In a world where humanity must fight against interdimensional beings called 'Shadow Angels,' the only weapon capable of resisting them is an ancient giant robot named 'Aquarion.' This 2005 anime series is not just about thrilling battles; it is also filled with philosophy, cross-life love, and the power of combination that is both beautiful and eerie.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story takes place in a future where humans live underground after the Shadow Angels destroyed the Earth's surface. The surviving humans discover three giant robots that can combine into 'Aquarion,' the only weapon capable of fighting the Shadow Angels. The chosen pilots must possess compatible 'elemental powers,' often accompanied by painful pasts or past-life memories. The series progresses through battles one after another, interspersed with character relationships and the mystery of Aquarion gradually being revealed.
Performance and Characters
Although it is an anime dubbed by professional voice actors, the Japanese voice cast does an excellent job, especially Tomokazu Sugita as Sirius, who gives a cold yet warm feeling, and Nobunaga Shimazaki as Akira, full of energy. Each character has a distinct personality, from the quiet girl Otoha (Mako Hyodo) to the decisive captain Pierre (Masaya Onosaka). Although some characters may seem stereotypical at first, the development of their relationships makes the story engaging.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Directed by Shoji Kawamori, the mastermind behind Macross and Escaflowne, the visuals of Aquarion blend the CGI of that era with traditional anime seamlessly. The mecha designs and battle scenes are fluid despite being somewhat dated. The music composed by Yoko Kanno is outstanding, especially the iconic opening and ending themes like 'Genesis of Aquarion' sung by AKINO with bless4, which feels grand and sacred.
Editorial Analysis
Aquarion is not just about mecha battles; it is filled with philosophical symbolism, from 'combination' representing the union of souls and bodies, self-sacrifice for the greater good, and themes of love transcending time. The series dares to be insane both in story and in over-the-top but meaningful finishing moves. Although some episodes may feel repetitive, overall it is a worthwhile watch for those who enjoy philosophical sci-fi anime.
Verdict
Aquarion is a classic anime that giant mecha fans should not miss. Despite its flaws in pacing or dated CGI, with its soundtrack, philosophy, and unique insanity, you will be hooked until the end.
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👍 Pros
- +Legendary soundtrack by Yoko Kanno
- +Deep philosophical and meaningful content
- +Beautiful mecha designs and battle scenes
👎 Cons
- −Some parts of the story are drawn out and repetitive
- −Some characters are underdeveloped
- −The CGI may look dated for new viewers
Top Cast
FAQ
There are 3 seasons: Aquarion (2005, 26 episodes), Aquarion Evol (2012, 26 episodes), and Aquarion Logos (2015, 26 episodes), totaling 78 episodes.
It is a giant mecha anime combining action, fantasy, sci-fi, and romance, with a unique feature of three-part robot combination.
It is recommended to start with the first Aquarion season from 2005, as it is the origin of the universe and builds the foundation for understanding.
Yes, the opening theme 'Genesis of Aquarion' and ending theme 'Omna Magni' are well-known and have been covered many times.
