APPLESEED ⅩⅢ Episode 3: A thorough analysis of the incredible battle scenes and the deepening story development

"Appleseed XIII": Masamune Shirow's worldview depicted in new CG animation

The new series "Appleseed XIII" based on Masamune Shirow's masterpiece "Appleseed" was released in theaters from July 6 to December 11, 2011. This work attracted attention as a comic-style CG animation that fans of the original work cannot miss. Here we will introduce detailed information and reviews of "Appleseed XIII", as well as recommended points.

■Overview of the work

"Appleseed XIII" is a story set in a world devastated by a non-nuclear war, centered around the giant artificial city of Olympus. Olympus is a utopia run by "bioroids," hybrid clones made from superior human genes. Former LAPD SWAT member Dunan Nutts and multi-functional cyborg Briareos fight terrorists as Olympus' special forces ES.WAT. As the "Ark Project," which entrusts the future of humanity to bioroids, progresses, the shadow of Al-Cades, hero of the terrorist group "Argonauts," flickers behind the "Human Liberation Front," which is turning its fangs on Olympus. However, he was supposed to have died 20 years ago in an attack by the technological nation Poseidon.

■Production background and technology

"Appleseed XIII" is a sequel to the previously released theatrical works "Appleseed" (2004) and "Ex Machina - APPLESEED SAGA -" (2007). These works were noted as innovative animations that made full use of CG technology. "Appleseed XIII" took on a new challenge by using CG technology to express a "moving comic". In particular, we aimed to create a new type of animation that was closest to the original comics by Masamune Shirow and focused on the texture of the intricate drawings.

The director is Hamana Takayuki, who worked on "Library Wars" (2008) and "Erin, the Beast Player" (2009), and the script and setting were handled by Production IG, the company behind the "Ghost in the Shell" series. Staff members with deep knowledge of Masamune Shirow's works gathered together to take on the masterpiece "Appleseed." The CG production was led by Genie's Animation Studio, which made a big splash with the Disney original animation "Fireball," and 13 CG studios were responsible for each episode. The unique features of each of the 13 studios that can be seen in each episode are sure to catch your attention.

■ Story and Characters

The story of "Appleseed XIII" is completely original, yet faithfully recreates the worldview of the original work. The protagonist, Deunan Nutts, fights alongside Briareos to protect Olympus, making full use of the fighting techniques he learned from his father, Carl Nutts. After a bombing incident, Briareos became a full-body cyborg, and has undergone repeated modifications to become what he is today. His highly advanced abilities and careful personality have earned him the trust of his fellow soldiers. Deunan and Briareos share a deep bond, both in public and private.

Other characters with unique personalities include ES.WAT Captain Lance, Ace Magus, Ricardo Ries, Reginald Baxter, Gina Garcia, and Alan Grigg Decatonchires. Also, many important characters who color the story, such as Olympus's Administrative Council Superintendent Athena, Interior Minister Nike, and bioroids Hitomi, Dia, and Euris, appear. The terrorist Al-Cades and his supporter Professor Leon also heighten the tension of the story.

■ Evaluation and recommended points

"Appleseed XIII" is a work that fans of the original manga cannot miss. The new animation, which is closest to the original manga by Masamune Shirow and focuses on the texture of the detailed drawings, is full of visual appeal. In addition, it is also praised for faithfully recreating the world view of the original manga, despite being a completely original story.

Of particular note is that 13 CG studios were responsible for different episodes. The unique characteristics of each of the 13 studios seen in each episode will provide fresh surprises for viewers. Also, don't miss the all-star cast. The voice actors' performances, such as Maaya Sakamoto as Dunan and Koichi Yamadera as Briareos, also add excitement to the story.

"Appleseed XIII" is a work that allows you to feel the evolution of CG animation and enjoy Masamune Shirow's worldview from a new perspective. It is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like CG animation and cyberpunk works. Please come and experience the power of this movie at the theater.

■ Related works

"Appleseed XIII" is also related to the following works, so if you're interested, be sure to check them out.

• APPLESEED XIII Prophecy
• APPLESEED XIII Testament

Conclusion

"Appleseed XIII" is a new series based on Masamune Shirow's masterpiece "Appleseed," and while showing the evolution of CG animation, it also faithfully reproduces the worldview of the original. The completely original story, the all-star cast, and the distinctive visuals created by 13 CG studios will provide viewers with fresh surprises. This is a work that is recommended not only for fans of the original work, but also for those who like CG animation and cyberpunk works. Be sure to experience the power of this work at the theater.