Otakuwriter
Initial D Creator Launches Sequel Manga Subaru to Subaru
Shuuichi Shigeno, renowned for his groundbreaking work on the Initial D and MF Ghost series, has officially launched a new manga titled Subaru to Subaru (Subaru and Subaru). This sequel continues the storied narrative that began with Initial D, further expanding the universe and character developments fans have followed for decades. The announcement was made via the 34th issue of Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine, released on Tuesday.
About the Subaru to Subaru Manga and Its Place in the Franchise
Subaru to Subaru acts as a direct continuation of the racing saga begun by Shigeno’s earlier works, Initial D and its follow-up, MF Ghost. Both series primarily focus on Japanese street racing culture with an emphasis on drifting and automotive technology, centered around the evolution of generational protagonists.
Initial D was a seminal series that ran from June 1995 until July 2013, serialized in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine. Over its 18 years of publication, Initial D compiled 48 tankōbon volumes, released between November 1995 and November 2013. The series achieved massive commercial success, with total circulation surpassing 56 million copies worldwide.
After Initial D, Shigeno continued the story conceptually with MF Ghost, which started serialization in 2017, also in Weekly Young Magazine. This sequel explored the evolution of street and professional racing in a near-future setting, integrating new characters and models while maintaining thematic ties to its predecessor.
Details on the Creative Team and Production
The Subaru to Subaru manga is directly overseen by Shuuichi Shigeno, continuing his role as the original author and illustrator. Kodansha remains the publishing house supporting the series, ensuring consistent quality and availability to its established readership across Japan and internationally through official distribution channels.
While Animation Studio details for an anime adaptation of Subaru to Subaru have yet to be formally announced, the previous adaptations of Initial D were produced by the acclaimed anime studio Studio Gallop, with later seasons and adaptations involving studios like Pastel.
The anime adaptations of Initial D featured prominent voice actors such as Kōji Yusa portraying Takumi Fujiwara, the series’ unforgettable protagonist, supported by veteran voice talents consistent across its seasons. Key staff from earlier productions included director Tsuneo Tominaga and composer Shigeru Umebayashi, contributing to the series’ distinct atmosphere.
Official Release and Distribution Platforms
Currently, the Subaru to Subaru manga is serialized exclusively in Kodansha’s Weekly Young Magazine, both in print and digital formats. Kodansha USA and other official licensors are expected to provide international releases, although no formal announcements have been made regarding English-language or digital platform availability at this stage.
For fans interested in the animated legacy of Shigeno’s work, all seasons of the Initial D anime are officially licensed and available on global streaming platforms such as Crunchyroll and Funimation. Meanwhile, the MF Ghost anime adaptation, announced in 2023, is being produced by the studio Geno Studio with expected worldwide streaming through similar platforms, reflecting the sustained international interest in Shigeno’s motorsport-themed narratives.
Conclusion: Continuing the Legacy of Initial D with Subaru to Subaru
The launch of Subaru to Subaru marks an exciting new chapter for Shuuichi Shigeno’s renowned series, extending a legacy that has defined automotive manga and anime for almost three decades. Drawing from its deep roots in Japanese car culture and character-driven storytelling, the sequel promises to appeal to longstanding fans as well as new readers discovering the rich tapestry of themes surrounding motorsports, rivalry, and personal growth.
With Kodansha’s continued support and the proven popularity of Shigeno’s work, official updates on volume releases, potential anime adaptations, and international availability are eagerly anticipated. For now, Subaru to Subaru stands as an essential addition to the expansive world built by the creator of Initial D and MF Ghost.
