Ep 1. Trick 1

Air Gear is a Japanese anime series that follows the story of a group of teenagers who use a unique type of inline skates called Air Treck to take part in a dangerous underground sport known as Air Treck. The show is set in a futuristic, alternative universe where Air Treck is the most popular and exciting extreme sport in the world. The first episode of the series is titled "Trick 1", and it sets the stage for the intense and action-packed adventures to come.

The episode begins with a bang, with a mysterious figure riding their Air Treck through the city streets in the middle of the night, causing chaos and destruction in their wake. This unknown rider is quickly revealed to be a young boy named Ikki, who is determined to make a name for himself in the world of Air Treck. After a thrilling chase sequence, Ikki is ultimately captured by a rival gang of Air Treck riders, who beat him and steal his skates.

The next day, Ikki is forced to attend school with bruises all over his body and feeling humiliated about his failure the night before. He is constantly bullied by his classmates and sees Air Treck riders as the coolest and most powerful people in the world. However, he quickly discovers that one of his classmates, a girl named Ringo, is a member of a local Air Treck team called Sleeping Forest. Ikki becomes fascinated by this group and their leader, a woman named Simca, who he sees as the embodiment of his dreams of being the best Air Treck rider in the world.

Despite his lack of experience and his damaged skates, Ikki decides to try and join Sleeping Forest by impressing Simca with his skills. He manages to track down a group of rookie Air Treck riders who tell him about a secret initiation test that Sleeping Forest has for potential members. The test involves completing a tricky course through an abandoned factory, and Ikki sets out to complete the course with all of his might.

The rest of the episode showcases Ikki's determination and spirit as he tries to navigate the dangerous course and prove himself to Simca and Sleeping Forest. Along the way, he encounters other Air Treck riders, including a rival gang who want to take him down. He manages to use his wits and his newly-acquired "trick" move to overcome these obstacles and finally make it to the end of the course. However, his triumph is short-lived as he discovers that he has fallen right into the trap of his enemies.

Overall, the first episode of Air Gear does an excellent job of setting up the world and its characters, as well as laying the groundwork for the story to come. It is filled with fast-paced action, thrilling racing sequences, and interesting characters who are sure to capture the attention of viewers. Ikki is a likeable protagonist who viewers will want to root for as he tries to become the best Air Treck rider in the world, and the other characters, including Simca and Sleeping Forest, are all intriguing and mysterious in their own ways. The animation is fluid and dynamic, and the soundtrack is filled with catchy and upbeat music that complements the high-energy racing scenes perfectly.

Overall, "Trick 1" is an excellent start to the Air Gear series and sets the stage for the exciting and action-packed episodes to come. It introduces the main characters, the world of Air Treck, and the various rivalries and challenges that Ikki will face as he tries to achieve his dreams and become the best of the best. For anyone who loves adrenaline-fueled sports anime with a futuristic twist, Air Gear is definitely a show worth checking out.