In the third installment of Shuichi Shigeno’s manga series, “Initial D Omnibus 3,” readers are once again treated to thrilling motor-racing action. This time, however, a touch of romance is added to the mix.
The story kicks off with Takumi Fujiwara facing his most challenging race yet against Ryosuke Takahashi, also known as the “White Comet” from the Red Suns racing team. The intense competition between the two racers keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
A notable addition to this collection is the introduction of the first female racers in Initial D. Mako Sato, despite her lack of knowledge about cars, proves to be a skilled and fast driver. Her interaction with Takumi’s friend, Iketani, adds a romantic subplot to the storyline. Although Mako contemplates quitting racing, a chance encounter with Iketani on a racing road sparks her interest again.
While the racing scenes remain the highlight of the manga, the portrayal of Mako’s character receives mixed reviews. The idea of her offering her virginity to Iketani in exchange for arranging a race with Takumi raises some concerns about the representation of women in the story. However, it is noteworthy that Iketani declines the offer, showcasing a positive stance on the matter.
The translation by Kevin Steinbach is seamless, although the use of small lettering in some panels by Scott O. Brown could be improved. Maggie Le’s editing is satisfactory, and Phil Balsman’s cover art continues to impress.
Despite the questionable portrayal of Mako, the overall quality of the manga remains commendable. The inclusion of female racers is a step forward, and hopefully, future volumes will address any problematic aspects in the narrative.
In addition to the review, readers learn that Ryosuke has plans to recruit the best drivers in the area, raising questions about Takumi’s potential involvement in his expansion strategy.
Overall, “Initial D Omnibus 3” offers a mix of high-octane racing action and budding romance, making it an engaging read for fans of the series. The manga’s ability to keep readers hooked with its thrilling races is undeniable, even as it navigates complex themes and character dynamics.
Our review copy of the manga was generously provided by Kodansha through Diamond Book Distributors, allowing us to delve into the world of Initial D and share our insights with readers.
