Is Air Gear Manga Finished? Status & Full Guide
Yes, Air Gear Manga Is Finished — Here’s What You Need to Know
Air Gear is a completed manga. Created by Oh! Great (Ito Ōgure), it ran for 358 chapters across 37 volumes, published in installments in Kodansha’s Weekly Shonen Magazine — a major weekly manga anthology aimed at boys — from 2002 to 2012. The story of Itsuki “Ikki” Minami and his rise through the world of motorized inline skates called Air Trecks has a beginning, a middle, and an end — all of it published and all of it available in English.
Here are the key numbers:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Status | Completed |
| Author | Oh! Great (Ito Ōgure) |
| Total Volumes | 37 |
| Total Chapters | 358 |
| Magazine | Weekly Shonen Magazine |
| Publisher (JP) | Kodansha |
| Serialization Period | 2002–2012 |
| English Volumes | 37 (complete) |
A quick vocabulary note for readers new to manga: volumes are the collected books you buy, each containing multiple chapters (the individual installments that were originally published week by week in a magazine). So Air Gear’s 358 chapters are gathered into 37 volumes — that’s what you’d actually be purchasing and reading.
If you’re the kind of reader who needs to know a series is finished before starting it, Air Gear checks that box cleanly. Every chapter has been collected into volumes, and every volume has been translated into English. Nothing is missing or left unpublished.
For beginners who are new to manga in general: a “completed” series means you can read the whole thing from start to finish right now without waiting for new chapters. That’s a real advantage — no month-long waits between releases, no worrying whether the creator will come back from a break. You pick up volume 1, and if you’re hooked, the road to volume 37 is clear.
When Did Air Gear Start and End?
Air Gear’s first volume was published in Japan on May 16, 2003. The final volume — volume 37 — came out on July 17, 2012. That’s roughly nine years of serialization (meaning the story was published in weekly installments over that entire span), which is a solid run for an action series in this category.
The whole thing ran in Weekly Shonen Magazine, one of Japan’s major manga anthologies published by Kodansha. It’s a long-running publication known for action-heavy series with a bit more edge to them. If you’ve heard of Weekly Shonen Jump — a different magazine published by a different company — Weekly Shonen Magazine is its counterpart at Kodansha, with its own distinct lineup and editorial style.
The English Publication History
The English-language release of Air Gear has a slightly unusual history that’s worth knowing about if you’re collecting physical volumes.
Del Rey Manga originally licensed and published volumes 1 through 17. Del Rey was a well-known manga publisher in the mid-2000s, but the publishing label eventually wound down. When that happened, Kodansha Comics USA picked up the series and published volumes 18 through 37, completing the English release.
This means if you’re collecting the full set, you’ll notice a shift in publisher branding partway through. The content is continuous — the story doesn’t skip or restart — but the logo on the spine changes. Some collectors care about this kind of thing; others don’t notice at all. Either way, the complete story is there across all 37 volumes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Volumes | English Publisher |
|---|---|
| 1–17 | Del Rey |
| 18–37 | Kodansha Comics |
All 358 chapters are accounted for. Nothing was cut, censored in a way that removes chapters, or left untranslated. You’re getting the full experience.
Does Air Gear Have a Proper Ending?
This is where things get interesting, because the answer is “yes, but…” — and the “but” is worth talking about honestly.
The manga does reach a definitive conclusion in volume 37. It was not cancelled mid-run. It was not abandoned on hiatus. The author brought the story to an ending, and the final chapter wraps up the main conflict. So in a structural sense, yes — Air Gear has a proper ending.
Why the Ending Is Divisive
That said, the ending is one of the most debated aspects of the series among readers who’ve finished it. Here’s why, without spoiling specifics:
- The tone shifts significantly in the later story arcs (an “arc” is a stretch of chapters that form one connected storyline within the larger series). Air Gear starts out as a street-level story about kids racing on Air Trecks, forming teams (called “crews” in the series’ world — groups that ride together and battle rival teams for territory and status), and battling it out. It’s kinetic, fun, and grounded in a recognizable (if exaggerated) urban setting. As the series progresses, the scope expands dramatically — into territory that many readers feel moves too far from what made the early portions compelling.
- The final arc feels rushed to many readers. Plot threads that were built up over dozens of volumes get resolved quickly, and some character storylines don’t land with the weight readers expected.
- The escalation catches some people off guard. Without spoiling details, the later story introduces elements that feel very different from the extreme-sports foundation of the early series.
What This Means for New Readers
If you’re considering starting Air Gear, here’s a fair-minded way to think about it: the first two-thirds of the series — roughly the first 20-25 volumes — is the stretch nearly everyone agrees is excellent. The street racing, the team battles, the high-energy art, the rival crews. That core of the series is a blast.
The later portion is more polarizing. Some readers love the escalation and find it exciting. Others feel the series loses its identity. You’ll form your own opinion, and that’s the beauty of reading it for yourself.
The important thing is: it’s not unfinished. You won’t hit a wall where chapters just stop. The story has an ending. Whether you love that ending or have mixed feelings about it is a personal call.
Any Sequel or Continuation?
No sequel or continuation manga has been announced. The story wrapped in 2012, and there’s been no indication that a follow-up is in development. Air Gear is a self-contained, completed work.
Where to Buy Air Gear in English
All 37 English volumes exist and are out there, which is the good news. The practical reality of actually collecting them takes a little more effort than grabbing a currently-running bestseller, though.
Physical Volumes
Air Gear’s English volumes were published by Del Rey (volumes 1–17) and Kodansha Comics (volumes 18–37). Physical copies are available through major online retailers and used-book sellers.
Because the series finished its English run years ago, some individual volumes — particularly certain early Del Rey printings — may be harder to track down than others. Availability fluctuates. If you’re planning to collect the whole set in physical form, it’s worth checking which specific volumes are readily available across the full 37-volume run before committing to buying them one at a time.
A few practical tips for collecting:
- Start with volume 1 to test whether you like it. No need to hunt down all 37 volumes before you’ve even read the first chapter. Grab the opener, see if the art style and story hook you, and then expand your collection from there.
- Check multiple sellers. Some volumes that seem out of stock at one retailer may be available at another, or through third-party sellers on major platforms.
- Condition varies for used copies. Since some of these volumes are over a decade old, used copies range from pristine to well-loved. If condition matters to you, look carefully at seller descriptions.
- Confirm the full run is accessible before going all in. Once you know you like the series, do a quick scan across retailers to make sure you can find all the volumes you’ll need — especially ones from the Del Rey era that may have smaller remaining stock.
Here’s the final volume to give you a sense of what’s out there:
air gear
Digital Options
Digital editions are available through manga platforms and e-book stores like BookWalker and Kindle. Digital can be a strong option if tracking down specific physical volumes proves difficult — you’ll typically get the complete library without worrying about print availability, and you can start reading immediately.
What to Read Next if You Liked Air Gear
Finished all 37 volumes and want something with a similar energy? Air Gear occupies a fun niche — it blends extreme sports with over-the-top action, crew-based rivalries, and flashy art. Here are some directions to explore:
If You Loved the Extreme-Sports Racing
The raw thrill of Air Treck battles — speed, trick moves, high-stakes racing — is one of Air Gear’s biggest draws. Yowamushi Pedal (a cycling manga with intense race sequences and underdog energy) taps into that same adrenaline-fueled competitive spirit, even if it’s more grounded in real-world athletics.
If You Loved the Crew Rivalries
Air Gear’s team-vs-team structure — where crews battle for territory and status — has a lot in common with manga that focus on group dynamics and loyalty. Haikyuu!! (volleyball) and Kuroko’s Basketball both nail the feeling of tight-knit teams clashing against fierce rivals, with the bonds between teammates mattering as much as individual talent.
If You Loved the Art Style
Oh! Great’s artwork in Air Gear is bold, detailed, and packed with kinetic energy — panels practically vibrate with motion. If that visual style was a big part of the appeal, Eyeshield 21 (illustrated by Yusuke Murata, known for incredibly dynamic action art) delivers that same visual intensity in a sports setting. The art alone is worth the read.
A General Recommendation
Sports manga as a genre has a lot to offer readers coming from Air Gear. The best ones combine physical competition with character development, rivalries, and high-stakes moments in ways that feel genuinely thrilling. Any of the titles above make strong starting points, but browsing through the genre more broadly may turn up your next favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Air Gear manga finished?
Yes, Air Gear manga is finished. The series is fully complete with 37 volumes and 358 chapters, published from 2002 to 2012. It has a definitive ending — it was not cancelled or left on hiatus.
How many volumes of Air Gear are there?
There are 37 volumes total. This matches in both the original Japanese release and the English translation. All 358 chapters are collected across these 37 volumes.
Is there an Air Gear sequel?
No. No sequel manga has been announced. Air Gear is a complete, standalone series that ended in 2012.
Did Air Gear get an anime?
Yes, an anime adaptation aired in 2006 and ran for 25 episodes. It covers roughly the first 12 volumes of the manga — the early street-racing story and initial crew rivalries. If you watched the anime and want to see how the full story plays out, you’ll need to continue with the manga, as the anime only adapts a fraction of the 37-volume story. There were also OVA episodes (standalone animated episodes released directly to video rather than broadcast on TV), but neither the TV anime nor the OVAs come close to covering the complete manga storyline.
Who is the author of Air Gear?
Air Gear was created by Oh! Great (real name Ito Ōgure), a manga artist known for detailed, high-energy artwork. He has worked on other series as well, so if you enjoy his style in Air Gear, his other work is worth looking into.
Is Air Gear still in print in English?
The series is complete in English with all 37 volumes published. However, because the English release wrapped up years ago, individual volume availability can vary. Some volumes are readily available as new copies, while others may require checking multiple retailers or buying used. Digital editions through platforms like BookWalker or Kindle can be an easier path to accessing the full series if specific physical volumes prove hard to find.
Is Air Gear appropriate for younger readers?
Air Gear ran in a magazine aimed at teenage boys, but it contains content that skews older than some series in the same category — including fan service (sexualized imagery), violence, and mature themes. Parents or guardians may want to preview the material before deciding if it’s appropriate for younger teens.
How long does it take to read all of Air Gear?
With 37 volumes and 358 chapters, it’s a substantial but not overwhelming read. Most readers can work through the full series in a few weeks of regular reading. If you’re binge-reading, you could finish faster — the action-heavy pacing makes it easy to keep turning pages.
