Kara Dennison
April 24, 2024 
Earlier this month, Elck Itsumo’s sports manga Two on Ice took its final bow. Clocking in at 28 chapters, the series followed self-taught figure skater Hayuma as he chased after Kisara, whose skill led him to pursue a life on the ice. As they venture into the world of pairs figure skating, they contend with rivals, dangerous stunts, and what it means to put your life in your partner’s hands.
The series is now behind us, but we’ll miss it for a lot of reasons. And if this sounds like the sort of thing that appeals to you, why not read the full series? It’s a short read and, even though the story is over, it’s a story worth following.
Learning About Pairs Skating
To some degree, we all know what pairs skating is and looks like. But like any good sports manga, Two On Ice really digs into what actually goes on in this sport. This spin on figure skating, while often overlooked in favor of solo skaters, has its own rigid rules and massive risks.
Readers will get a primer in how routines are scored, as well as how pairs skaters balance each other out to maximize that score. You also get an in-depth look at just how dangerous many of their moves are… and how some of these moves could lead to serious injury or worse if performed incorrectly.
Interesting Music Selection
Music choice is a huge part of any figure skating routine, and Two on Ice takes time to point out exactly which songs are used. Kisahayu (the fan name given to the manga’s core duo) have an especial affinity for the theme from the 1954 film “La Strada,” and it comes up several times throughout the series’s short run.
But you’ll also catch some other interesting choices, from Panic! at the Disco to Justin Bieber. It’s fun to put the song on and follow the panels, reading about why the skater chose the music and seeing a routine interpreted in stills.
Everything a Sports Manga Needs
At its heart, of course, Two on Ice is a classic sports manga. Hayuma and Kisara are both pushing themselves, finding their potential, and chasing a common dream. But there’s also plenty of drama, as other solo and pair skaters take the rink and vie for the fans’ affection. As the series is closing out, there are hints of what could have been a fascinating battle between pairs: one learning to trust each other, another made up of an egotistical soloist and whoever he can drag after him.
While the story won’t continue, Two on Ice is still worth a read. Check it out on the Shonen Jump app or the Viz website!
