In Volume 2, the team finally competes in the Suzuka 4 Hours!
The second half of the event sees the start of the “World Championships”
“Futari Taka” is a manga about endurance motorcycle racing drawn by Shintani Kaoru, a master of aviation manga known for works such as “Area 88” and “Phantom Burai.” To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the end of the series in 2025, a complete edition has been revived. Following the release of the first volume on July 25th, the second volume was released on September 26th.
Kaoru Shintani’s classic motorcycle manga “Futari Taka” is back! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of the series’ conclusion, a complete edition will be published in eight volumes! Volume 1 will be released on July 25th. | Motor-Fan [Motor Fan] A media platform that distributes automotive-related articlesA monumental motorcycle manga featuring endurance racing. Kaoru Shintani, a master of aircraft manga, took on the challenge of creating a motorcycle manga about endurance racing with his work “Futari Taka,” which ran in Weekly Shonen Sunday from 1981 to 1985 and became a huge hit.
“Futari Taka” Complete Edition Volume 1
The complete version is a remastered version that has been scanned and corrected in high resolution using the latest technology to reproduce the delicate touch of author Kaoru Shintani, and is sure to satisfy even fans who already own the comics. You can enjoy the detailed depictions of famous cars from the 1980s and realistic racing scenes on the big screen.
■STORY
When street rider Sawatari Taka meets circuit racer Tojo Taka, who shares the same name, he decides to aim for the world of endurance motorcycle racing. In Volume 2, with the motto “Take Suzuka!!” in mind, the fate of the two “Hawks” begins to change dramatically. Following in Tojo’s footsteps and aiming to compete in the Suzuka 8 Hours, Sawatari faces the hurdle of obtaining an international license…
©️ Kaoru Shintani/2025 Published by Shogakukan
Volume 2 covers the story from the Suzuka 4 Hours Endurance Race to the start of the “World Championship for Competitive Skills.” While the full-scale endurance race begins, it also depicts the entertainment aspects of a boys’ manga. The battles in the “World Championship for Competitive Skills” will be included in volume 3, so I’m already looking forward to the next volume.
The machine competing in the Suzuka 4 Hours Endurance Race was the CBX400F (1981-1984), which featured a DOHC 16 valve and was the final model of the 400cc 4-cylinder boom at the time.
The appeal of this complete edition is that it also contains a wealth of feature articles in addition to the main manga. Volume 2 includes a special interview with manga artist Murakami Motoka. Murakami, who created works themed around F1 in “Red Pegasus” and motocross in “Breaking Through the Wind!”, talks about the history of motorsports manga and the appeal of “Futari Taka.” Don’t miss the secret story of his motorcycle friendship with Shintani.
Futari Taka
Author: Kaoru Shintani
Publisher: Shogakukan
Release date: Volume 2 / Friday, September 26, 2025 *Subsequent volumes will be released on the fourth Friday of odd-numbered months
Size: B5 / 446 pages
Price: 5,200 yen (tax included)
“Monthly Moto Champ” also interviews Professor Murakami Motoka!
The motorcycle magazine Monthly Moto Champ runs a series of interviews with manga artists, animators, and other artists who have a deep connection to motorcycles as their works or owners. The magazine features an interview with Kaoru Shintani in two consecutive issues, the April and May 2021 issues.
Moto Champ April 2021 issueHunter Cub Custom Guide
Monthly Moto Champ April 2021 issue digital edition
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Moto Champ May 2021 issue90s Minibike Best Hit Ranking
Monthly Moto Champ May 2021 issue digital edition
Fans should definitely check out the content, which delves into not only “Futari Taka” but also other works that feature motorcycles, as well as Kaoru Shintani’s motorcycle lifestyle.
The July 2021 issue also features an interview with Motoka Murakami, providing valuable insight into his first long-running motorcycle manga, “Tora no Nekketsu,” as well as his motocross manga, “Break Through the Wind!”
Moto Champ July 2021 issueAny style is possible! Examples of how to play with the Cub
Monthly Moto Champ July 2021 issue digital edition
Both books are available to read in electronic format, so we encourage you to read them together with the revived publication of “Futari Taka.”
