"Levius": A new fighting anime that combines boxing and cybernetics - review and impressions

The charm and depth of Levius: A story of futuristic martial arts and humanity

Introduction

The anime "Levius", which premiered on Netflix on November 28, 2019, is a work by Haruhisa Nakata, directed by Hiroyuki Seshita, and produced by Polygon Pictures. The anime is set in a steam-powered 19th century world of the New Calendar and depicts the ultimate martial art, "mechanical boxing", which combines machines and the human body. The work follows the lonely boy Levius as he grows up in the world of mechanical boxing, carrying the right arm he lost in the war and the memories of his family in his heart, and leaves viewers deeply moved and excited.

story

In the 19th century of the New Calendar, five years after the end of the Phosania conflict, all kinds of steam-powered technology have developed. Among them, "mechanical boxing," in which machines are fused to the human body, is at its peak. Levius lost his father and right arm in the war, and his mother is in a vegetative state. He devotes himself to mechanical boxing with his uncle Zack, and his talent blossoms. Fighting as a Grade-III rookie, Levius defeats strong opponents one after another, but he is drawn into the mystery of the mysterious man, Dr. Clown, and the people around him. As memories of the war flash back, what is Levius seeking, and what is he fighting to protect? The journey to find the answer begins.

character

Levius Cromwell (voice: Shimazaki Nobunaga) is a Grade-III rookie, currently ranked 24th. Having lost his right arm in the war and his mother being seriously injured, he begins his path as a mechanical boxer with his uncle Zack. Although he is a lonely boy, he has a strong will and talent, and gradually his powers blossom.

Natalia Garnet (voice: Sakura Ayane) is a Grade-III mechanical boxer belonging to Zack's Gym, and is a girl who grew up in an orphanage. While living at Zack's house, she is a rival to Levius, and she holds the record for the fastest promotion, and she grows up together with Levius.

Zack Cromwell (voice: Junichi Suwabe) is Levius' uncle and mechanical boxing trainer. He was once a professional underground boxer, but was forced to retire due to an illness in his left eye. Under his guidance, Levius acquires the skills to survive in the world of mechanical boxing.

Hugo Stratus (voiced by Daisuke Ono) is the strongest man in Grade-III and the heir to the giant gym, Timor Gym. As an elite mechanical boxer, he is a formidable opponent for Levius.

Bill Weinberg (voiced by Sakurai Takahiro) is an engineer employed at Zack's Gym, a former military medical technician. His knowledge and skills have been gaining attention along with Levius's exploits.

Malcolm Eden (voice: Otsuka Houchu) is a veteran mechanical boxer who is ranked 5th in Grade-III. In his prime, he was a Grade-II ranker, but due to age, he was demoted to Grade-III. His fighting style is brutal, and he has killed all of his opponents.

The mysterious beautiful girl (voiced by Saori Hayami) is a mysterious presence who stands beside Dr. Clown. Her true identity and purpose will be revealed as the story progresses.

Dr. Clown (voiced by Miyano Mamoru) is a top executive at Amethyst, a megacorporation of the military-industrial complex. He is a ruthless man who will stop at nothing to achieve the ultimate in beauty and order, and he becomes deeply involved in Levius' fate.

Production and staff

"Levius" is based on the manga by Haruhisa Nakata and was produced by a stellar team of staff including Director Hiroyuki Seshita, Director Keisuke Ide, Series Composition Koji Seko, Screenplay Kenta Ihara and Koji Seko, Production Design Naoya Tanaka and Ferdinando Patulli, Character Design Yuki Moriyama, Director of Photography Mitsunori Katahama, CG Supervisor Takeshi Iwata, Art Director Yuki Hatakeyama, Color Design Hirono Noji, Sound Director Yoshikazu Iwanami, Music Yugo Kanno, and Animation Production Polygon Pictures. The visual expression, which makes full use of Polygon Pictures' 3DCG technology, brings out the power and beauty of the mechanical boxing to the fullest.

Subtitles and episodes

The subtitles of each episode symbolize the process of Levius' growth and battle. Below are the subtitles for all 12 episodes.

• 1. The strain on your elbows is incredible!
• 2. Do you think you'd get along with that girl?
• 3. Can you still call that an elbow pad?
• 4. That guy, that guy is just...
• 5. Do I look like an idiot for thinking about losing before I even start fighting?
• 6. I said, "Help me!"
• 7. Do you remember me?
• 8. Don't be offended by the talent...
• 9. Should we continue?
• 10. I'm the one who's gonna beat you up!
• 11. The chances are close to zero!
• 12. It's sunny today.

Theme songs and music

The opening theme "Wit and Love" and the ending theme "Child Dancer" are sung by a mysterious female singer. These songs have beautiful melodies and lyrics that symbolize Levius' inner conflict and growth, and will resonate deeply with viewers.

Evaluation and Impressions

"Levius" is an appealing work with its innovative setting of a future world powered by steam and a fighting style that combines machines and the human body. The process of Levius' growth and fighting moves and excites the viewer. In addition, the strong presence of characters such as Dr. Clown and the mysterious beautiful girl adds depth to the story. The visual expression using Polygon Pictures' 3DCG technology brings out the power and beauty of mechanical boxing to the fullest, making it very visually appealing.

However, on the other hand, there are some parts where the story development feels a little rushed, and some people would have liked to see more depth in the character backgrounds and relationships. Some viewers may also feel that the rules of mechanical boxing and the worldview are not explained enough. Nevertheless, the story of Levius' growth and battles leaves a strong impression on viewers, providing excitement and emotion.

Recommendations and related works

For viewers who enjoyed "Levius," we also recommend the following works:

• "Megalo Box" - A work that depicts the future of boxing, which shares in common the way it depicts both martial arts and human growth.
• "Tekken Chinmi" - a work that depicts a world where traditional martial arts and modern technology are combined, allowing you to feel the charm of martial arts.
• "Black Jack" - A work depicting medical and human ethics, linked to the theme of the fusion of machine and the human body.

These works also depict the relationship between martial arts, human growth, and technology and ethics, and are sure to provide "Levius" fans with new excitement and thrills.

Conclusion

"Levius" is an appealing work with its innovative setting of a future world powered by steam and martial arts that combine machines and the human body. The process of Levius' growth and fighting moves and excites the viewer, and the visual expression using Polygon Pictures' 3DCG technology brings out the power and beauty of mechanical boxing to the fullest. Some viewers may be a little dissatisfied with the development of the story and the backgrounds of the characters, but the story of Levius' growth and fighting leaves a strong impression on viewers, providing them with emotion and excitement. "Levius" is sure to be loved by many viewers as a work that depicts martial arts and human growth.