F is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Noboru Rokuda. It was serialized in Shogakukan's manga magazine Big Comic Spirits from 1986 to 1992, with its chapters collected in 28 volumes. The story follows Gunma Akagi, a country boy who fulfills his dream by racing in a Formula One car. The series has been followed by F Regeneration Ruri (2002âÂÂ2006), F Final (2009âÂÂ2011), and Final Complete (since 2020).
A 31-episode anime television series adaptation, animated by Studio Deen, was broadcast on Fuji TV from March to December 1988.
In 1991, F won the 36th Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category.
Gunma Akagi is the rebellious son of Soichiro Akagi, the powerful head of the Akagi Group conglomerate. Raised as the son of a mistress, Gunma runs away from home with his friend Tamotsu Oishi, a talented mechanic, to pursue a career in formula racing. Beginning in the entry-level FJ1600 series, Gunma quickly demonstrates exceptional driving talent and advances through the ranks of professional racing, competing in the All Japan F3 Championship and later on the international stage.
As Gunma continues his climb toward Formula One, he experiences a series of personal tragedies, including the death of people close to him and the discovery that his former lover Yuki had secretly supported his racing career before becoming involved in a deadly power struggle within the Akagi Group. Gunma later moves to Europe to compete in Formula 3000, facing fierce rivals before eventually joining an F1 team formed by his allies.
Written and illustrated by Noboru Rokuda, F was serialized in Shogakukan's manga magazine Big Comic Spirits from 1986 to 1992. Shogakukan collected its chapters in 28 volumes, released from June 1986 to January 1993.
A second series, titled , was serialized in 's ' from June 2002 to March 2006. Shueisha collected its chapters in 12 volumes, released from April 18, 2003, to December 19, 2006.
A third series, titled ', was serialized in 's ' from September 26, 2009, to September 26, 2011. Futabasha collected its chapters in three volumes, released on June 28 and July 12, 2013.
A fourth series, F Complete started publication on 's ' website on December 25, 2020.
A 31-episode anime television series adaptation, animated by Studio Deen, was broadcast on Fuji TV from March 9 to December 23, 1988. For the first 21 episodes, the opening theme is "F" by the Burst and the ending theme song is by Hiroshi. For episodes 22âÂÂ31, the second opening theme is "Love Affair" by Kojiro Shimizu and the second ending theme is "You Are My Energy" by Shinji Harada.
In 1991, F won the 36th Shogakukan Manga Award in the general category.