Movies

Forgotten Mecha Anime: Aquarion’s Struggle to Rise Above Evangelion

BBG News

One of the most renowned anime series, known for leaving an indelible mark on the medium and the mecha genre, is undeniably iconic. Several imitators have emerged over time, some even surpassing their predecessor in popularity. However, one such copycat has seen a recent release of another sequel, but the overall franchise has experienced a sharp decline in recognition.

Twenty years ago, the initial installment of Aquarion laid the groundwork for the larger Aquarion mecha series, drawing on elements from the popular show Evangelion as its inspiration. This similarity was a point of contention in the early stages of the franchise, but it certainly helped generate interest. Unfortunately, subsequent anime releases have been largely ignored, and this trend persists with the most recent Aquarion series.

Genesis of Aquarion Was 1 of Many Evangelion Copycat Anime

The 2005 Mecha Anime Failed to Get Out From Under Evangelion’s Shadow

The complex psychological aspects and religious influences in Neon Genesis Evangelion contributed significantly to its popularity. This has sparked numerous imitations, with the term “Evangelion clone” even becoming a recognized genre, particularly within mecha anime. These imitations often share similarities such as deep psychological exploration or religious symbolism, and in some cases, the way they handle their mechanical elements echoes Hideaki Anno’s work, as seen in the likenesses between Evangelion and others, including (which was also influenced by the Super Robot classic Brave Reideen). However, the extent of these similarities varies, and while some imitations are more surface-level, RahXephon, for instance, rises above being just a copycat due to its high quality. Regrettably, this opportunity for growth beyond a derogatory classification wasn’t fully realized in one 2005 anime, despite its minimal resemblance to Evangelion.

In a way that echoes Neon Genesis Evangelion, Aquarion is another mecha anime with spiritual undertones. However, while Evangelion draws from Judeo-Christian symbolism, Aquarion incorporates New Age elements into its narrative. Despite some shared themes and influences from the mecha genre, Aquarion failed to embody the spirit of anime, often feeling like a replica of superior works rather than a unique contribution. This is one reason it was labeled an Evangelion knockoff; it lacked the depth and originality needed to thrive on its own merits (besides the popular “Genesis of Aquarion” theme song). Nevertheless, its popularity led to several sequels.

None of the Aquarion Anime Sequels Were Big Hits

The Aquarion Follow-Ups Have Been Increasingly Overlooked

Seven years after the initial release of “Aquarion”, “Aquarion Evol” marked the first sequel to the original “Genesis of Aquarion”. This lengthy span between sequels isn’t unusual for the mecha genre, as “Aquarion” was released more than five years after its precursor. “Aquarion Evol” didn’t receive widespread criticism, but it also didn’t gain much attention. Given how significant the first “Aquarion” was, the relative lack of enthusiasm for the sequel was intriguing and demonstrated the minimal impact the “franchise” had made with its debut. “Aquarion Evol” received mixed to positive feedback from viewers who watched it, with many feeling it veered off course in its second half. Even when it was good, most critics found it lacking in the storytelling department and praised it more for its visuals. Consequently, it’s not surprising that its characters and plot didn’t captivate viewers enough to elevate the anime above its predecessor. However, some argue that at its best, “Aquarion Evol” surpassed “Genesis of Aquarion”.

In the Aquarion Love anime film, the narratives of the two main stories merged, but the third full anime series, Aquarion Logos, was intended to be an entirely different continuity. Unlike its predecessors, Aquarion Logos didn’t heavily feature the Aquarion mecha and its story often lacked direction. Critics found the plot and characters aimless, with little character development despite numerous learning opportunities. Surprisingly, the climax incorporated elements from the original Aquarion anime, but in a disjointed and confusing manner. The production seemed to be under-funded, which was ironic given the quality expected for such an anniversary project. Despite having 24 episodes, it felt rushed, and the inclusion of the theme song from the first Aquarion anime as an insert song in the finale only underscored the forced emotional moments in the story. Unfortunately, Aquarion Logos, a 10th-anniversary project, received similar criticism to other commemorative anime within the franchise.

The Newest Aquarion Anime Is an Overlooked Flop

Aquarion: Myth of Emotions Made the Previous Anime Look Good

In a departure from its predecessors, the upcoming anime titled “Aquarion: Myth of Emotions“, slated for release in 2025, marks the 20th anniversary project for the brand. Commencing its broadcast in January, this series boasts a significantly different visual style compared to previous Aquarion anime, particularly when it comes to the human characters. These characters exhibit a more stylized and arguably childish art style, mirroring trends observed across the mecha genre as a whole. Some might contend that this shift towards a less militaristic/mature and more generic anime aesthetic, intended to draw in viewers who typically shun mecha anime, has fallen short with the latest Aquarion series. Far from being a standout entry or sequel, it has been overshadowed by other titles and is critically regarded as the weakest anime within the franchise.

Myth of Emotions” is widely criticized for its poor storytelling and dull fight scenes, both of which are confusing and lack coherence. The characters and plot lack logic, the mecha battles fail to engage, and even extending it from 12 episodes to 24 might have only prolonged the tedious narrative. The ending was poorly executed, making the story even more disastrous. Since its release, it has been largely ignored by the anime community due to its questionable quality, providing little incentive for viewers to watch it. Its status as an anniversary project adds to the disappointing reputation of the franchise.

The Aquarion franchise has never truly thrived, even in its initial anime run. Attempting to expand it further often felt like an overreach, as many of its strongest aspects were borrowed from superior mecha series. Unfortunately, the creators failed to acknowledge this fact. Each new anime release became progressively muddled, managing a few peaks but also numerous valleys, suggesting a lack of clarity in the creative direction. There’s never been an essential Aquarion anime that kept fans hooked, which is a significant factor in its enduring mediocrity. At this juncture, it’s challenging to foresee a bright future for the franchise, especially given the rarity of Aquarion merchandise like Gundam plastic model kits. In essence, Aquarion is more of an aspiring franchise than even a faded brand, clinging desperately to the legacy of its mediocre origins in an attempt to justify further subpar adaptations. Currently, the mecha anime genre appears to be experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with new Gundam works and growing interest in classic series like Aquarion. However, Aquarion will likely never join the ranks of cherished mecha brands, and its imitation games in the past remain the only instances where it garnered any genuine attention.

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2025-04-28 06:42

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