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Angel Cup explores the triumphs and challenges of girls' soccer at Hansin High. So-jin and Shin-bee are incredibly competitive and are willing to play against anyone, even boys, for the sport they love. Can our heroines skillfully navigate through the fakes, fouls, and penalties both on and off the field to achieve their dream of becoming champions?
(Source: Tokyopop)
Angel Cup was published in English by Tokyopop from August 15, 2007, to August 15, 2008.
There isn't much I can say about Angel Cup that would fully capture how deeply I adore this manhwa series. The story, art, and particularly the characters eventually drew me in, making me fall in love with it. Angel Cup revolves around a tomboyish girl named Soh-jin who loves soccer but gave it up at the end of middle school after failing to win MVP due to the superior skills of rival soccer team's star, Shin-bee. Despite being an extremely proficient player, Soh-jin ends up attending a school with only a male soccer team renowned for its talented and handsome players. Wishing to play soccer again and start anew, Soh-jin has to build a new female team from scratch. Also at this school is Shin-bee, who has given up on soccer for reasons unknown to Soh-jin. Undeterred, Soh-jin attempts to recruit Shin-bee into her new team. The manga follows Soh-jin's days filled with soccer, scouting for the team, and their matches against rival schools.
The manhwa is filled with fun, suspenseful drama, but more importantly, it heavily emphasizes sports. Personally, I find few sports mangas focus less on romance and more on the sport itself. There are shoujo mangas like 'Girl Got Game' that center on sports but have too much of a slice-of-life aspect - take 'Suzuka' as an example (though I genuinely love this manga XD). The story isn't unique, but it isn't overused either because it's neither ecchi nor slice-of-life. What sets it apart from other sports mangas is its characters' individuality and the realism of their backgrounds. They face various issues - from ego, health, mentality, etc. - which makes the manhwa so stunning and enjoyable. Unlike 'Prince of Tennis,' which features superhuman moves, this manhwa stays (pretty much) on the human side. The art is distinctively manhwa-like but can't be criticized as it's clean and crisp.
In conclusion, I truly love this manhwa and believe many people out there who appreciate sports or enjoy well-developed characters would love this manga just as much as I did. I remember rereading this series repeatedly, finding something different each time. A truly unique manhwa! Do give it a try and judge for yourselves. My Rating: OVERALL 9
Akane can’t perform many stories