Armored Trooper Votoms: The Lonely Shadow Returns - Reevaluation and Impressions

Armored Trooper Votoms: The Return of the Lonely Shadow: Kiriko's New Journey and Deepening Drama

■ Public Media

event

■ Original Media

novel

■ Release date

January 8, 2011 - January 1, 0000

■ How it first appeared

Distribution / Showgate

■Frequencies

70 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

Hajime Yatate and Ryosuke Takahashi

■ Director

Ryosuke Takahashi

■ Production

Produced by Sunrise Animation Production Cooperation: Answer Studio

■ Story

Titania, who was expelled from Martial during the "Red Cholorrhea of ​​Alegium," manages to find Kiriko despite being pursued by the cult.
Kiriko's destination was the desert trading city of Gulfee, where his companions lived.
Along the way, Kiriko happens to meet Vanilla's daughter, Stevia, and accompanies her to Gulfee.
However, the city was under tension as it was surrounded by 250 ATs from the Melchian military's "Black Lightning Brigade," who were eyeing the city's vested interests...
The bonds of the Vanilla family are put to the test, Titania's hidden feelings are put to the test, and what is Kiriko's purpose in appearing in Gulfi?
A shocking episode hidden in the gap between "The Brilliant Heresy", which ended with the shocking death of Fianna, and "The Phantom Chapter", which began without Kiriko's presence!

■Cast

・Kiriko/Hozumi Goda・Gouto/Kosei Tomita・Vanilla/Shigeru Chiba・Cocona/Yoko Kawanami・Stevia/Houko Kuwashima・Soltio/Akio Suyama・Gassilman/Takahiro Sakurai・Titania/Yoko Matsuoka

■ Main staff

・Original work by Hajime Yatate and Ryosuke Takahashi・Director by Ryosuke Takahashi・Screenplay and storyboard by Sei Ikeda・Character design by Norio Shioyama・Mechanical design by Kunio Okawara・CGI director by Hiroyuki Hatada・Art director by Masanobu Nomura・Sound director by Yasuo Urakami・Music by Tetsuro Oda and Hiroki Inui・Chief director and chief animation director by Kazuyoshi Takeuchi・Animation production cooperation by Answer Studio・Production by Sunrise

■ Main Characters

・Kiriko Cuby
Awakened from 32 years of cold sleep, he is being targeted by many for causing the "Red Cholera of Alegium". He heads to the desert trading city of Gulfe where his former companions live, but his purpose is unknown.
Stevia Bertler: Vanilla and Cocona's eldest daughter. She helps out at the company with her three older brothers. She meets Kiriko on a trade trip and accompanies him. She feels disgust for Kiriko, who gives off a fighting vibe.
Besswood Gal Gassilman is a priest who leads the militant Martial organization. He advocates the Doctrine Guide and incites rebellion against the Black Lightning Brigade. He is in league with the Black Lightning Brigade and has been promised the position of Abbot.

■ Theme songs and music

・ED1
・Always You・Sung by TETSU

The appeal and evaluation of "Armored Trooper Votoms: The Lonely Shadow Returns"

"Armored Trooper Votoms: Solitary Shadow Returns" is a spin-off of the legendary anime series "Armored Trooper Votoms" that began in 1983, and is a special episode that was screened at an event in 2011. This work depicts a new journey for Kiriko Cuby and fills an important gap in the series for fans. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and evaluation of this work.

Deepening the story

"Solitary Shadow Returns" depicts the gap between "Brilliant Heresy" and "Phantom Arc" and reveals the reason why Kiriko heads to Gulfay and the background of Titania's actions. Fans have long debated why Kiriko heads to Gulfay after waking up from 32 years of cold sleep, and the fact that his purpose is not clearly depicted. In this work, Kiriko's purpose is gradually revealed, and the storytelling that draws the viewer in is highly praised. In addition, the chase by Titania and the scene where the bond of the Vanilla family is tested provide a new perspective for fans of the series.

Character Development

Kiriko Cuby is a character who continues to grow throughout the series, but in Solitary Shadows Again, that growth is deepened even further. After waking up from 32 years of cold sleep, Kiriko acts more calmly and strategically than before. Kiriko's humanity is also portrayed more deeply through his encounter with Stevia and his interactions with the Vanilla family. Stevia is portrayed as being influenced by Kiriko's actions, despite his disgust for the atmosphere of his battles, providing viewers with a new perspective. The characters of Gassilman and Titania are also explored in greater depth than in other works in the series, bringing new discoveries to viewers.

Mechanic design and battle scenes

One of the attractions of the Armored Trooper Votoms series is the realism of its mechanical design and battle scenes. Kunio Okawara's mechanical design continues in Solitary Shadows Again, and the realistic movements of the ATs (Armored Troopers) and battle scenes captivate viewers. In particular, the battle scene with the 250 ATs of the Melquia Army's Black Lightning Brigade, which are surrounding Gulfay, is particularly impressive compared to other works in the series. CGI director Hiroyuki Hatada's visual expression using the latest technology also provides new excitement to viewers.

Music and Sound

The music for Koei Futatabi was composed by Tetsuro Oda and Hiroki Inui, and like the other works in the series, it plays a role in evoking emotions in the viewer. In particular, the ending theme "Itsumo Anata ga" (It's Always You) with TETSU's powerful voice and lyrics symbolizes Kiriko's lonely journey. In addition, under the sound direction of Yasuo Urakami, the sound effects have been praised for their realistic expression of the intensity of the battle scenes and the emotions of the characters.

The production staff's commitment

"Solitary Shadows Returns" is directed by Ryosuke Takahashi and written and storyboarded by Sei Ikeda. Ryosuke Takahashi is the original creator and director of the series, and his attention to detail is evident throughout. Sei Ikeda's script is particularly detailed compared to other works in the series, and has been praised for its engaging storytelling. Visual beauty is also sought after, with character designs by Norio Shioyama and art direction by Masanobu Nomura. With the cooperation of Sunrise and Answer Studio, the animation is of the same high quality as the other works in the series.

Recommended points for "Armored Trooper Votoms: Lonely Shadow Returns"

Armored Trooper Votoms: Solitary Shadow Returns is a must-see for fans of the series. Below, we will explain in detail why we recommend this work.

An important episode that fills the gap in the series

"Solitary Shadow Returns" depicts the gap between "The Brilliant Heresy" and "The Phantom Shadows" and sheds light on the background of Kiriko's actions and Titania's pursuit. For fans of the series, filling in these gaps has long been a wish. This work is an important episode that fulfills that wish, and is a must-see for deepening your understanding of the entire series.

New characters and an expanded story

In "Solitary Shadows Again," new characters such as Stevia and Gassilman appear and their relationships with the existing characters in the series deepen. In particular, Stevia's meeting with Kiriko and their interaction with the Vanilla family provide new perspectives not seen in other works in the series. In addition, the story of Titania's pursuit and Kiriko's purpose gradually becoming clear has the power to draw viewers in.

Realistic mechanic design and battle scenes

One of the attractions of the Armored Trooper Votoms series is the realism of the mechanical design and battle scenes. Kunio Okawara's mechanical design continues in Koei Futatabi, and the realistic movements of the ATs and battle scenes captivate viewers. In particular, the battle scene with the 250 ATs of the Melquia Army's Black Lightning Brigade, which are surrounding Gulfe, is particularly impressive compared to other works in the series. CGI director Hiroyuki Hatada's visual expression using the latest technology also provides new excitement to viewers.

Power of music and sound

The music for Koei Futatabi was composed by Tetsuro Oda and Hiroki Inui, and like the other works in the series, it plays a role in evoking emotions in the viewer. In particular, the ending theme "Itsumo Anata ga" (It's Always You) with TETSU's powerful voice and lyrics symbolizes Kiriko's lonely journey. In addition, under the sound direction of Yasuo Urakami, the sound effects have been praised for their realistic expression of the intensity of the battle scenes and the emotions of the characters.

The production staff's commitment and high-quality animation

"Solitary Shadows Returns" is directed by Ryosuke Takahashi and written and storyboarded by Sei Ikeda. Ryosuke Takahashi is the original creator and director of the series, and his attention to detail is evident throughout. Sei Ikeda's script is particularly detailed compared to other works in the series, and has been praised for its engaging storytelling. Visual beauty is also sought after, with character designs by Norio Shioyama and art direction by Masanobu Nomura. With the cooperation of Sunrise and Answer Studio, the animation is of the same high quality as the other works in the series.

summary

"Armored Trooper Votoms: Solitary Shadow Returns" is a must-see for fans of the series. Kiriko's new journey, Titania's pursuit, and the scene where the Vanilla family's bond is put to the test offer new perspectives not seen in other works of the series. In addition, the realistic mechanic design and battle scenes, powerful music and sound, and high-quality animation filled with the production staff's attention to detail will provide viewers with new emotions. As an important episode that fills the hiatus of the series, "Solitary Shadow Returns" is an essential work for fans of "Armored Trooper Votoms".