Thursday, September 16, 2010

Air Gear


Author: Oh! Great
Illustrator: Oh! Great
English Publisher: Del Rey
Volume count: 17+
Note: Volumes 15, 16 and 17 have been compiled into one thick book. I've counted each one separately.


     Air Treks are the hottest thing to have hit in the past few years. These fully customizable motorized skates give you the ability to soar as high as a bird and move with the speed of lightening. Storm Riders are individuals who take AT's to another level. Using body, mind and soul, they masterfully produce unique Tricks that push them to the limits of their strengths. And strength is what the notorious Itsuki 'Ikki' Minami is known for. Though never strapped on a pair of AT's in his life, the Eastside 'Babyface' doesn't hesitate in accepting a challenge. Determined to climb as high as he possibly can, he confidently strikes down anyone who approaches. That is...until he encounters a gang of Storm Riders called the Skull Saders. Complete and utterly beaten, he makes his way back home to the Noyamano sisters. But the third oldest, Ringo, believes Ikki is destined for something greater than this life and resolves to make it happen. Soon after, Ikki is introduced to the underground world of Storm Riders and presented the opportunity to redeem himself. With the help of all his friends, Ituski Minami once again is given the strength he needs and vows to one day soar high enough to conquer the skies.

     Air Gear is a fresh and exciting series that is hard to ever get tired of. The very concept of Air Treks is intriguing itself. Many of us are familiar with skates and rollerblades, but then you add rocket power to them, tell me that isn't awesome. Oh! Great has a beautiful art style that is both delicately drawn but still strong. This series also happens to have a considerable amount of adult content so there's plenty of suggestive material. But the art is still very impressive; buildings, people, textures and character designs are quality work. The story is fantastic and very funny. The plot starts simple and follows a pattern of fighting, reflecting, preparing and fighting again. It is of course much more engaging than how I just described it. And if you're thinking that this is just another competitive sports manga, think again. As exciting as the first few volumes are, the plot deepens considerably as Ikki and the reader learn more and more about Air Treks and the people using them.
The new characters and enemies are never what you expect them to be. They each have special qualities or characteristics they use when fighting but because the reader is traveling with Ikki, every battle is a surprise. New mechanics and technology is introduced and updated just as it would be in reality so it never gets dull.
This manga series does span a number of volumes, but every one of them is as good if not better than the last. Recommended to fans of all genres, Air Gear is one hell of a ride.

Thank you, once again! I'm happy that I've found such a solid and exceptional group of followers! I'll try my best to update these as constant as possible. Any thoughts on the new layout? Also, I've posted another poll to get a better idea of what type of manga would appeal to you guys the best. Thanks again and see you guys next update. (I should post a picture of my collection...you guys wouldn't believe the dust).

19 comments:

  1. cool. I really like how in-depth these are. :)+thanks for the tips.

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  2. This seems pretty interesting, pretty original too :D

    Excellent review as always, will be back!

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  3. Another awesome Manga that I have also read. I don't like how they toned down the ecchi in the anime though :(

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  4. Thanks! And yeah, I was kinda disappointed too.

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  5. seriously wishing air gear was real.

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  6. I loved Air Gear. Really liked how even though some of the abilities were seemingly useless (e.g. Smell road, like what the hell?) the author still managed to make it somewhat useful later on.

    I'm surprised an Ice element wasn't implemented though...

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  7. interesting, ill check this out too

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  8. nice post!
    i love it ;)
    supportin & following you ;):D

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  9. You sure know a lot about manga... 0.0

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  10. I really enjoy the way you summarize and critique manga. In fact, I've come to find reading it addicting. That said, I've decided to follow you. :D

    I have a blog as well, which you can follow if you're interested. It's the life story of a badass, modern Pecos-Bill-type character told in daily vignettes. I'm looking for actual readers, rather than just clickers/supporters, so if anyone's interested, feel free to take a look. =)

    http://tornadojackson.blogspot.com/

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  11. great review! have always been an anime person my self, am never really into manga. will probably read this one doh

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  12. I started reading airgear and I love it!

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  13. thanks for the info, I've been looking for a good manga and this one sounds perfect for me.

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  14. Great job on this. I think I'll have to go check this out now!

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  15. i completely agree with you air gear for the win

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  16. i cant believe what iv been missing. i must start reading this!

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