Can the Two on Ice Manga Surpass Yuri!!! on Ice

Two on Ice and Yuri!!! on Ice are both sports anime series about figure skating, and they both share some key similarities and dissimilarities. Two on Ice is a new manga series that has quickly gained a following among fans of sports anime and romance manga. Meanwhile, Yuri!!! on Ice has finished but still retains a strong following from the same domains.

Two on Ice’s Main Plotline

Image via VIZ

Two on Ice is a sports manga written and illustrated by Mizuho Kusanagi. It has been serialised in Shueisha’s Weekly Shounen Jump since May 2023.

The plot revolves around Hayuma Katagiri, a figure skater who is self-taught after being inspired by the prodigy Kisara Mizuno’s performance. Although Hayuma has a good grasp of the technical aspects of skating, he lacks the artistry and elegance of Kisara. One day, Hayuma encounters Kisara at the skating rink, impressed by his skills, she offers to coach him. Hayuma agrees to her offer, and they begin their training together.

Kisara Mizuno | Image courtesy of Shueisha’s Weekly Shounen Jump

Hayuma and Kisara continue to skate together, and they both dream of competing in the Olympics. However, they know that they will face many challenges along the way.

Yuri!!! on Ice’s Main Plotline

Image courtesy of Studio MAPPA

Yuri!!! on Ice (or better known as Yaoi *cough* on Ice by some) is a Japanese sports anime television series about figure skating. The story follows Yuri Katsuki, a Japanese figure skater who suffers a crushing defeat at the Grand Prix Final. After returning to his hometown, Yuri is unsure whether or not he wants to continue his skating career. However, his idol, Russian figure skating champion Victor Nikiforov, suddenly appears at Yuri’s house and offers to be his coach.

Victor Nikiforov | Image courtesy of Studio MAPPA

Yuri eagerly accepts Victor’s offer, and they begin to work together to develop a new program for Yuri. As the Grand Prix Final approaches, Yuri faces increasing pressure to perform well. He also struggles to deal with his growing feelings for Victor. However, with Victor’s support, Yuri can overcome his challenges and deliver a stunning performance at the Grand Prix Final.

Yuri!!! on Ice also has a focus on the romance between the two main characters, it serves as a great example of how the Anime industry has been representing LGBTQIA lately.

Themes Explored in Two on Ice and Yuri!!! on Ice

Image courtesy of Viz Media

Both Two on Ice and Yuri!!! on Ice are captivating anime shows that revolve around the world of figure skating. The main characters in both series are deeply devoted to the sport and aspire to achieve their ultimate goal of participating in the prestigious Olympic Games.

Common themes explored in both series:

  • Pursuit of dreams: Both series also explore the theme of pursuing one’s dreams. The protagonists in both series are determined to achieve their goals, no matter how difficult they may seem.
  • Hard work and dedication: Both series highlight the significance of hard work and commitment in accomplishing one’s goals. The main characters in both series are ready to invest long hours of training and make sacrifices to excel in their skating skills.
  • Friendship and love: They also explore the importance of friendship and love. The protagonists have strong support systems from their friends and loved ones, which helps them to overcome their challenges and achieve their goals.
  • Overcoming adversity: The protagonists in both series also deal with the challenges of overcoming adversity. The protagonists in both series face setbacks and failures, but they never give up on their dreams.

Is there potential for “Two on Ice” to surpass “Yuri!!! on Ice”

Yes, there is potential for Two on Ice to surpass Yuri!!! on Ice. Both series are excellent, but Two on Ice has a few advantages that could give it the edge.

  • The different forms of media: Two on Ice is a manga series, which allows for a more expansive exploration of its plot and characters. On the other hand, Yuri!!! on Ice is an anime series, which is constrained by the number of episodes it has to tell its story.
  •  A more diverse cast of characters: Yuri!!! on Ice has a mostly male cast, while Two on Ice features both male and female characters who play important roles in the story.
  • Two on Ice’s ongoing status: Two on Ice is still ongoing, which means that it has the potential to be even better than it already is. Yuri!!! on Ice is finished, so it cannot improve upon its current state.

Of course, it is impossible to say for sure whether or not Two on Ice will surpass Yuri!!! on Ice. However, it has the potential to do so.

Conclusion

Image rights belong to Viz Media

Two on Ice is a promising new manga series with the potential to surpass Yuri!!! on Ice. Both series are heartwarming and inspiring stories about the pursuit of dreams, but Two on Ice has a few advantages, such as its longer format, more diverse cast of characters, and ongoing status.

If Two on Ice can continue to develop its complex and relatable characters, explore new and interesting themes within the world of figure skating, deliver high-quality artwork and animation, and maintain a consistent level of quality throughout the series, then it has a good chance of becoming one of the greatest sports manga series of all time.

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