Toppu GP

DrakeParker Dec 28, 2021

8

The highlights of the artists style is in the detail of how the motorcycle and the racer is depicted in each panel. Though each race is quick either a chapter or two long, as well as a Endurance race arc which lasted for 10 or so  chapters, you do see the techniques and lingo used in MotoGP. Although I am not familiar with this type of racing manga I have read several other manga comics depicting racing like Capeta, Yowamushi Pedal, overdrive and some of Initial D yet this is my first foray into the life of a Motocross racer. Written by Kosuke Fujishima notably known for the manga "Oh, My Goddess" and character designs for Sakura Wars and Ex-driver he started this due to his love for motorcycles and it is shown in every panel that depicts one. With the detail in each mechanical part and individual bike each motorcycle is unique to each rider/team it belongs to. Another interesting aspect is the eyes and how he draws the facial expressions for each racer wearing a helmet and how we could tell the emotions they are feeling in that specific moment.  Toppu's father is a former world class Motocross racer who now manages thier neighbor Myne who is one of the best youth motocycle racers in Japan; even though shes female. When asked if he would like to enter a race he refuses but that sucks for Toppu because his father already entered him. Before the qualifying lap the other racers partiipating notice how close Toppu is with Myne resulting in a large amount of jealousy and anger toward Toppu. However what the racers didn't expect was how good Toppu is on a motorcycle.  After a couple of races which resulted in podium finishes we meet Yoshiya a new rider who moved, when he sees Toppu ride he knows that he is a force to be reckoned with, however at school the next day we find out that Yoshiya is the new kid in class and already Yoshiya wants a friendly off track rivalry.  What I didn't know was that this manga also has the "full cooperation" of various Japanese motorcycle makers, motorcycle-wear companies, and various circuits in Japan.