A review by rereader33
Haikyu!!, Vol. 22 by Haruichi Furudate

5.0

Another intense volume, another exciting volume! I'm so glad we get to see some of the matches with Fukurodani and Nekoma, it's nice to break away from the core group once in a while. I'm also pleased to see the manipulative side of sports; not with players taunting each other (that's a given) but manipulating the crowd and the refs. While this has been a very lighthearted series, I feel like it would have been disingenuous to leave that side of sports out in favor of a totally "wholesome" story. Granted, I assume that this topic will be treated lightly (Furudate has to maintain tone, of course) but I'm glad that it's being addressed since this is the darker side of sports, regardless of whether people want to admit it or not.

Rant aside, I really hope Nekoma makes it to nationals as they are such a fun cast of characters and a fascinating team. I'm curious to see how they will overcome Nohbei and how their team will grow. Looking forward to the next volume!