Japanese manga artist Shuichi Shigeno's iconic racing manga, "Initial D," saw its sequel, "MF Ghost," adapted into a TV anime in 2023, which is now nearing its grand finale.
But wait, there's more! As "Initial D" celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, an official announcement has dropped: a brand-new series titled "Subaru and Comet" (すばるとすばる) is set to launch in the 34th issue of "Young Magazine," hitting shelves on July 22! This new work will continue the thrilling world of "Initial D" and "MF Ghost," taking fans on another high-octane journey through the legendary street racing scene.
The new series, "Subaru and Comet," introduces a male and female protagonist duo: Kudo Comet and Sato Subaru. Both young drivers find themselves at a fateful turning point amidst their personal struggles. Comet suddenly appears before Ogata and Aiba, while Sato Subaru's destiny kicks into high gear after an encounter with Bunta Fujiwara. Inheriting the "fastest on the public roads" spirit from Gunma and Kanagawa, this duo is set to write a brand-new "True Fastest on the Public Roads Legend"!
Meanwhile, the final volume of the "MF Ghost" manga officially dropped on June 6. To commemorate this huge milestone, the official team went all out, publishing a mind-blowing special newspaper ad in the morning editions of the "Asahi Shimbun" and "Yomiuri Shimbun."
The biggest highlight of this ad? A brand-new illustration personally drawn by Shigeno-sensei himself, his first in 11 and a half years! It reunites the "Project D" trio—Takumi Fujiwara, Keisuke Takahashi, and Ryosuke Takahashi—alongside their beloved cars! Piece both newspapers together, and you get the complete artwork, making it an absolute collector's item!
▼ Left: "Asahi Shimbun" version; Right: "Yomiuri Shimbun" version
And for fans in Gunma Prefecture, the series' spiritual home, the "Asahi Shimbun" edition even featured an extra illustration of Bunta Fujiwara!
▼ "MF Ghost" manga, Volume 23, the final volume.
What's more, eight other prefectures—the battlegrounds of epic "MF Ghost" expeditions and locations tied to the featured cars—also received special "Project D Expedition Battle" ad versions. Just like the main ad, you need both the Asahi and Yomiuri papers to complete the full image, bringing back all those intense race memories!
From the first new illustration in over a decade to the puzzle-like dual newspaper ads and regional exclusive designs, this whole campaign is packed with heart, nostalgia, and a clear passion for the series! It's obvious the official team truly loves this franchise!
The upcoming "Subaru and Comet" will carry on the legacy of "Initial D" and "MF Ghost," inviting us to witness the next chapter of the "True Fastest on the Public Roads Legend"! Fans of the series are undoubtedly eager to see what new stories unfold. We'll just have to wait for the series to officially launch!
via： Young Magazine PR TIMES