Exciting news for Zegapain fans! The official website for Sunrise/Bandai Namco Filmworks’ Zegapain anime franchise recently unveiled a new sequel installment named “Olta Moda Arc,” which is set to introduce a fresh force into the Zegapain universe.
While the announcement left us eagerly anticipating more details, such as the medium and format it will take, there’s even more reason to celebrate. As part of the “Zegapain Project Reunion,” the franchise is set to rerun the original 26-episode 2006 Zegapain anime, starting October 1 on Tokyo MX. Stay tuned for updates on the rerun schedule, which will also feature the Zegapain ADP compilation film at a later, yet-to-be-announced date.
Zegapain is a hidden gem you stumble upon in the unending world of anime not always in the spotlight, but once discovered, you’ll wonder why you haven’t watched it sooner. This mecha anime, created by Studio Sunrise, takes you through a blend of science fiction, mystery, and a dash of romance.
The most loved element of Zegapain is its knack for blending action with philosophical questions about the nature of existence and the consequences of our actions. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions and plot twists that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
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Zegapain: Everything to Know
Zegapain is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise staff and manga artist Takehiko Itō. Produced by Sunrise, TV Tokyo, and Dentsu, it’s directed by Masami Shimoda, with series scripts by Mayori Sekijima. The characters are designed by Takehiko Itō and Akihiko Yamashita, while Ayako Ōtsuka composed the music.
The series first aired in Japan in 2006 on TV Tokyo, later appearing on BS Japan and AT-X. Bandai Entertainment released it in Region 1, with the final volume out in 2008. After Bandai Entertainment’s closure in 2012, Sunrise announced that Sentai Filmworks had taken over the distribution of Zegapain, among other titles.
To mark the series’ 10th anniversary, a compilation theatrical film titled “Zegapain Adaptation” with new scenes premiered in Japanese theaters in 2016.
The Plot
Average high school student Kyou Sogoru’s peaceful life in Maihama City, centered around swimming and video games, takes a dramatic twist when Shizuno Misaki invites him to jump into their school’s pool. This seemingly innocuous act throws Kyou into a war-fueled reality where humans pilot humanoid robots, the Zegas, against Gards-Orm, extraterrestrial adversaries.
United under the banner of Cerebrum, a rebel organization, humans fight to throw off the extinction threatened by the Gards-Orm. Amidst the chaos of combat and loss, Kyou’s perception of both his world and his existence undergoes a profound transformation.
If you’re seeking an adrenaline-pumping mecha show with robots duking it out, Zegapain might not be your cup of tea. However, if you’re ready to embark on a mind-bending journey through a world where the boundaries of reality and perception blur, then this underappreciated anime is worth your attention.
The characters in Zegapain are as well-developed as the plot. They aren’t the one-dimensional archetypes. They offer rich lores that blend into the narrative. As the characters evolve, so does the plot, as they deal with existential questions that challenge their perceptions of life and reality.
While Zegapain may have flaws in the visual department, its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, and skillful exploration of existential themes make it a must-watch for fans of the mecha genre. Don’t let its obscurity demotivate you; Zegapain stands tall next to Gundam.