Initial D

The Stages !

An interesting thing about Initial D, the Anime, is that it is divided into stages with differing artwork in each one and that not every stage is a series. Here is a very brief overview of each stage. For specifics, please see the Episode Summaries.

First Stage
General: TV series, 26 episodes
Teams introduced: Akina SpeedStars, Akagi RedSuns, Myougi NightKids, Usui Impact Blue
First Stage is the beginning of it all. For many people, it is their favorite stage although people tend to dislike the artwork. Takumi's skill is revealed to the racing world in his first battle with Keisuke and soon, every team and driver wants to challenge Akina's hachi roku.

Second Stage
General: TV series, 13 episodes
Teams introduced: Irohazaka Emperor, (?) Thunders
The artwork has greatly improved in Second Stage, and Akina is no longer used as the main stage as Takumi decides to never race on his home course again after the first battle with the Emperors. Both he and his car go through major changes in this stage.

Third Stage
General: Movie
Teams introduced: none
In Third Stage, Takumi takes care of any unfinished business, both in the racing world and with Mogi, before his graduation and before replying to Ryosuke's invite to join his new racing team.

Fourth Stage
The information on Fourth Stage will be written after the completion of the series. Fourth Stage takes place right after Third Stage, the main characters being Takumi, Keisuke, and Ryosuke.

Battle Stage
General: OAV
Teams introduced: none
Battle Stage is just a collection of races from First, Second, and Third Stage except with improved graphics. There is no plot.

Extra Stage
General: OAV
Teams introduced: none
Extra Stage happens about the same time as Second Stage and probably spans to Third Stage. It's about an hour long and the main characters are Mako and Sayuki of Impact Blue. It focuses on Mako's decision on whether to quit racing or not.