While the series debuted in Monthly Afternoon in late 2020, 2021 was the year the raw manga found its footing, exploded in critical acclaim, and solidified itself as perhaps the most emotionally resonant sports story of the decade. For readers tracking the raw Japanese releases, 2021 wasn’t just another year of serialization—it was the year Tsukasa and Hikari proved they belonged on the world stage.
The chapters published throughout 2021 established the foundational DNA of the series. The story follows Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former skater who aged out of the system without achieving his dreams, and Inori Yotsuba, an 11-year-old girl discarded by the skating community as "untalented."
: Unlike many typical sports stories, Medalist leans into the high-pressure reality of the Olympic cutoff age, adding a sense of urgency to Inori's training. Reading the "Raws" and Translations
In late 2021, rumors began circulating about an anime adaptation (which was officially confirmed in 2022). Fans who wanted to avoid spoilers but couldn't wait for official volumes began hunting for the raw Japanese files. The "2021 raw" specifically refers to the pre-anime-boom art style—a purer, grittier version of the manga before the anime's clean-up crew redesigned the characters. medalist raw manga 2021
As the original serialized publication, this is the primary source for the newest chapters.
Tsurumaikada’s art in 2021 underwent a massive transformation. Comparing the raw 2021 chapters to the 2020 debut, the difference is night and day. In the , you can see the line work become sharper, the motion blur effects more dynamic, and the emotional facial expressions (specifically Inori’s terror and triumph) more nuanced. Raw scanners in 2021 preserved the original screentones and double-page spreads that sometimes get compressed or lost in digital western releases.
: The manga is noted for its highly detailed explanations of skating techniques and the grueling physical demands of the sport, making it a favorite among both fans and professional skaters. While the series debuted in Monthly Afternoon in
: Tsurumaikada is praised for "kinetic" art that makes the skating look like it's moving on the page. Technical Accuracy
The "raw" version refers to the original Japanese publication. You can find these through the official publisher: Monthly Afternoon (Magazine) is serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon . New chapters typically drop on the 25th of each month Comic Days (Digital)
In 2021, the manga by Tsurumaikada gained significant traction as a standout sports drama, largely due to its English digital debut and critical acclaim for its technical artistry. Key Developments in 2021 The story follows Tsukasa Akeuraji, a former skater
The keyword marks a pivotal era for Tsurumaikada’s award-winning figure skating manga, Medalist (メダリスト). Launched in May 2020 within Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine, 2021 was the breakout year when international fans aggressively hunted down "raw" (untranslated Japanese) chapters. This surge in interest occurred just as the series gained massive critical acclaim, secured major industry awards, and finalized its early digital licensing deals. The Evolution of Medalist in 2021 Rising Global Demand for Raw Chapters
: The primary digital storefront for Kodansha. You can read the latest Medalist chapters on Comic Days (requires points/subscription). Amazon JP (Kindle)
for one of the most celebrated modern sports series in the industry . Created by the mangaka Tsurumaikada, Medalist initially began its serialization in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine in May 2020. However, 2021 was the breakout year when the series transitioned from an underground favorite into an award-nominated masterpiece, gaining massive traction among international fans looking for "raws" (the untranslated, original Japanese magazine scans). Why 2021 Was a Crucial Year for Medalist Raws
In the competitive landscape of sports manga, figure skating has always been a rare gem. When Tsurumaikada’s Medalist began making waves in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine, it quickly shifted from a hidden treasure to a critical darling. By 2021, the "raw manga" (the original Japanese weekly/monthly chapter releases before translation) became a massive talking point for international fans and collectors alike.
: The series secured 16th place in the print manga category, signaling to the broader manga industry that a masterpiece was brewing in Monthly Afternoon . This recognition immediately triggered a massive wave of global curiosity.