MEDALIST OFFICIAL FAN BOOK

Publisher: KODANSHA
ISBN: 9784065378571
Number of Pages: 160
Year of publication: 2025
Language: Japanese
Description: The official fan book for Medalist, the hugely popular comic that inspired a TV anime adaptation. This book is packed with exclusive content, including character backstories that have only existed in the author’s mind, two newly drawn manga stories, and two previously unpublished manga storyboards. It also features a wealth of production materials, including figure skating costume designs for Inori, Mike, Hikaru, and Ema, as well as advertising designs used for a special takeover of select Tokyo Metro trains during the Christmas season last year. The story of Medalist follows Inori Yuitsuka, who dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal, and her coach, Tsukasa Akeuraji. It also features Hikaru Ozaki, a gifted skater and Inori’s rival, and Jun Yodaka, an Olympic medalist. Centered on these four characters, the manga tells a passionate story of the many people who dedicate themselves to figure skating. The Medalist Official Fan Book is divided into three sections: a character guide introducing the compelling cast, a story guide focusing primarily on events leading up to the Central Regionals, and “More! Medalist,” which takes a deeper look into the world of the series. The character guide is especially noteworthy for revealing backstories never before discussed by the author or depicted in the manga. It explores each character’s past, way of thinking, and relationships with others. Why was Inori’s mother, Nozomi, reluctant to support her skating? Why was Yodaka so displeased when he first appeared? How did Tsukasa come to know the Kago family? Fans will find plenty of fascinating details to discover. The book also includes two newly drawn short manga stories, along with two previously unpublished storyboards: “Cat☆Fight,” which depicts how Nacchin and Mike first met, and “Eyelashes and Pigtails,” a fun episode featuring Inori and Suzu.