Atobe Keigo on first reversible cover for manga Vol 35

Although Vol 35 of the manga was released last month, I've been so busy that I haven't started reading this. Well, since I've read the latest developments from Shonen Jump (now we are at Shitenbouji with Fuji vs Shiraishi), I don't have the same level of urgency to finish reading the separate volumes as before but I still grab the first press editions from the bookstore and remember the release dates by heart.

What distinguishes this volume from the rest so far is the introduction of the reversible cover which is the first for all Shonen Jump comics. To put it simply, a colour cover is printed on both sides of the cover sleeve so that you can choose whichever side you want as the cover. Not only it offers a choice to fans to decide which cover they prefer, it also allows for two contrasting images to be provided at the same time.

Due to the fact that Atobe Keigo had the "misfortune" of having his crowning glory snipped by that brat Echizen Ryoma after their match in the Hyotei Nationals arc, this double cover shows Atobe's before-and-after shot as a result of this "ordeal". Well, as a fan of Atobe, I don't like the idea of him losing to Echizen just because the latter is the lead in the manga and having to suffer at his hands in such an humiliating manner. This hurts even more than what I felt for Sanada during the Kantou finals. And to show his new hairstyle in such a manner, this just feels like rubbing salt to injury although some may find it amusing. Come to think of it, does anyone feel that Atobe's new hairstyle seems quite similar to Tachibana Kippei?

And to show "remorse" for making Atobe lose his hair, Konomi-sensei also cut his hair and showed off his before-and-after shot on the double cover. Just what purpose does this serve? He should never have allowed Atobe to lose which would mean that he doesn't have to do this in the first place. This move just seems redundant to me and frankly speaking, I'm not really amused to see this.