Blue Giant Series

KIND OF BLUE

Dai, Tamada, and Yukinori have taken their jazz trio to the next level as the opening act for a famous, established group. In front of their biggest audience yet, they face down a tepid crowd and condescending band by unleashing everything they’ve got. But even that victory isn’t enough for Yukinori. He’s always had his sights on the big time: So Blue, Tokyo’s hottest jazz club. His first attempt to get the band on that stage ended in humiliation, but fate has an unexpected opportunity in store, not to mention unexpected challenges…
 
FINAL VOLUME

LIVE IN JAPAN

Dai’s band of teenage musicians finally has a name: “Jass,” a throwback to the early days of jazz. They’re pulling in crowds, too, winning their first-ever payday and the jealousy of an older band. But Yukinori isn’t content just to play clubs. He’s got his sights set on the biggest venue in all of Tokyo, hoping to put them on the map with a sensational performance from a group of young unknowns. Yukinori may be a technical genius, and Dai may have a sound no one can match, but with an amateur drummer and limited repertoire, can they really hope to hit the big time?

MAIDEN VOYAGE

At long last, Dai finally forms his own band. After months of practicing alone in Tokyo, Dai meets a brilliant pianist named Yukinori. In some ways, the two of them couldn’t be more different: Dai’s all about passion and inspiration, while Yukinori values perfect technique. It’ll take some adjusting for Dai to appreciate Yukinori’s feelings about music…and to find a third man for their group. The award-winning story of a young man’s journey into the soul of jazz continues!
 

GIANT STEPS Dai is determined to become the best jazz player in the world, but dreams don’t come easy–and a whole lot get broken on the way. While his music teacher Yui drills him relentlessly on technique and theory, Dai prepares to take his stand. Everyone at the school festival goes wild for rock and pop, but Dai takes the stage with tenor sax in hand. Does his solo jazz have what it takes to win over a hostile crowd?

The award-winning manga of one young man’s journey to become the greatest saxophone player in the world. Dai lived a normal high school life in Sendai: a city of hot summer days and rainy nights. Between basketball, part time jobs, and an uncertain future, something was missing. And that thing was music. With his days in senior year running out, Dai swears a heartfelt vow: “I’m gonna be the best jazz player in the world.” But what do you need to be the best? Talent? Effort? A lucky break? Or maybe just a deep, pure love for music, and too much stubbornness to know when to quit. Winner of The Shogakukan Manga Award and the Japan Media Arts Festival Grand Prize for Manga!