I am going to keep this short since Initial D First Stage is only the 1st season of the series. On another note, who would have thought that a car racing themed anime would be so engaging and ejoyable.
Story: 8/10
Although at first the story may seem borin or not appealing it actuallty is great.
The story revolves around a ditsy highschooler (Takumi) who will join his friend's race team and become one of the fastest street racers in his area.
The only noticeable "dumb" thing is the fact that they seem to forget they have phones and that certain characters exchanged phone numbers.
What bugs me is Mogi and I understand why the viewers dislike her. Mogi seems to have inappropriate relations with an older man she calls "papa", prostitution if I may call it that, from what I uderstood Mogi keeps "papa" company in exchange for money, clothes or other benefits but I may be wrong.
Characters: 8/10
The main character is likeable and a good protagonist, he is well characterized and gets more than enough development, from driving out of necessity to driving out of pleasure.
The supporting characters are explored to some depth, they all have diffrent personalities with diffrent dreams and most of them are well described.
I wish for a prequel showing the racing days of Takumi's father.
Animation: 8/10
I personally enjoyed the animation and art, especially in the street races the CG was well put to work. The animation is mostly fluid and the art is nice.
Sound: 10/10
The opening theme is good, ending theme is good as well. What I really enjoyed was the surpisingly good background music that cointaind various diffrent songs, the OST does an outstanding job.
Enjoyment: 9/10
This anime got me hyped up and gave me goosebumps, I think that says more than enough.
Overall: 8.4/10
A great anime series, I paricularly am interested in cars but I think anyone would enjoy this show. I would recommend Initial D to anyone.
