Initial D, Vol. 1

Initial D (2-in-1) #1

by Shuichi Shigeno

Takumi Fujiwara é filho do dono de uma loja de tofu, e não sabe quase nada sobre carros. Certo dia, ele vai assistir a uma corrida dos Akina SpeedStars, o time de corredores de Iketani, seu veterano no trabalho, acompanhado de Itsuki, seu melhor amigo. Então, o Akagi RedSuns, time liderado pelos irmãos Takahashi e considerado o mais rápido de Akagi, aparece e desafia os Akina SpeedStars para uma corrida! É aqui que a lenda começa.

Genres: Manga, Comics, Sports, Fiction, Seinen, Graphic Novels, Comics Manga

448 pages, Paperback

First published November 6, 2020

About the author

Shuichi Shigeno (Japanese author profile: しげの秀一) is a manga artist, best known for the manga series Initial D. Shigeno has also created Bari Bari Densetsu, Dopkan, and Tunnel Nuketara Sky Blue ("First Love in Summer") all prior to the manga that would make him famous in 1995. In 1985, he received the Kodansha Manga Award in shōnen for Bari Bari Densetsu.

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

sucks that the book doesn't play eurobeat during the races but thats just one of the limitations of print ig

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was more invested in the subplot about Mogi engaging in compensated dating than the racing. Oops.

[Jose Gutierrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love the Anime and really wanted to get into the manga. I wish I could purchase all the individual volumes, but unfortunately they’re hard to find. Overall, great manga and would recommend to anyone who’s a fan of cars and Japanese drift culture!

[DeannaReadsandSleeps · Rating 5 out of 5]

just as fun to read as it is to watch. i freakin love initial d!!

[Gabriele Carli · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Quando un pilota viene sfidato a una gara, è buona educazione accettare, no?”

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Se non fosse per Dario Moccia, non avrei mai conosciuto Initial D, e nonostante io non sia un'appassionata di auto (e a maggior ragione di corse d'auto), questo primo volume deluxe mi ha appassionato, e infatti mi ha portato a una lettura lenta, per gustarmi ogni drift, ogni discesa e ogni dialogo. Un'opera che non vedo l'ora di continuare, per capire anche il mondo giapponese delle corse d'auto degli anni passati, e perché questo insolito protagonista, perennemente annoiato e assente che si emoziona per il volante, mi entusiasma.
(Peccato per le numerose critiche online, sulla traduzione anche, se non sbaglio. Io non ho trovato alcuna difficoltà nella lettura, inoltre ho letto che dai prossimi volumi gli errori saranno corretti)

[Alex Richey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is surprisingly technical. I appreciate the translation notes at the end that go into detail about the different car vocabulary. I'm super impressed with this story's pacing.

First book I ever did original cataloging for, so I'm treasuring this experience a little more for it. :)

[Moilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

ryosuke i keisuke to kraszi

[Amanda Iman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not for me. Way too centered around cars and not enough character stuff. Plus the way the main kid and his friend talk about girls is disgusting. But this is one of my husband's favorite mangas so I agreed to give it a chance. And now I never have to read this series again.

[mei! · Rating 5 out of 5]

was vergeten hoe peak initial d is omg 😭😭😭

[marcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up after watching the 2005 film adaptation recently. It's genuinely impressive how Shuichi Shigeno is able to convey the speed and excitement of car racing through drawings alone. Still don't understand what the Mogi's storyline is going for though.

[kesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

i’m into cars but i’m also not into cars to the point where i’d throw money to mod out a shitbox i found on facebook marketplace - although, if i ever learned how to drive a manual, i don’t see why not >:)

initial d is a banger and i love reading ab normal ppl js doing shit. the races were exciting and the way they’re commentated is both technical and accessible – i could hear the engine and smell the rubber burned from the drawings alone. shuichi shigeno a real one ☝️i’m still getting used to their faces bcs they look so 👁️👁️ but that’s js a common characteristic of how classic manga is drawn

must-read if you’re into cars or if you want a break from the ads 😮‍💨

4/5 - fuck u cliffhanger, never revisited tf was going on w mogi and her dad/daddy? multi-storyline plots hit different

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC from NetGalley.

This manga is about one thing: having a sick-ass car and doing sick shit in it.

The AE-86 is the true star here, highlighting its real life abilities on the rally circuit to a different group of fans. And now that it’s 25 years old, you can actually get a legit one in the states.

[Sahaj Gill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought in Shibuya - was so stoked to have found this. Set in the best time to be a motorsports fan: 90’s to early 00’s jdm market was a great blend of cool, sleek, unique analog cars that had just enough technology to make the car modern but still feel alive. Planning out my own fd/r32/s14 drift build asap. Now how do I find volume 2 in the US 😅

[Dylan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 25%
I don't know why I thought I would like this. I think I let the hype get to me, but this is just not a series for me. I could care less about cars or any of the characters.

[Zachary Stivers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish there was Eurobeat in it

[William Crettenden · Rating 5 out of 5]

good 👍 😃

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

"THE ONLY THING THAT WHINES LOUDER THAN YOU IS THAT ROTARY ENGINE, AND MY GT-R'S GONNA BURY YOU BOTH!"

Beep beep.

[Dillon Hildebrandt · Rating 5 out of 5]

literally so good im a damn mechanic and had to google stuff because of how accurate this book is

[Dylan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely will get better. Mogi's story is weird and her character makes no sense

[Kyle Breton · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Initial D anime is great so the manga is just as good!

[Serene Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up in a whim and was completely pulled in

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Initial D was one of my first Manga although I confess I could only find up to volume 3 back then. When I learned that Omnibus’ were due to be released I was excited since it would give me a chance to collect the series properly.


This omnibus features a new translation but of course the classic tale of racing that helped start the craze in Japan. The art work is so detailed and suits the story well. Of course it does have a bit of an older vibe to it but I am glad they haven’t tried to update this. The story is easy to follow and engaging as well. I will definitely be adding a physical copy to my shelves in the future and highly recommend to fans new and old.

[Kurokosworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Kodansha for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 🙌

4/5 ⭐️

I’m very excited to be able to read a new translation of a classic and beloved series. This was my first time experiencing Initial D, and I’m glad I decided to take a dive into this work!

I enjoyed Takumi as a protagonist, and I love that he has unintentionally & uniquely been building impressive driving skills while having minimal knowledge about cars and the racing scene. I like that it got right to the action with the immediate introduction to rivals, providing drama and eventually motivation for our protagonist. Even with the fast pace of the story, we get to see the camaraderie Takumi and the Akina Speed Stars have for each other. The art is a bit static compared to other series that were released around a similar time, but the expressions are charming and the art definitely shines most in the racing scenes.

I was curious and decided to compare the translation & other changes between this omnibus and the version digitally released previously. While there are some things that I think worked a little better in the old version, the new translation in the omnibus far exceeds the previous one and is much smoother.

For those curious, here are some main changes between both versions in volume 1:
- The map of turfs unfortunately was omitted (at least for the ARC; will confirm later if the released version includes one). However, a good portion of the pages in the beginning are colored, and SFX is now translated alongside the original text.
- Names were returned to Japanese. Example: Natalie is now Natsuki.
- Both versions have their fair share of slang, but the new version flows much better and is more concise.
- Some art that was modified/censored previously is now uncensored (for better or for worse).

My major gripe is Natsuki’s current arc, and it definitely shows as a product of its time. Her “arrangement” with a faceless “wealthy” man is slightly less overt in this version with its dialogue, but still rather icky. I was also not a fan of her sexualization, which includes a (now uncensored) panty shot and an imagined nudity scene. Why was the inclusion of a high school girl having sex with an ex-boyfriend and showing bare breasts necessary when it could’ve been portrayed in other ways? While I’m sure this all relates to an important starting point in her arc that will lead to more development later, it very much leans into the character trope of sexy girl that exists to eventually pair up with the male protagonist, combined with random fanservice that seems out of place in a fun sports/racing manga. But alas, it was the 90s.

This series is still a very engaging read despite that, and as someone who knows nothing about cars I’m very thankful for the described terminology in the translator’s notes at the end to help understand what everything means. The bonus comic was also very cute.

I was a little sad that the ARC provided was not complete due to space limitations, and I wish it had at least covered up to all of Volume 1 (10 chapters) instead of stopping at Chapter 7. Regardless, I had a great time with what was available, and now I have a reason to grab a full copy for myself!

For the shelf collectors, Initial D Omnibus Vol 1 is a great addition to a collection, for both old and new fans alike. This is the first time it has been in paperback since its TokyoPop days if I recall correctly, making it very accessible to add to a shelf without paying insane resale prices. Prior to reading this I was only familiar with the music, but I’m now a fan and definitely will be looking forward to future releases!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember watching "Initial D" when I was in high school (and had read a couple of Initial D manga before), so when I saw that there was an omnibus of the first two books, I was intrigued. I loved the anime and I enjoyed this omnibus.

The storyline was intriguing and fun. While I'm not the biggest racing fan, I found the anime's depiction of it to be exciting and engaging. The same can be said about racing in the manga. At times, it gave me some nostalgia - not just for the anime, but also playing video games such as Need for Speed. The manga doesn't just cover this though. It includes a lot of good character moments.

I thought that characterization was solid generally, though I had one issue with it that I discuss further on in this review. I like the main character, Takumi. He comes off as nonchalant, calm, and disinterested. His responses about cars gets him ridiculed. Yet, he is very good at racing and his personality and approach to driving makes it more interesting. His best friend, Itsuki, can be annoying at times and insecure. But I like the dynamics between him and Takumi and it leads to a cool plot point towards the end of the book. The Takashi brothers are the first antagonists of the book and they also have a cool dynamic, particularly with the differences in personality. I am intrigued most by the cerebral Ryosuke Takahashi. I'd like to see a race between him and Takumi one day. Last, but not least, I like Bunta and Yuichi. The former is Takumi's father. He also comes off as nonchalant but is very skilled also - and the way he has taught his son driving was pretty cool and fascinating. Yuichi is the owner of the gas station that Takumi and Itsuki work at. He is not only insightful but also, I like how he's a good boss and the way he uses to motivate Takumi towards the end of the book.

I like the details that Shuichi Shigeno uses to describe the various driving tactics. Perhaps it is the more nerdy part of me, as well as my growing interest in cars, but I was fascinated and I had fun googling the various terms used. It was a fun way to learn, though I didn't realize that there was a glossary of sorts at the end. My Google searches seemed to match the glossary so that was neat. With that said, I cannot say how accurate the tactics are. But it was fun geeking out over that.

Nevertheless, the book did have some downsides. I am not a fan of the depiction of Natsuki Mogi. It seems pretty shallow so far and objectifying also. Moreover, while I like the art overall, it isn't my favorite.

Overall, I like the Initial D omnibus. The plot and characterization of many of the characters were good. I also enjoyed the depiction of driving and racing tactics. However, I'm not a fan of Natsuki's characterization so far and the art isn't my favorite.
I do plan on reading the next omnibus and seeing how the story unfolds.

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been aware of Initial D for decades, but it was always somewhat inaccessible. I mean, not really, but like the anime wasn't on [adultswim], I don't think. I believe TokyoPop handled the original English publication of the manga? I think my local library didn't have it. Anyway, I always assumed the cars would look weird in the anime (they're CGI, I think?), and the idea of high-speed racing in static manga panels seemed silly.

Well, I finally got into the manga, and a big thing to note is the races feel tense enough despite the lack of actual movement in the illustrations! Otherwise, the manga feels like a battle series and/or even a hot-blooded mecha series, just with cars instead of superpowers or robots. It's technically seinen rather than shounen, but that doesn't have significant impact on thematic material other than the fact that the main girl does compensated dating.

Takumi is an interesting protagonist because he's new to the world of drifting, but has been drifting for five years without knowing it's a "thing"; he just wants to deliver his father's tofu quickly across the mountain roads, and his father - a racer in his own day - kinda-sorta tricks our hero into learning how to drift. This omnibus collects two volumes of the original manga, ending just before Takumi's second major race, being the first time he actually actively chooses to become a "racer," so the narrative pacing is maybe a bit "relaxed" in its character development. (This also has the unfortunate consequence of leaving this 2-in-1 volume on a rather big cliffhanger of sorts, as we have to wait until the next collection for the big race...).

[Angel 一匹狼 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is surprisingly fun and engaging, Shigeno throwing the reader into the world of the manga right away and making it a pleasure to read about cars, and driving, even for someone like me who has no driving license (on the other hand, don't ask me how much of what the manga shows is realistic). The story is as simple as they come: Takumi a high schooler who just got his driving license, works in a petrol station and has a friend who is crazy about cars and want to race down this famous mountain. Takumi is a little aloof and doesn't seem to much care about what his friend says even if, we pretty soon discover, he is amazing at driving down that same mountain. The volume (well, what we get here is less than half the first Omnibus 1, so it would be a little bit less than a traditional manga volume) shows what seems to be the 'driving force' behind the story: different drivers, races, and that amazing AE-86 Trueno. And if soccer or other sports manga can go on forever, maybe Initial D can maintain the interest through its 48 volumes. For now, it already has the head start.

Downsides: those faces. I don't know if Shigeno changes much his style as the story progresses but the faces are meh at best; they seem to be plastered on the page. And also Natsuki, the female character, who seems to be just one more of those female characters in shonen manga.

At the end, it also has some explanations about Japanese relationships, places and driving stuff.

8/10

(English translation by Kevin Steinbach)

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy*

[Francesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is awesome!

It’s my first ever manga and I couldn’t choose a better one. Being a car guy myself, I knew I had to buy it.

After a couple of pages I immediately got a homely feeling, one that I only previously experienced with Doraemon. It’s the simple narrative, straightforward dialogue, many feel-good moments and some heavily technical discussions that gave me new insight on something I took for granted: drifting.

I know that for some this series could feel lacklustre, especially because it’s not so well structured in terms of character depth or storytelling, but do we really need that?
Car go brr, monkey brain go wow.
The cars (and a certain tofu delivery guy) take the spotlight, and rightfully so.

I loved that chucklehead of Itsuki, what a funny guy. And what a guy is Iketani as well: a know-all racer who goes through a commendable arc. Mogi, of course, is Mogi (☺️).

One thing I can’t hide is that I was kinda mad when the book ended before it should’ve, but that’s just how mangas work. I didn’t really know what I was getting into.
Yet I can’t go below five stars because I loved every single bit of reading it.

I can’t wait to dive into the following volumes!

You can’t go wrong with this masterpiece.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Takumi Fujiwara frequently navigates the challenging roads of Mount Akina as part of his tofu delivery job. Unbeknownst to him, he's honed racing skills that most drivers only acquire after years of experience. However, his friends are oblivious to his talents, as they're engrossed in the local street racing team, the Akina Speed Stars. When the renowned Red Suns challenge the Speed Stars, the spotlight shifts to a mysterious car, the Trueno Eight-Six, tearing through the mountainous terrain. The identity of the driver and their willingness to accept this perilous challenge remains a mystery.I fondly remember watching the manga film with my friends decades ago. We'd all fantasize about owning and racing those cars. Seeing it again recently transported me back to those youthful days, offering a delightful trip down memory lane. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting this story and reliving those moments.Many thanks to NetGalley and Kodansha Comics.

[Josh Boucher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this up on a whim. I don’t know why, but the best I can figure is that the cover and other aesthetics reminded me a lot of my own childhood and playing hours and hours of need for speed v-rally.

I was pleasantly surprised. This was fantastic. Shuichi Shigeno’s art is stellar — the style was striking, the speed evident, the cars and the car-related settings looked so good. I love the style the characters are all drawn in.

The story was engrossing. Takumi is a young man who doesn’t give a crap about racing cars down the local mountain, but all of his friends and coworkers care a lot. It turns out that racing certainly gives a crap about him.

At one point, Takumi’s dad tells Takumi’s supervisor and coworker Iketani about skill, that: “No one teaches it to you. You find it for yourself, hone it, make it your own.” Turns out, that’s exactly right.

I don’t really care that much about cars, and I know even less. But this was blood-pumping at times and 100% worth a read.