells the story of people chasing their dreams through the challenging world of figure skating. It follows the emotional journey of a former coach, who has experienced failure, and a young girl with untapped potential.
• As they support each other and face adversity together, the story highlights their growth.
• Through the rigorous demands of the sport and the effort and struggles behind the beautiful performances, the manga prompts readers to reflect on the meaning of pursuing dreams and the importance of human bonds.
• It is a profound drama that transcends the typical sports manga.

Detailed Evaluation

Story (Score 16.8/18.5)

1. Originality and Freshness of Ideas (4.8/6.0)
   It tackles the relatively rare theme of figure skating, with a unique world-building aspect. However, some parts of the growth story in a sports setting do feel a bit familiar.
2. Themes and Messages (5.0/5.0)
   Themes such as effort, talent, conflict, and mentorship are consistently explored in-depth, with strong emotional resonances in the character development. The focus on setbacks and comebacks is particularly impactful.
3. Risk-Taking Attitude (2.0/2.5)
   The choice to focus on figure skating in a sports manga is itself a bold move, though the overall structure of the story feels somewhat familiar.
4. Expectations for Ending (5.0/5.0)
   The way the story builds tension and emotional highs makes the climax particularly exciting, naturally raising reader expectations.

Characters (Score 18.5/18.5)

5. Uniqueness and Impressions (5.0/5.0)
   Characters, including the protagonist and coach, each possess strong individuality and make a lasting impression. Their appeal is unforgettable after reading.
6. Growth and Internal Consistency (5.0/5.0)
   The protagonist’s growth is central to the narrative, and the journey is depicted with great care. The story is highly consistent, with growth being a central theme.
7. Character Conviction and Relatability (6.0/6.0)
   The characters’ actions and emotions are meticulously portrayed, especially their struggles and efforts, making them relatable to many readers.
8. Relationships with Other Characters (2.5/2.5)
   The relationship between the protagonist and coach forms the backbone of the story, with their connection being multifaceted and emotionally compelling. The relationships with other characters also play vital roles.

Visuals (Score 22.0/23.5)

9. Character Design Originality (4.0/5.0)
   The character visuals are unique and appealing but not entirely groundbreaking. Some designs resemble existing styles.
10. Character Movement and Expression (5.0/5.0)
    The depiction of figure skating movements and delicate emotional expressions is expertly done, giving the visuals strong credibility.
11. Background and Worldbuilding (5.0/5.0)
    The detailed background art contributes significantly to the immersion, with the skating rink and training environments feeling very real.
12. Sense of Immersion (6.0/6.0)
    The tension in skating scenes and the excitement of competition are excellently portrayed, drawing the reader fully into the world of the story.
13. Innovation in Expression Techniques (2.0/2.5)
    There are new techniques in movement and presentation, though overall, the methods used follow established norms.

Pacing (Score 20.0/21.0)

14. Pacing of the Introduction (4.0/5.0)
    The introduction is smooth, quickly establishing characters and themes. However, it can be a bit difficult to grasp the full picture in the first few pages.
15. Smoothness of Development (5.0/5.0)
    The plot progresses seamlessly, maintaining constant interest without any unnecessary distractions.
16. Presence of Lulls (5.0/5.0)
    There are no lulls in the narrative. The story progresses without losing momentum, maintaining a steady pace.
17. Build-Up to the Climax (6.0/6.0)
    The build-up to the climax is skillfully executed, with tension-building moments that increase anticipation.

First Impression (Score 4.5/5.0)

18. Cover/Key Visual Impact (2.5/2.5)
    The cover and visuals immediately capture attention, conveying the theme and charm of the work at a glance. It’s eye-catching in stores as well.
19. Title Impression (2.0/2.5)
    The title Medalist is simple and memorable, though it doesn’t immediately convey the specific theme of figure skating.

Volume Count

11 volumes (ongoing as of this review)

Author

Author

• Tsurumaikada

Other works

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