Zoids: Genesis
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| Zoids: Genesis | |
|---|---|
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| ゾイドジェネシス | |
| Genre | Adventure, Comedy, Mecha, Military |
| TV anime | |
| Directed by | Kazunori Mizuno |
| Studio | Shogakukan Productions |
| Network | BS Japan, TV Tokyo |
| Original run | 2005-04-10 – 2006-03-26 |
| No. of episodes | 50 |
Zoids Genesis (ゾイドジェネシス?) is the fifth anime installment of the Zoids franchise. It tells the story of Ruuji Familon, a young boy who finds a Liger-type Zoid during a salvage mission. Initially the village is attacked by Bio-Raptor Bio-Zoids and later a Bio-Megaraptor. After the village generator is destroyed in combat, Ruji takes the Murasame Liger Zoid and leaves the village alongside Ra-Kan and Rei Mii to find a generator mechanic or the village will be destroyed. Through his journey Ruuji learns he must fight against Digald. It is has been airing on TV Tokyo since April 2005. The series was recently announced to appear as a part of Toonami Jetstream, an online internet streaming project featuring current Toonami shows and all-new titles.
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[edit] Series Background
Much like Zoids: Fuzors, Genesis still takes place on Planet Zi, but also seems to share no connection to the previous series. But the show takes a more post-apocalyptic setting, following a cataclysmic environmental/geological event known as the "Great Flood" that has destroyed much of the civilzations on Zi and has devastated the planet. Many of Zi's survivors have created new civilizations with the use of giant structures called "Generators" that are scattered around the planet. However, out of the ashes of the Great Flood, the technology of the Zoids still exist, and are constantly excavated for the use of humanity. The show returns to the more adventurous and war-themed stylings reminiscent of Zoids: Chaotic Century, and focuses on a boy named Ruuji who lives in a small seaside village, and eventually becomes the pilot of the Murasame Liger after excavating it from the ocean.
There is some controversy over whether the series does actually take place on Zi; both the "Generators" and the Zoid Fuel (a red, viscous liquid that occurs naturally) have never appeared in any previous Zoids material. Addtionally, a map on the back of the limited Lancetag model depicts a continent that does not match at all to any of Zi's four continents.
[edit] Characters
[edit] Heroes
- Ruuji Familon
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Ruuji Familon. - An inhabitant of the seaside Mirodo village, who recently excavated the Murasame Liger when a group of Bio Raptor zoids attacked. In a fight between Zairin and Ruuji, Zairin damaged the generator (a tree-like structure that maintains the environment around the village). With Ra-Kan and Mii, he sets of to find a mechanic who can repair the generator. He has a younger brother, and was given a telescope by his father for his journey.
- During his quest to find a generator mechanic Ruuji becomes embroiled in a struggle against the expansionist nation of Digald. He realizes repairing his village generator won't mean anything without peace and he suggests to Ra-Kan an organized stand against Digald.
- Having lived in the village his entire life, he is somewhat naïve, but also determined and possessing a strong sense of justice. His unwillingness to allow those he encounters to suffer often puts him in over his head, as well as his traveling companions. Ruuji at one point tried to free people from Digald forces, but that action almost led to the destruction of his team when Georg launced a surprise attack. However his mistakes gave him better understanding of approaching things and allowed him to become a wiser person and competent zoid pilot. He's constantly under training from Seijurou to help him become stronger.
- He pilots the Murasame Liger, Hayate Liger, and Mugen Liger. His Japanese VA is Hiromi Hirata.
- Ra-Kan
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Ra-Kan. - A leader of a nation conquered by Digald known as Zuri, he is well known to Digald forces, and is hunted by them wherever he travels. Nonetheless he is patient with those he encounters, and agrees to help Ruuji after his village his attacked and its generator damaged. When Digald surrounded his castle, he surrendered because he was concerned for loss of life during combat; but he regrets this decision, as he believed it allowed Digald to spread.
- He pilots the Sword Wolf and later on, the Sword Wolf Crusher. His Japanese VA is Takashi Matsuyama.
- Re Mii
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Re Mii. - A pragmatic, energetic, and occasionally cynical traveling companion of Ra-Kan. She is the daughter of Ra Kan's younger sister, making her his niece, and shows a great deal of respect for him, often calling him as Oji-sama. She's a princess of Ra-Kan's fallen nation and she has a crush on Ruuji. She displayed her attraction by blushing from time-to-time and was jealous when she thought Ruuji was engaged to Kotona. She usually criticizes Ruuji for his impulsive behavior as well as his inexperience in piloting Zoids. Despite her size she is a capable combatant, able to pin down Ruuji with little effort. Ruuji and Garaga complain much about her inability to do any cooking besides barbeque.
- She pilots the Lancestag and later on in the series, the Lancestag Break. Her Japanese VA is Kimiko Koyama.
- Kotona Elegance
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Kotona and her bird Kurruku. - A charming and optimistic mercenary who travels with a white bird, likely a parrot, named Kurruku. Kotona's real name has yet to be revealed, she's only using an alias. Although preferring to use her beauty and diplomatic nature to avoid conflict, she is swift and agile with her twin sais. She joins Ruuji in his quest for a generator mechanic as a way to repay him for his indirect help in defeating a group of Zoid thieves. Later on Ruuji was ask her to aid him in a campaign against Digald. It is revealed that her hometown, Iron Rock, contains a facility that can create the silver armor which Digald uses, and that a secret group kills outsiders who discover its secret. Kotona left because she was to be the next leader, but to do so, her younger sister would have been killed.
- Garaga has a huge crush on Kotona and always tried to say or do something to impress Kotona. He's known to flash his powerful build to get her attention, but she merely tolerates his attention. She asked Ruuji to fake an engagement between each other to blow off Garaga, but that attempt enraged both Mii and Garaga. Kotona eventually tells the truth and everything gets resolved. Kotona was originally undecided about joining Ruuji and Ra-Kan in a campaign against Digald.
- She pilots the Zoid Rainbow Jerk. Her Japanese VA is Shizuka Itoh.
- Raimei no Garaga
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Garaga. - Nicknamed 'Thunder Garaga', a boisterous and hot-tempered guerrilla leader whose home town was occupied by Digald. He and Kotona have a certain degree of history between them, and upon first meeting Ryuuji, thinks he is her husband, and challenges him to a Zoid battle to prove his worth. After his mountain hideout is destroyed by Major Zairin, he joins Ryuuji to strike back against Digald. Though simple-minded he is the strongest of the group and often provides comic relief, especially when played against Mii's bossiness. He also acts like an older brother to Ryuuji at times.
- He pilots the Zoid Deadly Kong. The Deadly Kong is a zoid to be feared when in berserker mode. Whenever Garaga's anger reaches to a high point, Deadly Kong removes his wrapped arm to reveal a deadly arm weapon and destroys anything in it's path.
- His Japanese VA is Kenta Miyake.
- Ron Mangan
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Ron Mangan. - A doctor and member of Garaga's guerilla band, he is also a skilled tactician. He provides a thoughtful and calm approach in contrast with Garaga's use of brute force, and sees great potential in Ryuuji. Because of his many travels, he's a well educated man on the road and also know a few things about zoid characteristics. He theorized Ruuji's Murasame Liger became Hayate Liger through an event called Evolt. As their journey progresses Ron shows both Ruuji and Mii the mysteries of the planet while traveling as merchants to avoid detection. It is revealed that Ron knows people that contain relics of the Zi's past from the time before the great disaster. He helps Ruuji by having relations with various people to increase their chances of winning against Digald. In a surprise attack by Major Zairin's Volcano, Ron distracts Volcano long enough to self destruct, stopping Volcano from going after Ruuji and Mii. Ron survives by abandoning his zoid at the last moment to ride in the Murasame Liger. To the surprise of everyone Ron appeared with a replacement Bamburian saying he had an extra one transported to him by his merchant friends.
- He pilots the Zoid Bamburian. His Japanese VA is Kishou Taniyama.
- Seijuurou
- The last member to join Ruuji and his group, he is a reclusive swordsman who saves Ryuuji from a group of wild Elephander Zoids. Although originally a warrior who sought fame and glory in Zoid battle arenas, he retired when he accidentally killed his pupil in a Zoids tournament. Prior to his retirement, he was regarded as the strongest Zoids pilot alive because he won that same tournament 10 years in a row. Quiet and aloof, he is the most skilled combatant of Ruuji's group, and reluctantly agrees to give him training on their journey. He's suspected of having a serious health matter as he sometimes suffer from breathing and adominal pains. Kotona is the only one that notices his suffering as he doesn't like to discuss about his private health matters.
- He pilots the Zoid Soul Tiger. His Japanese VA is Kenjirou Tsuda.
- Tize
- He was a General that served under Ra-Kan long ago. Since the fall of his nation : Tize continued the good fight against Digald. When Ra-Kan heard Tize was still alive and fighting he immediately dispatched Ruuji to send an appeal letter. Tize glady joined along with his guerilla group. Tize is a high experienced pilot and commander so his leadership and high and he still holds great respect for Ra-Kan.
- He pilots the Zoid Brastle Tiger
- Danbul
- She's an old lady, but also one of the most skilled zoid pilots in the world. She won zoid competitions fifteen times, but after a battle that accidentally lead the death of several innocent spectators (children) she retired her title and zoid. She lived alone in the Devil Forest where the earth reacts with the moon and causes the zoids to malfunction (they start dancing). Being alone and single she's very forward with young men, but not in any real sexual manner. Garaga and Seijuurou was looking for Danbul (while talking about Ruuji in between), but never realized that Danbul was an old lady. She fooled them at first saying that Danbul already passed away. In reality the grave that's believed to be Danbul is actually where she buried her zoid and her costume next to her house. After Bio-Zoids attacked her home she took up the costume and her Kane Wolf Zoid. During this time she's heard Seijuurou and Garaga talk about Ruuji's optimistic spirit about making people smile again and she now believes in their cause. She left her destroyed home to Zuuri to join the front of the Diglad Suppression Army.
- She pilots the Kane Wolf
[edit] Villains
- Major Zairin
- The first member of the militaristic nation of Digald to be encountered by Ruuji. He unintentionally damages the generator at Ruuji's village and becomes an on/off antagonist for them. Apparently suave and charming, he can also be ruthless in combat. Nonetheless, he prefers to conquer territories and cities rather than demolish them, in contrast to other Digald commanders such as Georg.
- He was inducted into Diglad when its forces attacked his village, in episode 24 he witnesses the pollution that Digald's industry has spread, and the suffering of former villagers.
- He pilots a MegaRaptor, a larger version of the Digald Bio-Raptor, with claws that can block metal Zi weapons. After he was defeated by Ruuji in Hayate Liger Zairin was rescued and was given Bio-Volcano.
- His Japanese VA is Yasunori Matsumoto.
- General Jiin
- The son of Digald's leader, and the main sponsor of Major Zairin. He took appreciation for Zairin's capabilities and considers him one of his most trusted subordinates.
- Georg
- A harsh and judgmental Digald commander with a prosthetic gun over his left hand. His ruthless attitude and strategic planning allow Digald forces to occupy the city of Ze Ruft. Although he has no tolerance for those who oppose Digald, he has a certain amount of respect for Ra-Kan as a warrior.
- He pilots Bio-Tricera, a Triceratops-like Zoid, powerful and well-armored, although promptly defeated by Hayate Liger in episode 19.
- His Japanese VA is Ishii Yasutsuga.
- Captain Felme
- A blue-haired Digald pilot, she first speaks in episode 23. She's often seen in compromising situations, but she doesn't care if someone is watching her bathing or barely covered. She's often teamed up with Souta as a team to help defeat the Digald Suppression Army, but she only considers her partner as a tool.
- She pilots Bio-Ptera, a flying Digald Zoid.
- Souta
- A white-haired teen Zoid pilot who admires challenging opponents, first appears in episode 24. Although Zairin closely follows Ruuji's progress as a rival, Souma's melee Zoid and skill make him more of a counterpart.
- He pilots the Zoid Bio-Kentro, based on a Kentrosaurus.
[edit] Zoids
Despite the disaster a thousand years ago, Zoids are still in use by the nations and cities of planet Zi. The main difference between other series is the use of a substance called Regel. Originating from a series of tree-like generators that help to maintain the planet's ecosystem, it is an orange, sap-like fluid which Zoids depend on. It is possible that Zoids use it for maintenance functions, like lubricant oil, rather than as an energy source, due to the sheer size and the intake size needed; it may also be used in this way to prevent Zoids from spreading too far from human control.
Note: This section only includes Zoids that do not possess their own article at this time. For information on these Zoids, see each Zoid's respective article.
[edit] Protagonist Zoids
The seven Zoids used by the protagonists are all armed with a metal Zi weapon, capable of disintegrating Digald armor. Because of their inferior numbers, they are occasionally overwhelmed by greater forces.
[edit] Murasame Liger
A liger-type Zoid piloted by Ruuji.
[edit] Sword Wolf
Ra Kan's wolf-type Zoid
[edit] Lancestag
A Moose type Zoid with a Metal Zi lance and possibly its thick antlers as well, which can crush Zoids caught in its grasp. It also has a spiked shield over its left shoulder that can extend outwards to block attacks. Fast and mobile, it can also use its lance as a pole-vault stick to leap over walls.
The Lancestag Break was the upgraded form of Mii's Lancestag. It's front antlers were replaced with tougher and larger versions. Though these antlers have unknown offensive capabilities, they could take a blow from the Bio-Volcano and survive intact.
It seems this Zoid is not unique as numerous Lancestags have been shown in the show. Lancestags were present in Kida-Han's army while Zuuri managed to salvage numerous Lancestags. However, it should be noted that these Lancestags are probably not armed with Metal Zi lances. Zuuri's Lancestags are all under the command of Ra Kan
Piloted by Mii.
[edit] Rainbow Jerk
The only protagonist Zoid that can fly, it resembles a hybrid of peacock and crane. Due to a lack of apparent engines and its sheer size, it is likely that is uses some form of resonance-levitation to fly. Its ornate wing feathers are metal Zi, which can slice through Digald Zoids in flight. Its long range weapon can only be activated when standing, in which its tail plates unfold sideways like a fan and generate an intense ultrasonic pulse that disorients opponents, although those underground are unaffected, such as Molgas or Viper-types, as are Bio-Zoids.
Rainbow Jerk distinguishes iself as an excellent scout or fast transport Zoid. For much of the first half of the series Digald has no effective counter to it save using Bio-Raptors as anti-aircraft units. After the Bio-Ptera and Bio-Raptor Gui enters service, Rainbow Jerk will have a harder time in aerial combat. Rainbow Jerk was upgraded with TurboBoosters midway through the show, allowing it to temporarily boost its speed and outrun pursuing opponents.
Piloted by Kotona.
[edit] Deadly Kong
A large Gorilla-like Zoid that uses its sheer power to defeat others. In a flattened backpack known as a Hellbox are a pair of spindly metal Zi claw-tipped arms, usually concealed from view, although a tracking eye on its back allows it greater range. The Deadly Kong is also able to wield a Metal Zi-tipped scythe. Its left forearm is usually covered by a set of large bandages, but when in times of extreme stress, a set of radial gripping claws are revealed from beneath it. When this occurs, Deadly Kong attacks any Zoid around it until either its Regel is exhausted or there are no more Zoids. An exception to this comes when Ruuji stands in its path to prevent it from demolishing fleeing Digald transport Zoids.
Piloted by Garaga.
[edit] Bamboolian
A compact Zoid resembling a panda. Armed with a set of curved blades on either shoulder, it has excellent turning capabilities. It also carries a set of multi-purpose rockets resembling bamboo shoots on its back. These can be fired to create a smokescreen, or a set of projectiles that release glowing crystal-like shards that impale attacking Zoids.
The upgraded Bamboo Lion also has a pair of lances able to extend outwards similar to the Bio-Tricera's, though the capabilities of the other upgrades are still unknown. Ron's first Bamboo Lion was used to distract Volcano in an altercation and the self destruct sequence was activated to give Ruuji and Mii enough time to run. The zoid was destroyed in combat, but not the pilot, and Ron recovered his "spare" Bamboolian afterwards.
Piloted by Ron.
[edit] Soul Tiger
A zoid that resembles the Rayse Tiger, except that its white and the "energy lines" are red not green. It has four large claws on each paw and is very fast.
Piloted by Seijuurou
[edit] Baratz
A common Zoid used for transport, resembling a centipede. Each segment holds a crate or box on top.
[edit] Beam Tortoise
A tortoise-like Zoid with an energy weapon on its shell.
[edit] Shadow Fox
In this series they are part of a guerilla force that joined up with Ra-Kan's resistance group, but they are less appreciated than the New Century Zero series. The versions in this series only seems to focus on their maneuverability and shooting. The New Century Zero Shadow Fox was equipped with advanced sensor technology, Strike Laser Claws, smoke screens, an adaptable primary weapon, and a net weapon. These features are not revealed in Genesis.
[edit] Elephander
They are a devastated guerilla force called the Elephander that joined Ra-Kan, but their leader had little confidence in Ra-Kan and advanced ahead without team work. Because of the guerilla leader's poor tactics he alone barely survived his group's demise.
[edit] Sabre Fang
In the story the Sabre Fang's serve under Tize.
[edit] Brastle Tiger
Tize once served Ra-Kan and Ruuji recruited him to aid in Ra-Kan's resistance. Tize is far more competent than the other guerilla groups and listen to Ra-Kan's wisdom. Tize's Zoid has the ability to release several beams of high frequency energy which on impact turn the ground into puddle of lava. This is referenced earlier as, "Banzai for the Red Hot Tiger"
[edit] Command Wolf
The Command Wolf's in this series is also a guerilla group aiding Ra-Kan. Their weapons complement is that of Century Zero and Chaotic Century. A single gun on the back for high maneuver shooting.
[edit] Kane Wolf
This zoid is a derivative of the Konig Wolf. Just like the Konig Wolf, it applies advance visual sensors for combat advantage in the battlefield. The only difference is that the Kane Wolf uses long range assault weapons as to melee and high speed combat with the Konig Wolf. The Kane Wolf is piloted by Danbul.
[edit] Digald Zoids
The militaristic nation of Digald has been steadily expanding across planet Zi, meeting little opposition. Occupied cities have their populations used for forced labor or as Zoid pilots. The key to their success has been in a silver-plating over their Zoids, which is immune to beam-weaponry. However, it is extremely vulnerable to high temperatures, or the effect of weapons made from a substance called metal Zi. Upon contact with either of these, the silver-coating melts and evaporates, and the internal crimson structure disintegrates, leaving only beached white skeletons. Zoids piloted by higher-ranking officers have gold claws or spikes that can block metal Zi weapons, though these are rare. The pilots, unlike most Zoids, remain suspended in a dark cockpit, and wear bulky suits with connecting wires to control their Zoids. Most are controlled using humanoid drones with rotary, three-eyed helmets. Later model commander-type Biozoids such as the Bio-Volcano and presumably the BioKentro have armor made of crystal that are completely resistant to Metal Zi weapons.
[edit] Bio-Raptor
The standard soldier for Digald forces (after Velociraptor), in addition to its teeth and clawed hands and feet, each has a plasma/flame weapon in its mouth that can either send a fiery blast as a blowtorch would, or a concentrated burst of plasma for greater distance. Its mouth, however, is extremely vulnerable, even to projectiles.
[edit] Bio-Raptor Gui
A BioRaptor modified for flight, with the forelimbs modified into wings.
[edit] Bio-MegaRaptor
A similar model to the BioRaptor, approximately 2 or 3 times larger, armed with a set of golden, metal Zi-resistant claws.
The original BioMegaRaptor could only be piloted by Zairin, but after his defeat the combat data gained from his unit was used to mass-produce the BioMegaRaptor. These mass-produced versions are virtually identical save that they can be piloted by other people and have purple instead of golden claws. After the first Bio-Megaraptor was destroyed in battle, Zairin was upgraded to testing Bio-Volcano.
Piloted by Major Zairin.
[edit] Bio-Tricera
A powerful quadruped Zoid (after a Triceratop). In addition to its plasma gun in its mouth, and thick tail and jaws, its horns can also extend as segments connected by wires, becoming twin tendrils that can impale and strike distant targets, even those underground. Bio-Tricera was defeated by Hayate Liger, killing Georg in the process.
Piloted by Georg.
[edit] Bio-Ptera
A Digald Zoid (after a pterodactyl) capable of flight, it resembles a Pteranodon. Armed with a mouth-enclosed plasma gun and a set of cannons on its wings, it first engages the RainbowJerk in episode 21.
Piloted by Felme.
[edit] Bio-Kentro
A quadruped Zoid (after a Kentrosaurus) with a double row of spikes running down its back, a scythed tail called a Backlance and movable twin blades known as Beast Slayers at its shoulders, first seen in episode 24 against three fox-type Zoids. Its specialty is melee combat, and combined with its prodigy pilot, it's the Digald counterpart to Ruuji. The BioKentro seems to be much slower compared to the Murasame Liger
Piloted by Souta.
[edit] Bio-Tyranno
A large Zoid (after a T-Rex) seen in the revised intro in episode 24.
[edit] Bio-Volcano
A modified BioMegaraptor, seen in episode 27. After being defeated by Ruuji, Major Zairin receives this Zoid, which has spines and armor completely resistant to Metal Zi. It also has a will of its own, which puts great strain on the pilot.
[edit] Episode list
- Raid
- Bio Zoid
- Setting Off
- City of Beginnings
- Duel
- Mountain Hideout
- Mountain of Grief
- Underground in Water
- Hot Springs Village
- Hesitation
- Travelling Companions
- Infiltration
- Control
- Escape
- Dispersal
- Encounter
- Anger
- Reunion
- Crimson
- Determination
- Homecoming
- Vow
- Hayate
- Pride
- Advance
- River of Mist
- Road to Recovery
- Legend
- Secret
- Forest of Evil Spirit
- Person Left Behind
- Person of the Sky
- Omen
- Assault
- Ambush
- Night of Rebellion
- Invasion
- Charge
- Enter the Fortress
- Bio Particle Gun
- Coup
- Secret Meeting
- Key
- Takeoff
- Inheritance
- Fatal Flaw
- Farewell
- Divine Thunder
- Decisive Battle
- Rebirth
[edit] Theme songs
- Opening
- "Yotaka no Yume/Nighthawk's Dream" by Do As Infinity
- Endings
- "Real Love" by PARADISE GO!!GO!!
- "Arino Mamade Lovin'U" by Shizuka Ito (Kotona) & Kimiko Koyama (Re Mii) (First Airing eps 29)
- "Nigirishimeta sono Te ni" by Shizuka Ito (Kotona) & Kimiko Koyama (Re Mii) (First Airing eps 43)
[edit] External links
- Official Zoids Genesis homepage
- Zoids Genesis Online
- Zoids Genesis (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
