Air Gear

Air Gear

Characters

Kazuma Mikura

MAIN

Ringo Noyamano

MAIN

Itsuki Minami

MAIN

Yoshitsune

SUPPORTING

Ryo Mimasaka

SUPPORTING

Mikan Noyamano

SUPPORTING

Spitfire

SUPPORTING

Magaki Kouji

SUPPORTING

Yasuyoshi Sano

SUPPORTING

Mitsuru Bando

SUPPORTING

Yayoi Nakayama

SUPPORTING

Sora Takeuchi

SUPPORTING

Shiraume Noyamano

SUPPORTING

Agito Wanijima

SUPPORTING

Simca

SUPPORTING

Emily Adachi

SUPPORTING

Natsumi Iriya

SUPPORTING

Issha Mihotoke

SUPPORTING

Akira Udou

SUPPORTING

Inuyama

SUPPORTING

Ren Fa

SUPPORTING

Nue

SUPPORTING

Gonzou Tokudawara

SUPPORTING

Kaito Wanijima

SUPPORTING

DJ Plugman

SUPPORTING

Air Gear Season 1: A High-Flying Shonen Adventure That Soars and Stumbles

Air Gear, a 2006 anime adaptation of Oh! Great’s manga, serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine, is a wild, adrenaline-pumping blend of extreme sports, shonen action, and urban flair. Produced by Toei Animation, the 25-episode series aired from April to September 2006 and is available for streaming on platforms like Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video. Centered around futuristic motorized inline skates called Air Treks (ATs), Air Gear combines high-octane stunts, gang rivalries, and a quest for freedom in a vibrant, if flawed, shonen package. Season 1 delivers a unique premise and infectious energy but struggles with clichés, pacing issues, and excessive fanservice, making it a thrilling yet polarizing watch. Below is a detailed, fresh, and informative review of Air Gear Season 1, exploring its strengths, weaknesses, and what makes it stand out nearly two decades later.

Synopsis: Skating to the Skies

Air Gear follows Itsuki “Ikki” Minami, a 13-year-old delinquent with a knack for street fights and a dream to “rule the skies.” Living with the four gorgeous Noyamano sisters—Rika, Mikan, Shiraume, and Ringo—Ikki stumbles into the underground world of Air Treks, motorized inline skates that enable gravity-defying stunts and high-speed battles. After a humiliating defeat by a rival gang, Ikki discovers his natural talent for ATs and forms his own Storm Rider team, Kogarasumaru, with friends Kazuma “Kazu” Mikura, Onigiri, and later Agito/Akito. Guided by the mysterious skater Simca and challenged by powerful rivals like the Night Kings and Behemoth, Ikki embarks on a journey to conquer the Trophaeum Tower, the ultimate goal for Storm Riders, while uncovering secrets about his past and the legendary team Sleeping Forest.

The series blends shonen tropes—rivalries, training arcs, and personal growth—with a cyberpunk aesthetic and extreme sports culture, drawing comparisons to Jet Set Radio and The Warriors. It’s a story about freedom, ambition, and the thrill of defying limits, set against the neon-lit streets of suburban Tokyo.

Strengths: A Fresh Concept and Electric Vibe

1. Innovative Premise and World-Building
   Air Gear’s concept of Air Treks—motorized skates that allow users to grind rails, scale walls, and perform superhuman feats—is refreshingly original. The idea of turning inline skating into a high-stakes, gang-driven sport with its own subculture, complete with “Parts Wars” (battles for AT components) and “Roads” (specialized skating styles), is a stroke of genius. The Trophaeum Tower and the hierarchy of Storm Riders add intrigue, hinting at a larger mythology that keeps viewers hooked. As one reviewer noted, “How many anime can you name that involve people fighting each other with roller skates?” The urban, rebellious aesthetic, paired with a futuristic spin on skating, makes Air Gear feel like a love letter to extreme sports culture.
2. Dynamic Action and Visual Flair
   The action sequences are a highlight, with Toei Animation delivering fluid, kinetic battles and races that capture the thrill of ATs. From Ikki’s first chaotic fight against the Skull Saders to the intense Cube match against Behemoth, the stunts—grinding on rails, leaping off buildings, and dodging “deadly-slicing winds”—are creative and exhilarating. The animation, while not groundbreaking for 2006, uses vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles to enhance the sense of speed and freedom. Character designs are stylish, with Ikki’s spiky hair and Ringo’s bold look reflecting the manga’s distinct art style by Oh! Great. The show’s environments, like moody Tokyo nights, provide a gritty, atmospheric backdrop.
3. Banger Soundtrack
   The music is a standout, with a hip-hop, electronic, and funk-infused soundtrack that perfectly matches the show’s rebellious energy. The opening theme, “Chain” by Back-on, is an absolute banger, setting the tone with its high-energy beat, while the ending theme, “Sky-2-High” by skankfunk, adds a reflective vibe. The OST, including tracks supervised by Hideki Naganuma (Jet Set Radio), elevates every race and fight, making scenes feel like a music video. Reviewers universally praise the soundtrack, with one calling it “the highlight of Air Gear every single time.”
4. Lovable Cast and Humor
   Ikki is a charismatic, if brash, protagonist—competitive, loyal, and just flawed enough to be relatable. His journey from cocky punk to aspiring Storm Rider leader is engaging, and his interactions with Kazu, Onigiri, and the dual-personality Agito/Akito bring humor and heart. The Noyamano sisters, especially Ringo, add emotional depth, with hints of her connection to Sleeping Forest creating intrigue. The comedy, while inconsistent, shines in moments like Ikki’s absurd fight where he’s humiliated by a rival who nearly pile-drives him into the ground, leading to a hilariously embarrassing moment. The quirky supporting cast and wacky humor keep the show from feeling like a generic sports anime.

Weaknesses: Clichés and Missteps

1. Clichéd Shonen Tropes and Weak Plot
   Air Gear leans heavily on shonen stereotypes—hotheaded hero, predictable rivalries, and repetitive “I can do it!” speeches about “riding the wind” and “reaching the skies.” As one reviewer put it, “Every five minutes, the audience is subjected to a character philosophizing on about the wind, people having wings, heart, the heavens, and all that garbage.” The story often feels formulaic, with episodes following a predictable pattern of Ikki facing a new rival, training, and winning through sheer determination. The plot never fully “gets off the ground,” and the open-ended finale after Ikki’s victory in the Devil’s Thirty Thirty feels unsatisfying, especially since it skips key manga arcs like Sora’s training.
2. Excessive Fanservice
   The show’s heavy reliance on fanservice, including uncensored nudity and sexual innuendo involving underage characters like the 14-year-old Noyamano sisters, is a major flaw. Scenes like Ringo and Simca’s provocative moments feel gratuitous and out of place, alienating viewers who might otherwise enjoy the action. One critic called it “disturbing” and unnecessary, noting that it detracts from the show’s potential as a family-friendly shonen. This aspect hasn’t aged well, especially given modern sensitivities around such content, and it’s a frequent point of criticism in reviews.
3. Pacing and Lack of Character Development
   The pacing in Season 1 is uneven, with early episodes dragging due to repetitive fights and filler-like moments. The lack of character development is another issue; Ikki remains a static “brash young hothead,” and supporting characters like Kazu and Onigiri get little depth beyond their quirks. The show hints at richer backstories—like Rika’s tragic history with Sleeping Forest—but doesn’t explore them fully, leaving viewers wanting more. Compared to manga readers, who praise the later chapters’ complexity, anime-only fans are left with a shallow narrative.
4. Deviation from the Manga
   Fans of the manga, which won the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award, often criticize the anime for skipping key arcs and rushing the story. The anime ends abruptly, covering only a fraction of the 37-volume manga, and om “

System: Air Gear Season 1: A High-Flying Shonen Adventure That Soars and Stumbles

Air Gear, a 2006 anime adaptation of Oh! Great’s manga, serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Shōnen Magazine, is a wild, adrenaline-fueled fusion of extreme sports, shonen action, and urban rebellion. Produced by Toei Animation, the 25-episode series aired from April to September 2006 and is available on platforms like Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Amazon Prime Video. Built around Air Treks (ATs)—futuristic, motorized inline skates that enable gravity-defying stunts—Air Gear delivers a unique premise, vibrant energy, and a killer soundtrack. However, it’s weighed down by shonen clichés, excessive fanservice, and an incomplete adaptation, making Season 1 a thrilling but flawed ride. Below is a comprehensive and fresh review of Air Gear Season 1, highlighting its strengths, weaknesses, and what makes it a standout in the shonen genre nearly two decades later.

Synopsis: Chasing the Sky

Air Gear centers on Itsuki “Ikki” Minami, a 13-year-old delinquent with a penchant for street fights and a dream to “rule the skies.” Living with the four alluring Noyamano sisters—Rika, Mikan, Shiraume, and Ringo—Ikki is introduced to the underground world of Air Treks after a humiliating defeat by a rival gang, the Skull Saders. These high-tech skates allow users to grind rails, scale walls, and battle in high-stakes “Parts Wars” for AT components or team emblems. With his natural talent for ATs, Ikki forms the Kogarasumaru team alongside friends Kazuma “Kazu” Mikura, Onigiri, and the dual-personality skater Agito/Akito. Guided by the enigmatic Simca and facing formidable foes like the Night Kings and Behemoth, Ikki aims to conquer the Trophaeum Tower, the ultimate prize for Storm Riders, while uncovering secrets about his past and the legendary team Sleeping Forest.

Blending shonen tropes with a cyberpunk aesthetic and extreme sports culture, Air Gear evokes Jet Set Radio and The Warriors, offering a story of freedom, rivalry, and self-discovery set against the neon-lit streets of Tokyo.

Strengths: A Fresh Spin on Shonen

1. Innovative Premise and World-Building
   The concept of Air Treks—motorized skates enabling superhuman feats—is a bold, original idea that sets Air Gear apart from typical sports anime. The underground Storm Rider subculture, with its “Parts Wars,” specialized “Roads” (skating styles like the Wing Road), and the mythical Trophaeum Tower, creates a rich, immersive world. As one reviewer noted, “How many anime can you name that involve people fighting each other with roller skates?” The blend of extreme sports and shonen battles, infused with a rebellious urban vibe, feels like a love letter to 2000s counterculture, making the premise endlessly captivating.
2. Exhilarating Action and Visual Style
   Toei Animation delivers dynamic action sequences that capture the thrill of ATs. From Ikki’s chaotic first battle to the intense Cube match against Behemoth, scenes of grinding, wall-running, and wind-slicing attacks are visually striking. While the animation isn’t top-tier for 2006, it uses vibrant colors, fluid motion, and creative camera angles to emphasize speed and freedom. The character designs, adapted from Oh! Great’s distinct manga art, are stylish, with Ikki’s spiky hair and Ringo’s bold look standing out. The moody Tokyo backdrop adds a gritty, atmospheric edge. Fans of action will find the stunts—like Ikki propelling up vertical walls—jaw-dropping and inventive.
3. Killer Soundtrack
   The soundtrack is a highlight, with a diverse mix of hip-hop, electronic, funk, and even African-American disco influences that amplify the show’s rebellious spirit. The opening theme, “Chain” by Back-on, is an infectious banger that sets the tone, while the ending, “Sky-2-High” by skankfunk, adds a reflective vibe. Tracks supervised by Hideki Naganuma (Jet Set Radio) elevate races and fights to music-video-like intensity. Reviewers consistently praise the music, with one calling it “the highlight of Air Gear every single time.” The OST’s unique energy makes every episode feel alive.
4. Charismatic Cast and Wacky Humor
   Ikki is a compelling lead—brash, competitive, and flawed, yet loyal and driven, making him relatable despite his hotheadedness. His chemistry with Kazu, the cool-headed best friend, Onigiri, the comic relief, and Agito/Akito, with their split-personality dynamic, brings humor and heart. The Noyamano sisters, particularly Ringo, add emotional depth, with hints of her ties to Sleeping Forest creating intrigue. The humor shines in absurd moments, like Ikki’s embarrassing defeat where he’s nearly pile-driven into the ground, only to be mocked by rivals. The quirky cast and offbeat comedy keep Air Gear from feeling like a generic sports anime.

Weaknesses: Grounded by Flaws

1. Shonen Clichés and Shallow Plot
   Air Gear leans heavily on familiar shonen tropes: a cocky hero, predictable rivalries, and repetitive motivational speeches about “riding the wind” and “reaching the heavens.” As one critic noted, “Every five minutes, the audience is subjected to a character philosophizing… about the wind, people having wings, heart, the heavens, and all that garbage.” The story follows a formulaic cycle of Ikki facing a rival, training, and winning through grit, with little narrative progression. The abrupt, open-ended finale after the Devil’s Thirty Thirty race feels unsatisfying, skipping key manga arcs like Sora’s training, leaving viewers hanging.
2. Excessive and Problematic Fanservice
   The show’s heavy fanservice, including uncensored nudity and sexual innuendo involving underage characters like the 14-year-old Noyamano sisters, is a significant drawback. Scenes with Ringo and Simca often feel gratuitous, clashing with the show’s otherwise youthful energy. One reviewer called it “disturbing” and unnecessary, noting it alienates viewers who might enjoy the action. Given modern sensitivities, this aspect ages poorly and detracts from the show’s potential as a broadly appealing shonen.
3. Uneven Pacing and Limited Character Depth
   Season 1’s pacing falters, with early episodes dragging due to repetitive fights and filler-like moments. Character development is minimal; Ikki remains a static hothead, and supporting characters like Kazu and Onigiri lack depth beyond their quirks. While the show hints at compelling backstories—like Rika’s tragic past with Sleeping Forest—it doesn’t explore them fully, leaving emotional beats underdeveloped. Manga fans note the anime covers only a fraction of the 37-volume source material, missing the deeper character arcs found later.
4. Manga Deviations and Incomplete Adaptation
   The anime diverges significantly from the manga, which won the 2006 Kodansha Manga Award. It skips key arcs, rushes major plot points, and ends without resolving the Trophaeum Tower storyline, frustrating manga readers. The OVAs (2010–2011) adapt later volumes but don’t compensate for Season 1’s incomplete narrative. Fans often recommend the manga for its richer story and conclusive ending, as the anime feels like a teaser for a bigger tale.

Unique Elements: A Shonen Like No Other

Air Gear stands out for its fusion of extreme sports and shonen action, a combination rarely seen in anime. The Air Treks concept transforms skating into a high-stakes, almost superhero-like sport, with “Roads” like the Wing Road or Fang Road adding strategic depth to battles. The urban, cyberpunk aesthetic, combined with a focus on gang rivalries and youthful rebellion, gives it a distinct vibe, reminiscent of Jet Set Radio but with a shonen twist. The show’s exploration of freedom—literal and metaphorical—resonates with teens and young adults, while its cultural references, like Tokyo’s street scene, add authenticity.

Unlike traditional sports anime like Haikyuu!!, Air Gear prioritizes style and attitude over realism, appealing to fans of over-the-top action and counterculture. Its influence is evident in how it inspired some viewers to take up aggressive inline skating, as one Reddit user shared: “As a kid, this was one of the reasons I started aggressive inline skating.”

Reception and Comparisons

Reviews of Air Gear Season 1 are mixed, reflecting its niche appeal. On MyAnimeList, it scores a 7.4/10, with fans praising its action, music, and premise but criticizing its story and fanservice. IMDb user reviews give it an 8/10, calling Ikki “lovable & hilarious” and lamenting the lack of a second season. Critics, like those at Anime News Network, praise the manga’s artwork but find the anime’s story lacking, while The Escapist called it a “hodgepodge of sad attempts to be cool.” Compared to contemporaries like Bleach or Naruto, Air Gear feels less polished but more daring in its concept.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Thrilling Ride

Air Gear Season 1 is a bold, energetic shonen that soars with its unique premise, electrifying action, and killer soundtrack. Its blend of extreme sports, urban culture, and youthful rebellion makes it a standout, especially for fans of unconventional anime. However, shonen clichés, excessive fanservice, and an incomplete adaptation keep it from reaching its full potential. It’s a show that’s as frustrating as it is exhilarating, best enjoyed for its style and vibe rather than narrative depth.

Rating: 7/10
Recommended for: Fans of Jet Set Radio, Yu Yu Hakusho, or anyone craving high-energy action with a side of 2000s nostalgia.
Where to Watch: Funimation, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime Video.
For a deeper dive, the manga (available via Kodansha) offers a richer, more conclusive story, while the 2010–2011 OVAs provide a glimpse of later arcs.

If you’re looking for a wild, stylish ride that doesn’t take itself too seriously, Air Gear Season 1 delivers—just don’t expect it to reach the heavens it so desperately chases.¹