Initial D
REVOLUTION
The Series !
Initial D (頭文字 D) is an anime series published by Avex, based on the manga.
The anime and manga focuses on the world of
illegal Japanese street racing, where all the action is
concentrated in the mountain passes (called touges) and never in
cities nor urban areas, and the drift racing style is emphasized
in particular. The manga is drawn by artist Shuichi Shigeno, who
started publishing the manga in 1995, featured in Kodansha's
Young, on a weekly basis. The manga and anime has also been
licenced by TOKYOPOP for an English Release. The company drew
complaints from anime fans when it changed some characters'
names and gave others Americanized nicknames while not changing
other names. For instance, main character Takumi became Tak and
his best friend Itsuki became Iggy, while Takumi's father Bunta
retained his name and so did an opponent by the name of Shingo.
In addition, TOKYOPOP cut out a character's prostitution
relationship with another character and edited sex scenes. They
also changed the music from the series' staple eurobeat.
Avex has released the anime in several parts called Stages. One
noticeable feature is that it uses Eurobeat music as background
music in race scenes.
Initial D First Stage - 26 acts
Initial D Second Stage - 13 acts
Initial D Battle Stage - 45 minute
movie of every major battle from 1st, 2nd and 3rd stage. The
graphics have been redone and polished in this stage.
Initial D Third Stage - 2 hour
movie
Initial D Extra Stage OVA - 2 hour
side-story movie
Initial D Fourth Stage - 14
episodes