Being raised by the Noyamano sisters has given Ikki a real sense of being in a group while standing outside. His sense of responsibility (coupled with a real lack of self preservation) has allowed Ikki to become the appointed leader of the school gang and given him the task of protecting the territory from outside rivals. However, when a rival gang takes to using air trecks, how can he hope to keep up on foot?
This is where the story gets interesting, and it’s only the first episode! “Borrowing” his first pair of air trecks leads Ikki into discovering the secret heritage of the Noyamano girls: All these years they’ve been the heirs to the legendary Sleeping Forest Stormrider team! But Ikki has his own plans, and intends to follow his own path. Battle after battle leads him to question whether air trecks should ever be used to dominate others or compete: Why focus on fighting when you can touch the sky?
Ikki’s progress is constantly monitored by others in the Storm Rider community, from Kings of other Roads to the special police force using Air Trecks to hunt down Storm Riders, to retired Riders who feel he has some special destiny ahead of him. However, that special destiny doesn’t have to come easy, and it seems that every team he meets feel the need to test his merit. His progress against rival teams and determination to find his own path, even if it means fighting his way to the top, make him an amazing character to root for, and his band of loyal friends (ever growing and each drawing inspiration from their leader to seek out their own place in the world) are a wonderful addition to any anime collection, and an instant classic. I’ve yet to meet anyone who can’t appreciate this ever-positive underdog and his crew, and I doubt I ever will.
Truly this series has all the classic elements that make a series fun to watch. Underdog (and cute) hero who’s funny AND awesome, epic friendship levels, and occasionally, hot naked jiggly girls. Great art, excellent music, and a storyline that cannot be stopped make this series a riveting experience that will make you look longingly at your old rollerblades and await the day we really do motorize and mobilize. Take to the sky with this fantastic collection of 25 episodes, and head out to pick up the manga that started it all when you’re done!