Aquarion is not just an ordinary giant robot series; it's an adventure that challenges both body and soul, with the concept that "combining" is not just assembling mechanical parts but requires the harmony and psychic power of three humans.
First aired in 2005, this series made a name for itself with the three Vector Machines that combine into various forms of Aquarion, along with the legendary theme song Genesis of Aquarion.
Story Summary (No Spoilers)
In a future world where humanity is threatened by the Shadow Angels, supernatural beings that drain human life force, the secret organization DEAVA has developed a final weapon: Aquarion, a giant robot formed by the combination of three Vector Machines, piloted by "Element" users who can connect their minds.
The protagonist is Apollo, a young boy with special powers and a mysterious connection to the past. He joins other Elements like Silvia, Pierre, and Sirius to fight the Shadow Angels and uncover the truth about reincarnation, love across lifetimes, and humanity's destiny.
Voice Acting and Characters
Although it's an anime voiced by professional voice actors, Aquarion has diverse and memorable characters, from the impulsive but pure-hearted Apollo to the arrogant yet haunted Silvia. Tomokazu Sugita voices Sirius powerfully, while Masaya Onosaka brilliantly captures Pierre's madness.
The highlight is the development of relationships among the Elements, who must learn to trust each other to combine into Aquarion. Personal conflicts and unrequited love add depth to the story.
Direction, Visuals, and Music
Director Shōji Kawamori (of Macross fame) presents fluid and beautiful mecha designs, especially the spectacular combination sequences with vibrant colors. The CGI from that era may look dated now, but it still retains excitement.
The soundtrack by Yoko Kanno is a major selling point. Genesis of Aquarion is a powerful and catchy opening theme, while other tracks perfectly complement the scenes' emotions.
Editorial Analysis
Aquarion may not be perfect, but it has unique charm. The themes of reincarnation and love across lifetimes are seamlessly woven in. Although some episodes feel repetitive, the battles requiring psychic power and unity reflect profound concepts.
The weakness is that some characters are underdeveloped, and parts of the story drag. But for mecha fans or those who enjoy supernatural drama, Aquarion is a worthwhile watch.
Verdict
Aquarion is a unique robot series in terms of music, design, and the concept of combining with the mind. Despite limitations in visuals and length, it's worthwhile for those wanting something different. Watch it if you like mythology mixed with sci-fi and cross-life drama.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Legendary soundtrack by Yoko Kanno
- +Combining concept requiring psychic power builds character relationships
- +Spectacular mecha designs and battle scenes
👎 Cons
- −2005 CGI may look dated now
- −Some episodes drag, some characters underdeveloped
- −Combining system can seem complex and repetitive
Top Cast
FAQ
Aquarion has 3 seasons totaling 78 episodes (Season 1: 26 episodes, Season 2: 26 episodes, Season 3: 26 episodes).
Each season has a continuous story; it's recommended to watch from the beginning to understand the plot and character development.
Although it's a mecha series, it has intense drama and character relationships, so it's suitable for those who like deep stories as well.
