"PROJECT ARMS" review: A masterpiece anime depicting incredible power and the conflicts of youth

PROJECT ARMS - Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

comics

■ Broadcast period

April 7, 2001 - March 30, 2002

■Broadcasting station

TV Tokyo affiliates

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 52

■Original Story

Ryoji Minagawa, Kyoichi Shichitsuki "ARMS" (serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday")

■ Director

Hirotoshi Takaya (episodes 1-26), Hajime Kamegaki (episodes 27-52)

■ Production

Animation Production: TMS Entertainment

■Works

©Ryoji Minagawa, Kyoichi Shichigatsu/Shogakukan, TMS

■ Story

"Do you want power...? If you want it, I'll give it to you!" High school student Takatsuki Ryo's peaceful life is shattered by the awakening of "ARMS" hidden in his right arm. ARMS is a collection of metallic lifeforms and nanomachines. Ryo meets Shingu Hayato, Tomoe Takeshi, and Kuruma Megumi, who also have ARMS, but are relentlessly targeted by the mysterious organization "Egrigori." In the midst of the brutal battle, the nanomachines continue to evolve, and the boys also grow.

■Cast

Takatsuki Ryo: Kanna Nobutoshi / Shingu Hayato: Miki Shinichiro / Tomoe Takeshi: Ueda Yuji / Kuruma Megumi: Takayama Minami / Akagi Katsumi: Miura Tomoko / Al Bowen: Ogata Megumi / Jabberwock: Ikeda Shuichi / Knight: Kosugi Jurota / White Rabbit: Nakata Koji / Hugo Gilbert: Honma Yukari / Keith Black: Okiayu Ryutaro / Keith Violet: Kuwashima Houko / Keith Green: Kisaichi Jun / Keith Silver: Kawazu Yasuhiko and others

■ Main staff

Planning: Fumio Ueda, Keisuke Iwata / Executive Producer: Shunzo Kato / Series Composition: Aya Yoshinaga / Concept Director: Junichi Miyashita / Character Design: Masaki Sato / Design Support: Seiichi Nakatani / Art Director: Junichi Azuma / Art Setting: Iho Narita / Director of Photography: Hitoshi Shirao / Editing: Terumitsu Okada / Sound Director: Yasuo Urakami / Music: Daisuke Ikeda

■ Theme songs and music

[OP1] Song: Free Bird (#1-13) / Singer: New Cinema Lizard / Lyrics: Funaki Motoari / Composer: Iwai Yuichiro / Arrangement: New Cinema Lizard [OP2] Song: Breathe on me (#14-26) / Singer: New Cinema Lizard / Lyrics: Funaki Motoari / Composer: Iwai Yuichiro / Arrangement: New Cinema Lizard [OP3] Song: TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE (#27-52) / Singer: WAG / Lyrics: WAG / Composer: WAG, Tokunaga Akito / Arrangement: Tokunaga Akito [ED1] Song: Just wanna be (#1-13) / Singer: WAG / Lyrics: WAG / Composer: Tokunaga Akito / Arrangement: Tokunaga Akito [ED2] Song: Call my name (#14-26) / Singer: GARNET CROW / Lyrics: AZUKI Nana / Music: Nakamura Yuri / Arrangement: Furui Hiroto [ED3] Song: Timeless Sleep (#27-40) / Singer: GARNET CROW / Lyrics: AZUKI Nana / Music: Nakamura Yuri / Arrangement: Furui Hiroto [ED4] Song: Owaranai Yume no Naka de (#41-52) / Singer: PROJECT ARMS / Lyrics: PROJECT ARMS / Music: PROJECT ARMS / Arrangement: project-B

■Detailed evaluation

Story and Themes

PROJECT ARMS is an anime series based on the manga by Ryoji Minagawa and Kyoichi Shichitsuki, which delves into themes of the relationship between science and humanity, the nature of power, and growth. The protagonist, Ryo Takatsuki, transforms his peaceful life when he awakens ARMS, a collection of nanomachines hidden in his right arm. ARMS affects not only Ryo, but also other characters such as Hayato Shingu, Takeshi Tomoe, and Megumi Kuruma, who become embroiled in a battle against the mysterious organization Egrigori.

The story depicts the possibilities and dangers of technological advances, and through the concept of nanomachines in particular, it makes us think about how we use our power and the responsibility that comes with it. Ryo and his friends' growth is not just physical, but also includes spiritual growth, and the way they face challenges and the bonds they form with their friends are at the heart of the story.

character

Each character in PROJECT ARMS is unique and deep. The protagonist, Takatsuki Ryo, is initially confused by his powers, but gradually learns to control them and fight to protect his friends. Shingu Hayato is calm and strategic, and is the leader of the team. Tomoe Takeshi is a hot-blooded man who cares for his friends. Kuruma Megumi provides emotional support for Ryo and his friends, and her presence adds warmth to the story.

The characters on the enemy side are also fascinating, especially the members of Egrigori, each with their own background and motivations, making them more than just villains, but complex human characters. For example, the characters of Al Bowen and Jabberwocky add depth to the story and provide the viewer with something to think about.

Animation and visuals

The animation of "PROJECT ARMS" is characterized by its high-quality production by TMS Entertainment. Character design is by Masaki Sato, who faithfully reproduces the atmosphere of the original work while bringing out the unique charm of anime. In particular, the movements and transformations of the nanomachines are depicted realistically in the battle scenes, creating a strong visual impact.

The backgrounds, by art director Junichi Azuma and set designer Iho Narita, are beautifully rendered, with meticulous detail in the urban and natural scenery in which the story takes place. Cinematographer Hitoshi Shirao's camerawork is also skillful, helping to elicit emotions from the viewer.

Music and Sound

The music for "PROJECT ARMS" was written by Daisuke Ikeda and plays an important role in enhancing the atmosphere of the story. The opening and ending themes are also diverse, and it is worth noting that each song changes as the story progresses. In particular, songs such as "Free Bird" and "Breathe on me" by New Cinema Lizard and "TIME WAITS FOR NO ONE" by WAG have left a strong impression on viewers.

The sound effects by sound director Yasuo Urakami and the performances by the voice actors are also excellent, with voice actors such as Nobutoshi Kanna (as Takatsuki Ryo), Shinichiro Miki (as Shingu Hayato), Yuji Ueda (as Tomoe Takeshi), and Minami Takayama (as Kuruma Megumi) expressing the characters' emotions realistically.

Director and staff

Takatani Hirotoshi was the director of episodes 1-26 of "PROJECT ARMS," while Kamegaki Hajime was in charge of episodes 27-52. Takatani Hirotoshi established the foundations of the story in the early stages, carefully depicting the growth of the characters and their relationships. Meanwhile, Kamegaki Hajime took over the story in the latter half, depicting deeper themes and epic battle scenes. The collaboration between these two directors ensures that the story remains consistent, while also providing an engaging plot that keeps viewers interested.

Yoshinaga Aya, the series composer, has created an original story for the anime while retaining the essence of the original work. Miyashita Junichi, the concept designer, has deepened the worldview and setting of the story, making it easier for viewers to immerse themselves in the story. Okada Terumitsu's well-paced cuts also add to the tension of the story.

■Recommendation details

Who would you recommend this to?

Project Arms is highly recommended for viewers who enjoy science fiction and action, as well as anyone interested in character development and relationships, and especially for those looking for stories that make them think about the use of power and responsibility.

Related Titles

We recommend the following titles that have similar themes and genres to PROJECT ARMS:

• "Evangelion": A work that delves deeply into the relationship between science and technology and humans, and the responsibility of power.
• Full Metal Panic!: Action and character development with some science and technology elements.
• "Gundam Series": A work that deals with the themes of war and power, with character growth and human relationships also being important elements.

How to watch

Project Arms is available to purchase on DVD and Blu-ray, and is also available on some streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video and Netflix.

Fan Community

The PROJECT ARMS fan community is very active on social media and forums. Viewers' thoughts and opinions are shared on Twitter and Reddit in particular. There is also a lot of fan art and fan fiction, which shows the love for the series. There are also official fan clubs and events, which provide a place for fans to interact with each other.

Other Information

The original manga of "PROJECT ARMS" was serialized in Shogakukan's "Weekly Shonen Sunday" and has been published in 22 volumes. By reading the original, you can learn about episodes and character backgrounds that are not depicted in the anime. It is also interesting to learn about the differences and additional elements between the original and the anime.

Furthermore, to gain a deeper understanding of the world of PROJECT ARMS, you can also refer to the official guidebook and setting materials collection. These materials contain detailed character profiles, technical explanations of ARMS, and behind-the-scenes stories about its creation.

Conclusion

"PROJECT ARMS" is a fascinating mix of science fiction and action, delving into themes of power, responsibility, and character growth. High-quality animation and music, distinctive characters, and expert storytelling create a compelling story. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the nature of science and technology and power, or who enjoys character growth and human relationships.