Air Gear
Growing Wings
by Pedro Rodriguez
Two months ago I was given a chance to review Air Gear Volume 1, and while I was entertained by the first DVD, I had a few issues that kept me from giving it a higher score. The first of which was how well it was able to use material (both from the manga, and new ideas) and run with them. While the scenarios that were directly taken from the manga delivered dead on their mark, some of the original ideas took away a bit of the story's original bite away; not by much but enough for some manga fans to notice. The other matter at hand was the amount of material in the first volume compared to the original price. It was strange criticizing the MSRP over the lack of extra content, especially since I one of those who used to pay almost thirty for just one episode, a postcard, a small poster and a few trailers. Still in a time where we now have thinpacks, this reviewer thinks it may start to become an issue. Volume two was released earlier last week; because the first volume left me wondering how the series was doing, I have decided write a follow up.
I believe that looking over volume two, the series is really starting to spread it wings in almost every important matter. Like before, the show is able to take full advantage of any ideas that have been incorporated from the manga; one shining example of this about halfway through the first episode when Ikki goes to his room and looks at his battle worn Air Trecks on his desk. With a sense of remorse, he walks away from them and plops on his bed. He nose pick something up, and when he turns around he sees Simca... naked. Oh yeah hilarity ensues. The show is also starting to get a bit more daring than before, however the shock value still appears to be on notch below the manga. Regardless if you were looking for something spicy, the series is bound to please.
While some the character development and relationships in the show are moving as expected, some have surprisingly popped out of the woodwork. One of relationships that I'm sure is on everyone's checklist is the love triangle between Simca, Ikki, and Ringo. Like many other girls before her, Ringo is able to see the potential that Ikki has, but she has issues in admitting her feelings towards her childhood friend. In the end it's that same old song that many other girls before her have played 'It is okay with Ikki seeing other people... as long as it's no one else but her'. In the meantime Simca is doing her job in shaking things up. Like Ringo, she can see that Ikki has a lot to offer in the long run, and she is willing to invest everything she has in order to get it from him. Thank Heaven for little girls like her, for the jealous childhood friend bit would've gone stale a long time ago. Meanwhile Ikki doesn't seem to mind taking any handouts that Simca is placing under the table, but some viewers may also be surprised that his initial passion for Air Trecks seems to be greater for anything that Simca has to offer. So while he isn't seen begging for Ringo's attention, he dedication is keeping him from making any long term contracts with Simca (indirectly at least).
While she isn't playing a pivotal role in the story line, Shiraume Noyamano (the youngest of the sisters) seems to be getting a lot of camera time in this volume. Popping her head a bit in the episode five, she is also seen doing several comedy bits with Ikki later on. At one point Ikki lands himself a small box of Matsutake. Seeing as Shiraume is an expert in building and modifying Air Trecks, he bribes her with a bowl of rice topped mixed in with the shrooms. What happens next is just wrong, funny but wrong. The track team duo (named Emily and Yayoi) who were involved in the Yaoh incident have also made a return. While they don't seem to stand out as much as the other characters, they continually pop up more often than expected. Keep your eyes out on those two, there may be more to them than you might think.
Another character that is starting to make an impression is Mari Tomita. Viewers may recall seeing her in the first volume; she was the young teacher who had issues about being assaulted from time to time. She continues to make small appearances from time to time. However by the end of episode eight, Miss Tomita (or Ton-chan as the kids like to call her), she begins to play more of a role in the story. We see a background story that involves an older teacher and the school's clock. She has also shows that her range of character is much more than a sexually-paranoid individual. In the last episode, the boys have landed themselves in hot water with said older teacher. After making a deal with Ton-chan, the boys find a rather shady way to get out of trouble. When all is said and done we see that our little defenseless lass can be a little deviant herself.
Did I forget to mention Buccha or Agito? Drat...
The localization team has really done a great job in both the subtitles and the dubbed version of the show. Again some of the American cast was not as tight as I was hoping it would be, but their work is still as good as it gets in this business. Some of their best work seems to be in the flashier bits, or times when the scenes call for something bit over the top (i.e. upside-down Stick, Eastside Girls Track Team Chant). In most cases viewers aren't going to notice the mistakes unless they are really picky, (or if they happen to be playing the DVD over and over again). Hillary Haag has the most natural flow from the cast. Known for playing roles that are high-spirited, she takes it back a notch when she plays Shiraume (or just Ume). The result just fits like a glove. Once again the DVD has only a few extras, which can really push people away considering the asking price and other alternatives. The good news is chances are there are a lot of places that will sell volume two for a lot less. It would've been nice if ADV somehow managed to get some of the decals based on the inside artwork of the Manga (volume three to be exact) along with the Collectors Box. Oh well, wishful thinking I guess.
While the animation staff may have lost a few nuggets from the original story, it really doesn't matter at this point. When all is said and done Air Gear is looking to be a very solid series. It doesn't look like it will be as good as the manga, but very few titles are. The story seems to be going along as expected, and some of the supporting characters are pulling out a few cards of their own, thus making it an awesome trip. Everyone in both Japan and the US seem to be doing their share in delivering an entertaining piece. If you are already picked up a copy of Volume two, it doesn't look like this series will let you down. If you haven't gotten into the series yet, and if the lack of extras is really an issue, then you will have to make your own decision between making the plunge or holding out on the thinpacks (if they ever come around). Either way the show that is worth supporting.
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