Lap 01 - Legendary Start

Legendary Start (also known as "The Legend Begins" in the 4Kids English Dub) is the 1st episode of the F-Zero Farukon Densetsu anime.

**Note:** The episode may have confusing sequencing, due to its back-and-forth style of storytelling, through flashbacks and the present day events.

## Overview

### **2201, Present Day**

The 2201 Corkscrew Finals of an F-Zero Grand Prix begins. 24 F-Zero pilots are seen at the starting grid, about to undergo a practice lap after passing the elimination round. In one close-knit pack, Mobile Task Force leader Jody Summer instructs her squad on their objective; stopping criminals like the Dark Million organization from obtaining the prize money. As soon as the lights go green, the racers head off in their machines. One pilot in particular stands out among the rest; Ryu Suzaku. As he clashes briefly with his opponents on the track, he quickly reminds them to not underestimate him, as he has been "racing for 150 years!"

### **2051 Flashback Sequence**

The scenes from 2201 then proceed into a flashback to the year 2051, 150 years prior. In this flashback, Ryu Suzaku is declared the F1 2051 Champion and is soon surrounded by a crowd. His girlfriend, a race queen named Misaki Haruka, runs up to him with a bouquet of flowers. Ryu pulls her up next to him onto the winner's stand to celebrate his victory, as the cameras flash. Later that day, Haruka waits for Ryu in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, calling him on her cellphone to ask where he is. From his car, Ryu apologizes for the delay, but the line goes dead. He then pulls out a small box containing a ring, showing his plan to propose to Haruka. As his mind wanders off, his attention is immediately called to the police feed, reporting that a criminal named Zoda has escaped prison and is heading for a harbor. Ryu drops the ring box and focuses on pursuing Zoda throughout the streets of New York, up until Zoda shoots the hinges off his own car door and sends it flying through Ryu's windshield. Ryu's final thoughts are of Haruka, before his vision fades to black.

### **2201, Sometime Prior To Race**

150 years after this incident, in the year 2201, Jody and Galaxy Police Director John Tanaka discuss Ryu's revival prior to meeting with Dr. Stewart. Before long, the revival is successful and Ryu awakens, greeted by Jody who introduces herself as his superior in the Mobile Task Force. Dr. Stewart also introduces himself, and suggests that Ryu should try on some new clothes. As Ryu walks over, he takes note of a ring box and opens it. It takes a few moments before Ryu's eyes widen, realizing he had left Haruka waiting at the bridge, unaware of the time that has passed.

As he dashes out of the room, he tries on his new clothes, but soon comes across a scenic view of Mute City. Jody and Dr. Stewart approach from behind and reveal that Mute City was formerly known as New York, and that 150 years have passed since Ryu was involved in an accident. Jack Levin appears, prompting Dr. Stewart to suggest that Jack should give a tour to Ryu. Jack remarks that he "isn't Ryu's babysitter" as Ryu runs past him in disbelief.

Ryu visits the garage and comes across Dr. Clash, who had just finished working on the Dragon Bird (most likely just having added the Reactor Might, which is explained later on). Ryu hastily jumps into the machine, then demands for a key, which Dr. Clash hands over. After fumbling with the key, Ryu starts the engine, which sends an alert throughout the garage. Jack storms down from the hallway, as both Clash and Jack tell Ryu that he hasn't been trained to pilot the machine yet. Their words fall on deaf ears as the Dragon Bird and its new pilot speed off through the tunnels. After some slight adjusting to the machine and its speed, Ryu sees even more of Mute City and its inhabitants, but eventually makes his way to his intended destination; Brooklyn Bridge Park.

Once there, Ryu mistakes another woman for Haruka, only for the woman to walk along with another man. Jack shows up later and jokingly asks if Ryu's ring is for him. Ryu asks how Jack found him, to which Jack states that Brooklyn Bridge Park is the only place that hadn't changed over time. Jack then takes Ryu to a club in order to get him to loosen up, but after some of Jack's fangirls take interest in Ryu, Ryu runs away. Outside, Jack and Ryu exchange some banter before Jack challenges the other to a race over possession of the Dragon Bird. Ryu loses the race and Jack taunts him before leaving, while Jody watches from afar.

Back at the Galaxy Police Headquarters garage, Ryu fixes his machine, but a news report about a familiar-looking criminal catches his attention. He then recognizes the criminal as the same one he had pursued 150 years ago; Zoda. In the Mobile Task Force meeting room, Jody informs the rest of the Task Force that Zoda and his gang have resurfaced. Dr. Stewart asks about Ryu's whereabouts, but Jack claims that he scared Ryu off after beating him in a race. As Jack claims that he'll drive the Dragon Bird, Ryu enters and interjects. Jack reminds Ryu of their bet over the machine, Ryu pleads to him, and then Jack backs off. Jody then orders her team to move out.

### **2201, Present Day Conclusion**

The scene then returns to the present day race in the year 2201, as Ryu concludes how he got to this point in his life. Jody warns Ryu of Zoda's henchmen, Octoman and Bio Rex. The Dragon Bird hits a boost plate and avoids collision with the Deep Claw and Big Fang. Captain Falcon then passes by in the Blue Falcon with a smirk, which motivates Ryu to take on the challenge of an F-Zero pilot.

## Bart's F-Zero Classroom

The Bart Puppet makes its first appearance, and introduces a segment known as Bart's F-Zero Classroom, where trivia revolving around the anime will be provided at the end of each episode (with the exception of Lap 51.)

In this Classroom segment, the Bart puppet explains the F-Zero Grand Prix to the viewers. F-Zero is the largest racing competition to date, taking place across the universe. Though racing competitions such as F1 have existed in the 21st century, it apparently is not comparable to the grandeur of the F-Zero Grand Prix, in the words of the puppet.

He also explains that the winner of F-Zero will become "a superstar." However, some racers, such as Zoda, are only in the races to pursue the prize money, which is why Ryu and the Task Force must stop Zoda and other criminals from obtaining the prize money.

Addressing the concern of the viewer over the identity of the puppet, the Bart puppet simply states that they have run out of time in the segment.

## 4Kids English Dub Changes

* For the list of changes, see this page.

## Gallery

Ryu starting the Dragon BirdF-Zero Grand Prix in 2201Blue Falcon, Dragon Bird & and Astro RobinRyu the F1 2051 Champion2051 Champion Ryu SuzakuThe chaseRyu's revivalRyu using the Dragon Bird for the first timeDance ClubJack racing against RyuJack passing RyuThe Mobile Task Force moving out!Blue Falcon passing byBlue Falcon and Dragon Bird
## References

1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 [1]F-Zero Farukon Densetsu Lap 01 - Legendary Start (Subbed)