Martial Arts/Fighting Genre is a cross between both the Fantasy and Sporting Genre in anime. Included in this genre are shows like Grappler Baki, Fist of the North Star, Tenjho Tenge, Real Bout High School, Ranma 1/2, Dragonball and a host of others. Air Master seems to parody these different anime but they do in an artistic way that Air Master can be a stand alone series in its own right. In addition, doesn't need to be go overboard with the violence, fan service, and comedy. In many cases, the series thinks outside of the box and tries to be over-the-top in its own unique way.
Anyway, Air Master is a rather interesting series, but it takes a while for one to get used to; usually some don't even bother after 3 episodes, but it's extremely good if given the chance.
The series is about ex-gymnast turned street fighter, Maki Aikawa, but rival fighters refer her as "Air Master" because of her control fighting in the air. In the Fukimichi Tournament, anything goes. It doesn't matter what fighting style, height, age, or gender. The city is a battleground for all who enter the Fukimich Tournament. In this tournament, Maki loses herself in never ending bliss, taking on all challengers; from luchadores, pro wrestlers, gang members, cosplayers, otaku, costumed superheroes, military, dancers, ninjas, and other assortment of bizarre fighters which eventually leads her to the Fukimichi's No. 1 warrior, The Eternal.
While the tournament is one the main things going on in the series, there exist several sub-plots that involve several rival suitors, which consist of rival fighters and one of her classmates; which overwhelms her in comedic fashion unsure how to respond to it. Other sub-plots include Maki being dragged into weird situations that usually results in a big brawl in the end. Probably one of the more interesting points in the subplots is Maki's past which appear randomly throughout the series, presented as flash backs and dreams; they're significant because it leads to an understanding of Maki's personality because in reality she usually keeps things to herself.
While Maki herself is a colorful character, there are others in the series that some feel are more lively (and stranger) than her. There's the grotesquely busty, Mina; the shrimpy little, Renge, Michiru and Yu (both being the most sane and voice of reason within the group). Then, there is Maki's estranged father, Shiro, and her younger half-sister, Miori, who looks up to Maki.
Then, there are rival fighters such as loud and obnoxious Kaori Sakiyama, Lucha Master and his young sister, Kai. The gang leader, Kinjirou and his tall bodyguard, Nagato; and the creepy, but strong, Sakamoto, who is obsessed with Maki.
Overall, a wonderful, yet bizarre series. Last check, the manga ended in 2006, which makes one wonder if another series is just around the corner because it felt like the series could've gone further, yet it didn't, and left several things up in the air.
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