Review of "Fafner in the Azure EXODUS": The appeal of an epic story and deep characters

Fafner in the Azure EXODUS

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

Anime Original

■ Broadcast period

January 9, 2015 - April 4, 2015

■TV Broadcast

• Mainichi Broadcasting System January 9, 2015 - April 4, 2015 Friday 2:19 - 2:49 (Thursday late night)
• TBS Television January 10, 2015 - April 4, 2015 Saturday 2:25 - 2:55 (Friday night)
• CBC TV January 10, 2015 - April 4, 2015 Saturday 3:12 - 3:42 (Friday night)
• BS-TBS January 11, 2015 - April 5, 2015 Sunday 0:30 - 1:00 (Saturday late night)
• AT-X January 22, 2015 - April 16, 2015 Thursdays 21:30 - 22:00

■ Online distribution

• Niconico Live Broadcast January 11th - April 5th, 2015 Sundays 23:00 - 23:30
• Niconico Channel January 11, 2015 - April 5, 2015 Sunday 23:30 Update

■Broadcasting station

MBS, TBS

■Frequencies

half an hour

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 13

■Original Story

XEBEC

■ Director

Takashi Noto

■ Production

・Animation production: XEBEC zwei

■Works

©XEBEC・FAFNER EXODUS PROJECT

■ Story

"Are you there?"

The year is 2150. The battle against the silicon-type lifeforms, the Festum, from a distant universe, has reached a new stage. The Arctic Mir, shattered during Operation Blue Sky, scattered its fragments all over the world. Eventually, they became independent Mir and began their own activities. Most Mir hated humanity and challenged it to battle, but some Festum chose to coexist with humanity. There were people among humanity who shared the same ideology. They were both human and Festum. Their existence confused the battlefield and created more hatred. The battle could no longer be described as a simple battle between humanity and the Festum. Meanwhile, Ryugujima was the only island that had disappeared from the center of the battle and remained silent. Two years ago, the island met Misao Raishu, and gained a way to communicate with the Mir. This brought possibilities to the island. As the children of Alvis prepared for battle, they sought ways to understand their enemy. And now, a new evolution is about to be brought to the island. A girl who understands the language of the Festum and a girl protected by the Festum. When the two meet, the door to a new world opens...

■Cast

• Soushi Minashiro/Kohei Kiyasu
• Ikki Makabe/Makoto Ishii
• Maya Tomomi/Marika Matsumoto
• Hiroto Douma/Nozomi Sasaki
• Standing Seri/Misato Fukuen
• Sakura Kaname/Satomi Arai
• Kenji Kondo/Minoru Shiraishi
• Rina Nishio/Ryoko Shiraishi
• Akira Nishio/Yuki Kaji
• Reo Mikado/Nobunaga Shimazaki
• Satoshi Kaburagi/Kensho Ono
• Misaka Mizukami/Yui Ishikawa
• Fumihiko Makabe/Masahiko Tanaka
• Kyosuke Mizoguchi/Takaya Haji
• Tomomi Chizuru/Shinohara Emi
• Yoko Usami/Nanaho Katsuragi
• Kanon Usami/Sanae Kobayashi
• Sumi Kaname/Shizuka Ishikawa
• Tamotsu Kodate/Yutaka Takase
• Yumiko Hino / Yukana
• Hino Miu/Morohoshi Sumire
• Ian Kamp/Masaki Terasoma
• Jeremy Lee Marcy/Aya Endo
• Chen Jingjing/Komatsu Michiko
• Yukimi Nishio/Naoko Kyoda
• Narain Wiseman Bose/Ryuzaburo Otomo
• Walter Burghest/Ryotaro Okiayu
• Dustin Morgan/Yuichi Nakamura
• Jonathan Mitsuhiro Bertrand/Nobuhiko Okamoto
• Billy Morgan/Morita Masakazu
• Aishwarya Fain/Megumi Han
• Keith Water/Aki Unone
• Emery Almond/Rio Sasaki
• Tsugu Jinnai/Tatsuhisa Suzuki
• Saki Shoryo/Azumi Asakura
• Dance of Douma/Saori Seto

■ Main staff

• Original work: XEBEC
• Series Composition: Ubukata Tou
• Character design: Hisashi Hirai
• Mechanical design: Naohiro Washio
• CGI Director: Eiji Ino
• Art Director: Toshihiro Kohama
• Art design: Kaoru Aoki
• Color design: Mitsuko Sekimoto
• Director of photography: Takashi Aoki
• Edited by Junichi Ito
• Executive Producers: Go Nakanishi, Hiroo Maruyama
• Producers: Kotaro Sudo, Ryu Hashimoto
• Animation Producer/Takumi Kusakabe
• Line Producer/Akira Yuko
• Animation production: XEBECzwei
• Director: Nobuyoshi Habara
• General Director: Takashi Noto
• Production/FAFNER EXODUS PROJECT/MBS

■ Main Characters

• Minashiro Soushi

Born December 27, 2131, 19 years old, Blood Type: A

First mission: Siegfried System pilot

He is the leader who brings the pilots together. He always keeps a cool head and doesn't show his emotions, so he is misunderstood by those around him as a cold person. Ikki describes him as "clumsy". He has a scar on his left eye from an injury Ikki inflicted on him when he was young. He was captured by the Arctic Mir before the First Blue Sky Operation and lost his body. He spent two years inside Misao's Mir, and regained his body during the Second Blue Sky Operation.

• Ikki Makabe

Born September 21, 2131, 19 years old, Blood type O

First mission: Fafner pilot <Mark Sein>

2nd mission: Cafe "Paradise" chef

Father: Fumihiko Makabe (Owner of a pottery shop and potter)

An ace pilot on Ryugujima Island. When he was young, he deeply hurt Minashiro Soushi, and since then, he has denied his own existence. Even after he started piloting the Fafner, he was unable to understand Soushi's feelings, and he left the island and was captured by the human army along with the Fafner. However, after experiencing the outside world, he came to understand the meaning of his existence and the importance of people interacting with each other. He also formed a deeper bond with Soushi.

• Tomomi Maya

Born November 11, 2131, 19 years old, Blood type AB

First mission: Fafner pilot <Mark Sieben>

2nd mission: Helping out at Cafe "Paradise"

Mother: Chizuru Tomi (Director of Tomi Clinic)

Older sister: Yumiko Hino Niece: Miu Hino

Ikki's childhood friend. He has the ability to accurately see into people's situations and psychological states. He is not the type to be assertive, but when he thinks he is right, he will speak out even to adults. Although he was selected as a pilot along with Kenji and the others, he was not even able to receive training for a long time, which made him feel alienated. Now, he remains on the front lines of the battle to protect Ikki.

• Jonathan Mitsuhiro Bertrand

Mission: Humanity Army Fafner Pilot (Dominion Model)

Captain of the Fafner Corps of the Perseus Company of the Human Army. He has absorbed a special gene called the Makabe Gene, which allows even those who lack the necessary talent to pilot a Fafner. He is kind, considerate, and calm when dealing with people. He respects his niece, Miu, as the best Esperanto in humanity.

• Billy Morgan

Mission: Humanity Army Fafner Pilot (Powers Model)

Older brother: Dustin Morgan (Fafner pilot of the Human Army)

He is the mood maker and trouble maker of the Perseus Squadron. He has a tendency to say what he thinks, which sometimes hurts those around him, but he doesn't mean any harm. He volunteered for the human army because he admired his older brother Dustin, who is the captain of the Fafner unit. He met Mitsuhiro and Ai when they were pilot trainees, and they have been living and dying together ever since.

• Aishwarya Fain

Mission: Humanity Army Fafner Pilot (Tronz Model)

A woman with an aptitude for piloting a Fafner and a high resistance to the assimilation phenomenon. She behaves politely towards the people of Ryugujima, but cannot contain her excitement in front of her idol, Kazuki Makabe. She has known Mitsuhiro and Billy since they were pilot trainees.

• Kanon Usami

Born May 27, 2132, 18 years old, Blood type AB

1st and 2nd missions: Engineer on Gyeongju Island

Foster mother: Yoko Usami (Engineer at Keiju Island)

A skilled Fafner pilot in the human army. Later, she became a pilot of the Nothung model. She was originally part of a unit sent to occupy Ryugujima, and was ordered by her superiors to self-destruct and sink the island. At the time, Kanon believed herself to be worthless and simply followed the orders given to her. However, she was persuaded by Ikki and Yoko Usami, and began to make her own choices. Currently, Yoko Usami has adopted her, and the island has become her second home.

• Hino Miu

Born April 1, 2147, 4 years old, Blood type O

Esperanto

Mother: Yumiko Hino Grandmother: Chizuru Tomi (Director of Tomi Clinic)

Aunt: Maya Tomomi (helper at the cafe "Rakuen")

The first child born naturally on Ryugujima. She has the world's best Esperanto and has been learning the "Mir language" naturally since birth by crossing with the island. Miu's excellent conversation skills have already been demonstrated in Operation Blue Sky II. She directly communicated with the Mir, the group Misao belongs to, and prevented them from assimilating Ryugujima. On the other hand, she usually behaves like an innocent 4-year-old girl, relying on her mother and enjoying drawing.

• Emery Almond

Esperanto

A girl with the ability to communicate with Mir. When the island of Hawaii was attacked by a nuclear weapon from the human army, she was protected by a Sphinx-type Festum and was rescued by Narain. Since then, she has been working together with Narain. Despite her young age, she is aware of her own purpose and mission, and has acted as a leader in Esperanto. The sneakers she always carries in her hand are a memento of her younger brother who died and crystallized.

• Hiroto Douma

Born December 15, 2132, 18 years old, Blood type O

First mission: Fafner pilot <Mark Funf>

Second Mission: Alvis Public Relations Department

Father: Ryohei Douma (a staff member at Douma Restaurant) Sister: Mai Douma (a staff member at Douma Restaurant)

A second-generation pilot who is a junior of Ikki and the others. In middle school, she caused a stir by saying she wanted to become an idol. After Kodatei entrusted her with the Govine Helmet, she became a central member of the pilot team. Her dream of becoming an idol also seems to have come true, as variety shows starring Hiroto, music shows, and news are broadcast on the television on Ryugujima every day.

• Start Seri

Born July 8, 2132, 18 years old, Blood Type: A

First-class mission: Fafner pilot Mark Zwolf and doctor course and special medical major

Type 2 mission: Shrine maiden at Suzumura Shrine and PR assistant for Alvis

Father: Masayuki Tategami (Priest of Suzumura Shrine) Mother: Suzuna Tategami (Clothing store manager)

A second-generation pilot and junior to Ikki and the others. A close friend of Minashiro Otohime, who was once the island's core, she visits the reborn Otohime every day. Otohime taught her that "even Festum have lives," and since then, she has been creating gravestones for them after every battle. In middle school, she was a member of the biology club and was fascinated by insect research. She has now chosen the special medical and doctoral course, and is conducting research to ensure the healthy growth of the second-generation Otohime.

• Nishio Rina

Born April 20, 2132, 18 years old, Blood Type B

First mission: Fafner pilot <Mark Noin>

Type 2 mission: Helping at Nishio Store

Grandmother: Yukimi Nishio (Owner of Nishio Shoten) Brother: Akira Nishio (Assistant at Cafe "Rakuen")

He is a junior of Ikki and the others, and a second-generation pilot. After his parents died, his younger brother Teru stopped talking, and he became irritated and started to treat him harshly. It wasn't that he was angry at Teru for not talking, but rather that he was worried that his younger brother would also go to his parents' side. Now that Teru has started to talk, they have built a good relationship. He respects and adores Tomomi Maya.

• Akira Nishio

Born April 20, 2132, 18 years old, Blood Type B

First mission: Fafner pilot <Mark Tseng>

2nd mission: Helping out at Cafe "Paradise"

Grandmother: Yukimi Nishio (Owner of Nishio Shoten) Older sister: Rina Nishio (Assistant at Nishio Shoten)

He is a junior of Ikki and the others, and a second-generation pilot. As a child, he became aphasic after seeing his parents, who were Fafner pilots, disappear during a startup test. This condition continued until he was able to pilot a Fafner himself. While he was unable to speak, he developed feelings for Maya, who understood Teru's feelings without him having to say anything. He started working at "Paradise" because he thought he could work together with Maya. However, it was more difficult than he imagined to get between Maya and Ikki, and he always harbors a competitive spirit towards Ikki, only to be brushed off by him.

• Fumihiko Makabe

Born June 2, 2106, 45 years old, Blood Type: A

Class 1 Mission: Commander Alvis

2nd mission: Ceramic artist

Son: Ikki Makabe (Cook at Cafe "Rakuen")

A former pilot belonging to the Japan Self-Defense Forces, he became commander of Alvis after succeeding Minashiro Kozo who was killed in battle. During his time in the Japan Self-Defense Forces, he fought not only the Festum but also the human army that was trying to destroy Japan. Due to his experiences, he strictly forbids the people of Ryugujima from fighting humans. Also, in order to increase the unity of the island, he has implemented thorough information disclosure. He has earned the trust of the islanders.

• Narain Wiseman Bose

Mission: General of the Humanity Military Headquarters

He is a key figure in establishing the Hawaiian humanosphere, and is respected by the people for relieving many areas of food crisis. He meets Emery immediately after the destruction of Hawaii, and gains new possibilities for communication with the enemy. Narain's advocacy of "defense through dialogue" is in line with the ideals envisioned by Makabe Fumihiko of Ryugujima. To make that dream a reality, Narain enlists Emery's help and sets out on a quest for the legendary D Island.

• Kenji Kondo

Born December 7, 2131, 19 years old, Blood Type B

1st Mission: Medical Room Doctor

Type 2 Mission: Ryugujima Gakuen Junior High School School Nurse

A former first generation Fafner pilot. Sakura Kaname's lover. In middle school, he was an irresponsible, carefree guy who was always afraid in battle. However, after his best friend Mamoru and his mother were killed in battle, and he nearly lost Sakura to assimilation, he resolved to become stronger so he would never have to lose anyone again. He is currently interested in medical technology, and is studying while working under Chizuru.

• Sakura Kaname

Born March 22, 2132, 19 years old, Blood type AB

First type of duty: Pilot instructor

2nd assignment: Physical education teacher at Ryugujima Gakuen Junior High School

Mother: Sumi Kaname <teacher/dojo instructor>

A former first generation Fafner pilot. Kondo Kenji's girlfriend. Just before Operation 1, she fell into a coma due to assimilation caused by piloting the Fafner for a long time, but woke up after being treated based on information provided by Makabe Kurene (Mjolnir). Although she still has slight stiffness in her arms and legs, she is no longer in pain and is able to live a normal life, except for having some difficulty walking.

• Orihime Minashiro

Ryugujima Second Generation Core

Uncle: Minashiro Soushi

Orihime is the reincarnation of Otohime Minashiro. Otohime is a fusion of human and Festum, and as the Core, she was in charge of all the functions of the island, from maintaining life to defense. She also tried to teach the Festum about the human emotion of "sadness". Orihime has inherited all of Otohime's memories and consciousness, but her personality and emotions are completely different.

• Walter Burghest

Mission: Perseus Squadron Fafner Pilot

A former elite soldier of the human army, he was the co-pilot of a large bomber, but was arrested after he protested against the rules of engagement Alpha during the Battle of Hawaii.

■ Main robot items

• Mark Sein

A special machine that can transfer the assimilation phenomenon of others to itself. It is based on the Salvator model developed by the New United Nations.

• Mark Elf

Nothung Model No. 11. This unit was dismantled when Ikki went to the New United Nations, and the core was transplanted into Mark Sein.

• Siegfried System

A device that commands and manages all Fafners. It connects the Siegfried System operator and pilot with a synergetic code, and keeps track of their mental state, level of injury, and the state of the battle.

• Mark Sieben

Nothung Model No. 7. Air combat type. Maya is a sniper and is mainly in charge of rear support.

• Siegfried System

He oversees the pilots, controls their pain, plans strategies, and works with the CDC. It was previously thought that only Soushi Minashiro could use this system.

• Mark Funf

Nothung Model No. 5. Originally piloted by Mamoru. Equipped with Aegis equipment consisting of four shields, it protects allies from enemy attacks and explosions on the front lines of battle.

• Mark Zwolf

Nothung Model No. 12. A weapon called the Shotgun Horn was developed for Seri, who uses headbutt attacks. It works by attaching a horn-like object to the head that generates an energy field, and emitting plasma from the tip to deliver the finishing blow.

• Mark Noin

The Nothung Model No. 9. It is a medium-range support type aircraft, just like the Mark Aht that Kenji previously piloted. It is equipped with a flamethrower developed for the Mark Noin, known as the Salamander.

• Mark Zeng

The Nothung Model No. 10. Like the Mark Aht, it is a medium-range support type unit. It uses a large-caliber cannon called the Dragontooth, specialized for sniping. It is a high-performance weapon that can be switched between multiple types of ammunition and does not put a strain on the Fafner in terms of energy.

• Dominions Model

The main Fafner of the human army. It is a mass-produced Salvator model, but because it has a different built-in core, it cannot exert the same power as the Zain or Nicht. It is also inferior in performance to the Trons model, which is also a Fafner of the human army. However, it is capable of long-term combat. It comes in three forms: general-purpose, land combat, and air combat.

• Trones Model

A special model of the Human Army's Fafner. It is an advanced successor to the Megatherion model. It is highly functional, but due to the large psychological pressure that comes with forming the synergetic code and the intense assimilation phenomenon of the pilot, only those with high aptitude can pilot it. It comes in three forms: general-purpose, land combat, and air combat.

• Powers Model

It is an advanced successor to the Gnosis Model, and is larger than other models. It is an easy-to-use machine that can be piloted even by those who lack the aptitude by transplanting the Makabe gene, but on the other hand, there is a high probability that the pilot will crystallize, and it often cannot utilize its anti-assimilation function. It has three forms: general-purpose, ground combat, and air combat.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1/Visitor
• Episode 2: The Name of Hope
• Episode 3: The price of dialogue
• Episode 4: The Successors
• Episode 5: To the New World
• Episode 6: A Time of Blessing
• Episode 7: New Dimension Battle
• Episode 8: Dreaming of Peace
• Episode 9: Two Heroes
• Episode 10: To the Land of Hope
• Episode 11: Transformation
• Episode 12: Children of the Battlefield
• Episode 13: The Future in the Dark

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1

・Exist

2 to 13

Lyrics by atsuko

・Composition: atsuko, KATSU

・Arrangement: KATSU

・Song: angela

• ED1

・Dark Night Voyage

2 to 13

Lyrics by atsuko

・Composition: atsuko, KATSU

・Arrangement: KATSU

・Song: angela

• Insert song 1

・At that moment, to the blue sky

9

Lyrics by atsuko

・Composition: atsuko, KATSU

・Arrangement: KATSU

・Song: angela

Fafner in the Azure EXODUS - Review

"Fafner in the Azure: EXODUS" is a TV anime series that aired in 2015 and was created and produced by XEBEC. This series is a sequel to "Fafner in the Azure" that began in 2004, and depicts a deeper story and character development. Below, we will take a closer look at the appeal and reviews of this work.

Deepening the story

"Fafner in the Azure: EXODUS" is set in the world of 2150 A.D. The battle against silicon-type lifeforms known as Festum has reached a new stage, with fragments of the Arctic Mir, which was shattered during Operation Azure I, scattered across the world and beginning to function as independent Mir. This setting continues the core theme of the series while taking a new turn. In particular, the story has evolved from a simple conflict structure to something more complex and profound, with some beings seeking symbiosis between humanity and Festum, and the new evolution of Ryugujima.

The greatest appeal of this work is the characters who continue to grow as they fight. Pilots such as Minashiro Soushi and Makabe Ikki grow together with their comrades as they search for the meaning of their existence and the meaning of fighting. In particular, the individuality of each character stands out, such as Minashiro Soushi's calmness and clumsiness, Makabe Ikki's self-denial and growth, and Tonami Maya's insight and strength. The second generation pilots also provide new perspectives, adding freshness to the story.

Character Appeal

In "Fafner in the Azure EXODUS," character growth and relationships are at the center of the story. Minashiro Soushi is portrayed as a leader who is both calm and clumsy, and it is moving to see him grow as he confronts past traumas such as the scar on his left eye and Misao's experience inside the Mir. Meanwhile, Makabe Ikki has continued to deny himself since the mistakes he made as a child, but he comes to terms with himself through his experiences in the outside world and deepens his bond with Soushi.

Additionally, each character enriches the story from their own perspective, such as Tomi Maya's insight and strength, Usama Kanon's self-sacrifice and growth, and Hino Miu's innocence and Esperanto skills. In particular, the exploits of new characters such as the second generation pilots, Douma Hiroto, Tachigami Seri, and the sibling relationship between Nishio Rina and Nishio Akira are not to be missed. They are depicted carving out their own paths while inheriting the experience of their predecessors.

Mechanics and battle scenes

The mechanical design and battle scenes of "Fafner in the Azure EXODUS" are also highlights. The characteristics and roles of each unit, such as the Mark Sein, Mark Sieben, and Siegfried System, are clearly depicted, and strategic battle scenes unfold. In particular, the individuality of each unit, such as the Mark Sein's ability to transfer assimilation phenomena and the Mark Sieben's role as a sniper, adds depth to the battle scenes. In addition, the appearance of new Fafners, such as the Dominions Model, Trons Model, and Powers Model of the human army, adds freshness to the story.

The battle scenes not only depict the fight against the Festum, but also conflicts and alliances with the human army, and there are many scenes that call into question the meaning and purpose of the battles. In particular, the battle during Operation Blue Sky II and the battle scenes over the new evolution of Ryugujima are visually and narratively spectacular.

Music and theme song

The music of "Fafner in the Azure EXODUS" also enhances the charm of the work. The opening theme "Exist" and the ending theme "An'ya Kouro" feature Angela's powerful singing voice and melody that enhance the atmosphere of the story. The inserted song "Sono Tono, Aozora e" is also used effectively in important scenes, stirring the emotions of the viewers. Music plays an important role in expressing the emotions of the characters and the tension of the battles, enhancing the quality of the work as a whole.

Ratings and Recommendations

"Fafner in the Azure: EXODUS" is a work that combines a deep storyline, character growth, intricate mechanical design, battle scenes, and powerful music. In particular, the characters searching for the meaning of their existence in the midst of battle deeply moves viewers. Another attraction is the breadth of the story, including second-generation pilots who provide a new perspective and some characters who aim for symbiosis between humanity and the Festum.

This work is recommended not only for fans of the "Fafner in the Azure" series, but also for viewers who want to enjoy a deep story and character growth. In particular, this is a must-watch for those who want to see characters facing themselves in battle, as well as intricate mechanical design and battle scenes. The strength of the music also enhances the appeal of the work, and is an important element in stirring the emotions of the viewer.

"Fafner in the Azure: EXODUS" is a work with themes of battle and growth, coexistence and dialogue, and will surely provide viewers with many moving moments and thoughts. Please enjoy this work and feel the meaning of the characters' growth and battles.