The appeal and evaluation of B'T X: A thorough explanation of the mecha action and depth of the story

B'T X - B'T X - Detailed review and recommendation

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

April 6, 1996 - September 21, 1996

■Broadcasting station

TBS

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 25

■Original Story

Masami Kurumada "B'T X" (serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's "Monthly Shonen Ace")

■ Director

Hamazumori

■ Production

Animation Production: Kyokuichi Tokyo Movie

■Works

©Masami Kurumada/Shueisha, TMS

■ Story

While visiting the Machine Expo, the genius scientist Takamiya Kotaro reunites with his younger brother Tetsuhei for the first time in several years. However, their joy is short-lived as the Machine Empire army attacks a lecture gathering scientists from around the world. The scientists are killed in a poison gas attack, and Kotaro is kidnapped. Tetsuhei follows them and witnesses the vast facility "Machine Empire" hidden in the desert, but is attacked and falls into a scrap yard. At the last moment, the legendary B'T X, which was born from Tetsuhei's blood, is resurrected!!

■Cast

Takamiya Teppei: Hiyama Nobuyuki / B'T X: Horikawa Jin / Takamiya Kotaro: Sasaki Nozomu / Karen: Ogata Megumi / Aramis: Yuya Atsuko / Metal Face: Horiuchi Kenyuu / Karin: Yokoyama Chisa / Otori: Ichijo Kazuya / Misha: Orikasa Ai / Ron: Fujiwara Keiji / Hokuto: Sakuta Osamu and others

■ Main staff

Series Composition: Hamazu Mamoru / Screenplay: Suga Yoshiyuki, Kishima Nobuaki, and others / Character Design: Inoue Eisaku, Motohashi Hideyuki / Hardware Design: Takaya Hirotoshi / Art Director: Tojo Toshihisa / Director of Photography: Toki Koji / Editor: Seyama Takeshi / Music Producer: Horio Yuki / Music: Senju Akira / Sound Director: Takahashi Tsuyoshi / Music Selection: Goda Yutaka / Sound Effects: Yokoyama Masakazu / Planning Cooperation: Yokoyama Kazuo / Story Editor: Onoda Hiroyuki / Promotion: Suzuki Shinji (TBS) / Color Design: Shimizu Chiyoko / Production Manager: Furuya Noboru / Producers: Matsumoto Masato, Mizunuma Kenji / Director: Hamazu Mamoru, Izakaya Kiyotaka, and others / Animation Director: Koizumi Noboru, Motohashi Hideyuki, and others

■ Theme songs and music

[OP] Song title: Haruka ~SAILING FOR MY DREAM~ / Singer: Fence of Defense (FOD) / Lyrics: Miki Muroi / Composition: Masatoshi Nishimura / Arrangement: Fence of Defense (FOD)
[ED] Song title: My Way of Life / Singer: Blue Boy / Lyrics: Ryota Ito / Music: Yoshinori Aoki / Arrangement: JOHNNIE FINGERS

Detailed Review

Broadcast in 1996, "B'T X" is a TV anime series based on the manga of the same name by Masami Kurumada. The original work was serialized in Kadokawa Shoten's "Monthly Shonen Ace" and tells an epic story of the relationship between machines and humans. The anime was broadcast on TBS and entertained viewers with a total of 25 episodes.

The story centers on Takamiya Tetsuhei and his brother, the genius scientist Takamiya Kotaro. The two are reunited at the Machine Expo, but tragedy soon strikes. When Kotaro is kidnapped during an attack by the Machine Empire Army, Tetsuhei sets off on an adventure to save his brother. During this adventure, Tetsuhei meets the legendary B'T X and they fight alongside him.

The appeal of "B'T X" lies in its grand worldview and detailed setting. The story is fuelled by the huge hostile force known as the Machine Empire, and the mechanical lifeforms known as B'T (Beat) that oppose it. The design of B'T X in particular is very impressive and leaves a strong visual impact. The bond between Tetsubei and B'T X is also an important element of the story, deeply moving the viewer.

The cast is also impressive, with the performances of voice actors such as Nobuyuki Hiyama as Tetsuhei and Jin Horikawa as B'T X bringing out the best in the story. In particular, Jin Horikawa's voice for B'T X is both powerful and gentle, bringing out the best in the character. The supporting cast, including Megumi Ogata as Karen and Kenyu Horiuchi as Metal Face, are also excellent.

There are also some points not to be overlooked about the staff. Director Hamazu Mamoru is also in charge of the series composition, and has firm control over the flow of the story. The quality of the visuals, with character designers Inoue Eisaku and Motohashi Hideyuki, and hardware designer Takaya Hirotoshi, has also been highly praised. The music, also by Senjyu Akira, enhances the tension and emotion of the story.

The theme songs are also impressive. The opening theme "Haruka ~SAILING FOR MY DREAM~" is sung by Fence of Defense (FOD) and is a powerful song that makes you feel like the beginning of an adventure. The ending theme "Boku no Ikigata" is sung by Blue Boy and has a gentle melody that reflects Tetsuhei's feelings and touches the heart.

Recommended points

"B'T X" is an anime that is attractive for its epic story of the relationship between machines and humans and its intricate setting. Particularly noteworthy are the bond between Tetsubei and B'T X and the battle with the Machine Empire. Also, don't miss the high-quality production by the stellar cast and staff. This is a work that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a visually impactful and moving story.

Additionally, it will bring back memories for fans of anime from the 1990s. The theme of machine lifeforms reflects the trends of the time and gives a sense of the historical context. For fans of the original author Masami Kurumada, it will be a great opportunity to rediscover the animated version of B'T X.

This is a moving story about adventure, friendship, and human strength. Watch it and experience the charm of it all.