Beast King review: Epic adventure meets deep themes

The appeal and evaluation of Juohsei

Overview

"Juohsei" is a TV anime series based on the manga by Natsumi Itsuki, which ran for 11 episodes from April 13 to June 22, 2006. It was produced by Bones, directed by Hiroshi Nishikori, with character design by Koji Osaka and series composition by Reiko Yoshida. The series tells an epic sci-fi survival story that left a strong impression on viewers.

■ Story

In the year 2436, humanity has made its way into space and is moving towards the Vulcan star system. Twin brothers Thor and Rai were born in the space colony "Yuno" and were expected to have a bright future as the children of the privileged class. However, their parents are killed by their father's best friend Odin and they are dropped onto the death planet "Chimaera". Chimaera is a hellish place with alternating scorching hot days and freezing cold nights, and carnivorous plants flourish. While protecting his brother Rai, Thor is determined to survive and avenge his parents. As he searches for the truth behind the identity of Chimaera and the misfortune that has befallen them, Thor begins to walk towards the truth.

■ Characters

The appeal of "Kyosei Beast King" lies in its characters with rich personalities. The protagonist, Thor, is an 11-year-old boy who uses his luck and toughness to face a harsh fate. His twin brother, Rai, is a gentle and timid boy with a personality that contrasts with Thor. Tiz is a "wild child" born and raised in Chimaera, and is a strong-willed girl who adores Thor. Third is the number three of the Brown Wheel, and is a mysterious young man who looks after Thor in every way. Chen is the leader of the Yellow Wheel, and is a beautiful woman who cannot stop loving Third. The drama woven by these characters adds excitement to the story.

■ Production staff

The production of "Juohsei" brought together a powerful group of creators, including Nishikiori Hiroshi. Osaka Koji, who was in charge of character design and general animation direction, is a veteran known for "Mobile Suit Victory Gundam" and "Kaikou Kidou Hiwou Senki." Series composition director Yoshida Reiko has a track record with "The Cat Returns" and "Maria-sama ga Miteru." Watanabe Takashi, in charge of concept design, has visualized the intricate settings of the original comic in works such as "AKIRA" and "Innocence." The gathering of these staff members has allowed the worldview of the original work to be faithfully reproduced while maximizing its appeal as a film work.

■Music

The opening theme "Deep in your heart" was written, composed and sung by Koichi Domoto, and its powerful melody and lyrics bring out the theme of the story. The ending theme "Hold Me" features Younha's gentle voice, making it a song that will stay in the hearts of viewers. These songs express the emotions of the story in a rich way, enhancing the viewing experience.

■ Evaluation and impressions

"Beast King Planet" has been highly praised by many viewers for its grand sci-fi survival story and its unique characters. In particular, the film depicts the brotherly love between Thor and Rai, and the struggle for survival in the harsh environment of Chimaera, and contains many scenes that call into question humanity and ethics, deeply moving viewers. Other points of praise include the beauty of the visuals, which faithfully reproduce the intricate settings of the original work, and the strength of the music.

However, some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the short broadcast period of only 11 episodes. Some felt that the story unfolded too quickly, as the original's lengthy storyline was wrapped up in a short period of time. Nevertheless, "Juohsei" managed to bring out the best in the limited time available, making it a must-see for sci-fi anime fans.

■ Recommendation points

The reasons why we recommend "Beast King Star" are as follows:

• An epic sci-fi survival story : This epic tale of humanity venturing into space and surviving in a harsh environment is a must-see for sci-fi fans.
• Characters with unique personalities : The drama woven by the unique characters such as Thor, Rai, Tiz, Saad, and Chen will captivate viewers.
• Visually stunning and musically stunning : Bones' high-quality animation and music by Koichi Domoto and Younha add to the story and enrich the viewing experience.
• Deep themes : The film deals with deep themes such as brotherly love, the struggle for survival, and humanity, providing plenty of material for viewers to think about.

■ Related works

If you enjoyed "Beast King Star," we also recommend the following related works:

• Cowboy Bebop : A science fiction anime produced by Bones, it features action and drama set in space.
• "Fullmetal Alchemist" : An epic story themed around alchemy, depicting brotherly love and ethics.
• "Eureka Seven" : A sci-fi robot anime that tells a story of youth and growth.

Conclusion

"Beast King" is a spectacular sci-fi survival story and a drama woven by a cast of unique characters. Bones' high-quality animation and music liven up the story and deeply move viewers. Although it was only broadcast for a short period of 11 episodes, this work managed to maximize its appeal within the limited time, making it a must-see for sci-fi anime fans. Please give it a watch.