Black Blizzard (manga)

Black Blizzard is a manga written and illustrated by Tetsuya Chiba. Originally published in 1956 by Hinomaru Bunko in the Masuyo magazine, it is considered a significant work in the gekiga (dramatic pictures) movement and a precursor to later sports manga.

The story revolves around a young, ambitious baseball player, Sanpei, who becomes embroiled in a match-fixing scandal. He is framed for taking bribes to throw games, and the manga follows his struggles to clear his name and expose the corrupt individuals behind the scheme. He must navigate a world of deceit, blackmail, and betrayal, all while trying to maintain his love for the sport.

Black Blizzard is notable for its gritty realism, its complex characters, and its unflinching portrayal of the darker aspects of professional sports. Chiba's artwork, characterized by its dynamic panel layouts and expressive character designs, helped to establish the visual language of gekiga. The manga also touches upon themes of social justice and the exploitation of athletes, making it a commentary on the societal issues of post-war Japan.

The work has been reprinted multiple times and has been influential on many subsequent manga creators.