Future GPX Cyber Formula 11

Cyber Formula 11 takes the highs of the TV series to 11. It is exactly what a shonen arc should be: pure hype and stakes-raising with some decent character development. Now that Cyber Formula was in the OVA format, it did not have to appeal to children, but instead otaku, particularly fujoshi. The main series gained a large fujo following due to its celeb voice actors, large male cast, and several rivalries, so Mitsuo Fukuda leaned into this by doing what he usually does: copying Western cinema (in this case, Top Gun). The result is, along with the Cyber Formula TV series and Dendoh, Fukuda'sbest anime. Surprisingly, Fukuda had a very large role in this script, proving that Fukuda is best at making hype hero stories rather than soap operas or war dramas. 11, despite its more mature audience, retains the childish feel of the TV series. It is the stereotype of 1990s Sunrise anime: electronic music, goofy character designs, and cool vehicles. There is a greater emphasis on characters' relationships (to fit with with the fujo appeal), so it becomes more mature than the TV series. Story is initially barebones: Hayato competes in the 11th Cyber Formula Grand Prix to win. Hayato is already a champion, so he is more static and bland in this OVA than the TV series. Because he has good racing skills here, he has less plot armor and is more mature, so he is more entertaining to watch. In the TV series, Hayato always relied on a new Asurada variant (much like how Kira always had a new Strike form, or beam spam, to save the day), but here, he relies on pure skill rather than technology. This means his strategies feel genuine and his impossible victories feel earned. Complementing this ethos is the main rivalry of the OVA: Hayato vs Osamu Sugo. Sugo was always friendly and helpful towards Hayato in the TV series, and that is what made him a compelling character. The OVA doubles down on this aspect: Sugo uses his rivalry with Hayato to make Hayato grow as a racer, leading up to a very cool ending with lots of great races in between. It's incredibly childish and escapist, but because of Hayato's struggles throughout the TV series and the lack of plot armor, it feels earned. Cyber Formula 11 is the pinnacle of the Cyber Formula franchise: it focuses on racing rather than melodrama, and it's really, really hype and cool to boot.