Initial D

Alternate Titles: Initial D: First Stage

Original Japanese Release Date: 1998

Episode Length/Run-time: 26 ( 25 mins ea. )

Summary:

Takumi Fujiwara, a high school student, works at a gas station during the day and as a delivery driver for his dad’s tofu shop at night. Little does he know, the driving skills he has developed driving his dad’s Toyota Sprinter AE86 Trueno on deliveries has made him the best amateur street racer on Mt. Akina’s highway. As word gets out, racers from across the Gunma area challenge him to see if he is really the awesome racer that he is made out to be.

Review:

AWESOME! I loved Initial D so much. Biased as I am, since I am also a car junkie, I still think most everyone will at least find this anime exciting and entertaining! The CG cinematics of the car racing may appear awkward at first, but it plays its role nicely throughout the anime. I can imagine hand drawing all the racing scenes could have potentially made them appear less streamlined. However, whats great about this anime is that a lot of the car talk within it is true to life, and not crazy like stuff from the movie Speed Racer. The cars in Initial D are also pretty accurately portrayed from the real life versions. Theres nothing more that I love than seeing a mid-90’s FD RX-7 racing an oldschool AE86! The suspense of each race and some of the daring stunts that Takumi pulls to stay on top of his game will keep you on the edge of your seat, guaranteed! A must watch, especially if you love cars like I do!

[starrater]