This fall Crunchyroll has started releasing episodes for MF ma And Overcome! Man racing, brought audiences not one but two racing anime series after years without them. This genre hasn’t been shown much in recent years, so it would be a waste to skip it while they’re on the air. This might be the best chance to watch racing anime and understand the appeal of cars in anime.
It’s been nearly a decade since the last season of Original D aired, and since then auto show shows have been in the minority and out of sight. It is surprising, therefore, that two different racing programs appear this season. But this just means there’s no better opportunity to see what the genre has to offer to new audiences. Crunchyroll steps up and brings two racing anime shows that are sure to pique the interest of fans.
MF Ghost and pass! Provides more than a noisy spectacle
Although both shows are about fast cars, MF Ghost and Overtake! are very different beasts. MF Ghost has a cool retro style; in fact, it was also written by First D’s creator, Shuuichi Shigeno. Though a far cry from the days of semi-legal mountain bike racing, Shigeno’s familiar fingerprints still shine through dramatically as they mask the ambition that drives Kanata in the search for his missing father. Meanwhile, Overtake has a more limited focus as it explores the management aspects of F4 racing and the behind-the-scenes work that drives an entire team to success, perhaps exemplified by its protagonist, a photographer became a sponsor for the team.
Whether one watches either or both, the two shows have extremely different perspectives that offer many options for viewers. If someone wants classic pedal action and a roaring engine, the MF Ghost is the way to go. The first episode even ends with the opening notes of a Eurobeat song, promising that the show will be a true successor to Initial D, whose last episode took place in 2014. Meanwhile, Overtake ! re interested in the world of racing in general: photographer Koya provides a broader perspective on the tension and passion for racing that inspires everyone, not just drivers.
Yet despite their differences, they both have the same appeal that all racing anime have: stories of underdogs overcoming challenges and proving that anyone can be winner. Sadly, there doesn’t seem to be much interest in sports cars and hot rods these days, except as window dressing, unlike the MF Ghost’s unfortunate future that belongs to self-driving electric cars. However, like MFG’s racers, racing is not dead and neither is anime about them. Thanks to Crunchyroll, fans can see what’s up MF ma And Overcome! must accommodate and celebrate this under-celebrated genre.
MF ma And Overcome! Man racing is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll.