Written by Riichiro Inagaki, Illustrated by Yusuke Murata
Eyeshield 21 is a multi-volume saga in manga (comic) form. Specifically, Eyeshield 21 deals with American Football, a sport that does garners about as much enthusiasm and understanding in Japan as it does among North American women.
The hero is bullied Sena Kobayakawa, a tiny, blindingly fast boy whose idea of success is just being accepted to high school. Tricked/bullied into joining the two-man American Football team by the demonic Hiruma, Sena becomes the star of the team with his lightning-fast reflexes and speed.
The pace of the story is excellent, as is the character development is exquisite; and all of it built around the development of an underdog football team.
Suggested Ages: 12+
Inagaki, R., & Murata, Y. (2005) Eyeshield 21: Volume 1. Viz Media LLC.
Dear As Salt 