The appeal and reviews of "Planet With": A grand story that combines science fiction and battle

Planet With: A boy with amnesia leads the way to the future

■Overview of the work

"Planet With" is a 12-episode anime series that aired from July 8 to September 23, 2018. It is an original anime work by Mizukami Satoshi, BNARTS, and JC, directed by Suzuki Yohei, and produced by JCSTAFF. It was broadcast on TOKYO MX and BS11 every Sunday from 10:30pm for 30 minutes. Copyright belongs to "©Mizukami Satoshi・BNA・JC/Planet With Project".

■ Story

The protagonist, Kuroi Souya, has lost his memory and lives with "Sensei" and "Kuroi Ginko". One day, he witnesses a mysterious flying object called "Nebula Weapon" appear in the city and seven heroes defeat it. However, Souya is instructed by Ginko to defeat the heroes. From this mysterious situation, Souya's battle begins.

■Explanation

"I'm on the side of the people I want to be on the side of. That's it!"

These words express the beliefs of Kuroi Souya, a high school student who has lost his memory but lives a peaceful life. Souya's daily life is suddenly shattered by an attack from a mysterious giant weapon called the Nebula Weapon. Together with his cat-like "teacher" and Ginko, who dresses in gothic lolita clothing, Souya becomes embroiled in the battle. To his surprise, the people Souya is fighting are the seven heroes who are protecting humanity. What is the reason for fighting that is hidden in Souya's memory? This question is at the heart of the story.

This original animation by up-and-coming manga artist Satoshi Mizukami is a grand tale of mystery, battle, and friendship. Viewers will join Souya as he searches for the truth hidden deep within his memories and walks the path to the future.

■Cast

• Muneya Kuroi: Atsushi Abe
• Takamagahara Nozomi: Ayaka Harada
• Teacher: Rikiya Koyama
• Ginko Kuroi: Shiori Izawa
• Hideo Torai: Yuichiro Umehara
• Inaba Miu: Owada Hitomi
• Harumi Kumashiro: Fuchigami Dance
• Nezuya Justice: Shinsuke Sugawara
• Takatori Benika: Shizuka Ishigami
• Yosuke Hitsujiya: Kazuyuki Okitsu
• Ryuzoji Takezo: Kiyokawa Motomu
• His Excellency: Norio Wakamoto

■ Main staff

• Original author: Satoshi Mizukami, BNARTS, JC
• Director: Yohei Suzuki
• Series composition, name (original script), character concept, and Nebula Weapon design: Mizukami Satoshi
• Animation character design: Kazunori Iwakura
• Nebula main machine design: Yoshitsune Izuna
• Telekinesis lighting design: Yasuyoshi Kozu
• Prop design: Tsuyoshi Isomoto
• Art director/art setting: Yasuhiro Okumura
• Color design: Ishida Miyuki
• Director of photography: Yoshio Okochi
• CG Director: Masahiro Hiraoka
• Edited by: Yuji Kondo
• Sound Director: Miwa Iwanami
• Music: Tanaka Kouhei
• Music Production: Lantis
• Animation production: JCSTAFF

■ Main Characters

Souya Kuroi: A high school student with amnesia. He lives with Ginko and his teacher, but becomes embroiled in a battle when the Nebula Weapon attacks the town. Souya's actions are guided by his own beliefs and fragments of memory. His growth and battles are at the heart of the story.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: Light, Seven Flashes
• Episode 2: Nebula Soldier
• Episode 3: The Revenger 1
• Episode 4: The Revenger, Part 2
• Episode 5: Paladin Break 1
• Episode 6: Paladin Break 2
• Episode 7: Sirius
• Episode 8: Power resides within oneself
• Episode 9: The Awakening Messenger
• Episode 10: Karellen and Laschavelak
• Episode 11: Dragon (Azurabarakura)
• Episode 12: Look, the universe is full of blessings

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme "One Unit" was written, composed and sung by Minami and arranged by Shinya Saito. It was used from episode 1 to episode 11. The ending theme "Rainbow Planet" was written by Ryuji Sakai, composed by Yuki Honda, arranged by Takuya Sakai and sung by Mai Fuchigami. It was used throughout all 12 episodes. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

■Detailed story and character analysis

The story of Planet With unfolds from the perspective of the amnesiac protagonist, Kuroi Souya. Souya lives with his cat-like "Sensei" and his gothic-lolita-clad "Kuroi Ginko." One day, a mysterious flying object called the "Nebula Weapon" suddenly attacks the town. This event triggers Souya to fight against seven heroes. The core of the story is the gradual uncovering of the secrets hidden in Souya's memories and the reasons he fights.

Souya's character has the strength to stick to his beliefs even under the special circumstances of amnesia. His words, "I'm on the side of the people I want to be on the side of. That's it!", symbolize his principle of action. Souya's growth and struggles are at the center of the story, and viewers will explore the truth hidden beyond his memories along with him.

The other main characters also have their own deep backgrounds and personalities. Takamagahara Nozomi is Souya's classmate and an important presence who cooperates with him in his battles. Sensei and Ginko support Souya's life while also being deeply involved in his battles. The seven heroes also fight for different reasons, and their backgrounds and conflicts with Souya add excitement to the story.

■Animation and direction

The animation of "Planet With" is a work that highlights JCSTAFF's high technical capabilities. In particular, the design of the "Nebula Weapon" and the battle scenes are visually very attractive and have the power to draw the viewer in. Director Yohei Suzuki skillfully depicts the development of the story and the feelings of the characters, aiming to make it easy for the viewer to empathize with the characters. In addition, the color design and art setting are also important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story.

■Music and Sound

The music was composed by Kohei Tanaka and produced by Lantis. The opening theme "One Unit" and the ending theme "Rainbow Planet" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story. "One Unit" in particular is a powerful song that symbolizes Souya's belief and fight, and is sure to touch the hearts of viewers. "Rainbow Planet" is a beautiful song that conveys a message of hope and the future towards the end of the story. The background music is also used skillfully to match the development of the story, enhancing the emotions of the viewer.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

"Planet With" is a grand story about the path to the future led by the protagonist who has lost his memory. This work, which depicts mysteries, battles, and friendship, will deeply move and excite viewers. In particular, through the theme of memory loss, it will make you think about your own beliefs and actions. In addition, the animation and music are of high quality, making it a work that can be enjoyed both visually and aurally.

The audience for this film is those who like science fiction and action, and those who want to enjoy a deep story and character development. It is also recommended for those who are interested in the theme of memory loss and those who want to experience a new attempt at original animation. Planet With offers viewers a new perspective and moving story, making it a film not to be missed.