Review of "Iris: Chronicle of the Rainbow": A fascinating story and character depth

Iris: Chronicles of the Rainbow - A story of adventure and friendship set in a post-war world

The TV anime series "Iris: The Legend of the Rainbow", which aired from 1998 to 1999, is set in a post-war devastated world and follows the journey of a young boy named Rick and his friends as they search for the "Seven Crystals". The original work is Kim Jae-hwan's "Compatmetal Haemos", and the anime was produced in Korea and broadcast in Japan. In this article, we will take a closer look at the appeal and highlights of "Iris: The Legend of the Rainbow", as well as the background and behind-the-scenes stories of its production.

story

Ten years after the long-lasting world war ended, poor boy Rick and his friends were looking for work to pay off their overdue rent and debts while the scars of war remained. At that time, they learned that a huge bounty was on the "Seven Crystals". Rick and his friends set out on a journey in the polar exploration armored vehicle "Iris" in search of the crystals, which are rumored to revive cities devastated by the war.

Their journey is full of difficulties, but they grow through the bonds they form with their friends and the people they meet. During their adventure to find the crystals, Rick and his friends come to terms with their mission and find hope for the future.

character

Rick: The protagonist of this work, he is the grandson of Hering, a scientist who aimed to regenerate the Earth after the war. He grows up through his journey to find the crystals.

Farah: A friend of Rick's, she is actually the granddaughter of Abyss, the scientist who betrayed Rick's grandfather, Herring. Her secret is an important key to the story.

Solon: An android developed by Dr. Herring who watches over Rick as a parent figure. He is calm and reliable.

Rod: One of Rick's friends, he's something of a leader. His clumsy personality is charming.

Production background and broadcast information

"Iris: The Legend of the Rainbow" was produced by Korea's KBS, Kongo Kikaku, and Daewon Animation, and was broadcast in Japan as part of the "Satellite Anime Theater" slot on NHK Satellite TV 2. It aired from October 2, 1998 to March 26, 1999, with a total of 25 episodes. However, episode 13, "Stolen Iris," was not originally broadcast, and was only shown during a rebroadcast on AT-X.

The Japanese version's staff included screenwriter Etsuo Nagata, sound director Takeshi Nishina, and sound production by HALF H・P ​​STUDIO, and was distributed by Enoki Film.

cast

The cast includes a stellar cast of voice actors, including Hikaru Midorikawa as Rick, Mika Kanai as Rod, Toshihiko Seki as Paro, Megumi Toyoguchi as Farah, Keiichi Sonobe as Solon, Mako Hyodo as Scheherazade, Katsuyuki Hori as Dr. Abyss, and Hidenari Ugaki as Dr. Herring. Their performances add depth to the story.

Main Staff

The original work was written by Kim Jae-hwan, the directors were Lee Hak-bin and Kim Ju-in, the art directors were Park Hyo-sik and Kim Jae-kwon, the animation directors were Park Seol-jeong and Kim Seung-wan, the character designer was Kim Ju-in, and the producers were Min Young-moon, Hwang Jeong-ryol, and Kim Seung-woo. The Japanese staff included screenwriter Etsuo Nagata, sound director Takeshi Nishina, sound engineers Enpei Hirano and Nobutaka Hirooka, sound production by HALF H.P. STUDIO, sound production by Takashi Ichiyama, producer Sachiko Kitazawa, and distribution by Enoki Film.

subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Iris' Departure (1998/10/02)
• Episode 2: Farah and Scheherazade (1998/10/09)
• Episode 3: The Crystal's Whereabouts (1998/10/23)
• Episode 4: Escape from City 306 (1998/10/30)
• Episode 5: Scenes from Memory (1998/11/06)
• Episode 6: Entrusted Fate (1998/11/13)
• Episode 7: The Secret of Farah (1998/11/20)
• Episode 8: The City of Mechanical Dolls, Part 1 (1998/11/27)
• Episode 9: The City of Mechanical Dolls, Part 2 (1998/12/04)
• Episode 10: The White Closed Town (1998/12/11)
• Episode 11: Patroclus Rise (1998/12/18)
• Episode 12: A New Vow (1998/12/25)
• Episode 13: Stolen Iris
• Episode 14: Illusion of the Lake, Part 1 (1999/01/01)
• Episode 15: Lake Illusion, Part 2 (1999/01/08)
• Episode 16: The Forgotten Amusement Park (1999/01/15)
• Episode 17: Ticket to Paradise (1/22/1999)
• Episode 18: Ticket to Paradise (Part 2) (1/29/1999)
• Episode 19: Hidden Message (1999/02/05)
• Episode 20: The Battle for the Last Crystal, Part 1 (1999/02/12)
• Episode 21: The Battle for the Last Crystal, Part 2 (1999/02/19)
• Episode 22: Charge! Bulleye Mountain (1999/20/26)
• Episode 23: Betrayed Scheherazade (1999/03/05)
• Episode 24: Paro Takes Off His Mask (1999/03/12)
• Episode 25: Countdown to Farewell (1999/03/19)
• Episode 26: The Day a Rainbow Appears on Earth (1999/03/26)

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "LOOKIN' FOR THE RAINBOW" was written by Masatoshi Ishikawa, composed by Yoshiki Fukuyama, arranged by HUMMNING BIRD and Haruhiko Wada, and sung by HUMMING BIRD. The ending theme "Beyond That River" was written by Yozo Sakurai, composed by Masaaki Endo, arranged by Tatsumi Yano, and sung by Masaaki Endo. These songs add to the atmosphere of the story.

Attractions and reviews

"Iris: The Legend of the Rainbow" is set in a devastated world after the war and depicts the adventures and growth of boys. Through their journey to find the crystal, Rick and his friends overcome difficulties and deepen their bonds with their friends. The theme of the story is hope and friendship, and the story unfolds in a moving way for viewers.

In addition, each character has a rich personality, and their background and growth are carefully depicted. In particular, the relationship between Rick and Farah, and Solon's presence add depth to the story. The voice actors' performances are also excellent, and they express the characters' emotions realistically.

The animation quality is also high, depicting the devastated world after the war and the beauty of the crystals realistically. The music also matches the atmosphere of the story, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

Reasons for recommendation

"Iris: Chronicle of the Rainbow" is a story of adventure and friendship set in a post-war world, and is a work that gives hope and inspiration to viewers. The growth and bonds of the characters, as well as the beautiful animation and music, are appealing, and it is especially recommended for those who like works depicting the adventures of boys. It is also interesting as a Korean anime broadcast in Japan, and can be enjoyed from the perspective of intercultural exchange.

This is a story that gives courage and hope to its viewers, so please give it a watch. Rick and his friends' adventures and growth will touch your heart.