Anime of the Month (December 2007) - Air Gear

[JShaggy]

In a heated battle this month, Air Gear managed to break its way through to earn the right to be called Anime of the Month. Here's a brief synopsis of Volume 1, which is available now.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/releases.php?id=8029

Welcome to the world of Storm Riders, where motor-powered inline skates called "Air Treks" take extreme sports to a whole new level. Those who dare to ride with these high tech devices risk life and limb in a struggle for fame, power and wings to take to the sky.

Enter Ikki Minami, the toughest fighter on the east side of town. He rules his school, takes on violent gangs single-handedly and lives with the Noyamanos; four sexy sisters with a surprising secret. And after a humiliating defeat to a terrifying gang of Storm Riders, the sisters welcome him to the world of Air Trek, where his strength, speed and ambitions soar to brand-new heights.

Now, with powerful new wings, he must protect his friends, his school and his pride in fierce Air Trek battles known as "Parts Wars." One mistake could cost him everything, but each victory brings him one step closer to becoming the king of the sky.
You may now discuss the series, keeping in mind that any and all potential spoilers be placed in spoiler tags like this:
Ikki diesAlso, don't forget to rate the series when you're done.

P.S.: Watch out for crows.

[Conan-san]

I watched 1 episode and then gave up when I realised that the crow censor was not a one off thing.

The manga is a far better piece of work.

[Classic Speedy]

^ Did you watch the uncensored version?

[Kuroba]

Aww...Mushi-shi lost. :sad:

What I've seen of Air Gear hasn't impressed me. Nice opening song, but I didn't find it particularly entrancing.

[Baseball]

I really like Air Gear, but the way it was adapted doesn't sit well with me. Oh Great!'s style is difficult to express by using animation as a medium (or at least that's the case in the adaptations of Air Gear and Tenjho Tenge), but something about it doesn't retain the same feel. Also, the conclusion to what happened with the Skull Saders was bogus.

Further on into the Behemoth arc, the show sacrificed the detail and action Oh Great put into the fight against Akira and Bandou. It just didn't feel the same at all. I'm not comfortable with the huge skip in time at the end of the series too. There's just something about the anime that isn't as good, and it really shows.

[Conan-san]

^ Did you watch the uncensored version?At the point of DVDs (which I heard still had crows so I'm not intrested) my attention was so far into the manga that it wasn't worth giving it a shot.

[Classic Speedy]

At the point of DVDs (which I heard still had crows so I'm not intrested) my attention was so far into the manga that it wasn't worth giving it a shot. Well yes, they still have crows, but not nearly as many. About the only thing they can't show in the uncensored version is crotch shots for obvious reasons. Everything else is uncovered.

Anyway, the dub for this show is fantastic. Volume 2 was one of the funniest ADV dubs I've heard in a while.

[bigddan11]

I have been watching this series since it began airing on Anime Network Online. I've been impressed with it. Sure, it's another sports shonen, but the idea of skating and racing in the air causes a lot of interesting races. I'm also liking the various teams that have appeared so far and look forward to seeing how the series goes. I saw this available on DVD when it first came out, but it wasn't something I wanted since I don't care for skating or racing. I might actually buy the series after watching it all on Anime Network Online though. I prefer to watch it all just in case the quality decreases later on.

[Conan-san]

Well yes, they still have crows, but not nearly as many. About the only thing they can't show in the uncensored version is crotch shots for obvious reasons. Everything else is uncovered.1 crow is too much.

If they can not show the shot as it was right and proper, don't, for the love that is good and holy in this world, animate the damn thing.

Stupid Censorship in anime is the one thing that gets up my nose so damn much it aint funny.

Rememer kiddies, if it's got a grumblegoblin blocking out blood or crow coverting tit, then it's EN GEE as far as uncle craig is concerned.
Steam good, censorcrow bad.

[Classic Speedy]

Sigh. Let me ask you this: Do they have uncensored genitalia in the manga? I'm not being sarcastic, I'm very serious because I don't know. If they do, I'll retract any defense of the crows right now.

At any rate, we're kind of getting off track here.

[Karl Olson]

In thread note: discuss the show, do not troll the thread.

[BlackCat]

Well, I'm at least glad to see my single vote for Air Gear in last month's nomination managed to make it this month. Too bad I missed all of the voting excitement. In attempts to have some sort of discussion on the show before the month ends...:sweat:

I was first exposed to the anime, and it definitely caught me by surprise. Hearing about the initial premise didn't impress me, but the show manages to capture the exhilaration and fun of the sport. Many strong characters are showcased within, adding to the intrigue. I was actually able to see Back-On, the band that performs the OP, live and they were amazing. I'm glad to see this show get a solid dub as well.

I started reading the manga afterwards, and I've already seen some of the slight changes made. The overall story, from what I've seen and read so far, seems relatively unchanged. The manga is more detailed, but I'm still catching up in both.

It's definitely worth checking out, at least through the first story arc.

[Katsumara]

As far as I know, there are no genital shots in the manga at all anyway. There are breast shots/ass shots, but that's honestly it and none of it is covered by crows, just like the version of it that is up on AnimeNetwork, so I don't know what the big deal is.

Anyway, I'm enjoying Air Gear. I'm up to Episode 6 right now (Episode 5 was kinda risque xD), and it's looking good. They've animated it really great compared to how it is in the manga. I'm all caught up in the manga though. I think it's Chapter 188. Oh well.

I also enjoy the opening. BACK-ON - Chain is indeed a fun song.

[Classic Speedy]

I also enjoy the opening. BACK-ON - Chain is indeed a fun song. Yeah, I also like the ending theme "Sky 2 High". In fact I pretty much like the entire soundtrack by skankfunk- it's very groovy. I really wish a company would bring the OSTs over... unfortunately now that Geneon is under, that may never happen. :(

[Ar3d]

I vote this as good anime i do also watch this series but i still much like Bleach which is my favorite...