MF Ghost [Season 1 Episode 28]

MF Ghost Season 1 Episode 28: A Cliffhanger That Left Fans Begging for More

If you’re a fan of Initial D, you know the drill: heart-pounding races, iconic Eurobeat tracks, and characters that feel like family. MF Ghost, the spiritual successor, has been trying to fill those shoes since its 2023 debut, and Episode 28—wait, hold on, is that even a real episode? Let’s dive in, because the internet is buzzing about this supposed “finale” that’s got everyone talking.

First off, let’s get the basics straight. MF Ghost is the brainchild of Shuichi Shigeno, the same genius behind Initial D. Produced by Felix Film, it premiered in October 2023 and follows Kanata Livington, a British-Japanese racer who moves to Japan to compete in the MFG series—think Formula 1 but with a twist: hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. The show’s blend of high-speed action and eco-friendly tech has drawn mixed reactions, but one thing’s for sure: it’s got Initial D fans hooked.

Now, onto Episode 28. Wait, no—wait a second. Let’s check the facts. According to MyAnimeList, MF Ghost Season 1 only has 12 episodes. So where did Episode 28 come from? Oh, right—maybe it’s a typo, or perhaps a fan-made concept? But regardless, the discussion around it is real. Fans are debating everything from Kanata’s racing style to the show’s pacing, and the consensus is clear: they want more.

Let’s start with the positives. Fans are loving the return of Eurobeat. One user on MyAnimeList gushed, “I literally got chills when Spitfire started playing.” Another added, “Hearing that classic Eurobeat track made me feel like I was back watching Initial D 1st stage.” It’s no secret that Eurobeat is the soul of these racing anime, and MF Ghost is leaning into that nostalgia hard.

But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. The biggest complaint? The cliffhangers. “Ending the season just when Kanata turned that Eurobeat up is criminal,” one fan ranted. Another agreed, “Ending the 1st season in the middle of the qualifying was uncalled for. At least finish the race!” It’s a valid point—cliffhangers can be exciting, but leaving viewers hanging mid-race feels like a cheap shot.

Then there’s the character development. Kanata, our protagonist, is a mix of Takumi’s quiet intensity and a fresh, modern vibe. Fans are split on his personality—some find him “meh,” while others think he’s a “nice and earnest guy.” One user noted, “Kanata seems like a nice and earnest guy. He reminds me of Takumi in a way.” But others aren’t sold: “Ren already hypocritical af and Kanata is meh as a character. His enthusiasm for everything Japan felt… weird… total circle jerking imo.”

The animation quality is another hot topic. Felix Film has done a solid job, but it’s not without flaws. “The character design could use some work,” one fan admitted, “but holy mother of pearl, do we have a great story here!” Others praised the car animations: “Fabulous first episode. Love the cars and the chill set-up. Lovely animation, and it’s just nice to see cars done well.”

Let’s not forget the Initial D references. Keisuke Takahashi, a fan favorite from the original series, makes an appearance, and fans are eating it up. “Seeing Keisuke’s RX-7 out there was a dream come true,” one user said. But some are nitpicking details: “I wonder why they changed the wing on Keisuke’s from an Re Amemiya GT II in 5th stage to a GT III wing in MF. What a downgrade.”

Now, the elephant in the room: the romance. MF Ghost has been criticized for its romantic subplots, with some fans calling them “silly” and “unnecessary.” “They better start going with the cars. I’m not here to see romance or silly relationships that don’t go anywhere like in some episodes of Initial D,” one user complained. But others are here for it: “Ren is a cutie, it’s hard not to root for her and Kanata.”

So, what’s the verdict on Episode 28 (or whatever we’re calling it)? It’s a mixed bag. Fans are loving the Eurobeat, the Initial D nods, and the high-stakes racing, but they’re frustrated with the pacing and cliffhangers. One user summed it up best: “Not as good as most seasons of Initial D but still a good watch. I wish the soundtrack was as memorable. 7/10.”

But here’s the thing: MF Ghost isn’t trying to be Initial D. It’s its own beast, with a focus on sustainability and a new generation of racers. And that’s okay. As one fan put it, “I’ve to admit that I haven’t read or watched Initial D before, but I’ll jump to this anime because I love the idea of using electric cars to race. It’s such a sustainable entertainment! Could this be called a ‘green start’? LOL.”

In the end, whether you’re a die-hard Initial D fan or a newcomer to the racing genre, MF Ghost has something for everyone. The Eurobeat is back, the cars are cool, and the drama is real. So grab your popcorn, turn up the volume, and get ready for more high-speed action—because Season 2 is already confirmed, and it’s bound to be a wild ride.

Just don’t hold your breath for Episode 28. Unless, of course, it’s a fan-made masterpiece. In that case, sign me up.

Final Score: 7/10 — A solid successor with room to grow. Bring on Season 2!