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{{Short description|Japanese manga series}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2023}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| title_name = Air Gear
| image = Air Gear 1.png
| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volume cover cover, featuring Ikki Minami with his pet crow, Kuu
| image = Air Gear Vol 3 - Del Rey.jpg
| ja_kanji = エア・ギア
| size = 222px
| ja_romaji = Ea Gia
| caption = The cover for the US edition of Vol 3
| genre = [[Action genre|Action]],<ref>{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|title=American Release Of "Air Gear" 36 Listed For 2017 - UPDATED|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/10/17/american-releases-for-air-gear-36-and-katsuhiro-otomo-tribute-book-listed-for-2017|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|access-date=July 16, 2021|date=October 17, 2016|archive-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716100703/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2016/10/17/american-releases-for-air-gear-36-and-katsuhiro-otomo-tribute-book-listed-for-2017|url-status=live}}</ref> [[sports manga|sports]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Kimlinger|first=Carl|title=Air Gear GN 1 - Review|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/air-gear-gn-1|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=August 23, 2018|date=October 1, 2006|archive-date=January 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070107050421/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/air-gear-gn-1|url-status=live}}</ref><!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
| ja_name = エア・ギア
| ja_name_trans = Air Gear
| genre = [[Shōnen]], [[Sports]], [[Action genre|Action]]
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Manga
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| title =
| type = manga
| author = [[Oh! great]]
| author = [[Oh! great]]
| publisher = [[Kodansha]]
| publisher = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[Kodansha]]<br>{{flagicon|Canada}} {{flagicon|United States}} [[Del Rey]]<br>{{flagicon|UK}} [[Tanoshimi]]
| publisher_en = {{english manga publisher
| publisher_other= {{flagicon|Sweden}} [[Schibsted Förlagen Sverige AB]]
| NA = [[Kodansha USA]]
| serialized = [[Weekly Shonen Magazine|Weekly Shounen Magazine]]
| first_run = May 16, 2003
| last_run = (ongoing)
| num_volumes = 15 (140 total chapters) (current)
}}
}}
| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|[[Shōnen manga|Shōnen]]}}
{{Infobox animanga/Anime
| director = Hajime Kamegaki
| imprint = Shōnen Magazine Comics
| magazine = [[Weekly Shōnen Magazine]]
| studio = Toei Animation
| first = November 6, 2002
| network = {{flagicon|Japan}} [[TV Tokyo]], [[TV Aichi]]
| last = May 23, 2012
| first_aired = [[April 4]] [[2006]]
| volumes = 37
| last_aired = [[September 26]] [[2006]] [http://anidb.info/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4196]
| volume_list = List of Air Gear chapters
| num_episodes = 25
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = tv series
| director = Hajime Kamegaki
| producer = {{ubl|Nobuaki Suzuki|Takao Yoshizawa}}
| writer = [[Chiaki J. Konaka]]
| music = {{ubl|Wall5|[[Hideki Naganuma|skankfunk]]|Masao Mase|Rowii|YA3|Masaki Sakamoto}}
| studio = [[Toei Animation]]
| licensee = [[Crunchyroll LLC|Crunchyroll]]
| network = [[TV Tokyo]]
| network_en = {{english anime networks
| AUS = [[Adult Swim (Australia)|Adult Swim]]
| SA = [[Animax (Asian TV channel)|Animax Asia]]
| SEA = Animax Asia
| US = [[Anime Network]]
}}
| first = April 4, 2006
| last = September 26, 2006
| episodes = 25
| episode_list = List of Air Gear episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = oad
| title = Break on the Sky
| director = [[Shinji Ishihira]]
| producer = {{ubl|Kensuke Tateishi|Masakazu Yoshimoto|Shōya Fukuda}}
| writer = Atsushi Maekawa
| music = Shigerō Yoshida
| studio = [[Satelight]]
| first = November 17, 2010
| last = June 17, 2011
| runtime = 28 minutes
| episodes = 3
| episode_list =
}}
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{nihongo|'''''Air Gear'''''|エア・ギア|Ea Gia|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Oh! great]], serialized in [[Kodansha]]'s [[shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Magazine]]'' from November 2002 to May 2012, with its chapters collected in 37 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes. ''Air Gear'' revolves around the life of Itsuki Minami "Ikki or Crow", also known as "Baby Face", "Lil (and Little) Crow", and his friends. The story follows their use of Air Gear, an in-universe invention derived from inline skates. Initial sections of the plot carries out the introduction of characters that eventually join Ikki. As the story progresses, it focuses on their roles as Storm Riders and their quest to be on the top of the [[Tropaion|Trophaeum]] Tower, the pinnacle that all Storm Riders hope to reach.


''Air Gear'' was adapted into a 25-episode [[anime]] television series by [[Toei Animation]], which aired on [[TV Tokyo]] from April to September 2006. A three-episode [[original video animation]] (OVA), titled ''Air Gear: Break on the Sky'', produced by [[Satelight]], was released from November 2010 to June 2011.
'''''Air Gear''''' (エア・ギア) is a [[shōnen]] [[manga]] and [[anime]] by the [[mangaka]] [[Oh! great]].

''Air Gear'' has been serialized in [[Weekly Shonen Magazine|Weekly Shonen Magazine]] since 2002. Currently, 14 [[tankōbon]] have been released in [[Japan]] by Shounen Magazine Comics.

The Air Gear manga was licensed for release in the [[United States]] by Del Rey and the first volume was released on July 25 2006. Subsequent volumes will be released every three months.

[[ADV Films]] announced over the Oct 20, 2006 weekend at Oni-Con, an anime convention in [[Houston, Texas]], that they had licensed the Air Gear [[anime]] for release in the USA. No date for release of the anime has been announced as of yet.


==Air Trek==

[[Air Trek]]s, AT for short, are similar to [[inline skates]] but with the difference that they run on their own power and are as fast as an automobile (thanks to micro-technology), practically defying the laws of gravity. Those who use ATs are called Storm Riders and they usually form teams who compete with each other, the goal of most Storm Riders is to win enough of these battles to advance in rank and eventually become a King of one of the 8 roads and maybe even become the fabled Sky King.

==Story==

Minami “Ikki” Itsuki, is a student and a delinquent. Also known as the “Unbeatable Babyface,” Ikki is the leader of the youth gang by the name of “East Side Gunz.” After being humiliated by a street gang of Storm Riders called the Skull Saders, whom he later defeats in a Trek Challenge. Upon his return home, Ikki discovers a secret hidden from him by his benefactors, the Noyamano sisters. The sisters belong to a group of Storm Riders who go by the team name of Sleeping Forest. Keen on helping Ikki to regain his confidence and pride, they supply him with a pair of Air Trecks (abbreviated as “AT”). Ikki eventually settles his grudge with the Skull Saders, but in the process he receives more than the simple satisfaction of revenge. Determined to experience the sensation of “flight” for as long as he can, our headstrong protagonist is quickly sucked into the mysterious, yet irresistible world of Air Treck.

Upon his entry into the realm of AT, Ikki triggers the interest of many seasoned veterans. Among them is the pink-haired Storm Rider Simca, who intends to lead our hero to what she believes is his ultimate destiny - the untouched throne of the Sky King. Backed by his friends and comrades Ikki forms his own team, the Kogarasumaru, in pursuit of his goals as a Storm Rider.

Apparently a child favoured by the wind, Ikki faces numerous challenges and obstacles in his journey towards his destination. Will his wings endure the trials of punishment, or will they shatter like Icarus’ imitations constructed from wax...?

== Characters ==
{{spoiler}}
===Kogarasumaru (小烏丸)===
Team Status: B Class
[[Image:Minami_Ikki.jpg|right|100px|Ikki]]
* '''[[Minami Itsuki]]''' (南樹) - Known as Ikki by his friends, he lives with a family of four sisters, the Noyamano. He is in his second year of junior high. Initially the leader of the youth gang the East Side Gunz, after the incident with Skull Saders, he gets very passionate with AT and even sets up his own AT team, Kogarasumaru (小烏丸) with his friends. Ikki is often characterized as a crow. He is able to see the "Wing Road" and is prophesied by Simca to be the Sky King. A crow, Kuu, lives on his head. Tentative successor to the title of Wind King. Ikki was hospitalized for some time due to an injury received during the Devil's Thirty Thirty challenge.
* '''Mikura Kazuma''' (美鞍数馬/『カズ』) - The childhood friend of Ikki, he was influenced by Ikki to take up AT. He is specialised in speed and is often characterized by Oh!Great as a jet plane. He can become so fast that he disappears from view, becoming invisible. As the sidekick, he is often overshadowed by Ikki and as a consequence, has an inferiority complex. He is in the same class as Ikki. His friends address him as "Kazu." Strengthens his resolve in the latest battle to achieve the Flame Road. As the temporary leader during Ikki's hospitalization, Kazu brought the team's rank up to B.
* '''Mihotoke Issa''' (御仏一茶/『仏茶』) - Known as Buccha to his friends and teammates, Mihotoke is a level E AT user who uses his immense strength as his weapon. Before he became part of Kogarasumaru, he was the leader of the team Yaō (夜王) which was broken up after Buccha lost a Parts War with Ikki. Buccha is often characterized as a tank. He attends Higachu Junior High School. He appears to be obese, but his body is only ten percent fat. His size is actually caused by a large amount of blood pooling in his gut from overeating. He also has the ability to manipulate that blood and send it to his muscles, causing him to temporarily have a slimmer, cut figure and even cause his limbs to become longer.
* '''Onigiri''' (オニギリ) - One of Ikki's childhood friends, he is also part of Kogarasumaru. His head is in the shape of an onigiri. Onigiri is a pervert and characterized as a pig. He uses illusions and has a strange way of using his AT by sitting upside down on it (to the chagrin of his female schoolmates whose skirts he tends to look up while doing this). He is in the same class as Ikki, and follows the "Smell Road." (the authenticity of this road is arguable, since one can't really tell if this was just another one of Oh!Great's jokes)
* '''Wanijima Akito''' (鰐島 亜紀人) - He is an innocent, cute and cheerful boy who has a double personality. When the eye patch is covering the right eye, he is in dominance of the body. He has a major crush on Ikki after he shows him the meaning of freedom and 'rescued' (upon which Akito stole a kiss from Ikki) him from his abusive brother. He now lives with Ikki and the Noyamano sisters, and attends Higashi Junior High School. Up until now, Akito is the only person Ikki has kissed. He is one of the five founding members of Kogarasumaru. Contrary to popular belief, Akito is, in fact, the original king of the Bloody Road, not his alter ego, Agito.
* '''Wanijima Agito''' (鰐島 咢) - Akito's dark half. When the eye patch is covering the left eye, he is in dominance of the body. He is very bloodthirsty and carves his road on people's bodies. Agito is not the original Fang King (he was born as a result of Akito's desperation after the discovery of Kaito's selfish intentions), and was part of the Wind SWAT team which catches people who abuse AT for crimes. He is often characterized as a shark. After Akito is 'rescued' by Ikki and joined Kogarasumaru, he becomes an unwilling member of the group. Agito is a Class A AT user. Currently unable to participate in battle due to an injury received during the Behemoth battle.

=== The Noyamano Family/Sleeping Forest (眠りの森) ===
Team Status: A Class

* '''Noyamano Ringo''' (野山野 林檎) - Ringo looks like your everyday junior high school girl. However, she is actually the successor of the legendary Storm Riders team, Sleeping Forest. She is also one of the eight 'Kings' in the AT world. Ringo is in love with Ikki but does not dare to tell him. She helps Kogarasumaru in times of trouble under the guise of Crossiant Mask (Croissiant Kamen). Ringo is a Class A AT user. Under the alias of "Croissant Mask," Ringo is determined to show Ikki the "fear" of flying through the air.
* '''Noyamano Mikan''' (野山野 蜜柑)- Mikan is the second eldest of the Noyamano sisters. A tomboyish girl with short messy hair, she's the disciplinarian of the group and is the one who usually punishes Ikki for his misdeeds. She also seems to enjoy teasing Ringo about her 'marital problems' with Ikki (especially later on when Akito/Agito moves in with them). She has a soft spot for [[Retrogaming|retro games]], something which Simca uses to initially gain her favor. Later on however, she confronts Simca on the issue of who's side Simca is really on.
* '''Noyamano Shiraume''' (野山野 白梅)- Known as Ume to her family, the youngest of the sisters. Her hobby is the creation of puppets and she's always seen carrying one with her. Other than that she's also quite handy with machines despite her age. She's the one who introduces Kogarasumaru to Kei Machida, the pro emblem designer who designs their team logo.
* '''Gabishi''' (蛾媚刺) - A member of the current Sleeping Forest. Also known as "Skinface Gabishi", this Storm Rider likes to remove a defeated opponent's face as a trophy. Had Nue not interrupted the battle between Gabishi and Yasuyoshi, the latter would have suffered the same fate. Gabishi was captured by Genesis with the help of Nue. He was severely tortured before being released.
* '''Om''' (王蟲) - Sleeping Forest's Water King. First thought to be a deformed dwarf, Om is later revealed to be a teenage girl with the ability to shift the properties of water. By saturating water with air bubbles, Om is able to modify its rigidity and use it in whatever way she desires. Weakened by Benkei then Kazu, she attempted suicide in accordance to the "Rule of the Trophaeum" to avoid capture. She was successfully disarmed and take into custody. Along with Gabishi, she was imprisoned for a period of time before release. Om has an unmatched craving for sweets.
* '''Kilik''' (キリク) - The former Gem King who was a member of the first Sleeping Forest. He betrayed his team and took the Wind Regalia. His current connections with Sleeping Forest are unclear.

===Behemoth (ベヒーモス)===
Team status: D Class - Disbanded

[[Image:Ep 18 - 12.png|thumb|right| Akira disappointed at Agito]]
* '''Udō Akira''' (宇童 アキラ) - Former leader of the gigantic, once-powerful, D-class Storm Rider organization "Behemoth." Together with Agito, he was also once a member of the Wind SWAT team. Due to a series of unfortunate events, Akira turns on his former colleague and gains possession of the Fang Regalia until Agito retrieves it with the Kogarasumaru in a challenge. Nicknamed the "Chō Jyū" (超獣 - Super Beast, i.e. [[Behemoth]]), Akira is a fearsome opponent. His elite AT skills and the ability to wield the Fang Regalia proves too much to handle even for Agito, the Fang King himself.
* '''Bandō Mitsuru''' (坂東 ミツル) - Sometimes referred to as the "Cyclops Hammer", Bandō Mitsuru is one of the four elite members of Behemoth, the "Shi Sei Jyū" (四聖獣 - lit. "four mythical beasts). Mitsuru specializes in close combat, using his ultra-destructive punching power as his main weapon. When coupled with the speed of his AT, Mitsuru's punches result in damage of diabolical proportions. During the Behemoth VS Kogarasumaru challenge, he fought Ikki and was thoroughly defeated. With the arrest of Akira at the hands of the Wind SWAT team, Bandō now seeks to establish his own Storm Rider team.
* '''Goshogawara Fūmei''' (五所瓦 風明) - Also known as the "Hecatoncheir Bomb". Like Bandō, he is also a member of the Shi Sei Jyū. Goshogawara's peculiarly long arms serve as his means of attack. He seems to be able to re-locate his joints after having them twisted out of place. According to Agito, his special technique is "Hundred" (a move that caused so much friction due to blows that Buccha's skin was burning). Supposedly, it is an attack that is able to brush aside numerous enemies within the duration of a few seconds. His opponent was Buccha during the Behemoth VS Kogarasumaru match. Goshogawara emerged victorious. He is often characterized as a digger wasp.
* '''Mimasaka Ryō''' (美作 涼) - The lone female member of the Shi Sei Jyū. She goes by the alias of "Gorgon Shell" (石化の盾 - lit. the petrifying shield). The title is appropriate because of the "Oshiroibori" (白粉彫り) tattoos, which are almost invisible to the naked eye (until they are exposed to body heat), that cover a substantial portion of her body. The tattoos work in conjunction with her body movements to hypnotize the opponent to the point that their metabolism slows down so much that it leads to paralysis (hence Mimasaka's title, the "Gorgon Shell", in reference to the [[Gorgon]] [[Medusa]] from [[Greek mythology]]). She is said to be amongst the top ten female riders of Japan. Despite her powers, however, her soul was "liberated" by Onigiri during their match, and thus earning the Kogarasumaru their single decisive victory over the Shi Sei Jyū. She is often characterized as a snake.
* '''Sano Yasuyoshi''' (左 安良) - The final member of the Shi Sei Jyū, and appears to be the strongest of the four. Sano is known as the "Iron Clock" (時の支配者 - lit. the manipulator of time) due to his ability to seemingly "stop" time. While Sano is an outstanding AT user with awesome speed, his most devastating weapon is his brilliant mind. Exploiting the laws of physics, Sano was able to render himself virtually invisible to Kazu (and the audience) during their battle. The battle ended with Sano as the victor. However he isn't without honor as its his statement that gives Kogarasumaru their win after the battle with Akira (the two teams had techniclly stalemated with 2 wins each). Strangely enough, Yasuyoshi and Spitfire were once both men seeking to achieve the Flame Road. The former seemed to have abandoned that goal for reasons unknown.
{{clear}}

===Genesis (創世神)===
Team Status: A-Class

* '''Simca''' (シムカ) - She is nicknamed "Simca of the Swallow" (Tsubame no Shimuka). She was the girl who Ikki would watch while she rode her AT through his neighborhood. She develops an interest in Ikki and loves being naked around him (much to Ringo's chagrin). Nothing much is known about her except that she is collecting all eight Kings and the eight roads. It is revealed much later in the series that she heads an AT team, Genesis. Simca was a member of Tool Toul To when the original Sleeping Forest team was still around and was present when Takeuchi Sora, the candidate for the Sky King title, was betrayed by the Gem King, Kilik. She is currently bound to a wheelchair due to Om's "Bubblegum Crisis" attack.
* '''Spitfire''' (スピット・ファイア) - He is one of the eight Kings, the Flame King. He is a highly sought hair stylist in everyday life. His speed creates the illusion of flames due to the heat caused by the friction of his wheels on the ground. Was part of the original Sleeping Forest team. In the latest chapter, he decides to quit being the Flame King. Intends to give the Flame Regalia to Kazu.
* '''Nue''' (鵺) - The Thunder King. Head of the all-kids team, Black Crow. One of the four Kings of Genesis. Nue's Regalia is special in that it's the only full body Regalia of the AT world. Apart from his neck and head, his whole body is incased in the Regalia. Nue specializes in manipulating electricity and magnetism, thereby able to creat hallucinations and/or powerful electric attacks with his wire system built into the Thunder Regalia. The Thunder Regalia was heavily damaged in an earlier battle with Gabishi but thanks to a rather quick re-tuning, Nue was able to arrive in time to save Kazu and co. from Gabishi.
* '''Sano Yasuyoshi''' (左 安良) - Upon the disbanding of Behemoth, Sano was recruited into Genesis by Simca. He now resides with Ikki at the Noyamano household and acts as the guardian of the Kogarasumaru.
* '''Yoshitsune''' (ヨシツネ) - Leader of the Kansai Storm Rider syndicate "Trident." A brilliant strategist and occasionally a pervert, Yoshitsune holds the position of Rumble King. He challenged Ikki with the "Devil's Thirty Thirty", a stunt that normally involves jumping over the bodies of thirty-three of one's teammates; in Ikki's case, he has to leap over Ringo who lies at the end of the track. The power of his Regalia is demonstrated during Ikki's first jump when Agito attempted to assist his team leader by accelerating Ikki with a "fang." Yoshitsune's Ram Jet Theory based Regalia intercepted and completely desolved it. Ultimately, Ikki successfully tackled the challenge, and Trident agreed to collaborate with Genesis.
* '''Benkei''' (ベンケイ) - Despite the masculinity of her name, Benkei is Yoshitsune's beautiful and skilled second-in-command. After the merge with Genesis, Benkei became the Kogarasumaru's trainer (and unofficial team member) during Ikki's hospitalization period. Her preferred weapon of choice is the Panther's Corsa (豹頭の錫杖).
* '''Nike''' (ニケ) - Little is known about the current Gem King. He has yet to make his appearance.

===Tool Toil Too (道具屋)===
Team Status: ???

* '''Makigami Ine''' (巻上イネ) - Leader of the neutral Link Tuner team "Tool Toil Too." Makigami seems to be the heiress of a rich family that is well known in the medical field. Aside from being the Pledge King and the leader of Tool Toil Too, she is the head of a private hospital.
* '''Sumeragi Kururu''' (皇杞 枢) - A relatively new member of the team, Kururu is keen on becoming Ikki's Tuner. She is also the tentative successor for the title of Pledge King. Recently recreated the Wind Regalia core.
* '''Kanon''' (奏音) - Assisted Rika and Sora when they were attacked by Gabishi. Kanon is Ringo's Tuner.
* '''Kana''' (加奈) - Nue's Tuner.

===Sable Tiger===
Team Status: Disbanded (once F class)


''Air Gear'' had over 18 million copies in circulation by August 2020. It won the 31st [[Kodansha Manga Award]] for the {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} category in 2006.
The first to challenge Ikki's team. This team occupied the area of the school after the fall of the Yaō. As the Kogarasumaru was in the same place, they soon started a F Class Parts War.
* '''Iriya Natsumi''' - Leader of this team. Her special technique is "Moon Walker", which lets her to ride backwards. She thought that she could get an easy win on Ikki because of her technique in addition to that no men would attack a woman from the front. However, Ikki had an incredible win on her.


==Plot==
===Other characters===
{{main|List of Air Gear characters{{!}}List of ''Air Gear'' characters}}
A new fad by the name of "Air Treks" (a futuristic evolution of aggressive skating) has swept the nation's youth and all over gangs are being formed that compete in various events using their A-Ts. Ikki is a middle-school boy who is the toughest street-fighting punk on the east side of town and part of the gang "The East-Side Gunz". He lives with four adopted gorgeous sisters who took him in when he was a kid. But what Ikki does not know is that the girls are part of one of the most infamous A-T gangs, "Sleeping Forest". It does not take long before Ikki finds out about the world of Air Treks and is propelled into a fate he had not foreseen, learning about his past and making a number of storm riding allies on the way.


==Media==
* '''Machida Kei''' (町田 形)- Professional emblem designer (someone who designs emblems for Storm Rider teams) and friend of Shiraume. Like Ume, she makes her own puppets. When Kogarasumaru meet her, she doesn't speak directly to the team but talks through Shiraume.
===Manga===
* '''Tomita Mari''' (富田 毬)- Ikki's homeroom teacher. Young, cute and inexeperienced, she's the perfect object of a junior high school students fantasies. Referred to as Ton-chan by just about everyone and has gotten involved with Kogarasumaru's adventures as an AT-team. A former student at Higashi Junior High-school herself, she's constantly being reprimanded by Orihara Masaya, the academic head of the school and her former teacher. She has a small car that the team used to travel to watch the battle where they first met Akito/Agito. She is constantly paranoid that someone is going to rape her.
{{see also|List of Air Gear chapters{{!}}List of ''Air Gear'' chapters}}
* '''Orihara Masaya''' (折原 征也)- Academic head of Higashi Junior High-school, constantly tries to discipline Ikki and his team but with little success.
Written and illustrated by [[Oh! Great]], ''Air Gear'' was serialized in [[Kodansha]]'s [[Shōnen manga|{{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} manga]] magazine ''[[Weekly Shōnen Magazine]]'' from November 6, 2002,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:今週の週刊少年マガジン☆第49号☆|url=http://www.shonenmagazine.com/magazine_49/index.html|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=July 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021107105856/http://www.shonenmagazine.com/magazine_49/index.html|archive-date=November 7, 2002|language=ja}}</ref> to May 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-06/air-gear-manga-to-end-in-5-more-chapters-in-japan|title=Air Gear Manga to End in 5 More Chapters in Japan|date=July 7, 2012|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=March 24, 2013|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618173937/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-04-06/air-gear-manga-to-end-in-5-more-chapters-in-japan|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:「エア・ギア」完結！オシャレなテープ型USBハブを贈呈|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/69828|website=[[Natalie (website)|Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=February 24, 2020|language=ja|date=May 23, 2012|archive-date=February 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200224160058/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/69828|url-status=live}}</ref> Kodansha collected its 357 individual chapters into 37 {{Transliteration|ja|[[tankōbon]]}} volumes, published under its Shōnen Magazine Comics imprint, from May 16, 2003,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:エア・ギア（１）|url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3632423|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216183032/http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3632423|archive-date=December 16, 2013|language=ja}}</ref> to July 17, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:エア・ギア（３７）|url=http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3847020|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=June 25, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131216190654/http://bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3847020|archive-date=December 16, 2013|language=ja}}</ref> A [[One-shot (comics)|one-shot]] chapter was published in the magazine on December 22, 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/12/21-1/air-gear-manga-one-shot-sequel-on-latest-issue-of-shonen-magazine|title="Air Gear" Manga One-Shot Sequel on Latest Issue of Shonen Magazine|website=[[Crunchyroll]]|access-date=February 25, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312133508/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/12/21-1/air-gear-manga-one-shot-sequel-on-latest-issue-of-shonen-magazine|url-status=live}}</ref>
* '''Takeuchi Sora''' (武内 空) - First leader of Sleeping Forest. Once known as the man who was closest to being the Sky King. 6 years ago, he lost not only the use of his legs but the Wind Regalia as well. During his time as leader of Sleeping Forest, he was romantically involved with Rika but they broke up after his accident. Lately however, it seems that they are getting closer to each other once again. He has three dogs, Stone, Cold and Stunner (in reference to a popular wrestler named [[Stone Cold Steve Austin]]). He is training Ikki to be the new Wind King. Sora frequently displays perverted behavior and is punished physically by Rika for doing so.
* '''Noyamano Rika''' (野山野 梨花)- Eldest of the Noyamano sisters, was given responsibility of taking care of Ikki when she was only eight. She acts like the typical older sister and takes care of the family. To support the family, she works as Destler Bartlett, a female pro-wrestler and for most of the early part of the story, during the time when Ikki discovers AT, she's out on a national tour with her wrestling promotion. Later on it is revealed that she used to be Sleeping Forest's Thorn Queen and follower of the Thorn Road (also called the "Sonia Road"). This road utilizes her hip joints as the base of her moves (which are composed of a wide array of kicks that mimic the motions of a thorn whip), however the disadvantage of this road is that this takes quite a toll on her body making her tire easily. Some time ago, she decided to quit AT for good due to the accident that left her boyfriend Sora (then leader of Sleeping Forest) unable to use his legs. She's very much aware of Ikki's talent and fears that Ikki may suffer the same fate as Sora so she tries her best to make him quit AT to the point of challenging him. In the end however, Ikki beats her and she decides instead to help with his training.
* '''Adachi Emily''' (安達 絵美理)- Along with Nakama Yayoi is part of the track team and used to look down on Ikki and his friends. However, after the incident between Ikki and Buccha, she has come to admire them. She and Yayoi are also the first to admonish them whenever they come up with something stupid (which is rather often). She has a big crush on Kazu. She eventually joins the Kogarasumaru and acts as back-up. Is noted to be exceptionally strong.
* '''Nakayama Yayoi''' (中山 弥生)- Emily's friend and part of the track team. Used to look down on Ikki and his team but now is a big fan. Nakayama has an exceptional sense of time. She is able to tell the exact time, down to a second.
* '''Wanijima Kaito''' (鰐島 海人) - Akito/Agito's older brother, a leader of the Wind SWAT team, nicknamed the "Shinjuku Crocodile". He seems to consider his younger brother as his tool yet fears Agito the Fang King at the same time. However under his tough exterior it is evident that Kaito does care for Akito, as he "allowed" Akito to escape after he goes to take something back from Kaito.


The manga was licensed for release in North America by [[Del Rey Manga]] and the first volume was released on July 25, 2006.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2006-01-20/del-rey-to-publish-air-gear|title=Del Rey to Publish Air Gear|date=January 20, 2006|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081123092931/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2006-01-20/del-rey-to-publish-air-gear|archive-date= November 23, 2008|url-status= live}}</ref> They published the first 17 volumes. [[Kodansha USA]] published the series under the Kodansha Comics imprint after Del Rey's shut down.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-12/kodansha-adds-phoenix-wright-monster-hunter-deltora-quest|title=Kodansha Adds Phoenix Wright, Monster Hunter, Deltora Quest|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=December 12, 2010|access-date=December 12, 2010|archive-date=January 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110114071615/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-12-12/kodansha-adds-phoenix-wright-monster-hunter-deltora-quest|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Terms ==
* '''Air Treck''' - Air Trecks are similar to [[inline skates]] but are far more advanced. It allows the user to almost 'fly' and performs difficult techniques which would have been impossible to execute using ordinary roller blades. It is a very expensive sport that needs regular maintenance. It costs 100,000 yen for a pair of AT. Each pair of AT has a memory card slotted in and a player is able to find out the skills of another player using READ.
* '''Air Treck (Ball-Roller type)''' - First appearance is in chapter 114, wore by Sano Yasuyoshi. The design differs from the common AT in that the wheels are replaced by spherical ball rollers. It is able to achieve a unique walking sensation normal ATs cannot. On the flip side, difficulty in handling the Ball-Roller AT is very high, and its speed and jumping capabilities are lower than wheel ATs. It is also a lot more costly.
* '''Storm Riders''' - This is the name that AT users calls themselves with. Storm Riders are sorted into 6 different levels. All beginners start with the rank F. The highest rank that can be reached is A.
* '''The teams''' - It is fairly exhausting to set up an AT team. A large amount of money is needed to buy the team's clothes and the designing and minting of the emblem. Stickers with the team’s emblem design have to be printed as well to mark out its territory. An AT team also needs to have its own territory where the members can practice their moves.
* '''Parts War''' - These are the battles that Storm Rider teams have with each other when they want AT parts, territories or the Regalia. They also compete in these battles to level their team up to the next level. There are six levels. At the bottom is F while at the top is A. When a team wishes to level itself up, it has to either win a match with a team in higher class or win three times against teams in the same class as itself. To battle, a team needs to bet something. Some teams bet their emblems which when lost will result in the dissolving of the group. For each of the different levels, there are different ways to conduct the Parts Wars.
An F-level battle is dash (A race against opponents), E is hurdle (jumping over objects), D is cube (one on one fights in seperate areas), C is air, B is disk, and A is balloon (teams fight to reach a balloon first).
* '''Road''' - Each AT user has their own unique road. The roads are markings on any surface left by practicing the techniques. Over time, the markings accumulate and become a road. Each King has their own road as well. For instance, Agito is of the Bloody Road while Spitfire is of the Flame Road. Other roads include the Flash Road, the Thorns Road and the Wings Road. The rest have yet to be revealed.
*'''Kings''' - There are originally eight different Kings in the AT world. These 'Kings' are the most advanced users in the AT world and they each have their own Regalia which are their proof as 'King'.
* '''Regalia''' - Regalia is the proof to the Kings' positions and chooses its own master. It is a mechanical part of an AT. However, damage is dealt to the user each time it is used as it strains the body badly especially when it is not adjusted to suit the user properly.
* '''READ''' - It is a program that can be downloaded to a cellphone. It allows the user to check out the details logged in the memory card of the AT. Details that can be checked include the speed and the level of the techniques performed, as well as the average reaction time, spin radius, max air time and ground speed.
* '''Link Tuner''' - Often abbreviated as Tuners, they are the assistants of the Kings. Every Kings have their own Tuner. Up until now, 'Toul Tool To' is the only team that built up with Tuners. A Tuner's duty is to repair and/or adjust the Regalia of their master.


==Kings and roads==
===Anime===
{{see also|List of Air Gear episodes{{!}}List of ''Air Gear'' episodes}}
There are eight different Kings in the AT world. These 'Kings' are the most advanced users in the AT world and they each have their own Regalia which are their proof as 'King'.
An [[anime]] adaptation covering 12 volumes of the manga was produced by [[Toei Animation]], [[Marvelous (company)|Marvelous]] and Avex Entertainment and directed by Hajime Kamegaki, with [[Chiaki J. Konaka]] handling series composition and writing episode scripts, Masayuki Satō designing the characters and [[Hideki Naganuma|skankfunk]], Wall5 Project and Masaki Sakamoto composing the music. [[ADV Films]] announced over the October 20, 2006 weekend at Oni-Con that they had licensed the anime for release in the United States;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-21/adv-announces-air-gear|title=ADV Announces Air Gear|date=October 21, 2006|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604145146/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-21/adv-announces-air-gear|url-status=live}}</ref> the anime in its entirety reportedly cost $780,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-30/adv-court-documents-reveal-amounts-paid-for-29-anime-titles|title=ADV Court Documents Reveal Amounts Paid for 29 Anime Titles|website=[[Anime News Network]]|date=2012-01-30|access-date=2012-09-26|archive-date=April 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120423194657/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-30/adv-court-documents-reveal-amounts-paid-for-29-anime-titles|url-status=live}}</ref> Though few of the actual artists and inside creators of Air Gear were actually there. The few that were there included Loa Mitsoyagi (Ikki), Ian Miller (Agito), Jason Remmings (Kazuma), and the ADV representing team. The first volume was released on February 6, 2007.<ref name="MANIA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/air-gear-vol-1_article_79058.html|title=Air Gear Vol. #1|last=Beveridge|first=Christopher|date=February 6, 2007|work=Mania.com|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090211181728/http://www.mania.com/air-gear-vol-1_article_79058.html|archive-date=2009-02-11|url-status=dead}}</ref> ADV released the uncensored Japanese home video version, rather than the broadcast version. On January 3, 2007, [[IGN]] released a special sneak peek of Episode 1 of the English dub.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.media.tv.ign.com/media/873/873849/vids_1.html|title=Exclusive First Episode (01/03/2007)|access-date=January 2, 2009|date=January 3, 2007|work=IGN.com|publisher=IGN Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070402073402/http://uk.media.tv.ign.com/media/873/873849/vids_1.html|archive-date=April 2, 2007}}</ref> In 2008, ''Air Gear'' became one of over 30 ADV titles transferred to [[Funimation]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-04/funimation-picks-up-over-30-former-ad-vision-titles|title=Funimation Picks Up Over 30 Former AD Vision Titles|date=July 4, 2008|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090117171655/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-04/funimation-picks-up-over-30-former-ad-vision-titles|archive-date= January 17, 2009|url-status= live}}</ref> In Australia and New Zealand, the series is licensed by [[Madman Entertainment]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.madman.com.au/actions/series.do?method=home&videogramId=6524|title=Ride Hard, Fly High!|publisher=[[Madman Entertainment]]|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090107085813/http://www.madman.com.au/actions/series.do?method=home&videogramId=6524|archive-date= January 7, 2009|url-status= live}}</ref>


[[Avex Group|Avex]] released one single and two albums covering all the songs and themes used for the anime adaptation. The opening theme single "Chain" performed by [[Back-on]] was released on June 7, 2006 and peak ranked 139th on Oricon singles chart.<ref name="Avex-OP">{{cite web|url=http://avexnet.jp/id/backo/discography/product/CTCR-40233.html|title=Chain|publisher=[[Avex Group|Avex]]|language=ja|access-date=July 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090826200933/http://avexnet.jp/id/backo/discography/product/CTCR-40233.html|archive-date=August 26, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Oricon-OP">{{cite web|url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=652625&samecd=1&chart_kbn=111&linkcd=40387932|title=オリコンランキング情報サービス｢you大樹｣|trans-title="Chain" peak rank|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|access-date=July 28, 2009|archive-date=September 16, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090916041859/http://ranking.oricon.co.jp/free_contents/search/ranking_list.asp?itemcd=652625&samecd=1&chart_kbn=111&linkcd=40387932|url-status=live}}</ref> The two albums ''Air Gear original soundtrack: What a Groovy Tricks!!'' and ''Air Gear original soundtrack 2: Who wants more Groovy Trick!!??'' were released on August 23, 2006 and February 28, 2007, respectively.<ref name="Avex-OST1">{{cite web|url=http://avexnet.jp/id/airge/discography/product/AVCA-22835.html|title=''TVアニメ｢エア・ギア｣オリジナルサウンドトラック AIR GEAR WHAT A GROOVY TRICKS !!''|trans-title=Air Gear original soundtrack: What a Groovy Tricks!!|publisher=[[Avex Group|Avex]]|language=ja|access-date=July 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090915203943/http://avexnet.jp/id/airge/discography/product/AVCA-22835.html|archive-date=September 15, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="Avex-OST2">{{cite web|url=http://avexnet.jp/id/airge/discography/product/AVCA-26130.html|title=''TVアニメ｢エア・ギア｣オリジナルサウンドトラック2 AIR GEAR WHO WANTS MORE GROOVY TRICK !!??''|trans-title=Air Gear original soundtrack 2: Who wants more Groovy Trick!!??|publisher=[[Avex Group|Avex]]|language=ja|access-date=July 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090905070942/http://avexnet.jp/id/airge/discography/product/AVCA-26130.html|archive-date=September 5, 2009 }}</ref>
<center>'''A List of Kings and Roads'''
{|class="wikitable"
!align="left"|Title
!align="left"|Road
!align="left"|Regalia Ability
!align="left"|Currently
!align="left"|Precursor
!align="left"|Tentative Successor
|-
|align="left"|Wind King (風の王)
|align="left"|Wing Road (翼の道)
|align="left"|wheel turns into "wings" So user can fly
|align="left"|Ikki(in training)
|align="left"|Takeuchi Sora
|align="left"|Ikki(when training is done)
|-
|align="left"|Flame King (炎の王)
|align="left"|Flame Road (炎の道)
|align="left"|makes illusion of fire
|align="left"|Spitfire
|align="left"|Spitfire
|align="left"|Kazu
|-
|align="left"|Thunder King (雷の王)
|align="left"|Rising Road (紫電の道)
|align="left"|create magnetic field
|align="left"|Nue
|align="left"|n/a
|align="left"|n/a
|-
|align="left"|Thorn King (荊の王)
|align="left"|Sonia Road (荊棘の道)
|align="left"|wheel expands to create thorns
|align="left"|Ringo
|align="left"|Rika
|align="left"|n/a
|-
|align="left"|Fang King (牙の王)
|align="left"|Bloody Road (血痕の道)
|align="left"|makes "fang"
|align="left"|Agito
|align="left"|Akira
|align="left"|Agito/Akito (appears to be aiming to reclaim his title as king, but this is unconfirmed)
|-
|align="left"|Rumble King (轟の王)
|align="left"|Over Road (轢藍の道)
|align="left"|use wind to go faster
|align="left"|Yoshitsune
|align="left"|n/a
|align="left"|n/a
|-
|align="left"|Pledge King (契の王)
|align="left"|Ring Road (閃律の道)
|align="left"|currently unknown
|align="left"|Makigami Ine
|align="left"|Makigami Ine
|align="left"|Sumeragi Kururu
|-
|align="left"|Gem King (石の王)
|align="left"|Jade Road (緋翠の道)
|align="left"|currently unknown
|align="left"|Nike
|align="left"|Kilik
|align="left"|n/a
|-
|align="left"|Sky King (空の王)
|align="left"|Sky Road
|align="left"|n/a
|align="left"|n/a
|align="left"|n/a
|align="left"|n/a
|}</center>


===Original video animation===
:*There appears to be confusion with regards to the position of Sky King and the Wing Road. The king of the Wing Road is the Wind King. The status of Wind King is a pre-requisite to becoming the Sky King. For reason(s) yet to be made clear, the unification of all eight Kings of the AT world seems to be essential in the creation of a new Sky King. It is currently assumed that no one has been crowned as the Sky King in the past. Takeuchi Sora was close, but failed due to the betrayal of Kilik.
In July 2010, it was announced that a new ''Air Gear'' [[original video animation]] (OVA) would be released alongside the limited edition of the manga's 30th volume.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-11/air-gear-manga-to-bundle-original-anime-dvd|title=Air Gear Manga To Bundle Original Anime DVD|website= [[Anime News Network]]|date=July 11, 2010|access-date=July 12, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100712220832/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-11/air-gear-manga-to-bundle-original-anime-dvd|archive-date= July 12, 2010|url-status= live}}</ref> Animation studio [[Satelight]] animated the OVA instead of [[Toei Animation|Toei]] with [[Shinji Ishihira]] as director, Atsushi Maekawa as script writer, Osamu Horiuchi as character designer and Stanislas Brunet as mechanical design. [[Nobuhiko Okamoto]] plays Ikki, [[Haruka Tomatsu]] plays Ringo, and [[Yukari Fukui]] plays Kururu.


The first OVA was released on November 17, 2010 and adapted the confrontation between Ikki and Ringo from volume 16 of the manga. The second OVA was released on March 17 and the final third OVA was released on June 17, 2011. The latter two OVAs adapt the legendary battle between Kogarasumaru and Sleeping Forest from volumes 24 and 25 of the manga.
<center>'''New Kings and Roads?'''
{|class="wikitable"
!align="left"|Title
!align="left"|Road
!align="left"|Currently
|-
|align="left"|Horn King (角の王)
|align="left"|n/a
|align="left"|Gabishi (蛾媚刺)
|-
|align="left"|Water King (水の王)
|align="left"|Lather Road (泡翠の道)
|align="left"|Om (王蟲)
|}</center>


===Musical===
<center><small>Source: Wikipedia Japan article</small><br>
''Air Gear'' was adapted into a musical called Musical Air Gear,<ref name="Airmyu">{{cite web|url=http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/airgear_musical/|title=Musical Air Gear Official Site|language=ja|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218011933/http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/airgear_musical/|archive-date=December 18, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> which made its debut on January 7, 2007 and ran until January 21, 2007. The musical is loosely adapted from the manga and all female roles are eliminated from the plot. The cast featured [[Kenta Kamakari]], [[Kenn (Japanese actor)|KENN]], and Kenjiro Tsuda reprising their roles from the anime respectively as Ikki, Kazu, and Spitfire with [[Masaki Kaji]] (who had also starred with Kenta and KENN in the [[Tenimyu|Prince of Tennis musicals]]), [[Run&Gun]], etc. as their co-stars.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/airgear_musical/cast/index.html|title=Air Gear Musical Cast|language=ja|access-date=January 2, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081212190208/http://www.mmv.co.jp/special/airgear_musical/cast/index.html|archive-date=December 12, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the musical, team Kogarasumaru opposes team Bacchus, whose names all come from works of [[Shakespeare]]. (Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth and Puck).
<small>English translations are subject to change</small></center>


Due to the success and popularity of the musical's first run, the musical had a rerun in May, 2007 titled, {{nihongo|''Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Super Range Remix''|ミュージカル｢エア·ギア｣vs.バッカス Super Range Remix|Myūjikaru "Ea Gia" tai Bakkasu Sūpā Renji Rimikkusu}} with the entire cast, except for [[Kenta Kamakari]] due to illness, reprising their roles. [[Ryuji Kamiyama]] (originally Romeo) replaced Kamakari, subsequently [[Kosuke Yonehara]] (originally Hamlet) took over the role of Romeo and a new actor was brought in to play Hamlet.


In April, 2010 there was a third run of the musical, It was titled '''Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Top Gear Remix.' ''Many cast members reprise their roles, Kenta Kamakari returning as Ikki. Remarkably, Agito's actor was replaced by a younger actor and the original actor now played the part of Juliet. The role of Spitfire was replaced by Aeon Clock.
[[Air Gear - Tricks]]


== Episode list ==
==Reception==
By August 2020, ''Air Gear'' had over 18 million copies in circulation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2169890/full/|script-title=ja:『エア・ギア 超合本版』9・17配信決定 作者の「マガジン」デビュー作が連載|publisher=[[Oricon]]|language=ja|date=August 21, 2020|access-date=January 17, 2021|archive-date=May 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522040418/https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2169890/full/|url-status=live}}</ref> It won the 2006 [[Kodansha Manga Award]] in the {{Transliteration|ja|shōnen}} category.<ref name="KodanshaAward">{{cite web|url=http://www.kodansha.co.jp/award/archive/manga.html|script-title=ja:過去の受賞者一覧 : 講談社漫画賞 : 講談社｢おもしろくて、ためになる｣出版を|publisher=Kodansha|language=ja|access-date=August 21, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823134135/http://www.kodansha.co.jp/award/archive/manga.html|archive-date=2007-08-23|url-status=dead }}</ref>
*01. Trick: 01,
*02. Trick: 02, Screams of the Rez-Boa Dogs
*03. Trick: 03, Enter the Night Kings
*04. Trick: 04, A Battle for Kazu, Onigiri, and My Pride
*05. Trick: 05, My Body, My Heart Is Being Set Aflame
*06. Trick: 06, It's a Rematch! I'll Get My Emblem Back!
*07. Trick: 07, What's Wrong with Rejection? Onigiri, We're Comrades!
*08. Trick: 08, Defeat Orihara-sensei's Supllementary Exam: Let's Rediscover Ton-chan-sensei's Past
*09. Trick: 09, Clash! Buffalo vs. Great White Shark
*10. Trick: 10, Agito, I'll Drag You Up from the Bottom of the Well
*11. Trick: 11, Team Kogarasumaru Take-off
*12. Trick: 12, She's Finally Here: the Savior Rider
*13. Trick: 13, What Do You Mean by Icarus' Wings? I'll Show You My Talent, Rika-nee
*14. Trick: 14, Collision! The Old & New Sky King's Heir vs. the Old & New Sleeping Forest
*15. Trick: 15, I'll Cut Off the Shackle of Thorns!
*16. Trick: 16, Let's Go, Kogarasumaru!
*17. Trick: 17, The Cube Battle in Hell: Kogarasumaru Evolves
*18. Trick: 18, Finally a Win.
*19. Trick: 19, The Fang's Regalia of destiny is howling!
*20. Trick: 20, It's finally the end.
*21. Trick: 21, Genesis strikes!
*22. Trick: 22, The battle for Agito's documents!
*23. Trick: 23, Genesis Kansai's Branch,Benkei and Yoshitsune appear!
*24. Trick: 24, Battle Of The Century: Kogarasumaru's Minami Ikki vs Trident's Yoshitsune!
*25. Trick: 25, I'm A Genius


[[Anime News Network]] gave the first manga volume an overall positive review praising the artwork but criticizing the story.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/air-gear-gn-1|title=Air Gear Review|access-date=January 2, 2009|website=[[Anime News Network]]|author=Carl Kimlinger|date=October 1, 2006|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090123090516/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/air-gear-gn-1|archive-date= January 23, 2009|url-status= live}}</ref> BlogCritics said "It mixes this action and comedy quite well with a storyline that doesn't fail to leave a reader wanting more."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/09/19/053606.php|title=Book Review: Manga – Air Gear Vol. 1|access-date=January 2, 2009|work=Blogcritics|author=Aaron Auzins|date=October 19, 2006|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090210093024/http://blogcritics.org/archives/2006/09/19/053606.php|archive-date= February 10, 2009|url-status= live}}</ref> The anime has often been criticized for not remaining true to the manga, story and skipping parts, but is praised for its soundtrack. The English dub has received positive reviews since its release.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/air-gear/dvd-1|title=Air Gear DVD 1 – East Side Showdown Review|access-date=January 2, 2009|author=Theron Martin|date=February 1, 2007|website=[[Anime News Network]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090209011039/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/air-gear/dvd-1|archive-date= February 9, 2009|url-status= live}}</ref> AnimeOnDVD said "The concept of the show is one that is pure anime though and something that visually can be done very well".<ref name="MANIA"/> The anime's ending was cited as underwhelming despite its mostly positive reviews.
== Anime details ==
* '''Opening Theme'''- "Chain" by Back-on
* '''Ending Theme'''- "Sky-2-High" by skankfunk
* '''Original SoundTrack'''- "Air Gear" - What a Groovy Trick!


== Voice cast ==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
*Kenta Kamakari as Minami "Ikki" Itsuki
*Kenn as Mikura "Kazu" Kazuma
*[[Masami Kikuchi]] as Onigiri
*Hitoshi Bifu as Issha "Fats Buccha" Mihotoke
*[[Kokoro Kikuchi]] as Wanijima Akito/Agito
*[[Hikaru Midorikawa]] as Wanijima Kaitou
*Mariya Ise as Noyamano Ringo
*[[Naoko Matsui]] as Noyamano Rika
*Yukiko Hanioka as Noyamano Shiraume
*Seika Hosokawa as Noyamano Mikan
*Noriko Shitaya as Ton-chan-sensei
*[[Rie Tanaka]] as Simca
*[[Kenjirou Tsuda]] as Spitfire
*[[Nobuyuki Hiyama]] as Magaki
*[[Miyu Irino]] as Nue
*[[Kenji Nojima]] as Udō Akira


== External links ==
==External links==
{{commons category|Air Gear}}
*[http://www.shonenmagazine.com/works/airgear/index.html Official Japanese Manga Site]
* {{Official website|http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/airgear/|Official anime website at Toei Animation}} {{in lang|ja}}
*[http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/catalog/results.pperl?title=air%20gear Official Del Rey (USA) Manga Site]
* {{Anime News Network|manga|4164}}
*[http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/airgear/ Official Japanese Anime Site]
*[http://anidb.info/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4196 Anime details from AniDB]
*[http://www.animestocks.com/gallery.php/category/Air+Gear Air Gear Anime Image Gallery]
*{{ann anime|id=6251|title=Air Gear}}
*{{ann manga|id=4164|title=Air Gear}}


{{Weekly Shōnen Magazine - 2000–2009}}
[[Category:Anime of the 2000s]]
[[Category:Shōnen]]
{{Kodansha Manga Award - Shōnen}}
{{Toei Animation}}
[[Category:Sports manga]]
{{Satelight}}


[[fr:Air Gear]]
[[Category:2010 anime OVAs]]
[[Category:Action anime and manga]]
[[ja:エア・ギア]]
[[pt:Air Gear]]
[[Category:ADV Films]]
[[Category:Crunchyroll anime]]
[[sv:Air Gear]]
[[Category:Del Rey Manga]]
[[th:ขาคู่ ทะลุฟ้า]]
[[Category:Fictional sports in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Funimation]]
[[Category:Kodansha manga]]
[[Category:Madman Entertainment anime]]
[[Category:Oh! great]]
[[Category:Satelight]]
[[Category:Shōnen manga]]
[[Category:Toei Animation television]]
[[Category:TV Tokyo original programming]]
[[Category:Winner of Kodansha Manga Award (Shōnen)]]
[[Category:Works published under a pseudonym]]

Latest revision as of 21:45, 7 October 2024

Air Gear
First tankōbon volume cover cover, featuring Ikki Minami with his pet crow, Kuu
エア・ギア
(Ea Gia)
GenreAction,[1] sports[2]
Manga
Written byOh! great
Published byKodansha
English publisher
ImprintShōnen Magazine Comics
MagazineWeekly Shōnen Magazine
DemographicShōnen
Original runNovember 6, 2002 – May 23, 2012
Volumes37 (List of volumes)
Anime television series
Directed byHajime Kamegaki
Produced by
  • Nobuaki Suzuki
  • Takao Yoshizawa
Written byChiaki J. Konaka
Music by
  • Wall5
  • skankfunk
  • Masao Mase
  • Rowii
  • YA3
  • Masaki Sakamoto
StudioToei Animation
Licensed byCrunchyroll
Original networkTV Tokyo
English network
Original run April 4, 2006 – September 26, 2006
Episodes25 (List of episodes)
Original animation DVD
Break on the Sky
Directed byShinji Ishihira
Produced by
  • Kensuke Tateishi
  • Masakazu Yoshimoto
  • Shōya Fukuda
Written byAtsushi Maekawa
Music byShigerō Yoshida
StudioSatelight
Released November 17, 2010 – June 17, 2011
Runtime28 minutes
Episodes3

Air Gear (Japanese: エア・ギア, Hepburn: Ea Gia) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Oh! great, serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine from November 2002 to May 2012, with its chapters collected in 37 tankōbon volumes. Air Gear revolves around the life of Itsuki Minami "Ikki or Crow", also known as "Baby Face", "Lil (and Little) Crow", and his friends. The story follows their use of Air Gear, an in-universe invention derived from inline skates. Initial sections of the plot carries out the introduction of characters that eventually join Ikki. As the story progresses, it focuses on their roles as Storm Riders and their quest to be on the top of the Trophaeum Tower, the pinnacle that all Storm Riders hope to reach.

Air Gear was adapted into a 25-episode anime television series by Toei Animation, which aired on TV Tokyo from April to September 2006. A three-episode original video animation (OVA), titled Air Gear: Break on the Sky, produced by Satelight, was released from November 2010 to June 2011.

Air Gear had over 18 million copies in circulation by August 2020. It won the 31st Kodansha Manga Award for the shōnen category in 2006.

Plot

[edit]
Main article: List of Air Gear characters

A new fad by the name of "Air Treks" (a futuristic evolution of aggressive skating) has swept the nation's youth and all over gangs are being formed that compete in various events using their A-Ts. Ikki is a middle-school boy who is the toughest street-fighting punk on the east side of town and part of the gang "The East-Side Gunz". He lives with four adopted gorgeous sisters who took him in when he was a kid. But what Ikki does not know is that the girls are part of one of the most infamous A-T gangs, "Sleeping Forest". It does not take long before Ikki finds out about the world of Air Treks and is propelled into a fate he had not foreseen, learning about his past and making a number of storm riding allies on the way.

Media

[edit]

Manga

[edit]
See also: List of Air Gear chapters

Written and illustrated by Oh! Great, Air Gear was serialized in Kodansha's shōnen manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Magazine from November 6, 2002,[3] to May 23, 2012.[4][5] Kodansha collected its 357 individual chapters into 37 tankōbon volumes, published under its Shōnen Magazine Comics imprint, from May 16, 2003,[6] to July 17, 2012.[7] A one-shot chapter was published in the magazine on December 22, 2015.[8]

The manga was licensed for release in North America by Del Rey Manga and the first volume was released on July 25, 2006.[9] They published the first 17 volumes. Kodansha USA published the series under the Kodansha Comics imprint after Del Rey's shut down.[10]

Anime

[edit]
See also: List of Air Gear episodes

An anime adaptation covering 12 volumes of the manga was produced by Toei Animation, Marvelous and Avex Entertainment and directed by Hajime Kamegaki, with Chiaki J. Konaka handling series composition and writing episode scripts, Masayuki Satō designing the characters and skankfunk, Wall5 Project and Masaki Sakamoto composing the music. ADV Films announced over the October 20, 2006 weekend at Oni-Con that they had licensed the anime for release in the United States;[11] the anime in its entirety reportedly cost $780,000.[12] Though few of the actual artists and inside creators of Air Gear were actually there. The few that were there included Loa Mitsoyagi (Ikki), Ian Miller (Agito), Jason Remmings (Kazuma), and the ADV representing team. The first volume was released on February 6, 2007.[13] ADV released the uncensored Japanese home video version, rather than the broadcast version. On January 3, 2007, IGN released a special sneak peek of Episode 1 of the English dub.[14] In 2008, Air Gear became one of over 30 ADV titles transferred to Funimation.[15] In Australia and New Zealand, the series is licensed by Madman Entertainment.[16]

Avex released one single and two albums covering all the songs and themes used for the anime adaptation. The opening theme single "Chain" performed by Back-on was released on June 7, 2006 and peak ranked 139th on Oricon singles chart.[17][18] The two albums Air Gear original soundtrack: What a Groovy Tricks!! and Air Gear original soundtrack 2: Who wants more Groovy Trick!!?? were released on August 23, 2006 and February 28, 2007, respectively.[19][20]

Original video animation

[edit]

In July 2010, it was announced that a new Air Gear original video animation (OVA) would be released alongside the limited edition of the manga's 30th volume.[21] Animation studio Satelight animated the OVA instead of Toei with Shinji Ishihira as director, Atsushi Maekawa as script writer, Osamu Horiuchi as character designer and Stanislas Brunet as mechanical design. Nobuhiko Okamoto plays Ikki, Haruka Tomatsu plays Ringo, and Yukari Fukui plays Kururu.

The first OVA was released on November 17, 2010 and adapted the confrontation between Ikki and Ringo from volume 16 of the manga. The second OVA was released on March 17 and the final third OVA was released on June 17, 2011. The latter two OVAs adapt the legendary battle between Kogarasumaru and Sleeping Forest from volumes 24 and 25 of the manga.

Musical

[edit]

Air Gear was adapted into a musical called Musical Air Gear,[22] which made its debut on January 7, 2007 and ran until January 21, 2007. The musical is loosely adapted from the manga and all female roles are eliminated from the plot. The cast featured Kenta Kamakari, KENN, and Kenjiro Tsuda reprising their roles from the anime respectively as Ikki, Kazu, and Spitfire with Masaki Kaji (who had also starred with Kenta and KENN in the Prince of Tennis musicals), Run&Gun, etc. as their co-stars.[23] In the musical, team Kogarasumaru opposes team Bacchus, whose names all come from works of Shakespeare. (Romeo, Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth and Puck).

Due to the success and popularity of the musical's first run, the musical had a rerun in May, 2007 titled, Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Super Range Remix (ミュージカル｢エア·ギア｣vs.バッカス Super Range Remix, Myūjikaru "Ea Gia" tai Bakkasu Sūpā Renji Rimikkusu) with the entire cast, except for Kenta Kamakari due to illness, reprising their roles. Ryuji Kamiyama (originally Romeo) replaced Kamakari, subsequently Kosuke Yonehara (originally Hamlet) took over the role of Romeo and a new actor was brought in to play Hamlet.

In April, 2010 there was a third run of the musical, It was titled 'Musical Air Gear vs. Bacchus Top Gear Remix.' Many cast members reprise their roles, Kenta Kamakari returning as Ikki. Remarkably, Agito's actor was replaced by a younger actor and the original actor now played the part of Juliet. The role of Spitfire was replaced by Aeon Clock.

Reception

[edit]

By August 2020, Air Gear had over 18 million copies in circulation.[24] It won the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award in the shōnen category.[25]

Anime News Network gave the first manga volume an overall positive review praising the artwork but criticizing the story.[26] BlogCritics said "It mixes this action and comedy quite well with a storyline that doesn't fail to leave a reader wanting more."[27] The anime has often been criticized for not remaining true to the manga, story and skipping parts, but is praised for its soundtrack. The English dub has received positive reviews since its release.[28] AnimeOnDVD said "The concept of the show is one that is pure anime though and something that visually can be done very well".[13] The anime's ending was cited as underwhelming despite its mostly positive reviews.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Green, Scott (October 17, 2016). "American Release Of "Air Gear" 36 Listed For 2017 - UPDATED". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on July 16, 2021. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  2. ^ Kimlinger, Carl (October 1, 2006). "Air Gear GN 1 - Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 7, 2007. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  3. ^ 今週の週刊少年マガジン☆第49号☆ (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on November 7, 2002. Retrieved July 16, 2021.
  4. ^ "Air Gear Manga to End in 5 More Chapters in Japan". Anime News Network. July 7, 2012. Archived from the original on June 18, 2019. Retrieved March 24, 2013.
  5. ^ 「エア・ギア」完結！オシャレなテープ型USBハブを贈呈. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. May 23, 2012. Archived from the original on February 24, 2020. Retrieved February 24, 2020.
  6. ^ エア・ギア（１） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  7. ^ エア・ギア（３７） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on December 16, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2023.
  8. ^ ""Air Gear" Manga One-Shot Sequel on Latest Issue of Shonen Magazine". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on March 12, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
  9. ^ "Del Rey to Publish Air Gear". Anime News Network. January 20, 2006. Archived from the original on November 23, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  10. ^ "Kodansha Adds Phoenix Wright, Monster Hunter, Deltora Quest". Anime News Network. December 12, 2010. Archived from the original on January 14, 2011. Retrieved December 12, 2010.
  11. ^ "ADV Announces Air Gear". Anime News Network. October 21, 2006. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  12. ^ "ADV Court Documents Reveal Amounts Paid for 29 Anime Titles". Anime News Network. January 30, 2012. Archived from the original on April 23, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2012.
  13. ^ a b Beveridge, Christopher (February 6, 2007). "Air Gear Vol. #1". Mania.com. Archived from the original on February 11, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  14. ^ "Exclusive First Episode (01/03/2007)". IGN.com. IGN Entertainment. January 3, 2007. Archived from the original on April 2, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  15. ^ "Funimation Picks Up Over 30 Former AD Vision Titles". Anime News Network. July 4, 2008. Archived from the original on January 17, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  16. ^ "Ride Hard, Fly High!". Madman Entertainment. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  17. ^ "Chain" (in Japanese). Avex. Archived from the original on August 26, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  18. ^ "オリコンランキング情報サービス｢you大樹｣" ["Chain" peak rank] (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on September 16, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  19. ^ "TVアニメ｢エア・ギア｣オリジナルサウンドトラック AIR GEAR WHAT A GROOVY TRICKS !!" [Air Gear original soundtrack: What a Groovy Tricks!!] (in Japanese). Avex. Archived from the original on September 15, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  20. ^ "TVアニメ｢エア・ギア｣オリジナルサウンドトラック2 AIR GEAR WHO WANTS MORE GROOVY TRICK !!??" [Air Gear original soundtrack 2: Who wants more Groovy Trick!!??] (in Japanese). Avex. Archived from the original on September 5, 2009. Retrieved July 28, 2009.
  21. ^ "Air Gear Manga To Bundle Original Anime DVD". Anime News Network. July 11, 2010. Archived from the original on July 12, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  22. ^ "Musical Air Gear Official Site" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 18, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  23. ^ "Air Gear Musical Cast" (in Japanese). Archived from the original on December 12, 2008. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  24. ^ 『エア・ギア 超合本版』9・17配信決定 作者の「マガジン」デビュー作が連載 (in Japanese). Oricon. August 21, 2020. Archived from the original on May 22, 2021. Retrieved January 17, 2021.
  25. ^ 過去の受賞者一覧 : 講談社漫画賞 : 講談社｢おもしろくて、ためになる｣出版を (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on August 23, 2007. Retrieved August 21, 2007.
  26. ^ Carl Kimlinger (October 1, 2006). "Air Gear Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 23, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  27. ^ Aaron Auzins (October 19, 2006). "Book Review: Manga – Air Gear Vol. 1". Blogcritics. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
  28. ^ Theron Martin (February 1, 2007). "Air Gear DVD 1 – East Side Showdown Review". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on February 9, 2009. Retrieved January 2, 2009.
[edit]
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