Blue Lock Season 2 Episode 11 dropped a bombshell with a bicycle kick which is similar to what Zlatan Ibrahimovic did during an international match. Yes, this should’ve been an absolute feast for our eyes. But let’s be real – the Blue Lock animation kept fans wondering if this was really the best way to show such an epic moment.
We watched Team Blue Lock face off against Team U-20 Japan in what should’ve been a visual spectacle. Instead, the CGI-heavy soccer scenes and static shots made Shidou’s “Big Bang Drive” feel more like a slideshow.
However, the episode itself was packed with intense moments. Reo’s Chameleon Defense against Shidou? Epic. The whole flow state awakening? Game-changing. But the Blue Lock’s animation quality needs to match that energy.
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Shidou’s Bicycle Kick Scene in Blue Lock
The one thing about the bicycle kick of Shidou is that it should have been Blue Lock’s “Chef’s kiss” moment. The manga panel of this scene was absolutely stunning. But the Blue Lock animation quality just couldn’t capture that same magic. Instead of the fluid motion and camera angles, we got choppy transitions and stiff movements that made Shidou’s “Big Bang Drive” feel less explosive than it should’ve been.
The scene had all the ingredients for greatness. We have got Shidou in his flow state, pulling off something extraordinary that made everyone drop their jaws. The buildup was also perfect. Gagamaru’s save left the ball hanging in the air and that split-second decision to attempt something absolutely bonkers. But the CGI animation turned it into something that felt more like a rough draft than a finished product.
Why Animation Quality Matters for Future Seasons
First-time viewers of Blue Lock will say that the animation quality is one of the best. It’s true that Blue Lock‘s animation quality isn’t bad at all, it’s just that they are not up to the mark. Even though they look pretty, it’s about doing justice to the intensity and raw emotion that makes the series special.
Especially in the eye of its producer Ryoya Arisawa. He admitted that he wasn’t satisfied with the animation. His statement hit many fans who have been watching the quality dip since Season 1 and still loving it.
The soccer scenes are where this really matters. Blue Lock isn’t an average sports anime. It’s about ego, evolution, and pushing beyond normal limits. Those powerful character moments, those split-second decisions, those game-changing plays – they all lose their impact when the animation can’t keep up.
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The Stakes For Blue Lock Season 3’s Neo Egoist League Arc
The Neo Egoist League arc is basically Blue Lock’s cranked up to eleven. We’re talking about the international stage, professional teams, and some of the most intense development you will see in any sports manga. The Blue Lock manga sales are through the roof in 2024, and this arc is a big reason why it has become the fifth best-selling manga.
But here’s the catch – this arc needs strong animation more than ever. The Neo Egoist League brings in world-class talents, tactical plays, and character moments that could define the entire series.
There’s a piece of good news for every fan of the series: the production team appears to understand that something needs to change. Season 3 isn’t a possibility anymore – it’s an inevitability. The real question is whether Blue Lock’s animation will finally unleash its true potential.
The path forward for Blue Lock is clear. It’s got the story, the characters, and the fanbase. What it needs now is the animation to match its ambition, it needs to be more egoist. We can just hope that Season 3 will bring more visual evolution and shock everyone. Do you think the production team will change the animation quality or will it remain the same?