Aquarion: A thorough review of the second installment of the Aquarion series

Aquarion: Shadow of Betrayal and a New Awakening

"Aquarion: Genesis" is the second installment of the Aquarion series directed by Shoji Kawamori and released as an OVA in 2007. This work depicts the drama of Apollo, a wild child who awakens after 12,000 years, and the people around him. Here we will provide a detailed review of "Aquarion: Genesis" and summarize related information.

story

The story of "Aquarion: Genesis" is based on the theme of betrayal and awakening. Apollo, a member of the Earth Defense Organization "DIVA", is said to be the reincarnation of the legendary hero Apollonius, but his rude behavior makes the members of DIVA feel uneasy. Meanwhile, Touma, the commander of the Fallen Angels, strikes a gap in people's hearts and causes chaos within DIVA. Apollo is hurt by the sword of betrayal, and his suspicions of Sylvia deepen. Heartbroken, Sylvia drives the Vector Machine and leaves the base, and while Apollo and Reika pursue her, the Vector Machine transforms into the beast inside man. What is the "Wing Pact" that Touma is plotting, and where will the battle between the Angels and humans lead? All the keys are concentrated in the "Genesis Fusion".

This story depicts the complexities of human relationships and the pain of betrayal, while showing a path to hope and new life, and will deeply touch viewers. In particular, Apollo's process of growth and awakening will leave a strong impression on viewers.

character

There are many unique characters in "Aquarion." Below are the main characters.

Apollo

Apollo, voiced by Takuma Terashima, is a boy with a keen sense of the wild and an excellent sense of smell. He is entrusted by his foster father, Grandpa, with the task of protecting the forest and the lake area, and lives among the trees and animals. Presumed to be the reincarnation of Apollonius, his actions make the members of Diva feel uneasy, but his purity and strength play a central role in the story.

Silvia de Alicia

Sylvia, voiced by Yumi Kakazu, is a girl who belongs to the special agency "Diva" and is the princess of the former Alicia Kingdom. A brave girl who fights for the future of the Earth, she has the ability of psychokinesis. Her relationship with Apollo and her feelings of being shaken by suspicions of betrayal deepen the story.

Pierre Vieira

Pierre, voiced by Masaya Onosaka, is a playboy boy who belongs to Diva. His light-heartedness and humor provide a breath of fresh air in the otherwise heavy storyline.

Red flower

Reika, voiced by Sanae Kobayashi, is a girl well versed in Chinese martial arts and has high combat abilities. Her character, who is often mentally tormented due to her overly sensitive nature, is one that viewers can sympathize with.

Lina Lune

Lina, voiced by Hiromi Sato, is a blind seer whose predictions have a major impact on the story's progression.

Tsugumi Rosenmeyer

Voiced by Ami Hikasayama, Tsugumi is a girl with an knack for repairing machines, and her technical skills are vital to Diva's fighting power.

Jun Lee

Jun, voiced by Daisuke Sakaguchi, is a genius hacker with telepathic abilities that contribute to Diva's information warfare.

Kurt Kulik

Voiced by Romi Park, Kurt is Chloe's fraternal twin and a telepath. Their telepathic abilities play a key role in Diva's strategy.

Chloe Couric

Chloe, voiced by Romi Park, is Kurt's fraternal twin and a telepath, whose powers are vital to Diva's fighting power.

Immovable GEN

Gen Fudo, voiced by Unsho Ishizuka, is the mysterious commander of the Divas. His actions and words deepen the mystery of the story.

Sophia Blanc

Sophia, voiced by Sakiko Tamagawa, is a psychotherapist whose psychological support is essential to the Divas.

Jean Jerome Georges

Voiced by Nobuo Tobita, Jean is the second in command of Diva. His leadership plays a key role in how Diva operates.

Head wing (Thoma)

Touichi, voiced by Toshiyuki Morikawa, is the front-line commander of the Fallen Angels. In order to save the sealed Angels, he collects prana, awakens Apollonius, and plots the birth of a new "god." His presence heightens the tension of the story.

Apollonius

Apollonius, the strongest guardian angel of the Fallen Angels and known as the Slaughter Angel, fell in love with a female warrior of humanity, Celian, and fought alongside humanity against the Fallen Angels in "Machine Angel Aquarion." His existence had a major impact on Apollo's awakening.

Celian

She is a human female warrior who fought bravely in the Atlandia War 12,000 years ago. She fell in love with her enemy, the Fallen Angel Apollonius, and fought against the Fallen Angels alongside him and Skorpius. Her presence deepens the background of the story.

Scorpio

Apollonius is a young human who fought alongside Celian. He is the son of the archduke who governs the city that was the last stronghold of humanity, and his desire for the power of the Tenchi is exploited by Toma, leading to his betrayal of Apollonius, and his presence adds to the tension of the story.

Main Robot Items

Various forms of Aquarion appear in "Genesis of Aquarion." Below are the main robots and items.

Aggressive Aquarion Alpha

This is one of the offensive Aquarion forms used by the special agency "Diva". It is a machine formed by combining three offensive Vector Machines, with Vector Alpha in the head position, and is equipped with a huge impact cannon. This form boasts powerful offensive power.

Aggressive Aquarion Delta

This is one of the offensive Aquarion forms used by the special agency "Diva". Three offensive Vector Machines combine to form a machine with Vector Delta in the head position, and it is equipped with missile launchers on both arms. This form has a variety of attack methods.

Aggressive Aquarion Omega

This is one of the aggressive Aquarion forms used by the special agency "Diva". Three aggressive Vector Machines combine to form a machine with Vector Omega in the head position, and it attacks with two assault GUN pods. This form is specialized for close-quarters combat.

Aggressive Aquarion Armageddon Form

This is the Armageddon (hexapedal) form transformed from the aggressive Aquarion Omega, with Vector Omega in the head position. Equipped with an impact cannon on top, it can fire a maximum output PSG quantum reaction cannon. This form is a powerful form prepared for the final battle.

Aquarion (mythical type)

This is the original Aquarion that became the basis for the aggressive Aquarion. It is also called the mythical Aquarion, and 12,000 years ago, Apollonius and three others piloted it to fight the Fallen Angels. This form is important in deepening the background of the story.

Solar Aquarion

This is one of the original Aquarion forms, known as the Mythical Type. It is the form that became the basis for the Offensive Type Aquarion, and is a machine in which three Vector Machines combine, with Vector Sol in the head position. This form emphasizes destructive power, enhancing the pilot's fighting ability. This form is specialized for close-quarters combat.

Aquarion Luna

This is one of the original Aquarion forms, known as the Mythical Type. It is the form that became the basis for the aggressive Aquarion, and is a machine formed by combining three Vector Machines with Vector Luna in the head position. It has a bow built into its arm, and can also control waves and wind. This form specializes in long-distance attacks.

Aquarion Mars

This is one of the original Aquarion forms, known as the Mythical Type. It is the form that became the basis for the Offensive Type Aquarion, and is a machine formed by combining three Vector Machines with Vector Mars in the head position. It is a speed-oriented form that wields a sword as a weapon. This form is specialized for high-speed combat.

Mysterious Mecha

It is a mysterious machine that resembles a dinosaur. Its true identity and purpose will be revealed as the story progresses. This machine is an important element that draws the interest of the audience.

staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of "Aquarion." The main staff members are introduced below.

Original creator and director

Shoji Kawamori wrote the original story and directed "Aquarion." His unique worldview and vision have had a profound effect on the entire series. He also designed Aquarion, and his beautiful designs leave a strong impression on viewers.

Assistant Director

Yasuhito Kikuchi assisted Shoji Kawamori as assistant director, and his contributions were indispensable in improving the quality of the work.

Series Composition and Script

Hiroshi Ohnogi and Shoji Kawamori were in charge of the series composition and scriptwriting, and their storytelling has the power to draw the audience into the story.

Character Design

Eiji Kaneda was in charge of the original character designs. His designs are an important element in bringing out the individuality of the characters.

Character Design

Futoshi Fujikawa was in charge of character design. His designs bring out the charm of the characters to the fullest.

Concept Design

Okama was in charge of concept design. His designs enrich the worldview of the work.

Mechanic Design

Takeshi Takakura was in charge of the mechanical design, and his designs combine Aquarion's beauty with functionality.

monitor graphic design

Yoshinori Sayama was in charge of the monitor graphic design. His designs increase the information content of the work and enhance its visual appeal.

Guest character design

Atsushi Irie was in charge of guest character design, and his designs add a new layer of appeal to the story.

Design Collaboration

Kazutaka Miyatake participated as a design collaborator. His contributions underpin the overall design of the work.

Art Director

Shunichiro Yoshihara was the art director, and his art enriches the worldview of the film.

Color design

Kumiko Nakayama was in charge of color design, and her sense of color enhances the visual appeal of the work.

CGI animation director

Eiji Inomoto was the CGI animation director, and his CGI techniques really add to the visual beauty of the film.

CGI Technical Director

Hiroshi Yagishita was the CGI technical director, and his skills have contributed to the perfection of the CGI in this work.

CGI Director

Masato Takahashi was the CGI director, and his supervision ensured the quality of the CGI in the film.

Monitor Graphic Work

Itsuro Sasakura was in charge of the monitor graphic work. His designs increase the amount of information in the work and enhance its visual appeal.

Director of Photography

Naomi Takahashi was the cinematographer, and her cinematography enhances the film's visual beauty.

edit

Yasuaki Takeuchi was in charge of editing. His editing helps the story flow smoothly and aids the viewer's understanding.

music

Yoko Kanno and Hisaaki Hokari are in charge of the music. Their music enriches the emotional expression of the work and moves the hearts of the viewers.

Sound Director

Masafumi Mima was the sound director. His sound techniques enhance the sound quality of the film.

Sound Effects

Shizuo Kurahashi was in charge of the sound effects, which really add to the realism of the film.

Music Producer

Shiro Sasaki and Toshiaki Ota participated as music producers. Their productions guarantee the quality of the music.

Music Production

Victor Entertainment and Borderline were in charge of the music production. Their production brings the music to perfection.

Animation Production

Satelight was in charge of the animation production, and their skills really bring out the visual beauty of the film.

producer

Atsushi Iwasaki, Takuo Minegishi, Reiko Takano, Jun Satoyoshi, and Tsuyoshi Kasai participated as producers. Their production is indispensable to improve the completeness of the work.

Production

Project AQUARION (Media Factory, Hakuhodo DY Media Partners, Tohokushinsha, Bandai) was in charge of production. Their cooperation was essential to the completion of the work.

subtitle

"Aquarion" was released as a two-part OVA. The subtitles are as follows:

Part 1

"Aquarion: Wings of Betrayal" (May 25, 2007)

Part 2

"Aquarion: Wings of the Sun" (November 22, 2007)

Related Titles

"Sousei no Aquarion" is a part of the Aquarion series and has many related works. Below are some of the related works.

• Genesis of Aquarion
• Aquarion the Movie: Genesis Myth
• Aquarion the Movie: One-Shot Turnaround
• Aquarion EVOL
• Aquarion EVOL TV version first broadcast episodes 1 & 2 SP
• Aquarion EVOL Episode 26 Director's Cut
• Aquarion EVOL
• Aquarion Logos

Theme songs and music

"Aquarion" features many memorable theme songs and music. Below are some of the main songs.

Ending Theme 1

"barefoot"

• Lyricist: Yuho Iwasato
• Composer: Yoko Kanno
• Arrangement: Yoko Kanno
• Sung by: AKINO from bless4

Theme song 1

"Genesis of Aquarion"

• Lyricist: Yuho Iwasato
• Composer: Yoko Kanno
• Arrangement: Yoko Kanno
• Sung by: AKINO from bless4

Evaluation

"Aquarion: Genesis" is a work filled with director Shoji Kawamori's unique worldview and vision. The story of Apollo, a wild child who awakens after 12,000 years, depicts the complexities and hopes of human relationships through themes of betrayal and awakening. In particular, Apollo's process of growth and awakening deeply moves viewers. Also, do not miss the drama of the unique characters. The charms of each character, such as Sylvia's bravery, Reika's sensitivity, and Pierre's humor, enrich the story.

The mechanical design is also superb, with various forms of Aquarion appearing, such as Assault Type Aquarion and Mythical Type Aquarion. In particular, the distinctive weapons and abilities of each form, such as Assault Type Aquarion Alpha's Impact Cannon and Assault Type Aquarion Omega's Assault GUN Pod, add excitement to the battle scenes. The presence of mysterious mecha also draws the viewer's interest, and as the story progresses, their true identities are revealed, drawing the viewer into the story.

The music is also wonderful, and the songs by Yoko Kanno and Hisaaki Hokari enrich the emotional expression of the work and move the hearts of the viewers. In particular, "Souashi" and "Genesis of Aquarion" sung by AKINO from bless4 are beautiful songs that symbolize the theme of the work. These songs will surely remain in the memories of the viewers.

The staff is highly skilled, with professionals from various fields such as CGI animation, color design, and art direction coming together to complete the work. The beauty of the CGI animation in particular leaves a strong impression on viewers. The editing and sound effects are also superb, smoothing the flow of the story and enhancing the sense of realism.

"Sousei no Aquarion" is a work that can be recommended not only to fans of the Aquarion series, but also to viewers experiencing the series for the first time. This work combines themes of betrayal and awakening, unique characters, beautiful mechanical design, wonderful music, and high technical skill, and is sure to leave viewers deeply moved and satisfied. Please watch it and experience its charm for yourself.