While One Punch Man will always be the main attraction for fans of the iconic manga series, there are some other popular modern-day offerings that are worth checking out. Sure, they don’t provide Japanese art styles and magical powers, but they serve up the type of real-life drama manga fans would surely appreciate. When assessing the NFL, it delivers the type of excitement so many manga products provide.
A sport where behemoths clash, the NFL has a global following for a reason. People adore it. So much so, in fact, that they wear their team jerseys with pride, they’re always backing their favorite franchises after looking at the latest NFL game odds, and they play games dedicated to the sport, such as Madden NFL 26. For manga fans, it’s a pastime that certainly provides some alluring features, similar in some respects to what they’re used to.
In case you need further convincing, though, we highlight below some key reasons why manga fans should consider watching the NFL this season and beyond.
Epic battles on the field
While you won’t find energy manipulation or reality warping, there are some seriously entertaining battles to watch in the NFL. During an average clash on the calendar, hard hits are guaranteed, and strategies are executed to perfection, similar in some respects to how some of manga’s most famous characters see off their rivals in a series of tactical battles. Providing manga fans with a real-world parallel to the alluring action they watch in shows like One Punch Man, NFL clashes are incredibly entertaining.
Underdog stories
In the same way an unlikely hero can emerge in a manga masterpiece, there are some amazing underdog stories in the NFL. Sure, the biggest teams and best players tend to come out on top more often than not, but there are still plenty of shocks that occur on a typical NFL weekend. As seen in popular manga products like My Hero Academia and Black Clover, there are an array of teams and players who reign supreme when the odds are stacked against them. Due to their strong mentality and their hard work, these underdogs help to make the sport so special.
Teamwork on display
For the aforementioned underdog stories to occur, teamwork is paramount. A well-oiled machine, every NFL team needs to become a unit. In sports manga, in particular, this is also on show, as teams of misfits and the like come together to see off their rivals in some unmissable battles. The same applies on the football field, as players from different backgrounds join forces in an attempt to triumph over the competition. Teams need to be in sync in order to successfully execute specific strategies, with this collective effort helping to make or break their season.
Strategic depth
Speaking of the strategies teams attempt to pull off, the same type of strategic depth is seen in iconic shows like One Punch Man. When the show’s familiar cast go to war, they aren’t just running into battle without a plan in mind. The same applies in the NFL, with coaches formulating ideas and players having to work together to carry them out successfully. Additionally, there are mental battles to enjoy, many of which resemble the mental warfare we see in so many top-notch manga.
A welcoming community
Finally, much like the manga community online, NFL fans are a warm and welcoming bunch. Once you select the team for you, you’ll be able to converse with fellow fans on forums and various social media platforms, there are events to attend in pubs and bars, and so much more.