Steel Angel Kurumi Zero: A perfect blend of compelling characters and a deep story

Steel Angel Kurumi Zero - Single-minded desire for the future

■ Public Media

OVA

■ Original Media

comics

■ Release date

April 12, 2001

■Release and sales

Pony Canyon

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 3

■Original Story

Execution

■ Director

Naohito Takahashi

■ Production

Animation Production: OLM

■Works

©Kaishaku/Kadokawa Shoten, Pony Canyon

■ Story

In the distant future, where the "Steel Angels" do not yet exist, a world slowly heading for extinction due to environmental pollution. Kurumi tells her fellow residents Saki, Kalinka, and Excelia that she has fallen in love with someone. She doesn't even know the person's name, but Excelia has somehow managed to hack into him and find him. His name is Shin'i Doujin. For a moment, Excelia looks confused...

■Explanation

The time is far into the future. In a world slowly heading towards destruction, Kurumi, a "human" rather than a steel angel, still tries to live wholeheartedly. Kurumi's first love, Saki and Kalinka, fellow humans, support her, and there is a new character, Excelia. A fantasy story that depicts the tale behind the birth of Angel Heart with a heart-wrenching feeling.

■Cast

・Kurumi/Atsuko Enomoto ・Saki/Rie Tanaka ・Kalinka/Masayo Kurata ・Excellia/Omi Minami

■ Main staff

Director: Naohito Takahashi Series Composition: Toshihisa Arakawa Chief Animation Director: Yuriko Senba

■ Main Characters

Encouraged and encouraged by Saki and Kalinka, Kurumi confessed her feelings to Shin'i Dohto and they started dating, and even after Shin'i Dohto left Dome City, they kept in touch via communication. After that, she was unable to contact him for a while and became depressed, but when Kurumi found out about Holda's disease, she pleaded with him to continue living with her, and an angel (Angel Rezend) was born from her strong, single-minded feelings for Shin'i Dohto.
・Saki Kurumi's roommate. She encourages Kurumi in many ways.
・Kalinka Kurumi's roommate. Like Saki, she encourages Kurumi in many ways.
Excelia Kurumi's roommate. She is against Kurumi dating Shin'i Doujin.

■Subtitle

・01/Angel Force ・02/Angel Smile ・03/Angel Heart

■ Related works

Original story: Kaishaku (published in Kadokawa Shoten's "Monthly Ace Next")

■ Theme songs and music

"The Miracle of the Beginning"
Lyrics by Toshihisa Arakawa; Composition by Tamiya Terashima; Vocals and Arrangement by Tamiya Terashima; Vocals by Angels (Atsuko Enomoto, Rie Tanaka, Masayo Kurata, Omi Minami)

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

■ Background and setting of the work

"Kurumi Zero" is an OVA series produced as a spin-off of the original manga "Kurumi". While inheriting the worldview of the original work, it depicts the story of Kurumi's growth as a human and her first love in a future world that is about to be destroyed. This work is aimed not only at fans of the original work, but also at viewers who want to enjoy Kurumi's story from a new perspective.

■ The appeal of the story

The story of "Kurumi Zero" depicts Kurumi's first love and her growth in a future world where environmental pollution is progressing. Kurumi falls in love at first sight with a man named Shin'i Dohto, whose name she does not even know, and her determination to follow through on her feelings is deeply moving to viewers. In addition, the scene where she hacks into Excelia to find Shin'i Dohto is a beautiful fusion of technology and human drama.

Particularly impressive is the scene where Kurumi creates Angel Rezend from her single-minded love for Shin'i Dojin. This scene symbolizes Kurumi's pure heart and strong will, and deeply moves the viewers. Saki and Kalinka's support is also an important factor in Kurumi's growth.

■Charm of the characters

Kurumi's growth as a person is depicted differently from the original work, and her purity of first love and strong will resonate with viewers. Saki and Kalinka are friends who support Kurumi and warmly watch over her growth. Excelia appears as a new character who opposes Kurumi's love life, but behind that lies her own complex emotions. The relationships between these characters add depth and richness to the story.

■Video and Music

"Kurumi Zero", an OVA series, is characterized by its beautiful visuals and music. The background art, which depicts a future world on the brink of destruction, leaves a strong visual impression. The theme song, "The Miracle of Beginning", has a beautiful melody that symbolizes Kurumi's pure heart, further enhancing the moving story. The Angels' singing also reflects the characters' feelings, resonating with the viewers.

■ Achievements of the director and staff

Director Takahashi Naohito has succeeded in depicting Kurumi's story from a new perspective while respecting the worldview of the original work. Series composer Arakawa Toshihisa has skillfully constructed a story depicting Kurumi's first love and growth, moving viewers. Chief animation director Senba Yuriko has drawn the characters' expressions and movements with attention to detail, enhancing the visual appeal.

■ Recommendation points

"Kurumi Zero: Steel Angel" is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers who want to enjoy a story of first love and growth. In particular, it is a must-watch for those who want to be moved by Kurumi's pure heart and strong will, and those who want to enjoy a fantastic story set in a dying world in the future. In addition, the beautiful images and music are also part of the appeal, making it a visually and aurally enjoyable experience.

■ Related works and viewing order

"Kurumi Zero" is a spin-off of the original manga "Kurumi, the Steel Angel". By reading the original work first, you can gain a deeper understanding of Kurumi's character background and worldview. However, "Kurumi Zero" itself can be enjoyed as an independent story, so you can watch it without knowing the original work. As for the viewing order, we recommend reading the original work first, but you can still enjoy the OVA series alone.

■ Thoughts and considerations after viewing

After watching "Steel Angel Kurumi Zero," many viewers will be moved by Kurumi's pure heart and strong will. The story, set in a future world on the brink of destruction, will encourage viewers to contemplate deeply. In particular, the scene in which Kurumi creates Angel Rezend out of her single-minded love for Shin'i Dojin will leave a strong impression on viewers. This scene symbolizes Kurumi's growth and strength as a person, and will deeply move viewers.

■ Summary

"Steel Angel Kurumi Zero" is a touching story about Kurumi's first love and growth, set in a future world on the brink of destruction. The beautiful visuals, music, and charm of the characters will draw in and move the viewer. This is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for viewers who want to enjoy Kurumi's story from a new perspective. Please watch it and be moved by Kurumi's pure heart and strong will.