Red Blue by Atsushi Namikiri is a hard-edged, real world martial arts manga that has something else completely uncommon in the genre, an unadulterated sense of emotions and psychology working against the colorful flair. Instead of providing a glitzy fight and a feel-good quest up to the top, it deals with a much grimmer topic one that can ask the questions of what it takes to fight, when you are not fighting to win, but just to affirm that you exist.

Red Blue is about a protagonist who does not fit to the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) and has nothing to do with the ordinary. He is not that gifted, charming or even that likable. His drive is disorganized and not quite virtuous which makes him not only this type of unique person but also, on some counts, hard to keep up with. His honesty in terms of being emotional is surely refreshing however it makes the story seem weighed and slow. He grows slowly and not out of inspiration but frustration and this could turn off readers looking forward to see trademark sports manga beats.

The fact that the story believes in realism is what helps it along. MMA is represented technically and accurately with a lot of regard to actual techniques such as guard control, takedowns and submissions holds. The combats are more technical and tactical, as opposed to bombastic or too melodramatic, and the art really succeeds at showing the toll that fighting takes on the body. The drawings by Namikiri are not full of exaggerated gestures but rather oriented on tensions and impact. This is a realistic style that is to be praised and will attract fans of martial arts, however casual readers might find it to be nuanced too slowly or too clinical.

Red Blue goes to the bottom emotionally. It does not only view combat as a physical challenge, but the challenge that is being experienced in each of these characters in a personal way. Nevertheless, the mood is evenly dark. There are not many moments of lightness or success and the plot is very heavy on the concept of alienation, failure, and addiction. This is potent to some. To some of them, tiring.

The supporting members have been well-developed, even to the point of seeming little more than a thematic reflection rather than full-fledged characters. Still, the relationships develop sensibly, and even the rivalries are not based on stereotypes. The show has a kept up a good job delving into the various schools of thought regarding fighting aspects and every new character introduces a fresh perspective to this sport; be it discipline or anger or pride or a desire of control.

By Chapter 159, the arena has expanded beyond gym fights in the local area to global rivals, and that adds spice to the game and increases stakes. Nevertheless, the manga is still devoted to personal struggle instead of glory or fame. Psychological core never is lost, which is good: once more, restricts its popularity. The tempo is still quite slow and the huge plot twists come at a gradual pace. It is the kind of manga that requires time and you want to invest your emotions into it and may not get a great reward in terms of chapters.

As far as presentation goes, the artwork itself is clean and strong in battles. Facial expressions are very spiky, body language is tensed, fights are very readable. Unstable scanlations in the initial chapters may leave a bad first impression on some people, but releases made after that evolve a lot better.

In short, Red Blue is a good, engaging sports manga that is not going to delight everyone. It works best when it embraces its psychological realism, however, it fails when it gets too focused or too one dimensional with it, or when the pacing is too slow. People seeking a high-energy read, quick arcs, or characters one can immediately relate well to, may find it hard to work their way through. It is a different, and not quite best-in-class experience though, but one that anyone who enjoys internal conflict, the strategy involved in fighting and a hardboiled approach to martial arts should check out.

A quiet, emotionally strained MMA tale that succeeds in its grounded, realistic approach and somber mood, but a plodding pace and a mopey attitude keeps it from reaching a wider audience.