Eyeshield 21

Sena Kobayakawa starts as a shy, overlooked student who joins the Deimon Devil Bats simply to keep out of trouble. When quarterback Yoichi Hiruma forces him into action, Sena discovers a startling speed that turns him into the team's secret weapon. Wearing jersey number 21 and an eyeshield to hide his face, he transforms from a terrified secretary into a running back capable of breaking tackles. Creator Riichiro Inagaki teamed up with artist Yusuke Murata to bring this high-energy story to life in Weekly Shōnen Jump. The series ran for seven years, spanning 37 volumes and 333 chapters before concluding in June 2009. Viz Media brought the English version to North America between 2005 and 2011, while Toonami Jetstream briefly streamed the anime before its shutdown. Sentai Filmworks later handled DVD distribution, ensuring fans could watch the 145-episode adaptation produced by TV Tokyo and Gallop. The franchise expanded quickly with video games, audio albums, and two original video animations. By mid-2025, sales exceeded 27 million copies worldwide. Critics praised the dynamic artwork and character designs, though some readers found non-football subplots distracting. The show helped spark interest in American football across Japan during its run. Reviews often highlighted how the series balanced intense game action with genuine school life drama.[edit]