Elemental Gelade [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 26]

Elemental Gelade: A Hidden Gem with a Heartfelt Ending

When it comes to anime, few things are as satisfying as a well-executed ending—especially in a world where bittersweet or outright tragic conclusions seem to be the norm. Elemental Gelade (or Erementar Gerad), the 2005 fantasy adventure anime produced by XEBEC, is one of those rare series that manages to stick the landing. Directed by Shigeru Ueda and featuring a soundtrack by the legendary Yuki Kajiura, this 26-episode journey follows rookie sky pirate Coud and his bond with Ren, an Edel Raid—a mystical being with the power to transform into a weapon.

The Journey to Edel Garden

The story kicks off with Coud, a young and somewhat naive sky pirate, stumbling upon Ren, an Edel Raid who has been sealed away for years. Their meeting sets off a chain of events that leads them—along with a colorful cast of allies—on a quest to reach Edel Garden, the birthplace of Edel Raids. Along the way, they face off against enemies, uncover secrets about Ren’s past, and navigate the complexities of their growing bond.

One of the standout aspects of Elemental Gelade is its world-building. The setting of Guardia, where humans and Edel Raids coexist (albeit uneasily), feels rich and immersive. The lore of the Edel Raids—living weapons with their own wills and emotions—adds depth to the story, especially as Ren’s character evolves from a passive weapon to a fully realized individual.

What Fans Loved (and Didn’t Love)

Diving into fan discussions, it’s clear that Elemental Gelade left a lasting impression, though opinions are mixed. Here’s what stood out:

The Ending: A Rare Happy Conclusion

The finale of Elemental Gelade is where the anime truly shines. Many fans praised it for being emotionally satisfying, with Ren and Coud’s relationship reaching a heartwarming climax. One fan on MyAnimeList gushed, “This ending made me almost forget all the stupid people with stupid opinions that this anime contained.” Another added, “It’s rare to see an anime where the couple actually ends up together.”

The final scenes, where Coud and Ren embrace their future together, were particularly beloved. Fans adored Ren’s new outfit (a recurring point of praise) and the sense of closure the ending provided. “The ending was just how I wanted it to be,” one viewer wrote. “I d’awwed when Coud picked Ren up and ran with her toward their ship.”

The Music and Animation

Yuki Kajiura’s soundtrack is another highlight. The violin-heavy score, described by one fan as “striking and full of emotion,” elevates key moments, especially in the finale. The animation quality, while inconsistent in earlier episodes, peaks in the final battles, with one commenter noting, “They really broke out the good animation in this one.”

Criticisms: Predictability and Pacing

Not everyone was completely sold, though. Some fans felt the series was too predictable, with one stating, “It was TOO MUCH PREDICTABLE, sorry to say that.” Others criticized the middle episodes for dragging, particularly due to certain characters (like Viro) who were seen as annoying. “First 16 or so episodes I totally loved,” a fan admitted, “but the next ones were absolutely ruined for me by Viro.”

Despite these flaws, the general consensus is that Elemental Gelade is a solid, if underrated, anime.

Final Verdict: A Classic Worth Revisiting

Elemental Gelade may not be perfect, but it’s a charming adventure with a heartfelt core. The relationship between Coud and Ren is the driving force, and their growth—both individually and together—makes the journey worthwhile. The ending, in particular, is a masterclass in delivering emotional payoff without unnecessary tragedy.

For fans of fantasy, romance, and classic anime storytelling, Elemental Gelade is a hidden gem. As one viewer perfectly summed it up: “This anime sure had a lovely story and character development and a final conclusion!”

So, if you’re looking for a series with a satisfying ending and a touch of old-school charm, give Elemental Gelade a shot. You might just find yourself falling in love with Ren and Coud’s world—and wishing, like many fans, for a second season that never came.

Rating: 8/10
“A flawed but heartfelt adventure with one of the best endings in anime.”