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{{short description|Japanese manga series}}
{{cleanup}}
{{More citations needed|date=September 2019}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image = Wangan Midnight 1.png
| caption = First ''[[tankōbon]]'' volume cover, featuring Akio Asakura and the Devil Z
| ja_kanji = 湾岸ミッドナイト
| ja_romaji = Wangan Middonaito
| genre = [[Sports manga|Sports]] ([[street racing|highway racing]])<ref name="TAF2007"/><!-- Genres should be based on what reliable sources list them as and not on personal interpretations. Limit of the three most relevant genres in accordance with [[MOS:A&M]]. -->
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| author = [[Michiharu Kusunoki]]
| publisher = {{ubl|[[Shogakukan]]|[[Kodansha]]}}
| demographic = ''[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]''
| magazine = {{ubl|[[Big Comic Spirits]]|{{noitalic|(1990)}}|[[Weekly Young Magazine]]|{{noitalic|(1992–2008)}}}}
| first = 1990
| last = 2008
| volumes = 42
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type = TV Series
| director = Tsuneo Tominaga
| producer =
| writer =
| music =
| studio = [[A.C.G.T]]
| network = [[Animax]]
| first = June 8, 2007
| last = September 13, 2008
| episodes = 26
| episode_list = List of Wangan Midnight episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner
| author = Michiharu Kusunoki
| publisher = Kodansha
| demographic = ''Seinen''
| magazine = Weekly Young Magazine
| first = August 4, 2008
| last = July 9, 2012
| volumes = 12
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = Ginkai no Speed Star
| author = Michiharu Kusunoki
| publisher = Shogakukan
| demographic = ''Seinen''
| magazine = Big Comic Spirits
| first = August 11, 2014
| last = April 13, 2015
| volumes = 2
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type = manga
| title = Shutoko SPL - Ginkai no Speedster
| author = Michiharu Kusunoki
| publisher = Kodansha
| demographic = ''Seinen''
| magazine = Monthly Young Magazine
| first = September 20, 2016
| last =
| volumes = 10
| volume_list =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{nihongo|'''''Wangan Midnight'''''|湾岸ミッドナイト|Wangan Middonaito|lead=yes}} is a Japanese racing [[manga]] series written and illustrated by [[Michiharu Kusunoki]]. It was first serialized in [[Shogakukan]]'s ''[[Big Comic Spirits]]'' in 1990, but was later serialized in [[Kodansha]]'s ''[[Weekly Young Magazine]]'' from 1992 to 2008. The manga was compiled into 42 volumes published by Kodansha. A second manga series titled ''Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner'' was published from 2008 to 2012. A third manga series, ''Ginkai no Speed Star'', was published from 2014 to 2015. A fourth manga series, ''Shutoko SPL - Ginkai no Speedster'', started in 2016.


The series has been adapted into several live action feature films, video games, and an [[anime]] television series. The anime was broadcast in Japan from June 2007 to September 2008 on the anime satellite television network [[Animax]], animated by [[A.C.G.T]] and produced by OB Planning.
'''Wangan Midnight''' is a [[manga]] series that depicts highway racing and started in 1992. However, it was much more famous as an arcade racing game, Wangan Midnight, which was released in 1992. A PS2 version of Wangan Midnight was released later in the same year and neither version was translated into english. Its sequel, Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune, was released in 2004. Another sequel, Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 2, was released in 2005.


In 1999, ''Wangan Midnight'' won the [[Kodansha Manga Award]] for the General category.
The story, from a little excerpt, stated that in 20XX, Japan moved to a new Tokyo, which feature a vast and extensive highway system that criss-crossed the metropolis. At night, however, it became a race track for those who dared.


==Story==
One day, Akio Asakura, a third year high school student, was challenged by Tatsuya Shima in his black Gemballa and was defeated in front of a girl. Determined to get back at Tatsuya, he goes to the junkyard to buy parts for his car, a Z31, when he sees a pristine, unscratched blue 240Z in the junkyard. Intrigued as to why such a machine is about to be junked to begin with, he buys it. Later on, he realizes that
The series revolves around street racing on Tokyo's {{Nihongo|[[Bayshore Route]]|湾岸|Wangan}}, as well as other roads on the [[Shuto Expressway]] network. The story begins with high school student Akio Asakura encountering a black [[Porsche 930|Porsche 911 Turbo]] nicknamed "Blackbird" on the Wangan. Akio attempts to give chase, but is unable to keep up with the Blackbird, which is driven by a medical doctor named Tatsuya Shima.
*a.) The engine was swapped with an RB26DETT (used in R32)
*b.) Every single person who used it died, even though the car itself did not crash, which is why NOBODY wanted it. (that's referenced when Kitami says "You'll...die" when a player receives an S in outrun mode)


Determined to drive a faster car, Akio visits a junkyard and is drawn to an old blue [[Nissan S30#Fairlady Z|Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)]] with a highly tuned [[Nissan L engine#L28|L28]] engine. He learns that the car is supposedly "cursed," being extremely difficult to drive and having a history of multiple accidents, earning it the name {{Nihongo|"The Devil Z"|悪魔のZ|Akuma no Zetto}}. However, this does not dissuade him, and he restores the car back to its former glory. When racing with Blackbird, Akio tries to win, only to crash his Nissan multiple times. He also gets to meet Eriko Asakura, the sister of the original driver who shares the same name as the current Akio, who previously died in a car accident while racing with Blackbird.
==Characters==
*'''Akio Asakura''' is the main character of the manga. When he travels normally he will drive a [[Nissan 300ZX]](Z31). However, when he is actually racing, he drives a heavily tuned [[Nissan 240Z]] that is known as the "Devil Z" and is one of the fastest cars in the game/manga.


As he develops his career as the infamous owner of the Devil Z, Akio meets many other racers and tuners along the way, such as fashion model and TV host Reina Akikawa, who drives a grey (later white) [[Nissan Skyline GT-R|Nissan Skyline GT-R R32]], and Jun Kitami, the original creator of the infamous Devil Z and Blackbird. The central plot revolves around the rivalry between the Devil Z and Blackbird for Wangan superiority as Akio tries to maintain his loyalty with the car and control it from crashing, with other racers trying to compete against both of them who are also seeking to oust their record.
*'''Tatsuya Shima''' is the main rival of Akio. He drives a heavily tuned Porsche Carrera 911 turbo (due to licensing, in both Manga and Arcade it is known as "Gembella") that is known as the "Black Bird" (depicted as a [[Nissan 350Z]] in the arcade racing games) and is also one of the fastest cars in the game/manga.

The new story arc, ''Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner'', features the new adventures of a new main character, Shinji Ogishima (who debuted in the last chapters of the original manga), and his friend, Nobu Setoguchi.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}} They are part of the GT Cars project, which is in dispute and conflict, and must drive Mazda RX-7's along Shuto Expressway to settle these problems along with meeting Tatsuya Shima.

==Characters==
; {{nihongo|Akio Asakura|朝倉アキオ|Asakura Akio}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Shun Oguri]]}}
:An ambitious racer who started when he was very young, Akio was in his final year of high school as the story began. He drove a red [[Nissan 300ZX#Z31|Nissan Fairlady Z (Z31)]] until, after being defeated by Tatsuya Shima's Blackbird, he discovers the "Devil Z," a {{Convert|620|HP|kW|abbr=unit}} [[Nissan S30#Fairlady Z|Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)]] which is supernaturally fast and extremely difficult to drive. Akio is regarded as a legend on the Wangan, though he is a humble character.
;{{nihongo|Tatsuya Shima|島達也|Shima Tatsuya}}
:{{Voiced by|[[Shin-ichiro Miki]]}}
:A talented surgeon and Akio's main rival, as Akio is the only one who regularly gives him a challenge. He drives a black [[Porsche 930|Porsche 911 Turbo (930)]], and later a black [[Porsche 964|Porsche 911 Turbo (964)]],{{efn|Due to licensing issues as well as Porsche's license deal with [[Electronic Arts|EA]] at that time, the early Maximum Tune video games have him drive either a [[Gemballa]] 3.8 RS in Japanese versions, and a [[Nissan 350Z]] in the English versions. Starting with Maximum Tune 4 until 5DX+, as well as the Genki-developed games, he drives a RUF CTR Yellowbird colored and modified in black. Later chapters have him switch the CTR for the RCT.}} nicknamed "Blackbird", in homage to the [[RUF CTR|RUF CTR Yellowbird]], RUF's 911 counterpart, using his large salary to fund his Porsche. Later, Shima had Jun Kitami (the man who built the Devil Z) tune his Porsche, upgrading the engine to {{convert|800|HP|abbr=on|}}, to try to keep up with the Devil Z.
;{{nihongo|Reina Akikawa|秋川零奈|Akikawa Reina}}
:{{Voiced by|Reiko Suhou}}
:Reina is a model and television host, co-hosting an automotive news show named "''Drive Go Go!".'' She finds Akio on the Wangan and becomes obsessed with him and the Devil Z, even trying to take the Devil Z for a joyride one night. After getting her [[Nissan Skyline GT-R]] (R32) tuned and modified from YM Speed's Kazuhiko Yamamoto, she discovers a love for street racing (something that does not sit very well with her manager). Though formerly a competing rival, she becomes friends with Akio after crashing her Skyline whilst racing him, even developing feelings for him. As a result, Reina just spectates the races on sidelines while driving her R32 or just coming with Akio to see him race.


==Media==
*'''Reina Akikawa''' is a pop [[idol]] by day and a street racer by night. Her car, a heavily tuned [[Nissan Skyline GT-R]] R32 model, is the third fastest in the game/manga. (though it was more due to her driving skill, as during "Legendary Car Time Attack" this is the car with the best handling, but not necessarily the fastest.)
===Manga===
''Wangan Midnight'' is written and illustrated by [[Michiharu Kusunoki]]. The series was first briefly published in [[Shogakukan]]'s ''[[Big Comic Spirits]]'' in 1990 and transferred to [[Kodansha]]'s ''[[Weekly Young Magazine]]'', where it ran from 1992 to 2008.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:作品詳細『銀灰のスピードスター』|url=http://www.spi-net.jp/weekly/comic040.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141105174350/http://www.spi-net.jp/weekly/comic040.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2014|website=spi-net.jp|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:湾岸ミッドナイトMAXIMUM TUNE 5 Original Sound Track|url=http://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=2000&cd=UMA0000001104|publisher=[[Sony Music Entertainment Japan|Sony Music Shop]]|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|title=SonyMusicShop|archive-date=June 20, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620150935/https://www.sonymusicshop.jp/m/item/itemShw.php?site=S&ima=2000&cd=UMA0000001104|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="movie2009"/> Kodansha collected its chapters in forty-two ''[[tankōbon]]'' volumes, published from January 8, 1993,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:湾岸ＭＩＤＮＩＧＨＴ（１）|url=http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3233723|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=March 27, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120717035127/http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3233723|archive-date=July 17, 2012|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref> to December 26, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:湾岸ＭＩＤＮＩＧＨＴ（４２）|url=http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3617440|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=March 27, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120721111037/http://www.bookclub.kodansha.co.jp/bc2_bc/search_view.jsp?b=3617440|archive-date=July 21, 2012|language=ja|url-status=live}}</ref>


A second series, titled ''Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner'', was serialized in ''Weekly Young Magazine'' from August 4, 2008,{{efn|It started in the combined 36/37 issue of 2008,<ref name="C1R-vol1"/> released on August 4, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:Back Number 2008年 |url=http://www.yanmaga.kodansha.co.jp/ym/backnamber/top_main2008.html |publisher=[[Kodansha]] |access-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120414165414/http://www.yanmaga.kodansha.co.jp/ym/backnamber/top_main2008.html |archive-date=April 14, 2012 |language=ja}}</ref>}} to July 9, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:ヤンマガで「センゴク」第3部始動、「湾岸」続編は最終回|url=http://natalie.mu/comic/news/72177|website=[[Natalie (website)|Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|date=July 2, 2012|archive-date=May 30, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170530233851/http://natalie.mu/comic/news/72177|url-status=live}}</ref> Kodansha collected its chapters in twelve ''tankōbon'' volumes, published between November 6, 2009,<ref name="C1R-vol1">{{cite web|script-title=ja:湾岸ＭＩＤＮＩＧＨＴ Ｃ１ランナー（１）|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000011121|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|archive-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123204812/https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000011121|url-status=live}}</ref> and October 5, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:湾岸ミッドナイト Ｃ１ランナー（１２）＜完＞|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000016510|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|archive-date=July 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701025418/http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000016510|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Jun Kitami''' Also known as the "Devil's Tuner", he is the one that tuned both the Devil Z and the Black Bird. In the game, he also tuned the last five tuning points (as well as adding 1 or 2 tuning page after 80 stage) for players.


A third series, titled ''Ginkai no Speed Star'', was serialized in ''Big Comic Spirits'' from August 11, 2014,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:相田裕、楠みちはる、玉井雪雄ら新作がスピで|url=http://natalie.mu/comic/news/122724|website=[[Natalie (website)|Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|date=August 4, 2014|archive-date=August 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140805013332/http://natalie.mu/comic/news/122724|url-status=live}}</ref> to April 13, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:原克玄の破天荒JKギャグ「るみちゃんの事象」タイトルも新たにリニューアル|url=http://natalie.mu/comic/news/143922|website=[[Natalie (website)|Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|date=April 13, 2015|archive-date=April 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150414015418/http://natalie.mu/comic/news/143922|url-status=live}}</ref> Shogakukan collected its chapters in two ''tankōbon'' volumes, published on November 28, 2014,<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:銀灰のスピードスター ＳＥＲＩＥＳ １ ターボ３．６|url=https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091866035|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=June 10, 2021|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610221717/https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091866035|archive-date=June 10, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref> and May 29, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:銀灰のスピードスター ＳＥＲＩＥＳ２ ＧＴ－Ｒ（ＲＢ２６）|url=https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091870254|publisher=[[Shogakukan]]|access-date=June 10, 2021|language=ja|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210610221926/https://comics.shogakukan.co.jp/book?isbn=9784091870254|archive-date=June 10, 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
*'''Gen Sasaki (Gatchan)''' His behavior is similar to that of a homosexual, and he is actually a much-maligned character in the manga. He drives a [[Toyota Celsior]], one of the worst cars in the game/manga (though people may drive it just for fun, as it is the only [[ricer]] in the game).


A fourth series, titled '' Shutoko SPL - Ginkai no Speedster'', started in Kodansha's ''Monthly Young Magazine'' on September 20, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:楠みちはるが中年GT-R乗り描く新連載「首都高SPL」、月刊ヤンマガで開幕|url=http://natalie.mu/comic/news/202558|website=[[Natalie (website)|Comic Natalie]]|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|date=September 20, 2016|archive-date=September 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921194213/http://natalie.mu/comic/news/202558|url-status=live}}</ref> Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual ''tankōbon'' volumes. The first volume was published on January 5, 2018.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:首都高ＳＰＬ（１）|url=http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000052447|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=September 14, 2019|language=ja|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604015419/http://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000052447|url-status=live}}</ref> As of September 17, 2021, seven volumes have been released.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:首都高ＳＰＬ（７）|url=https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000355138|publisher=[[Kodansha]]|access-date=October 22, 2021|language=ja|archive-date=October 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211022130358/https://kc.kodansha.co.jp/product?item=0000355138|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Gameplay==
Like [[Initial D Arcade Stage]], this game employs the magnetic card system, which stores the data of the player (car type, tuning, story mode progress, time attack, outrun status). Also as in Initial D, it is not backwards compatible (i.e. a WMMT2 card cannot be used on WMMT1); the user must upgrade his or her card, which is permanent, if he wishes to transfer his/her data from WMMT1 onto WMMT2, and after 50 plays (60 in WMMT2), a player must renew his/her card. However, unlike initial D, once a player completes 20 story mode stages in WMMT2, his/her card will be ejected, but retain the game data as a back up. This allows for two clone cards, each with up to 20 points of tuning to be made. The cloned cards will be of the same car model and color. Name, rims, and aero/carbon-parts tuning can be repicked (unless driving a car with only one setting, namely Corolla and HiAce).


===Films===
While Initial D focused on curving mountain roads, Wangan Midnight: Maximum Tune (denoted WMMT) focuses on highway battle. As such, while the roads in most cases are straighter then mountain passes (even though there are plenty of sharp turns and S-curves), there are also numerous street vehicles that act as moving roadblocks, ranging from bumpable Corollas, slight block (only decrease a small part of the speed) from HiAce, and major block from ToyoAce - considering that the speed are actually much higher in Wangan, this create a need to be able to have equally good driving skill as Initial D.
The series was adapted into a series of direct-to-video movies in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2001, and a theatrical movie in 2009:


* ''Wangan Midnight'' (湾岸MidNight), 1991
Compared to Initial D Arcade Stage, drifting is more visually evidental: in Initial D, even though from an external view cars do drift (especially through "observer camera", in internal view player can barely view the drift, and if one can view the drift, they actually oversteered and will slow you down. In WMMT, however, internal view of the drifting is "accurate", making drifting easier.
* ''Wangan Midnight II'' (湾岸ミッドナイトII), 1993
* ''Wangan Midnight III'' (湾岸ミッドナイトIII), 1993
* ''Wangan Midnight 4'' (湾岸ミッドナイト4), 1993
* ''Wangan Midnight Special Director's Cut Complete Edition'' (湾岸ミッドナイトスペシャル ディレクターズカット完全版), 1994
* ''Wangan Midnight Final: GT-R Legend – Act 1'' (湾岸ミッドナイト FINAL ~GT-R伝説 ACT1~), 1994
* ''Wangan Midnight Final: GT-R Legend – Act 2'' (湾岸ミッドナイト FINAL ~GT-R伝説 ACT2~), 1994
* ''Devil GT-R Full Tuning'' (魔王GT-R チューニングのすべて), 1994
* ''Showdown! Devil GT-R'' (対決!魔王GT-R), 1994
* ''Wangan Midnight S30 vs. Gold GT-R – Part I'' (新湾岸ミッドナイト S30vsゴールドGT-R Part I), 1998
* ''Wangan Midnight S30 vs. Gold GT-R – Part II'' (新湾岸ミッドナイト S30vsゴールドGT-R Part II), 1998
* ''Wangan Midnight Return'' (湾岸ミッドナイト リターン), 2001
* ''Wangan Midnight The Movie'' (湾岸MidNight Movie), 2009<ref name="movie2009">[http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-26/wangan-midnight-the-movie-to-open-in-japan-this-summer Wangan Midnight the Movie to Open in Japan This Summer] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126091744/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-26/wangan-midnight-the-movie-to-open-in-japan-this-summer |date=2021-01-26 }}. ''Anime News Network''. 2009-04-26. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.</ref>


===Anime===
As such, when choosing a car in WMMT, one have to account for not only power (determines speed), cornering and handling capability, but also its weight and stability, for a lower weight, while increase speed and handling, make it easy to bump and harder to bump back. Also, in WMMT (after 1st play through), the tuning attributes can be changed before the actual gameplay, switching between power and handling.
{{main|List of Wangan Midnight episodes}}
At the 2007 Tokyo Anime Fair, OB Planning announced the production of an animated series based on the manga,<ref name="TAF2007">{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Evan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-22/taf-2007-wangan-midnight|title=TAF 2007: Wangan Midnight Anime Announced|date=March 22, 2007|website=[[Anime News Network]]|access-date=March 10, 2009|archive-date=March 28, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328040535/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-03-22/taf-2007-wangan-midnight|url-status=live}}</ref> and aired on a pay-per-view channel of [[Animax]] in June 2007.<ref name="TAF2007" /> The series was co-produced by OB Planning, A.C.G.T., and Pastel, under the direction of Tsuneo Tominaga. The anime consists of twenty-six episodes. The opening theme for the series is "Lights and Anymore" by [[TRF (group)|TRF]] and the ending theme is "Talkin' Bout Good Days" by Mother Ninja.<ref>{{cite web|script-title=ja:アニマックスPPVプレミア 湾岸MIDNIGHT(ミッドナイト) 】|url=http://www.ppvj.co.jp/anime/0706wanganmidnight/|publisher=Pay Per View Japan Inc.|access-date=June 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071029194425/http://www.ppvj.co.jp/anime/0706wanganmidnight/|archive-date=October 29, 2007|language=ja}}</ref>


===Video games===
Finally, compared to Initial D, it gives a more "relaxed" feeling, as story characters will keep on talking to you while showing their expressions, and may react to certain actions you commit. Also, occasionally it features Pac Man characters as your rival, driving "street cars" (corolla and HiAce respectively) that are even faster than both the Devil Z and the Black Bird.
* ''Wangan Midnight'' – Developed by Genki and released on February 2, 2001, for [[arcade game|arcade]] (by [[Namco]], using the [[Namco System 246]] hardware), and for the [[PlayStation 2]] on March 21, 2002 by Genki.
** ''Wangan Midnight R'' – Released for arcade on December 20, 2001.
* ''[[Wangan Midnight (2007 video game)|Wangan Midnight]]'' – Released in 2007 for the [[PlayStation 3]] and [[PlayStation Portable]] (as ''Wangan Midnight Portable'') platforms. The games were re-released in 2008, under the "Genki The Best" label.
* ''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune'' – Developed by Bandai Namco Amusement and released on July 6, 2004, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 2'' – Released on April 25, 2005, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3'' – Released on July 18, 2007, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3 DX'' – Released on December 16, 2008, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3 DX Plus'' – Released on March 4, 2010, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 4'' – Released on December 15, 2011, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5'' – Released on March 12, 2014, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 DX'' – Released on December 15, 2015, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 DX Plus'' – Released on December 15, 2016, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6'' – Released on July 12, 2018, for arcade.
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6R'' – Released on January 21, 2020, for arcade.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://wanganmaxi-official.com/wanganmaxi6r/|title=WANGAN MIDNIGHT MAXIMUM TUNE 6R|website=WANGAN MIDNIGHT MAXIMUM TUNE 6R|access-date=2020-01-09|archive-date=2019-12-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191221105930/http://wanganmaxi-official.com/wanganmaxi6r/|url-status=live}}</ref>
**''Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR'' – Released on November 17, 2021, for arcade.
** ''Wangan Midnight Maxmum Tune 6RR+'' – Set to be released in April 17, 2024, for arcades in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR Plus|url=https://wanganmaxi-official.com/wanganmaxi6rrplus/|website=wanganmaxi-official.com|access-date=January 16, 2024|language=ja}}</ref>


==Reception==
WMMT2 also has extra tuning pages available once stage 20 is completed. If one completes WMMT2 through stage 20 with no losses at all (not completely impossible to Initial D veterans, with a right car and good basic tuning), he/she gains two additional tuning page, allowing the player to have an extremely drifty 815hp car. Otherwise, they will only have one additional tuning page for 800hp.
In 1999, ''Wangan Midnight'' won the [[Kodansha Manga Award]] for the General category.<ref>[http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/kodansha.shtml Kodansha Manga Award.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070816031310/http://www.hahnlibrary.net/comics/awards/kodansha.shtml|date=2007-08-16 }} Retrieved on November 17, 2007.</ref>


==Game modes==
==Notes==
{{notelist}}
*'''Story Mode''' Player plays against different opponents, which is usually 1 per stage, but may sometimes have upto 3 opponents on later stages. Also, some are split stage; one must complete the first half before continuing the second half of the stage. 20 stage makes up 1 story, and 4 story completes one cycle (80 stage). This is the only way to earn tuning points, as oppose to Initial D that give tuning points on all game type.
*'''Outrun mode''' Available only in WMMT2. Player will have to pass the opponents that challenge them. 10 each in each level, with 10 levels in each of the 5 stage. This is the quickest way to earn rankings. Additionally, once they are done, there will be a "28 Outrun", where player have to outrun all 28 rivals.
*'''Time attack''' Player races against time to rank against other players, both in internet and in the arcade. However, this is also the game mode where the player can earn interesting titles by force retirement on certain section of the stage. (e.g. "Dirt Fetishism" by retiring in a dirt section of Hakone).
*'''Battle mode''' While it is similar in concept to Initial D's battle mode, in WMMT2 it can accept up to four players, as oppose to ID's (and original WMMT) maximum 2 player. Also, unlike Initial D, where bumping is frowned on (even though it basically does nothing), In WMMT, not only bumping does actually slow down opponent's car and change their movement, bumping is an expected staple in battle race, and will create significant effects on the outcome of the race.
In both time trial and battle mode, time zone (day and night) can be chosen. Night decrease visibility, while daytime have a lot more traffics.


==References==
<p>
{{reflist}}
While there are numerous stage available in story mode, in reality they are actually numerous sections of the 6 stages available: C1 Outbound, C1 In bound, New Belt line clockwise, New Belt line Counterclockwise, and in WMMT2, [[Hakone]], a winding mountain road (downhill and uphill). C1 and New Belt line together makes up the Metropolian Highway, which usually is setted so that additional credit is required to play.


==Secret cars==
==External links==
* [http://wanganmaxi-official.com/ News on the Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune series]
In WMMT, there are two secret cars:<br>
* {{Anime News Network|manga|4562}}
1) Highlight Toyota Chaser and use the shifter, enter N-6-4-3, to get Gatchan's Celsior<br>
2) Highlight Nissan Fairlady Z S30 and use the shifter, enter N-6-4-3, to get Z31
<p>
In WMMT2, there are two more additional secret cars:<br>
1) Highlight Toyota Supra (5-speed model) and enter N-4-1-2-6- 4-1-2-6- 4-1-2-6 to get the Corolla, one of the street car. It is a bit drifty.<br>
2) Highlight Toyota MR2 and enter N-3-2-2- 3-2-2- 3-2-2- 3-2-2 to get the HiAce (Wagon). For one of the four secret car this is the best, for while untuned it is very slow, it has a very good handling and cornering ability, not to mention a higher POV, and once tuned it can match up with most of the cars; best of all, it is one of the best car to use to bump people in battle race.<br>


{{Weekly Big Comic Spirits}}
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{{Weekly Young Magazine - 1980s–1990s}}
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{{Weekly Young Magazine - 2000–2009}}
[[Category:Arcade games]]
{{Monthly Young Magazine}}
{{Kodansha Manga Award - General}}
{{A.C.G.T}}


[[Category:1990 manga]]
[[ja:湾岸ミッドナイト]]
[[Category:1990s Japanese films]]
[[Category:1991 films]]
[[Category:1993 films]]
[[Category:1994 films]]
[[Category:1998 films]]
[[Category:2000s Japanese films]]
[[Category:2001 films]]
[[Category:2007 anime television series debuts]]
[[Category:2008 manga]]
[[Category:2014 manga]]
[[Category:2016 manga]]
[[Category:Animated television series about auto racing]]
[[Category:Animax original programming]]
[[Category:Japanese auto racing films]]
[[Category:Kodansha manga]]
[[Category:Live-action films based on manga]]
[[Category:Manga adapted into films]]
[[Category:Motorsports in anime and manga]]
[[Category:Seinen manga]]
[[Category:Sharp Point Press titles]]
[[Category:Shogakukan manga]]
[[Category:Tokyo in fiction]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 2001]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Yuzo Koshiro]]
[[Category:Winner of Kodansha Manga Award (General)]]

Revision as of 23:03, 4 May 2024

Wangan Midnight
First tankōbon volume cover, featuring Akio Asakura and the Devil Z
湾岸ミッドナイト
(Wangan Middonaito)
GenreSports (highway racing)[1]
Manga
Written byMichiharu Kusunoki
Published by
Magazine
DemographicSeinen
Original run1990 – 2008
Volumes42
Anime television series
Directed byTsuneo Tominaga
StudioA.C.G.T
Original networkAnimax
Original run June 8, 2007 – September 13, 2008
Episodes26 (List of episodes)
Manga
Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner
Written byMichiharu Kusunoki
Published byKodansha
MagazineWeekly Young Magazine
DemographicSeinen
Original runAugust 4, 2008 – July 9, 2012
Volumes12
Manga
Ginkai no Speed Star
Written byMichiharu Kusunoki
Published byShogakukan
MagazineBig Comic Spirits
DemographicSeinen
Original runAugust 11, 2014 – April 13, 2015
Volumes2
Manga
Shutoko SPL - Ginkai no Speedster
Written byMichiharu Kusunoki
Published byKodansha
MagazineMonthly Young Magazine
DemographicSeinen
Original runSeptember 20, 2016 – present
Volumes10

Wangan Midnight (Japanese: 湾岸ミッドナイト, Hepburn: Wangan Middonaito) is a Japanese racing manga series written and illustrated by Michiharu Kusunoki. It was first serialized in Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits in 1990, but was later serialized in Kodansha's Weekly Young Magazine from 1992 to 2008. The manga was compiled into 42 volumes published by Kodansha. A second manga series titled Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner was published from 2008 to 2012. A third manga series, Ginkai no Speed Star, was published from 2014 to 2015. A fourth manga series, Shutoko SPL - Ginkai no Speedster, started in 2016.

The series has been adapted into several live action feature films, video games, and an anime television series. The anime was broadcast in Japan from June 2007 to September 2008 on the anime satellite television network Animax, animated by A.C.G.T and produced by OB Planning.

In 1999, Wangan Midnight won the Kodansha Manga Award for the General category.

Story

The series revolves around street racing on Tokyo's Bayshore Route (湾岸, Wangan), as well as other roads on the Shuto Expressway network. The story begins with high school student Akio Asakura encountering a black Porsche 911 Turbo nicknamed "Blackbird" on the Wangan. Akio attempts to give chase, but is unable to keep up with the Blackbird, which is driven by a medical doctor named Tatsuya Shima.

Determined to drive a faster car, Akio visits a junkyard and is drawn to an old blue Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) with a highly tuned L28 engine. He learns that the car is supposedly "cursed," being extremely difficult to drive and having a history of multiple accidents, earning it the name "The Devil Z" (悪魔のZ, Akuma no Zetto). However, this does not dissuade him, and he restores the car back to its former glory. When racing with Blackbird, Akio tries to win, only to crash his Nissan multiple times. He also gets to meet Eriko Asakura, the sister of the original driver who shares the same name as the current Akio, who previously died in a car accident while racing with Blackbird.

As he develops his career as the infamous owner of the Devil Z, Akio meets many other racers and tuners along the way, such as fashion model and TV host Reina Akikawa, who drives a grey (later white) Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, and Jun Kitami, the original creator of the infamous Devil Z and Blackbird. The central plot revolves around the rivalry between the Devil Z and Blackbird for Wangan superiority as Akio tries to maintain his loyalty with the car and control it from crashing, with other racers trying to compete against both of them who are also seeking to oust their record.

The new story arc, Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner, features the new adventures of a new main character, Shinji Ogishima (who debuted in the last chapters of the original manga), and his friend, Nobu Setoguchi.[citation needed] They are part of the GT Cars project, which is in dispute and conflict, and must drive Mazda RX-7's along Shuto Expressway to settle these problems along with meeting Tatsuya Shima.

Characters

Akio Asakura (朝倉アキオ, Asakura Akio)
Voiced by: Shun Oguri
An ambitious racer who started when he was very young, Akio was in his final year of high school as the story began. He drove a red Nissan Fairlady Z (Z31) until, after being defeated by Tatsuya Shima's Blackbird, he discovers the "Devil Z," a 620 hp (460 kW) Nissan Fairlady Z (S30) which is supernaturally fast and extremely difficult to drive. Akio is regarded as a legend on the Wangan, though he is a humble character.
Tatsuya Shima (島達也, Shima Tatsuya)
Voiced by: Shin-ichiro Miki
A talented surgeon and Akio's main rival, as Akio is the only one who regularly gives him a challenge. He drives a black Porsche 911 Turbo (930), and later a black Porsche 911 Turbo (964),[a] nicknamed "Blackbird", in homage to the RUF CTR Yellowbird, RUF's 911 counterpart, using his large salary to fund his Porsche. Later, Shima had Jun Kitami (the man who built the Devil Z) tune his Porsche, upgrading the engine to 800 hp (600 kW), to try to keep up with the Devil Z.
Reina Akikawa (秋川零奈, Akikawa Reina)
Voiced by: Reiko Suhou
Reina is a model and television host, co-hosting an automotive news show named "Drive Go Go!". She finds Akio on the Wangan and becomes obsessed with him and the Devil Z, even trying to take the Devil Z for a joyride one night. After getting her Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) tuned and modified from YM Speed's Kazuhiko Yamamoto, she discovers a love for street racing (something that does not sit very well with her manager). Though formerly a competing rival, she becomes friends with Akio after crashing her Skyline whilst racing him, even developing feelings for him. As a result, Reina just spectates the races on sidelines while driving her R32 or just coming with Akio to see him race.

Media

Manga

Wangan Midnight is written and illustrated by Michiharu Kusunoki. The series was first briefly published in Shogakukan's Big Comic Spirits in 1990 and transferred to Kodansha's Weekly Young Magazine, where it ran from 1992 to 2008.[2][3][4] Kodansha collected its chapters in forty-two tankōbon volumes, published from January 8, 1993,[5] to December 26, 2008.[6]

A second series, titled Wangan Midnight: C1 Runner, was serialized in Weekly Young Magazine from August 4, 2008,[b] to July 9, 2012.[9] Kodansha collected its chapters in twelve tankōbon volumes, published between November 6, 2009,[7] and October 5, 2012.[10]

A third series, titled Ginkai no Speed Star, was serialized in Big Comic Spirits from August 11, 2014,[11] to April 13, 2015.[12] Shogakukan collected its chapters in two tankōbon volumes, published on November 28, 2014,[13] and May 29, 2015.[14]

A fourth series, titled Shutoko SPL - Ginkai no Speedster, started in Kodansha's Monthly Young Magazine on September 20, 2016.[15] Kodansha has collected its chapters into individual tankōbon volumes. The first volume was published on January 5, 2018.[16] As of September 17, 2021, seven volumes have been released.[17]

Films

The series was adapted into a series of direct-to-video movies in 1991, 1993, 1994, 1998 and 2001, and a theatrical movie in 2009:

  • Wangan Midnight (湾岸MidNight), 1991
  • Wangan Midnight II (湾岸ミッドナイトII), 1993
  • Wangan Midnight III (湾岸ミッドナイトIII), 1993
  • Wangan Midnight 4 (湾岸ミッドナイト4), 1993
  • Wangan Midnight Special Director's Cut Complete Edition (湾岸ミッドナイトスペシャル ディレクターズカット完全版), 1994
  • Wangan Midnight Final: GT-R Legend – Act 1 (湾岸ミッドナイト FINAL ~GT-R伝説 ACT1~), 1994
  • Wangan Midnight Final: GT-R Legend – Act 2 (湾岸ミッドナイト FINAL ~GT-R伝説 ACT2~), 1994
  • Devil GT-R Full Tuning (魔王GT-R チューニングのすべて), 1994
  • Showdown! Devil GT-R (対決!魔王GT-R), 1994
  • Wangan Midnight S30 vs. Gold GT-R – Part I (新湾岸ミッドナイト S30vsゴールドGT-R Part I), 1998
  • Wangan Midnight S30 vs. Gold GT-R – Part II (新湾岸ミッドナイト S30vsゴールドGT-R Part II), 1998
  • Wangan Midnight Return (湾岸ミッドナイト リターン), 2001
  • Wangan Midnight The Movie (湾岸MidNight Movie), 2009[4]

Anime

Main article: List of Wangan Midnight episodes

At the 2007 Tokyo Anime Fair, OB Planning announced the production of an animated series based on the manga,[1] and aired on a pay-per-view channel of Animax in June 2007.[1] The series was co-produced by OB Planning, A.C.G.T., and Pastel, under the direction of Tsuneo Tominaga. The anime consists of twenty-six episodes. The opening theme for the series is "Lights and Anymore" by TRF and the ending theme is "Talkin' Bout Good Days" by Mother Ninja.[18]

Video games

  • Wangan Midnight – Developed by Genki and released on February 2, 2001, for arcade (by Namco, using the Namco System 246 hardware), and for the PlayStation 2 on March 21, 2002 by Genki.
    • Wangan Midnight R – Released for arcade on December 20, 2001.
  • Wangan Midnight – Released in 2007 for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable (as Wangan Midnight Portable) platforms. The games were re-released in 2008, under the "Genki The Best" label.
  • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune – Developed by Bandai Namco Amusement and released on July 6, 2004, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 2 – Released on April 25, 2005, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3 – Released on July 18, 2007, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3 DX – Released on December 16, 2008, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 3 DX Plus – Released on March 4, 2010, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 4 – Released on December 15, 2011, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 – Released on March 12, 2014, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 DX – Released on December 15, 2015, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 5 DX Plus – Released on December 15, 2016, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6 – Released on July 12, 2018, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6R – Released on January 21, 2020, for arcade.[19]
    • Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR – Released on November 17, 2021, for arcade.
    • Wangan Midnight Maxmum Tune 6RR+ – Set to be released in April 17, 2024, for arcades in Japan.[20]

Reception

In 1999, Wangan Midnight won the Kodansha Manga Award for the General category.[21]

Notes

  1. ^ Due to licensing issues as well as Porsche's license deal with EA at that time, the early Maximum Tune video games have him drive either a Gemballa 3.8 RS in Japanese versions, and a Nissan 350Z in the English versions. Starting with Maximum Tune 4 until 5DX+, as well as the Genki-developed games, he drives a RUF CTR Yellowbird colored and modified in black. Later chapters have him switch the CTR for the RCT.
  2. ^ It started in the combined 36/37 issue of 2008,[7] released on August 4, 2008.[8]

References

  1. ^ a b c Miller, Evan (March 22, 2007). "TAF 2007: Wangan Midnight Anime Announced". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 28, 2007. Retrieved March 10, 2009.
  2. ^ 作品詳細『銀灰のスピードスター』. spi-net.jp (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on November 5, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  3. ^ "SonyMusicShop" 湾岸ミッドナイトMAXIMUM TUNE 5 Original Sound Track (in Japanese). Sony Music Shop. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  4. ^ a b Wangan Midnight the Movie to Open in Japan This Summer Archived 2021-01-26 at the Wayback Machine. Anime News Network. 2009-04-26. Retrieved on 2009-04-26.
  5. ^ 湾岸ＭＩＤＮＩＧＨＴ（１） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on July 17, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  6. ^ 湾岸ＭＩＤＮＩＧＨＴ（４２） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on July 21, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  7. ^ a b 湾岸ＭＩＤＮＩＧＨＴ Ｃ１ランナー（１） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  8. ^ Back Number 2008年 (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on April 14, 2012. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  9. ^ ヤンマガで「センゴク」第3部始動、「湾岸」続編は最終回. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. July 2, 2012. Archived from the original on May 30, 2017. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  10. ^ 湾岸ミッドナイト Ｃ１ランナー（１２）＜完＞ (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on July 1, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  11. ^ 相田裕、楠みちはる、玉井雪雄ら新作がスピで. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. August 4, 2014. Archived from the original on August 5, 2014. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  12. ^ 原克玄の破天荒JKギャグ「るみちゃんの事象」タイトルも新たにリニューアル. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 13, 2015. Archived from the original on April 14, 2015. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  13. ^ 銀灰のスピードスター ＳＥＲＩＥＳ １ ターボ３．６ (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  14. ^ 銀灰のスピードスター ＳＥＲＩＥＳ２ ＧＴ－Ｒ（ＲＢ２６） (in Japanese). Shogakukan. Archived from the original on June 10, 2021. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  15. ^ 楠みちはるが中年GT-R乗り描く新連載「首都高SPL」、月刊ヤンマガで開幕. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 20, 2016. Archived from the original on September 21, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  16. ^ 首都高ＳＰＬ（１） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on June 4, 2019. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  17. ^ 首都高ＳＰＬ（７） (in Japanese). Kodansha. Archived from the original on October 22, 2021. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  18. ^ アニマックスPPVプレミア 湾岸MIDNIGHT(ミッドナイト) 】 (in Japanese). Pay Per View Japan Inc. Archived from the original on October 29, 2007. Retrieved June 4, 2020.
  19. ^ "WANGAN MIDNIGHT MAXIMUM TUNE 6R". WANGAN MIDNIGHT MAXIMUM TUNE 6R. Archived from the original on 2019-12-21. Retrieved 2020-01-09.
  20. ^ "Wangan Midnight Maximum Tune 6RR Plus". wanganmaxi-official.com (in Japanese). Retrieved January 16, 2024.
  21. ^ Kodansha Manga Award. Archived 2007-08-16 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on November 17, 2007.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wangan_Midnight&oldid=1222267814"