Although the Nerilians are half-human, half-machine hybrids, the Earth girls hold their own in the initial events. The plot takes a decidedly weird turn when the aliens bring Akari's mother, legendary Cosmo Beauty Tomoe Midoh, back from the dead--as a 17-year-old! Akari must face her mother in the final race, the 4,000-meter relay. Naturally, she comes from behind to win the day for humanity.

With her racing days behind her, Akari settles into life on Earth with a reborn mother her own age and Mr. Miracle, who turns out to be her father, Daizaemon Kanzaki. His morning newspaper announces the mysterious disappearance of Oldham, so a sequel may already be in works. (Ages 13 and older, due to minor violence and suggestions of lesbian relationships) --Charles Solomon