Aquarion: A Beautiful but Unbalanced Mecha Epic

When talking about giant mecha anime of the 2000s, the name Aquarion is often mentioned as a unique work, both in terms of its beautiful visuals and powerful soundtrack. But looking deeper into the story and characters, this series has clear flaws. The editorial team will delve into every aspect of this anime, from its commendable strengths to its weaknesses that prevent it from being perfect.

Plot Summary (No Spoilers)

Aquarion tells a story set in the future where humanity must fight against interdimensional beings called the Shadow Angels. They are far more advanced than humans, and the only weapon that can counter them is the giant robot Aquarion, formed by the combination of three fighter jets piloted by chosen warriors known as Elements. The story follows the adventures of the Elements as they train and fight to protect Earth, with a backdrop connected to Greek mythology, especially the tale of Apollonius and Toma, told through flashbacks.

Although the main plot seems straightforward, the series inserts many philosophies and symbols, making the progression sometimes complex and hard to follow, especially in the first season, which tries to build a vast world but leaves several important plot points unresolved.

Performance and Characters

One of the major weaknesses of Aquarion is the excessive number of characters, which prevents proper development. Main characters like Apollo (voiced by Tomokazu Sugita) and Silvia (voiced by Mako Hyodo) have interesting backgrounds, but the rushed pacing prevents the audience from forming a strong connection with them. Meanwhile, many supporting characters have almost no significant role.

However, all voice actors perform excellently, especially Tomokazu Sugita, who conveys Apollo's emotions with both boldness and tenderness. Nobunaga Shimazaki as Akira also adds color to the story. But overall, the lack of character depth prevents the series from delivering the emotional impact it should.

Direction, Visuals, and Music

Aquarion is a work by studio Satelight and directed by Shoji Kawamori, known for his mecha design and dynamic camera movements. The series stands out with beautiful visuals and vibrant colors, especially in the intense and fluid fight scenes. The design of the Aquarion mecha, which can transform into three forms, is a major highlight.

But what makes this series legendary is its soundtrack. The opening theme "Sousei no Aquarion" sung by AKINO is catchy and powerful, becoming memorable even for those who haven't watched the anime. The background music by Yoko Kanno is equally excellent, perfectly enhancing the series' mood. Despite the great visuals and sound, the sometimes overly fast editing causes confusion, especially in complex action scenes.

Editorial Analysis

The editorial team views Aquarion as an anime with ambitions too high to be perfectly executed. The blend of Greek mythology and sci-fi is a great idea, but the complex presentation and lack of concise storytelling make the series feel drawn out and boring at times. However, the series still has its own charm, especially for mecha anime fans who appreciate outstanding design and music.

The clear drawbacks are the lack of character development and a plot full of holes. But if you overlook these points, Aquarion is still a worthwhile viewing experience, especially if you enjoy experimental anime and aren't afraid of complexity.

Verdict

Aquarion is an anime with clear strengths and weaknesses. The visuals and music are excellent, but the story and characters are unbalanced. It is suitable for mecha anime fans who enjoy experimentation and don't mind a complex plot.