Series Recommendation: Aquarion Logos
All you need to do is call my name
For I am…the Saviour!
For I am…the Saviour!
Well, here it comes everyone. The distant relative that everyone pretended didn’t exist, but it’s not like it has nothing to offer. The fabled 3rd entry in the Aquarion series that – for all intents and purpose – depart from almost everything the previous two entries have built. That means forfeiting the pros but also evade some of the cons (or is it). Anyway, let’s take a look at this series: Aquarion Logos.
Aquarion Logos introduces a completely new concept. Instead of Dark Angels versus humanity, this time the invaders are…Kanjis – yes the Japanese language system has finally rebelled against humanity due to the manipulation of Kenzaki Sougon. He aims to wipe the written language from the Earth so we will return to the purity of the spoken language. Standing in his way is the organization DEAVA – who use Vector machines to combat the Kanji monsters. But in comes an extraordinary guy that claim to be a “Saviour”: Akira Kaibuki. Along with a team of diverse personalities, Akira set out to perform his “saving” and fight against Sougon’s plan.
+ Plot: Well, this new direction is certainly an interesting and unique concept that isn’t just different from the other Aquarions, but is quite different from other mecha series in general. The idea of turning “words” into hostile entities that warp the literal concept of the words in real world is actually quite interesting. Although that is the case, some execution on the concept feels a bit too reaching and sorta random. Sougon as a villain is not very compelling as his motivation wasn’t too properly explained and even then, it’s not a really good one.
The main cast is a somewhat breath of fresh air. Since there’s no focus on reincarnation stuff, every character seems like their own person more. Logos features a more contemporary cast – with personality fitting that of the current generation of youths at the time of release. Being a vlogger, being a seiyuu, being a politician, etc… they are very…realistic goals rather than just purely “combat the angels and protect the world” of the previous series. This create a different atmosphere for DEAVA as an organization and a contrast to the main character whose sole purpose seems to be “saving” others and practically nothing else. Akira on his own is a very peculiar protagonist and not very likeable, but thanks to Maia – his “Celine” in this series – the two manage to grow out of their shell and really brought each other up. Although Akira took a significantly longer time. I do believe Logos can cut many episodes and condense the plot more.
+ Plot: Well, this new direction is certainly an interesting and unique concept that isn’t just different from the other Aquarions, but is quite different from other mecha series in general. The idea of turning “words” into hostile entities that warp the literal concept of the words in real world is actually quite interesting. Although that is the case, some execution on the concept feels a bit too reaching and sorta random. Sougon as a villain is not very compelling as his motivation wasn’t too properly explained and even then, it’s not a really good one.
The main cast is a somewhat breath of fresh air. Since there’s no focus on reincarnation stuff, every character seems like their own person more. Logos features a more contemporary cast – with personality fitting that of the current generation of youths at the time of release. Being a vlogger, being a seiyuu, being a politician, etc… they are very…realistic goals rather than just purely “combat the angels and protect the world” of the previous series. This create a different atmosphere for DEAVA as an organization and a contrast to the main character whose sole purpose seems to be “saving” others and practically nothing else. Akira on his own is a very peculiar protagonist and not very likeable, but thanks to Maia – his “Celine” in this series – the two manage to grow out of their shell and really brought each other up. Although Akira took a significantly longer time. I do believe Logos can cut many episodes and condense the plot more.
+ Animation: The most well done yet worst looking of all three Aquarions. The character artstyle of Logos is seriously bad. Everything looks fine except the mouths. They are super small and move really weirdly whenever any of them talk, especially the male characters. The girls have it good since they look quite attractive and normal.
In terms of 3D mecha animation, the series did a very find job. The diversity of attacks and form really help create some form of uniqueness since the battle are mostly very brief. The Vectors individual scenes are actually quite good as well. Although this is Aquarion, and the weirdest one at that, so there are some battles that are REALLY, REALLY mindboggling. But when the plot demands it, the fight became much better.
+ Mecha Design: Unlike the previous entries, the Aquarion(s) in this series isn’t restricted to three-unit combo or humanoid shape but literally anything that the vectors can form. I do think the designer – Stanislas Brunet – came up with the designs for the Vectors – make them varied in shapes and then mash them up to come up with the forms. The creativity is quite commendable, but it doesn’t really feel…Aquarion at all. Although there are some units that adhere to the standard Aquarion style, the departure from the norm is both a bold choice and a risky one. Some of them feel right at home with an Aquarion series and some of them are pushing the absolute boundaries.
In terms of 3D mecha animation, the series did a very find job. The diversity of attacks and form really help create some form of uniqueness since the battle are mostly very brief. The Vectors individual scenes are actually quite good as well. Although this is Aquarion, and the weirdest one at that, so there are some battles that are REALLY, REALLY mindboggling. But when the plot demands it, the fight became much better.
+ Mecha Design: Unlike the previous entries, the Aquarion(s) in this series isn’t restricted to three-unit combo or humanoid shape but literally anything that the vectors can form. I do think the designer – Stanislas Brunet – came up with the designs for the Vectors – make them varied in shapes and then mash them up to come up with the forms. The creativity is quite commendable, but it doesn’t really feel…Aquarion at all. Although there are some units that adhere to the standard Aquarion style, the departure from the norm is both a bold choice and a risky one. Some of them feel right at home with an Aquarion series and some of them are pushing the absolute boundaries.
+ Music: If at first you mistook the series for a Macross series (particularly Frontier), then you’re not wrong. May’n aka Sheryl sung all the OPs and 1 ED for the series. One of the characters – Kokone – also sung one of the two EDs as well. As a series that emphasize the power of words, the first Ending is really nicely done. May’n still retains her top-tier form with her powerful and unique vocals that brings the sassy feel to the songs, as well as giving the feel of “love” to the series.
+ Conclusion: Overall, Aquarion Logos might as well be a separate series altogether and is just Aquarion by name. The concept, the execution and the settings are basically a complete reimagining of the base series, with a modern twist on some classic tropes. The settings is interesting, the 3D animation is well done, however the cast aren’t as engaging and compelling as others and the character artstyle isn’t very comfortable to pay close attention to. If you approach Logos, you need to discard everything you expect from the Aquarion series and just roll with the series, because it surely will surprise you with many things.
+ Conclusion: Overall, Aquarion Logos might as well be a separate series altogether and is just Aquarion by name. The concept, the execution and the settings are basically a complete reimagining of the base series, with a modern twist on some classic tropes. The settings is interesting, the 3D animation is well done, however the cast aren’t as engaging and compelling as others and the character artstyle isn’t very comfortable to pay close attention to. If you approach Logos, you need to discard everything you expect from the Aquarion series and just roll with the series, because it surely will surprise you with many things.
Check out more recommendations:
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.
A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.
A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.
A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.
Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.
New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!
Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.
A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?
The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.
A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.
With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.
Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.
Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.
If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.
A song that rings during the apocalypse. Vivy is a bold idea involving a century of fighting and yearning. Vivy will bring your visual and auditory sense to the max!
What is a true Ally of Justice? What kind of “Heroism” is worth fighting for? Linebarrels of Iron is a manga that you won’t be able to put down!
Hot-blood, explosive and FIRE! S-CRY-ed tells a badass yet emotional adventure of two youths on their way to unravel the truth of a world changed forever.
Absolute music, Absolute animation, and…Absolute LIVE! Macross Delta Zettai Live brought the emotional climax of Hayate and Freyja story to a breathtaking conclusion.
A hidden gem of a steam-punk mecha anime. Gad Guard literally start from a hidden “gem”. If you fancy some noir mecha x vigilante style with awesome OST, this is the series for you.
A man who lost everything decided to throw away himself for revenge. A mysterious threat from space with an unthinkable objective. Experience the masterful visual of Argento Soma.
An alternate and expansion of the famous “Doan’s Island” of Gundam 0079, Cucuruz Doan’s Island focus on the characters that further show us the cruelty of war.
The finale of the Sidonia no Kishi animated saga. Ai no Tsumugu Hoshi gives us the climax of the Gauna War and conclude the story between Tanikaze and Tsumugi.
