Initial D: Second Stage

The one word that basically sums up this series is evolution. Everything, the characters, the CGI racing scenes, the plot, has "evolved" from the first series. (AKA First Stage) Anyone can see this by watching an episode of First Stage and then watching an episode of this series. The artwork is better, the CGI has gotten much better (there are license plates on the cars now) and the addition of a new gang certainly heats things up plotwise. Though this series is short, (13 episodes compared to 26 from First Stage) it is more than worth watching if you are a fan of the first series. After this, there is the OAV Extra Stage which has similar art/CGI and of course, the movie Third Stage. Incidently, this series and the OAV fill in the gaps in Third Stage as well as provide a nice transition.

Initial D is a Japanese Cartoon dealing with the Drift Racing scene which is now popular among the youth of Japan. The story revolves around Takumi Fujiwara, a drift racer of incredible skill, and his car, a Toyota AE86 (Hachiroku) Corolla. The art is a combination of traditional animation and CG, usually when dealing with the cars. What really makes the series, however, is the attention to detail. Keiichi Tsuchiya (Dorikin, The Drift King) is an advisor to the show, and it seems to have paid off. Not only is the driving technique realistic for the most part (drivers are shown heel-toe'ing, car detail is spot on), but the characters take the time to explain many of the driving techniques.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this anime has acquired quite a following in the United States, among automotive enthusiasts. While distribution was largely limited to VHS copies subtitled by fans, in the past few months proper DVDs with English subtitles have shown up on ebay.

After watching so many other car racing scene, either animated or even the 'real' movie, I would say that this is by far the best that I would recommend to anyone who are looking for adrenaline rush of a car racing. This is not something like you see in "Fast and the furious", where those punks only know how to upgrade their machines and run faster than the others in a rather straight street, no technique required there, dude.

Here in this series, though animated (but in CGI format), but it really shows to the car racing fans what a car racing scene should be. Not just over hype car crashing, car chasing where the car can fly, turn but landed still 4 wheels on ground stuff; amaze the audience with those nice looking or high tech car (like those in James Bond series). In Initial D, it is not necessarily the mean machines will win, but the one who can master the driving skills and techniques could even outrun the modern and better car. In this series, you could learn a bit of those cars characters, and also briefly how they could drift and swept those corners in a believable but stylish way. It doesn't have nonsense talking scene in the series. Most of the time, yeah, car racing. Since I love the series so much, I had bought the DVD collection and watch them again and again. Hey, it didn't bore me at all. Just really wonder if there's anyone in the movie industry could produce such an immense and almost impossible car racing/drifting scene using real machine and operated by stunt mans. If there's one, I would be the first to watch it. If you are interested in car chasing and racing, it is a must for you to go and watch it. Those japanese really know how to make an animated series so real and fascinating. I would give them 9 stars.

"Initial D: Second Stage" kicks off with a fresh and improved art style, setting it apart from the first stage. The visuals are noticeably better, capturing the heart-pounding racing action with a different aesthetic. However, a slight gripe lingers - I wish the character art matched the racing scenes. The cars, rendered in 3D, create a stark contrast against the more traditional 2D character designs.

But let's talk about the constant racing action - it's a non-stop adrenaline rush. Every race unfolds with precision, making you grin from ear to ear. What makes it even better is the unique electronic music that accompanies the fast-paced drifting. It's a perfect marriage of sound and speed that adds a whole new level of excitement.

What truly surprised me about "Second Stage" is its in-depth knowledge of cars and racing mechanics. The show delves into intricate details, discussing the advantages of each car and performance upgrade. It introduces many small nuances about racing that I never considered before. It's like getting a crash course in automotive engineering while enjoying the thrill of the races.

The racing scenes consistently deliver, and the show keeps you hooked with its genuine understanding of the racing world. It's not just about flashy visuals and high-speed chases; there's a layer of authenticity that enhances the overall experience. As a car enthusiast, I appreciate the effort to educate viewers about the technicalities of racing.

In conclusion, "Initial D: Second Stage" is a wild ride that improves on its predecessor. The art style may have its quirks, but the constant racing, unique music, and surprising depth in car knowledge make it a must-watch for both anime and car enthusiasts. Buckle up for a thrilling journey through the world of street racing with a soundtrack that keeps you grooving and a wealth of car knowledge that'll leave you with a newfound appreciation for the sport.