The manga artist’s official Twitter account Yusuke Murata (A punch) posted a special 43-second animated short and Riichiro InagakiThe football-themed manga series of Eyeshield 21. The release of the short film celebrates the 21st anniversary of the manga, in keeping with its title.
The short film does not feature audio and was directed by Murata himself, with Villager Studio manage the production of the animation. Murata said he will release a full version of the short once details for a special one-shot manga are announced for the anniversary.
“Eyeshield 21” I’m making a special announcement animation for the 21st anniversary. Sound and effects are not included yet, but they are once. pic.twitter.com/c3LjT47Fw8
— Yusuke Murata (@NEBU_KURO) June 5, 2023
Murata previously directed and hosted a 107-second film One-punch man animated short film in September 2021 with Village Studio. He is currently working on the Zaiyuki animated project at the same studio, as well as another original animation project.
The manga also inspired a 145-episode television anime series from Gallop aired from April 6, 2005 to March 19, 2008. Sentai Filmworks released the series on home video, while Crunchyroll streams the anime series online.
Murata and Inagaki led the Eyeshield 21 manga in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump magazine from July 23, 2002 to June 15, 2009. Viz Media published all 37 tankobon volumes in North America and describes the story as follows:
Wimpy Sena Kobayakawa has been running away from bullies his whole life. But when the football gear arrives, things change – Sena’s speed and amazing ability to evade big bullies just might give him what it takes to become a big high school football hero!