I truly think that out of all of the different forms of anime there is, trying to create something for the mecha genre is probably one of the most difficult to do. There is a lot to try and live up to and to try and surpass. With titles like Neon Genesis Evangelion, anything with the name Gundam on it, RahXephon, and even the original Gunbuster as some of the biggest names out there, equaling these titles and becoming something memorable often doesn’t happen. Aquarion really wants to be a series that will be remembered years from now, but I don’t think that is in the cards for this series.

I wasn’t overwhelmed with the series with the first collection of episodes and while I’ve often stuck with the theory that any anime can manage to turn itself around before the end, that’s really not the path that Aquarion takes. The series is something that has been seen quite often, a familiar story with just a few changes tossed in here and there in order to try and give it an original feeling. Like any mecha series, humanity is threatened and close to possible extinction thanks to the Shadow Angels, a race that is over 12,000 years old and has been waiting for the time when they can rule over the world. Because of their mecha that have been used to try and force humanity into submission, mankind has created mecha of their own that only a select few can pilot, but a few of these individuals have a past that even they are not aware of, one that also goes back 12,000 years, but they are slowly awakening to these long lost memories.

Aquarion continues with the same general approach to the episodes that it did with the first batch of thirteen. Apollo is still trying to find Baron, his missing friend, and his acceptance into Deava’s group of Element Users, the pilots of the Vector Machines (the mecha of the series) hasn’t been taken well by everyone. The episodes still stick with the idea of the first half being training of some sort of the group which also includes Apollo having issues with Silvia, even though we know that the two obviously are reincarnations of those who battled in the past, and Sirius, Silvia’s brother, having many issues with Apollo because of his uncouth approach to everything.

It always seems, at least to the Element Users, that their latest training doesn’t have any connection to their mission, but as always, the Shadow Angels happen to attack, right at the midpoint of the series, and of course those lessons soon have relevance. Aquarion does try to move a little beyond just the three characters, but most of the episodes not only deal with Apollo and on and off, brother and sister enemies, but Silvia trying to come to terms with her feelings for Apollo. This is something else that has already been seen by viewers and the point that it leads to is quite obvious.

The only thing that is a bit of a surprise is that one member of the team turns traitor, but again, that’s something that has been done quite often in mecha based anime, not to mention anime in general. While I won’t spoil it, I will point out that true to form, Aquarion also brings with it a predictable change of heart and a rather unimpressive ending. The credit I will give the series though is at least the ending isn’t as bad as one mecha anime that has a notoriously bad ending, and you also won’t see a nice boat.

There are a few episodes that are mildly entertaining, but there’s not enough to really help the series rise to the occasion and stand above the norm. Aquarion feels more than it’s a series that is destined to be enjoyed by a few select anime fans, probably those who are relatively new to the genre, but it will be forgotten in time and not one of those titles that is heavily sought after and praised relentlessly by fans. The thing that also really drags the series down is the tendency to overuse computer animation for the mecha. The designs are very poor and not something that has a look that makes much of an impact. It is possible that was hand drawn animation used, it might be different, but there would really need to be a lot of improvements.

FUNimation has at least included some extras that I found actually were a bit informative and enjoyable. There is a look at the creation of the series which is almost 30 minutes of detail that you’d only get from the Japanese crew and plenty of insight from Shoji Kawamori. There is a stage drama which is just the voice cast reading through a script, but it’s actually a nice addition to see here. I’ve been hoping for quite some time that companies would start to include some of the things beyond the series, such as a glimpse at the Sakura Taisen live performances (never happened) or the School Rumble live shows 9stilla chance) so this is a step in the right direction. There are also music videos, but these are the standard clip collections and not a look at the Japanese take on music videos. I bet though they actually still show them there. There is a manga “silent movie” that’s a bit bland, but still a nice touch, and the usual things you’d find in an selection of anime extras; commercials and clean opening and closing animations.

I’ve been a fan of mecah titles for quite some time, but it’s becoming more and more rare to find one that actually is impressive. Aquarion could have been one of those series’ had it tried to do something a little bit different, but instead the series is just a rehash of too many other anime titles, plus Kawamori’s usual ecological and spiritual approaches that have become more and more common in his anime. If you enjoy good mecha anime, I don’t think that this will satisfy most save for those who are really green.

Episode 14 – Shining Shadows

Silvia tries to understand more about the strange dreams she’s been having as well as the past life connection to Apollo. The Shadow Angels attack once again but when things look bleak, Apollo, or rather, Apollonius is more than ready for battle while Silvia must confront her true feelings.

Episode 15 – Aquarion’s First Love

Pierre has become addicted to merging to such a degree that he’s been pulled from the team. When the Shadow Angels attack again, this time in his home town, he manages to jump into action once again but in order to succeed, he must overcome much more than his dependence.

Episode 16 – Black Mirror

The base is abuzz with rumors that Rena is a vampire. Everyone seems to have had an odd, bloodsucking experience with her at one point. When a succubus like creature appears that looks like Rena, it seems that the rumors might prove to be true, but Apollo believes the opposite.

Episode 17 – Merge to Eat

The girls go on a crash diet in hopes of losing a few pounds, but their dreams soon turn to nightmares. The Shadow Angels send out a microscopic enemy that devours everything edible and with no food, it seems that the team is now on their final mission. A mere song may prove to be the key to salvation . . . and food.

Episode 18 – Cosplay of the Soul

A new training exercise has the team trading places and doing a bit of cosplay, but not everyone is pleased about it. Sirius decides to get more in turn with Apollo and when the Shadow Angels mount another attack, there is a lesson to be learned.

Episode 19 – Mischief Without Malice

A battle with the Shadow Angels finds Apollo, Silvia, and Reika lost in a strange and mysterious world. The team frantically tries to contact them, but with no luck. Sirius manages to locate them while Apollo must find the means to overcome this nightmarish illusion before they are all lost within the Shadow Angels plot.

Episode 20 – Sound of an Angel’s Feather

The Shadow Angels attack once again and the lives of innocents are in jeopardy. Problems quickly arise when it is realized that the enemy is only a child and while Apollo has no problems ending the rampage by any means necessary, the Deava have another plan.

Episode 21 – Crimson Path

Sirius has been having strange dreams which have lead him to question his purpose with the group. Another training exercise is undertaken but when the Shadow Angels attack once again, the group stands ready only to find that during this battle, Sirius will leave for the side of the enemy.

Episode 22 – Wings Unseen

Silvia tries to cope with the loss of her brother as does everyone. Reika is taking his change in sides personally but Apollo plans on changing her thoughts. The Shadow Angels mount another attack, this time headed by Sirius and the outcome isn’t in the Deava’s favor.

Episode 23 – Fleeting Wings

Sirius fights against his friends and the Angels have another surprise in store. Silvia seems to have been overwhelmed by the possibility to rejoining with her brother until Apollo manages to get her to see what she’s doing is wrong and along with Reika, the three merge and display powers never before seen.

Episode 24 – Heaven’s Gate

Deava prepares for the final battle with the Shadow Angles, but plans start going horribly wrong. Silvia disappears, Commander Fudo is nowhere to be found and the Angels have found a way to break through the Deava barriers. Tsugumi, Apollo and Reika launch will be the battle to save the human race or destroy it.

Episode 25 – Final Battle! Atlandia

The assault on Atlandia begins but even with their newfound power, the Shadow Angels still might emerge on top. Silvia finally learns the truth about her past as does Sirius, and it seems that he can’t accept what the shocking truth is.

Episode 26 – The Day the World Begins

The past collides with the present and friends fight desperately for the future of all humanity.

-mike-
 

Genre: Science Fiction / Mecha   Series Director: Shoji Kawamori   Directed by: Episode 14 – Takayuki Tanaka Episode 15, 20 – Masaharu Tomoda Episode 16 – Keichi Sasajima Episode 17 – Mamoru Enomoto Episode 18, 24 – Norio Kashima Episode 19, 25 – Yasuhito Kikuchi Episode 21 – Kim Young Chan Episode 22 – Hideki Tonokatsu Episode 23 – Tomokazu Tokoro   Written by: Episode 14 – Eiji Kurokawa Episode 15, 19, 22, 23, 25 – Hiroshi Ohnogi Episode 16, 21, 24 – Natsuko Takahashi Episode 17, 18 – Shoji Kawamori Episode 20 – Natsuko Takahashi   Original Japanese Title: Sōsei no Akuerion   Voice Cast: Takuma Terashima (Apollo) Yumi Kakazu (Silvia de Alisia) Tomokazu Sugita (Sirius de Alisia) Sanae Kobayashi (Reika) Masaya Onosaka (Pierre Vieira) Tsugumi Higasayama (Tsugumi Rosenmeier) Daisuke Sakaguchi (Jun Lee) Unshou Ishizuka (Gen Fudou) Toshiyuki Morikawa (Toma) Mako Hyoudou (Otoha )

DVD Features: Anamorphic - 1.78:1 Audio: Japanese Dolby Digital 2.0, English Dolby Digital 5.1 & English Dolby Digital 2.0 English Subtitles   Disc 1 Contains Episodes 14 - 20   Disc 2 Creation and Development of the Series 2005 Stage Drama Music Videos Manga-Style Silent Movie Original Commercials Clean Opening Animation Clean Closing Animation Contains Episodes 20 - 26