A thorough review of "Over Drive"! What is the passionate story of bicycle racing?

"Overdrive": A passionate story of bicycles and youth

■Overview of the work

"Overdrive" is a TV anime series based on the manga by Takeshi Yasuda, which was serialized in Kodansha's "Weekly Shonen Magazine". The 26-episode series aired on TV Tokyo from April 4 to September 26, 2007, and is a coming-of-age drama with a cycling theme. It was produced by XEBEC, directed by Takao Kato, and produced by the Sakuragaoka Citizens' Road Race Executive Committee.

■ Story

Mikoto Shinozaki, a dull first-year student at Sakuragaoka High School, is invited by her idol, Yuki Fukasawa, to join the cycling club. However, Mikoto couldn't even ride a bike. Still, Yuki's words prompted her to give it a try. After much hardship, the moment she races for the first time on her bike, something in Mikoto's heart snaps. Through meeting her fellow members of the cycling club and competing with her rivals, Mikoto grows as a person. This is a moving story that depicts the passion for cycling and the brilliance of youth.

■ Characters

Mikoto Shinozaki

A first-year student at Sakuragaoka High School. Although he was shy and bad at sports, he joined the cycling club and showed his passionate and airheaded personality. He had admired Yuki Fukasawa since middle school. His voice actor is Yuki Kaji.

Yosuke Fukasawa

A third-year student at Sakuragaoka High School, he is the captain of the cycling club. He has an arrogant and egocentric personality, but he has solid skills. However, because of his personality, he has not been blessed with good teammates, and he has only been able to win a few times. He is called the "uncrowned king." His voice actor is Makoto Yasumura.

Koichi Terao

A third-year student at Sakuragaoka High School and vice-captain of the cycling club. He is Yosuke's childhood friend, and believes that he is the only one who can bring out the best in Yosuke's self-centered riding. He is the person who created the cycling club at Sakuragaoka High School. His voice actor is Nojima Kenji.

Yamato Takeshi

A first-year student at Sakuragaoka High School, she is Mikoto's classmate and rival. She has lived in France and aims to fight there again. Her voice actor is Kisho Taniyama.

Yuki Fukasawa

A first-year student at Sakuragaoka High School and Mikoto's classmate. She is Harusuke's younger sister and the one who invited Mikoto to join the cycling club. Her voice actor is Kaori Nazuka.

Asahi Kaho

A first-year student at Sakuragaoka High School and classmate of Mikoto. After watching the Sakuragaoka Citizens' Race, she is so impressed by Mikoto's riding that she decides to join the cycling club. Her voice actor is Sayuri Yahagi.

Naoto Hyodo

The top young Japanese racer from Keirin. He has experience as a member of a Dutch team and returned to Japan after learning about the world level. He will be a guest participant in the Sakuragaoka Citizen Race. His voice actor is Ryutaro Okiayu.

■ Staff

The original work was written by Yasuda Takeshi, series composition by Koide Katsuhiko, character design by Oka Yuichi, prop design by Kitada Katsuhiko, art director by Watanabe Keito, color setting by Ban Natsuyo, directors of photography by Kurosawa Yutaka and Aoki Takashi, 3D director by Abe Yumiko, editor by Hamautsu Taeko, sound director by Takadera Takeshi, sound production by HALF H・P ​​STUDIO, music by Otani Yuki, producers by Takabatake Yuichiro, Chino Takatoshi, Nishizawa Masatomo, Kumagai Takuto, produced by XEBEC, director by Kato Yoshio, and produced by the Sakuragaoka Citizens Road Race Executive Committee.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "WINDER ~I'm Here~", written and composed by Kazunori and sung by Shonen Kamikaze. The ending themes are "Saihate no Parade" and "Koi Suzumi", the former with lyrics by Gara, composition by Kenichi and sung by Mary, the latter with lyrics and composition by Ide Kouji, arrangement by Kamata Masato and sung by DEL.

■ Episode

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Boy meets bicycle. (Part.1) (2007/04/03)
• Episode 2: Boy meets bicycle. (Part.2) (2007/04/10)
• Episode 3: Cross the Rubicon. (2007/04/17)
• Episode 4: Every dog ​​can be a lion. (2007/04/24)
• Episode 5: Funky monkey baby. (2007/05/01)
• Episode 6: Give the devil his due. (2007/05/08)
• Episode 7: Hunger is the Best. (2007/05/15)
• Episode 8: Know your enemy as well as yourself. (2007/05/22)
• Episode 9: Little wings fly high. (2007/05/29)
• Episode 10: Nobody knows. (2007/06/05)
• Episode 11: Once a chicken, always a chicken. (2007/06/12)
• Episode 12: Rules are made to be broken. (2007/06/19)
• Episode 13: Silent men are deep and dangerous. (2007/06/26)
• Episode 14: The devil's children. (2007/07/03)
• Episode 15: All good things come to an end. (2007/07/10)
• Episode 16: We are going to climb. (2007/07/17)
• Episode 17: Zeal is a runaway horse. (2007/07/24)
• Episode 18: Deeds, not words. (2007/07/31)
• Episode 19: Men are blind in their own cause. (2007/08/07)
• Episode 20: Prosperity makes friends, adversity tries them. (2007/08/14)
• Episode 21: Vision without action is a daydream. (2007/08/21)
• Episode 22: Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. (2007/08/28)
• Episode 23: Quick resentments are often fatal. (2007/09/04)
• Episode 24: It's dogged that does it. (2007/09/11)
• Episode 25: Joy and sorrow are next door neighbors. (2007/09/18)
• Episode 26: You never know what you can do till you try. (2007/09/25)

■ Appeal and evaluation of the work

"Overdrive" is a work that draws viewers in by depicting the passion of youth, friendship, and the process of hard work, even though it is themed around the seemingly mundane sport of cycling. The story begins with the protagonist, Mikoto Shinozaki, struggling with her inability to ride a bike, but her growth as she meets friends and competes with rivals has resonated with many viewers. In addition, unique characters such as Yosuke Fukasawa and Koichi Terao add depth to the story.

The animation quality is also high, and the sense of speed and realism is particularly impressive in the bicycle racing scenes. The character designs and background art are also beautiful, making it visually appealing. The music also matches the atmosphere of the work, and the opening and closing songs are sure to stay in the viewers' hearts.

This work is highly acclaimed not only as a sports anime, but also as a youth drama. In particular, the way Mikoto, who was unable to ride a bicycle, grows through her hard work gives courage and inspiration to viewers. In addition, the scenes in which she reexamines herself through the bonds she forms with her friends and the competition she has with her rivals have resonated with many people.

■ Recommendation points

"Overdrive" is recommended not only for those who are interested in bicycle racing, but also for those who like youth dramas and sports anime. In particular, it is a must-see for those who like works that depict the process of effort, friendship, and growth. Also, do not miss the drama of the unique characters. The charm of each character, such as Yosuke Fukasawa's arrogance, Koichi Terao's dedication, and Mikoto's purity, liven up the story.

Furthermore, while this work conveys the appeal of cycling, it can also be enjoyed as a story of the brilliance of youth, setbacks, and recovery. Viewers can be even more deeply moved by watching it and relating it to their own lives. Please give "Overdrive" a watch and experience this passionate story of youth.