The world of Initial D and MF Ghost is about to get a whole lot faster. Creator Shuichi Shigeno is launching a brand-new manga series titled Subaru and Subaru, promising a thrilling continuation of the high-octane street racing saga. Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting sequel and how it connects to the existing Initial D universe.
What is Subaru and Subaru?
Subaru and Subaru (Japanese: 昴と彗星, Subaru to Suisei, literally “Subaru and the Comet”) is the latest manga series by Shuichi Shigeno, the mastermind behind the legendary Initial D and its sequel, MF Ghost. This new series will debut in Issue 34 of Young Magazine, set to release on July 22nd, 2025.
A Shared Universe
Subaru and Subaru is not a standalone story but rather a continuation of the overarching narrative established in Initial D and further explored in MF Ghost. It’s designed to bridge the gap between the two series, creating a cohesive and interconnected world of street racing. The new manga promises to deliver a “true legend of the fastest car on public roads” where the worlds of Initial D and MF Ghost overlap.
Double the Trouble, Double the Protagonists
For the first time in the franchise, the series will feature two protagonists:
- Kudo Subaru: His journey begins when he encounters Ogata and Aiba, characters from MF Ghost.
- Sato Subaru: A young female driver whose fate is intertwined with Initial D character Bunta Fujiwara. There are teases of a connection between Sato Subaru and Mako Sato.
The series will follow both characters as they navigate the challenges of street racing, blending the traditional touge racing of Initial D with the professional racing environment of the MFG in MF Ghost.
Connections to Initial D and MF Ghost
Subaru and Subaru aims to unite elements from both Initial D and MF Ghost, offering fans the best of both worlds.
Initial D Legacy
Initial D, serialized from 1995 to 2013, revolutionized the street racing genre with its focus on touge (mountain pass) racing, drifting techniques, and realistic car modifications. The series follows Takumi Fujiwara, a tofu delivery boy who becomes an exceptional driver behind the wheel of his father’s Toyota AE86.
Initial D is more than just a manga; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It popularized drifting and touge racing, influencing car enthusiasts and spawning numerous anime adaptations, a live-action movie, OVAs, and video games.
- Bunta Fujiwara’s Influence: The appearance of Bunta Fujiwara in Subaru and Subaru suggests a direct link to the roots of Initial D. Bunta, a legendary driver himself, played a crucial role in Takumi’s development, and his involvement hints at a mentorship role for Sato Subaru. Bunta Fujiwara drove a Subaru Impreza WRX STi Coupe Type R Version V (GC8F).
MF Ghost: The Next Generation
MF Ghost, which ran from 2017 to 2025, takes place in a near future where electric and self-driving cars dominate the automotive landscape. However, a racing organization called MFG, founded by Ryosuke Takahashi from Initial D, keeps the spirit of internal combustion engine racing alive.
MF Ghost shifts the focus to Kanata Rivington, a Japanese-British driver trained by Takumi Fujiwara. Kanata competes in MFG races using a Toyota 86, challenging high-performance supercars on closed public roads.
- MFG Racing Style: The series incorporates elements of professional racing, showcasing advanced driving techniques and car modifications. It also features a diverse cast of characters and a compelling storyline centered around Kanata’s search for his father.
- Ogata and Aiba’s Role: The involvement of Ogata and Aiba from MF Ghost suggests that Subaru and Subaru will also delve into the world of professional racing and the challenges faced by young drivers aiming to make a name for themselves in the sport.
What to Expect from Subaru and Subaru
- Nostalgia and Innovation: Subaru and Subaru will likely blend familiar elements from Initial D and MF Ghost with new characters, cars, and racing styles.
- Character Development: The dual protagonist structure allows for exploration of different perspectives on racing and the challenges faced by drivers from different backgrounds.
- Car Culture: Expect detailed depictions of cars, modifications, and racing techniques, staying true to Shigeno’s signature style.
- Storyline Integration: The overlapping worlds of Initial D and MF Ghost promise a rich and complex narrative, potentially resolving unanswered questions and exploring the fates of beloved characters from both series.
The Significance of Subaru
The choice of “Subaru” as the name for both protagonists and the series title itself is significant. Subaru is a Japanese automobile manufacturer known for its rally-inspired cars and distinct engineering.
Subaru’s Racing Heritage
Subaru has a long and successful history in motorsports, particularly in rally racing. The Subaru World Rally Team (SWRT) achieved significant victories in the World Rally Championship (WRC) with iconic cars like the Impreza.
The Subaru Impreza in Initial D
The Subaru Impreza holds a special place in Initial D lore. Bunta Fujiwara, Takumi’s father, famously upgrades from his iconic Toyota AE86 to a first generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi (GC8). This car is a symbol of Bunta’s evolution as a driver and his continued pursuit of speed and perfection.
Subaru BRZ in MF Ghost
While the Toyota 86 is the main car in MF Ghost, the Subaru BRZ is its twin. Both cars were jointly developed by Toyota and Subaru, with the BRZ being the Subaru version of the 86. Both cars represent a new generation of lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports cars that emphasize handling and driving experience.
Potential Subaru Models in Subaru and Subaru
Given the title and the series’ focus, expect to see a variety of Subaru models featured prominently in the manga. These could include:
- Subaru Impreza WRX/STI: A classic rally-inspired car with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
- Subaru BRZ: A lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports car known for its balanced handling.
- Subaru WRX STI S209: A limited-edition, high-performance version of the WRX STI.
- Subaru Levorg: A sporty station wagon with a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive.
MF Ghost Anime and Manga Updates
While fans eagerly await the arrival of Subaru and Subaru, here’s a recap of the latest developments in the MF Ghost universe:
Manga Conclusion
The MF Ghost manga officially concluded on February 17, 2025, with a total of 23 volumes. The final volume was released on June 6, 2025.
Anime Adaptation
The MF Ghost anime adaptation by Felix Film has been well-received, with two seasons already aired.
- Season 1: Aired from October to December 2023, covering the initial stages of Kanata’s MFG debut.
- Season 2: Aired from October to December 2024, continuing the Peninsula Manazuru race.
- Season 3: Scheduled to premiere in 2026, promising to adapt the remaining chapters of the manga.
The Enduring Appeal of Initial D
The Initial D franchise has maintained a dedicated fanbase for over three decades, thanks to its:
- Realistic Car Culture: The series accurately depicts car modifications, tuning techniques, and the passion of car enthusiasts.
- Thrilling Racing Action: The touge races are fast-paced, technically detailed, and visually exciting.
- Memorable Characters: The characters are relatable, well-developed, and contribute to the series’ emotional depth.
- Eurobeat Soundtrack: The iconic Eurobeat music enhances the racing scenes, creating an exhilarating and unforgettable experience.
Initial D is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and as part of the celebrations, Shigeno released a special illustration reuniting the three main members of Project D, Takumi Fujiwara, Keisuke Takahashi, and Ryosuke Takahashi, and their beloved cars.
Get Ready to Race
Subaru and Subaru promises to be a thrilling addition to the Initial D universe, blending the best elements of Initial D and MF Ghost while introducing new characters, cars, and storylines. With its release date set for July 22nd, 2025, fans can look forward to another exhilarating ride through the world of Japanese street racing.
