Reo: Why is Reo called The Chameleon in Blue Lock? Explained

Why is Reo called The Chameleon in Blue Lock? Explained

Modified Jul 13, 2024 21:00 GMT

Reo Mikage in Blue Lock (Image via 8bit)

Like other great series in the same genre, Blue Lock has blessed the animanga community with a unique perspective on the sport. It brings a fresh take on football with its battle of the egoists to crown one strike worthy of representing Japan and bringing home the coveted World Cup trophy.

Among its host of quirky individuals, one character stands out as quite interesting - Reo Mikage. He has been nicknamed "The Chameleon" due to his unique ability to copy and reproduce the abilities of other players.

By observing and understanding their playstyles, Reo can "change color like a chameleon" by emulating their abilities and reproducing his version of them on the field. As the series progresses, he copies a number of abilities from players such as Rin Itoshi, Isagi Yoichi, Nagi Seishiro, and Oliver Aiku.

Reo's nickname in Blue Lock explained

True to his nickname, "The Chameleon," Reo Mikage's abilities are quite intriguing. He possesses skills in most areas of play, a keen game sense, exceptional soccer prowess, and 99/100 stats across the board. However, these attributes are common among the Blue Lock players.

The most interesting quality about Reo is his capacity to emulate the abilities of other players. He utilizes his near-perfect skills to gain an understanding of how others, especially those proficient in certain areas, produce specific abilities. With this understanding, he can recreate these abilities on his own.

However, there is a downside - Reo is only able to copy skills and abilities that are within his physical limits. This does not include physical capabilities, like Shido Ryusei's extreme physical prowess or Chigiri Hyoma's stunning speeds. Additionally, the copied abilities are slightly inferior to the originals, as his skills, being 99% at maximum power, cannot match up to the originals' 100%.

Best examples of his Chameleon skills

Within Reo's "Chameleon" ability, there appear to be two different styles or modes - Chameleon Defense and Neo Chameleon Strike Mode. The Defense Mode is seen when Ego Jinpachi plays Reo as a defender in the Blue Lock vs U-20 match. His role is to observe the opponent defenders, learn, and stop Shido.

As the match progressed, he copied abilities like Total Defense (Oliver Aiku), Physical Pressure (Kazuma Nio), Movement off the ball (Miroku Darai), Trap Shot (Nagi Seishiro), and Top Speed (Teppei Neru). Reo then took his ability a step further, using it offensively to thus create the attack mode.

Neo Chameleon Strike Mode allowed him to play as a striker, copying complex plays and scoring for himself. For instance, against Bastard Munchen, he flawlessly snatched possessions, floated past the opponent's defense, and scored early on.

He has copied moves like Rin Itoshi's Trivela Shot and Oppressive Pass, Sae Itoshi's Cross Elastico Nutmeg, Lob Pass and Hyperspeed Scissors, and Isagi Yoichi's Direct Shot.

In conclusion

Blue Lock's Reo Mikage indeed stands out as one of the most intriguing characters in the series. Unlike other players who have a specific skill or physical characteristic, Reo seems to be a jack of all trades. His ability to play in multiple positions and quickly adjust to any situation makes him a special pick.

Initially, he might have been too attached to his "treasure," Nagi. However, after realizing his weakness, he underwent significant growth and became a force to be reckoned with. After all, it is his abilities that allowed him to secure a place in Manshine City and establish himself as a top talent.