Latest Manga Development "Last Corner" Part II

---------- WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILER, NAVIGATE AWAY NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE SPOILERS ----------


Vol.715 for Initial D was released couple days ago on Weekly Young Magazine. We are 100 meters from... the finish line and Shinji and Takumi is neck to neck in the final corner. However, Takumi seems to have a hood-length lead. Can he fight with the severe understeer on the outer lane?

Apparently, Takumi has forgotten that he has the lights turned off because he is super concentrated on the road ahead. It is said that he can now see things in slow motion and roots and cracks on the asphalt are visible to him. That is nothing short of amazing.

Remember, when both cars are driving at 100km+ in the final stretch, 100 meters takes merely 4 seconds to cover. So we've now enter a pace in the manga where every chapter covers seconds worth of race. To make this exciting, Shigeno is writing lots of monologue and inner thoughts of both driver.

But I don't think the race can be dragged on any longer. Hopefully it will be wrapped out in the next couple of chapter. According to reliable source, Initial D Manga Vol.47 will be released on August 6, 2013. This is not a coincidence! They timed this so that it'll be released on "8-6" day. We expect this particular volume of manga will be sold out very quickly. When the manga is available for pre-order, we'll share the link with you all.

Meanwhile, if you want to keep up with the latest development in the manga, please visit this thread: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=26...dpost&p=1279716

(Source image: Chapter 715 - 最終コーナー (後編) "Last Corner" Part II)

| Editor's Note |
Almost forgot, we still need your votes on making the Best Eurobeat from Initial D compilation! Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey if you haven't already » http://surveymonkey.com/s/FMVCWFZ Don't know what we're talking about? Read this post for the details on the survey » http://facebook.com/go2id/photos/656174301064905 Thank you!


'https://idforums.net/images/idmangavol715.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1146 x 828. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Why did Ryousuke choose Matsumoto?

Someone brought this topic up on the forums recently. "Why did Ryousuke choose Matsumoto (Personal mechanic of Takumi's AE86) instead of Tomiguchi (Personal mechanic of Keisuke's FD)?"

There are a few... possibilities. The most plausible scenario is that Matsumoto is the more knowledgeable mechanic out of the two and that Ryousuke trust him more with his FC. It is true, we always see Ryousuke talk to Fumihiro and Matsumoto during the races, but never with Tomiguchi! Tomiguchi is mostly seen with Keisuke and Kenta, but seldom talk with Ryousuke.

Another possibility is that Matsumoto doesn't hang out with the rest of Project.D that often. So when Ryousuke asks him to modify his FC, Matsumoto is more likely to keep it a secret than Tomiguchi.

An interesting thing to note is that Matsumoto happens to share the same first name as the author, Shuichi (Shigeno) Is this a coincidence? We don't think so. It is highly likely that the author wants the Matsumoto character to be his own reflection in the story, thus gaining the trust from Ryousuke.

The last possibility will probably make some of you uncomfortable, but it's hinted throughout the story. Remember what Matsumoto said to Ryousuke before he raced Shinigami? Let's quote him here:

"Ryousuke. I'll wait for you here. Don't forget to pick me up when this is all over. I'll be in the passenger seat when you head back to Gunma. I don't plan on going back any other way. I'll wait two or three days if I have to... Even if it's raining. Even if it's pouring. And if you don't come back, I guess I'll just have to die in the gutter here."

Did Matsumoto just... confess? The connotation here is subtle but the undertone is strong. Would a man say stuff like this to another man? I mean, Ryousuke is definitely someone to admire, but what Matsumoto said might hint a little more than admiration.

(cough) ...and we'll leave that to your imagination!

So what's your take on that? Why do you think Ryousuke choose Matsumoto instead of Tomiguchi for his FC upgrade project? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

| Sources |
» Screenshots from Initial D Fifth Stage ACT.4 & 10.


'https://idforums.net/images/matsumotoryousuke.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 908 x 1224. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Initial D World Google Plus

We know some of you don't use Facebook exclusively, which is the reason why we want to make this page more accessible to some of you and possibly your friends out there. Today, we are officially launching the Initial D World... Google+ page.

A community has already formed within the Google Plus page. Where people can freely share any Initial D related information. It won't be tucked away like the Posts By Others on Facebook Page.

If you or your friends use Google+ and happen to be an Initial D fan, spread the words and follow us today!

Initial D World - Google+ Page: http://plus.google.com/112407165093029776351
Initial D World - Google+ Community: http://plus.google.com/communities/108894254629872715095

| Editor's Note |
The G+ page will be managed by Nam Le. ( http://fb.me/Rukawa701 ) Thank you very much!


'https://idforums.net/images/idwgoogleplus.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 700 x 1477. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Initial D Original Artwork Exhibition

Most of us have walked into an art gallery at some point in our life, but have you ever wonder what would it be like to walk into one of these galleries and see Initial D on display?

Well,... 東京オートサロン2013 (Tokyo Auto Salon 2013) did just that earlier this year. In collaboration with「86 & BRZ WORLD」they had an original artwork exhibition for Initial D. It was a surreal experience according to some of the people who went to the event. Some of these artwork were never shown in public before, it's really exciting to see the manga strip with vivid colors.

It's quite impressive to learn that some of these original artwork are almost two decades old. All of these were personally drawn by Shuichi Shigeno, the creator of Initial D. To learn about this event, be sure to check out the links in the source below.

| Sources |
» イベント・ニュース｜講談社コミックプラス | http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/event/event_detail.php/6646
» 86 & BRZ WORLD in 東京オートサロン2013　頭文字D原画展 | http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/387484...4140/photo.aspx


'https://idforums.net/images/initialdoriginalartworkexhibition.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1012 x 1712. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Initial D Fifth Stage Rating

A month ago we asked the fans this question: "How would you rate Initial D Fifth Stage overall?" The result is out. A total of 1,118 fans participated in the poll. 728 of which gave Fifth Stage 10/10; 120 of which... rated Fifth Stage 9/10; 142 of which said it deserved 8/10... etc.

So according to you fans, Fifth Stage's average rating is 9.179 out of 10. That is actually a very good scores despite the fact that many people have voiced how unhappy they are with Fifth Stage. Perhaps, those are the minority after all. Of course, before you start criticizing how the poll may be biased, we know. The survey was done in a Facebook page that's dedicated to Initial D. People who take the survey will undoubtedly be big fans of Initial D. If the survey was asked in a different platform, the result might be different.

Personally I am a bit surprised at the high mark. I personally voted it an 8 out of 10 due to the fact that it was rushed and there were places where it could be improved. Judging by the standard deviation, the people who voted 8, 9 and 10 makes up for over 85% of the sample size. In plain terms, majority of you absolutely LOVED Fifth Stage. And there you have it.

By the way, you can still cast your vote and the result will be displayed in real time on go2id.net later on. So if you haven't already vote, do it now! http://facebook.com/questions/650585251623810/ Thank you for participating!

Speaking of survey, we have another on-going survey that needs your input! Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey if you haven't already » http://surveymonkey.com/s/FMVCWFZ Don't know what this survey is about? Read this post for the details on the survey » http://facebook.com/go2id/photos/656174301064905 Thank you!


'https://idforums.net/images/fifthstageratingsurveyresult.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1222 x 815. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Initial D Fifth Stage DVD Vol.6 & 7

Initial D Fifth Stage DVD Vol.6 has been on sale for well over a week now. According to Oricon's DVD sales ranking chart, almost 7,000 copies of DVD Vol.6 were sold in the opening week. That figure is the highest opening... week sales for Fifth Stage (!) We think Episode 12 was one of the best episodes in the entire season, so that the corresponding DVD volume is selling so well.

To make it even more appealing, couple weeks ago Avex decided to lower the price for ALL Fifth Stage DVDs. Previously at ￥6,090 (USD $65), after the price drop, they are going for ￥4,500 (USD $48) each volume only.

It is unclear why Avex marketing department decided to do that. Maybe they are trying to appeal to a wider consumer base? Maybe they printed too many DVDs and needed to sell them out as soon as they can? We don't know. One thing we know for sure is, the sales figure is looking quite promising. For all we know, they might have already broke even, resulting in net profit as we speak.

To show your support and watch Fifth Stage as it's supposed to be watched in, high quality. Order them today!

| Order Links |
» Initial D Fifth Stage DVD Vol.6
— http://cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVBA-62378 (Ships to USA and other countries worldwide.)
— http://amazon.co.jp/dp/B00BPRQ2D6 (Ships to Japan only.)

» Initial D Fifth Stage DVD Vol.7 (finale volume)
— http://cdjapan.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=AVBA-62450 (Ships to USA and other countries worldwide.)
— http://amazon.co.jp/dp/B00BPRQ79K (Ships to Japan only.)

| Read More |
» Initial D Fifth Stage DVD Sales | http://facebook.com/go2id/photos/662159423799726


'https://idforums.net/images/id5sdvd67.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 900 x 1263. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Latest Manga Development "Last Corner"

---------- WARNING: THIS POST CONTAINS SPOILER, NAVIGATE AWAY NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE SPOILERS ----------


The downhill battle between Shinji and Takumi has finally enter the final corner in the manga. The... latest chapter, titled "The Final Corner," shows us how intense the battle has gotten. Both Shinji and Takumi would not budge. There are many contacts between the two cars. (Reminds me of the Shinigami race.)

This race has taken well over a year to draw and we are finally near the conclusion. Who would win? It is as unclear as when the race first started.

According to reliable source, Initial D Manga Vol.47 will be released on August 6, 2013. This is not a coincidence! They timed this so that it'll be released on "8-6" day. We expect this particular volume of manga will be sold out very quickly. When the manga is available for pre-order, we'll share the link with you all.

Meanwhile, if you want to keep up with the latest development in the manga, please visit this thread: https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=26...dpost&p=1279252

(Source image: Chapter 714 - 最終コーナー "Last Corner")


'https://idforums.net/images/idmangavol714.jpg'

I don't always race, but...

Poor Nakazato... I don't think we've ever seen him win a race in Initial D. Seriously, he even lose in a flashback scene! It's like a black humor attempt by the author. Mr. Shigeno must really hate the GT-R R32.... (laugh)

If they ever make another side story Extra Stage, it would be nice to focus on a support cast like Nakazato and maybe show him win a race. Knowing how "cruel" Shigeno is judging from how he deals with all relationships in Initial D, that's probably not going to happen.

Editor's Note: We still need your votes on making the Best Eurobeat from Initial D compilation! Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey if you haven't already » http://surveymonkey.com/s/FMVCWFZ Don't know what we're talking about? Read this post for the details on the survey » http://facebook.com/go2id/photos/656174301064905 Thank you!


'https://idforums.net/images/idontalwaysrace.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1012 x 1150. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Initial D Reunion Meet 2

With the overwhelming response we've received from the first Initial D Reunion Meet, we are hosting another meet on July 27th. Like the purpose of the first meet, this is to celebrate the return of Initial D and to show our... support for the show.

One of the goals of this meet is to gather as many Initial D replica cars together as possible. To help encourage this we offer free admission for any replica AND a photo shoot as well. If you own a replica or know someone who does, please let us know.

Unfortunately due to park regulations we are not allowed to sell any food on the park premises, that means no food trucks. We ask that everyone bring their own food and snacks. For those who are interested we would be happy to set up a group buy for some pizza. We will still provide bottled water like last time.

Lastly, we understand that Wekfest changed their event date to the same day as ours. However their event starts at 1pm. We will end our meet a little early at 1pm if people would like to attend both. We will still be around for those who want to stay longer.

Please also remember like last time, no alcohol, smoking, burnouts, engine revving, or speeding is allowed. Thank you! Let's make this another great meet!

Below is the list of cars so far coming out:

Takumi's 86 - Alex (Confirmed)
Keisuke's FD - Alex (Confirmed)
Bunta's GC8 - Rainer (Confirmed)
Ryosuke's FC - Michael (Confirmed)
Smiley's DC2 - Roger (Confirmed)
Man in the Evo V - Tristan (Confirmed)
Shingo's EG6 - *Tentative*
Nobuhiko's Altezza - *Tentative*
Tohru's NA6C - *Tentative*
Miki's Celica GT-Four - *Tentative*

Event Page: http://facebook.com/events/532367143468457/
Entry Fee: $7 at the gate

A word from Alex and Perry: if you can't attend the meet, feel free to click on the "Maybe" button to keep yourself updated. There will be hundreds of pictures posted on the event page on that date. We'll post the official album on this fanpage after the event. Join the event today! We'd love to see you there on the 27th. : )


'https://idforums.net/images/initialdreunionmeetii.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 1200 x 800. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.

Real Life Shingo vs Takumi

Oh my goodness, what is this new Live Action movie? That's what we thought when we first saw the pictures. It turned out to be enthusiastic Initial D fans reenacting the Gumtape Deathmatch scene between Shingo's EG6 and... Takumi's AE86 from First Stage! We were shocked to learn that these photos were taken back in August, 2008.

It just makes you smile from the bottom of your heart when you see other fans taking the same passion seriously. Though, they were only reenacting the start up of the race scene and did not actually drive around with one hand taped to the steering wheel. DO NOT try that in any circumstances. That's where you draw the line between reality and fantasy. Well, Keiichi Tsuchiya doesn't count, okay? (laugh)

| Read More |
» Real Life Gumtape Death Match | https://idforums.net/index.php?showtopic=45841

| Image Sources |
» AE86カツオ | http://minkara.carview.co.jp/userid/280715


'https://idforums.net/images/shingovstakumireenactment.jpg'

Image size reduced, original size: 804 x 1436. Click here to view the image in its original dimension.