Star Driver - Takuto of the Radiance
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Sing Out Your Youth!
I am late for the party as usual and realize I've missed something interesting for the Fall 2010 anime season. The director-writer duo Takuya Igarashi and Yoji Enokido of Ouran Highschool Host Club are together once more time, and they produce a mecha anime! For the long-time anime fans, Yoji Enokido was also responsible for Revolutionary Girl Utena, one of the pretty memorable series.
This new brainchild of the duo is called Star Driver: Takuto of the Radiance (Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto in original Japanese). A very, very colourful series (the hair colour of the cast is nothing, just wait until the mechs fight), and much has been said about the show's FABULOUSNESS to the point that it becomes somewhat hackneyed (but it's still fun to say that). Plus the two male main characters are voiced by Mamoru Miyano and Jun Fukuyama, who have participated in two also very colourful series Ouran and Code Geass. As of episode 5, nothing much is reveal. Roughly half an episode is slice-of-life (if it can be called so) and the other half is for fighting. But hints are dropped all over the place, encouraging the over-thinkers to go rampant on their theorizing. Plus the animation is so pretty, something studio BONES (known for productions like Cowboy Bebop and RahXephon). So let's see what come up next!
ED: roughly 10 episodes later, I appreciate how intricate the storytelling of Star Driver is. If you are in doubt, just see the speculations piling higher and higher after each episode. The crazy flamboyancy is certainly an attraction, but the tiny details dropping here and there will keep viewers busy during the wait for next episode.
Star Driver is licensed :D
Another note: Again, I try to keep the lens PG, which this show is not even if they have not done anything too explicit so far (besides a bit of nudity). Especially for a not-so-innocent mind such as mine.
This new brainchild of the duo is called Star Driver: Takuto of the Radiance (Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto in original Japanese). A very, very colourful series (the hair colour of the cast is nothing, just wait until the mechs fight), and much has been said about the show's FABULOUSNESS to the point that it becomes somewhat hackneyed (but it's still fun to say that). Plus the two male main characters are voiced by Mamoru Miyano and Jun Fukuyama, who have participated in two also very colourful series Ouran and Code Geass. As of episode 5, nothing much is reveal. Roughly half an episode is slice-of-life (if it can be called so) and the other half is for fighting. But hints are dropped all over the place, encouraging the over-thinkers to go rampant on their theorizing. Plus the animation is so pretty, something studio BONES (known for productions like Cowboy Bebop and RahXephon). So let's see what come up next!
ED: roughly 10 episodes later, I appreciate how intricate the storytelling of Star Driver is. If you are in doubt, just see the speculations piling higher and higher after each episode. The crazy flamboyancy is certainly an attraction, but the tiny details dropping here and there will keep viewers busy during the wait for next episode.
Star Driver is licensed :D
Another note: Again, I try to keep the lens PG, which this show is not even if they have not done anything too explicit so far (besides a bit of nudity). Especially for a not-so-innocent mind such as mine.
Apprivoise!!!
The mechs of Star Driver universe (called "Cybody") do not run around all over the place. They operate in "Zero Time", a kind of parallel dimension, and time stops when they are activated. There are four Maidens carrying four "seals" to prevent these absurdly powerful Cybodies from being abused. A mysterious group called "Order of the Glittering Stars" try to kidnap the maidens and "break" the seals. Naturally, these villains need to be stopped. The grand warrior for this task is *drumroll* "The Galactic BISHONEN" (bishonen = pretty boy, but if you watch anime you probably know this already). Take that seriously, because the antagonists freak out when they hear that name! Our hero bears a mark indicating his special status in the show, the same goes for other "special" characters. Those marks and the corresponding Cybodies are named after the Phoenician alphabet .
Drama is a very visible theme in the series, both visually (just look at the mechs' design and the piloting outfits. No, there is no "technical" piloting suit in this series. Everything must be as theatrical as possible) and story-detail-wise (I think the infamous "Galactic Pretty Boy" thing falls under this as it emphasizes the showmanship style of the mech and its pilot. And Zero Time does seem to be stage-like, as in something connected but not completely belong to real life, considering that people act different yet somehow still reflecting their real-life persona). It's unclear yet if there is something more. In addition, as stated above, there are lots and lots of symbols and thematic details going around. For words from the creators themselves regarding the stage thing, check out this interview
Drama is a very visible theme in the series, both visually (just look at the mechs' design and the piloting outfits. No, there is no "technical" piloting suit in this series. Everything must be as theatrical as possible) and story-detail-wise (I think the infamous "Galactic Pretty Boy" thing falls under this as it emphasizes the showmanship style of the mech and its pilot. And Zero Time does seem to be stage-like, as in something connected but not completely belong to real life, considering that people act different yet somehow still reflecting their real-life persona). It's unclear yet if there is something more. In addition, as stated above, there are lots and lots of symbols and thematic details going around. For words from the creators themselves regarding the stage thing, check out this interview
A beautiful mech over a beautiful background
Dramatis Personae
The "Key"
Everything revolves around this young lady named Wako Agemaki. She is the chosen one that the antagonists seek to capture and the protagonists to protect. But she has a life and a dream besides being the barrier between tranquil normality and complete disaster, which naturally causes her a lot of stress and problems.As stated above, Wako is the anchor of the show because of both her power and her relationships with the main cast. Her wishes and decisions influence the others and set into motions everything else. She also has a very active imagination, that gives things to behold.
"It's a pinch!" (English in the original Japanese audio)
Ladies and gentlemen, this is a boy who would swim across the sea when he misses the ferry, risking his own life because he is so excited for his new "fabulous" school life (this, together with the flamboyant art style, prompts the nickname for the show). However, whether he knows beforehand what his new school life entails is unclear at the moment (ep. 6 to be exact) as he has a lot of reflective moments and obviously knows more than he lets on. Flamboyant and impulsive as he is, trust me when I say that he does know what he is capable of.So far the best (combat) Cybody user of the show, Takuto is also one of the nicest characters. His body mark indicates that he can enter Zero space without external equipment necessary for the less well-endowed. When his Cybody Taubarn (or Tauburn, not sure how that's spelled) is "summoned", he enters the battle with proper decorums and undergoes a magical-girl-like transformation, which grants him his glorious costume reminiscent of 18-century generals matching his equally decorated mech (just check the above screen cap).
Galactic Pretty Boy Cosplay
Found here
"Dazzling the Stage! Galactic Bishounen, Tauburn!"
Behold the dashing entrance :)
curated content from YouTube
"Would you count a mouth-to-mouth as a kiss?"
Calm and unflappably polite, Sugata Shindo is the prince of the school. If Wako is the dream of the boys, he is admired by many girls (until Takuto appears and shares the glory anyway). He also belongs to one of the local grand family. Sugata is engaged to Wako and is obviously fond of her, but keeps saying people should be allowed to have their own choices. As the quote indicates, he can be quite a snarker without losing his gentlemanly manner. The show being what it is, Sugata has his share of secrets as well.Speculations have already running about whether there is something else about Sugata under his nice exterior (more to the point, whether he will be the final boss). But for now, he is characterised by his quiet but intense concern for Wako and her well-being. He is also very friendly towards the newcomer of the school Takuto (and pretty much everyone else, really). For extra fun, the sub in Ep. 2 says Takuto's heart already belongs to him (Sugata), whatever that means (and let's not forget that one panel in ep.4).
He is connected to the Cybody Samekh.
Kiraboshi!!!
The Order of the Glittering Crux, an organization with an apparent obsession for masquerade Venetian-carnival-style and pompous rituals (the salute above should clue you in). They are antagonists because they want to release the Cybodies to the real world, and in order to do so, they try to kidnap Wako, which brings them into direct conflict with Takuto. The closest they have to a leader (or at least the most mysterious guy who seems to know everything) is an lethargic insomniac who asks a girl in a cage to tell him stories. However, apart from the easy guess "Power to conquer the world", nothing is known about the Glittering Crux motives, especially when they are such an eclectic bunch divided into factions that don't seem to get on well with each other.
Some smart people out there have noted how the factions in the Glittering Crux parallel with people the Little Prince met in the eponymous Saint-Exupéry classic , which is apparently confirmed by the creators (and "Galactic Pretty Boy" is inspired by the same book too).
Some smart people out there have noted how the factions in the Glittering Crux parallel with people the Little Prince met in the eponymous Saint-Exupéry classic , which is apparently confirmed by the creators (and "Galactic Pretty Boy" is inspired by the same book too).
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Faction: Banishing Age. Leader : Head.
"Head" is obviously a nickname and his real name is a major plot point. Considered an outstanding Star Driver by his crew, he has yet to be in action (until ep.16 anyway). Instead, he prefers lounging around and sprouting cryptic remarks. He knows what a good life is: once put a pretty girl in a cage but ultimately let her go. His Cybody is Reshbal, the appearance of which is basically a copy of Tauburn with blue instead of red. Needless to say, this has its reason. -
Faction: Bougainvillea. Leader: Ivrogne
A cold beauty with a reputedly equally cold heart. She is the head of a technical division and a daft hand at potion making. Her other secret identity seemingly contrasts with her position as a leader of the Crux.
The most mind boggling thing about her: her position is basically the same as Wako. She is the barrier between the reigning order (which doesn't seem so bad) and an unknown mess. But apparently she prefers the mess. -
Faction: Adult Bank. Leader: The President
A distractingly voluptuous beauty. Yet she is the head of the division that handles financial backing of the Crux as the name indicates. She is also a fearsome fighter. Her Cybody is the lion-themed Betreida. -
Faction: Filament. Leader: Scarlet Kiss
Heir to a clan that has lost its privilege, she is determined to restore the honor of her family by being a Crux Star Driver. Piloting the Cybody Peshent. -
Faction: Science Guild. Leader: Professor Green.
Her Cybody can be considered a game-breaker but her obsession with handsome youths is a severe disadvantage when our hero is the Galactic Pretty Boy.
A Great Glittering Crux Brigade Cosplay
Found here
Let's Make the Experience Even More Fabulous!
Sorry but I cannot resist making that statement
- The official site (in Japanese)
- Streaming
- Some interesting info on the symbols littering in the series. Check it at your own peril. On the other hand, I smell fodders for fanfic and wildguesses. You can also find interviews of the director and writer there. If you prefer something more official, check out the translated World of Star Driver , the promotional material for the series.
- LiveJournal Community.. The usual fare i.e. icons, fanfiction and information
- Reviews of the Show by Anime News Network.
The music
Besides the opening and the ending, the notable songs in Star Driver are "Monochrome" a.k.a. "Fish-girl's song" (you can find the lyrics here and get the song itself here) and the song often sung by Wako (lyrics here). "Monochrome" is featured whenever a battle in Time Zero starts while Wako's song, well, plays whenever she sings, signifying important emotional moments.
Now there is another song replacing "Monochrome" as combat song, sung by a girl called Mizuno (speculated, now confirmed to be a Maiden). This song is called "Innocent Blue" (lyrics). And after Mizuno's is the song of the East Maiden "Akiiro no Aria".
Befitting a show which encourages viewers to speculate wildly about every tiny details, you can be sure that the lyrics of the songs are being analysed to bits. You can download the Maiden Songs that have been released so far here
Now there is another song replacing "Monochrome" as combat song, sung by a girl called Mizuno (speculated, now confirmed to be a Maiden). This song is called "Innocent Blue" (lyrics). And after Mizuno's is the song of the East Maiden "Akiiro no Aria".
Befitting a show which encourages viewers to speculate wildly about every tiny details, you can be sure that the lyrics of the songs are being analysed to bits. You can download the Maiden Songs that have been released so far here
curated content from YouTube
Derivative Media
- Visual Novel Homepage
- Looks like there will be a Dating Sim, although apparently there are combats as well.
You can get a copy here
Other merchandise
- The Tauburn model. Because you cannot speak about a Giant Robot show without their shiny toys.
Before the curtains close...
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milkcananime
May 31, 2012 @ 10:42 pm | delete
- I like how Musicalcroc showcases the different characters! Thumbs up!
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Chadrew
Jan 31, 2011 @ 5:09 pm | delete
- It's like a gay version of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann :) Well, the fight sequences are quite impressive, but the story is a mess. Sadly I ended up dropping it after 6 episodes or so, it wasn't really my thing.
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Musicalcroc
Jan 31, 2011 @ 5:27 pm | delete
- Each to his own taste I guess. I follow it for the fun of guessing about what comes up next and making fun of all the deliberate camp. I also like the writer's other works Ouran and Utena so I want to see the whole story.
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by Musicalcroc
The anime dose of Fall 2010. I look forward to a nice ride.
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