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Cover of Air Gear, Vol. 1

Air Gear, Vol. 1

by Oh! Great

Fiction MangaComicsShonenSportsActionScience FictionComics Manga

Book Description

Wheels of fury and dreams collide in the wild world of Air Gear, where gravity-defying battles on high-tech rollerblades blur the line between sport and chaos. Young Ikki longs to soar above the streets, driven by ambition and an insatiable thirst for freedom. As he dives into this adrenaline-fueled subculture, he uncovers rivalries that threaten not only his passion but the very fabric of friendship and loyalty. With each thrilling duel, dangers loom larger and stakes rise higher. Will Ikki rise to the challenge, or will the turbulence of the Air Gear underworld consume him?

Quick Summary

In "Air Gear, Vol. 1," readers are introduced to a high-octane world where futuristic motorized rollerblades, known as Air Treks, let users soar and battle across the urban landscape. The story follows Itsuki "Ikki" Minami, a middle-school delinquent with a fierce desire for freedom and respect. After being humiliated by the local Storm Riders, Ikki discovers his housemates are part of the legendary team Sleeping Forest. Invigorated by this revelation, he borrows their Air Treks and embarks on his own evolution as a rider. Driven by ambition and newfound passion, Ikki pushes his limits, draws notice from rivals, and faces intense underground battles that test his courage and the bonds with those closest to him.

Summary of Key Ideas

The Pursuit of Freedom and Identity

The story begins by immersing readers in the energetic and chaotic daily life of Ikki, known as the “Unbeatable Babyface” to his peers. Despite his tough reputation, Ikki grapples with feelings of inadequacy and longing for a greater sense of belonging. His frustration grows after a crushing defeat by the Storm Riders, a gang who lord over the world of Air Treks—high-tech, motorized skates that allow for daring tricks and aerial battles. This defeat ignites Ikki’s determination to reclaim his pride and discover where he truly belongs among the city’s thrill-seekers.

The World of Air Treks and Storm Riders

The discovery that his adoptive sisters, the Noyamano girls, are secretly connected to the renowned Storm Rider team Sleeping Forest shocks Ikki and reshapes his perception of those closest to him. With their encouragement, Ikki sneaks out to try their Air Treks, experiencing the thrill and power of flight like never before. This moment marks the beginning of Ikki’s passion for Air Treks, awakening an insatiable hunger to test his abilities and enter the adrenaline-charged world that previously seemed out of reach.

Friendship, Loyalty, and Rivalries

As Ikki practices and becomes more skilled, he quickly attracts both friends and enemies. The world of Storm Riders is depicted as a tight-knit, secretive community battling for territory, respect, and dominance. Ikki finds himself drawn into challenges and duels that put not only his newfound skills but also his courage and ingenuity to the test. The intricate hierarchy and territorial disputes between teams expose Ikki to the dangers and thrill of the Air Trek underworld.

Ambition, Growth, and Overcoming Challenges

The relationships between Ikki, his sisters, and friends undergo significant strain as they navigate deception, loyalty, and evolving ambitions. As the stakes rise, Ikki must decide who he can trust, and whether his pursuit of glory will cost him the support of those closest to him. The presence of powerful rivals and hidden agendas force Ikki to confront the reality that victory comes not just from skill, but from understanding the true meaning of camaraderie and resilience.

By the conclusion of Volume 1, Ikki’s journey with Air Treks is just beginning. Though still inexperienced, he has made his mark and is eager to challenge the status quo. The stage is set for more intense battles and personal growth. Ikki’s insatiable desire to soar higher, paired with the loyalty and complexities of his chosen family, hints at even greater challenges and rivalries on the horizon, emphasizing themes of freedom, ambition, and the importance of finding one’s own path amidst chaos.