Tag: Drama

Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond – A Thrilling Continuation of a Mecha Legacy

When Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond dropped its first 12 episodes, fans of the long-running mecha series were thrown right back into the chaos of humanity’s desperate struggle against the alien Festum. Picking up after Exodus, this installment wastes no time plunging viewers into high-stakes battles, emotional turmoil, and the kind of mind-bending sci-fi twists that the franchise is known for.

A Quick Dive into the Plot

The story kicks off with a gut punch: Soushi, a key figure in the fight against the Festum, is taken by an empath boy named Maris, who betrays Alvis. What follows is a desperate mission to retrieve Soushi while navigating the ever-present threat of the Festum. The stakes are higher than ever, and the emotional weight of the characters’ struggles is palpable.

One thing fans immediately noticed is how The Beyond throws you into the deep end. There’s no hand-holding here—just like the original series, it expects you to keep up. As one Reddit user put it: “This is like the beginning of the original series, viewer is thrown directly into the deep end without a lot of background, so much confusion… Fortunately, it all clears up in the next few episodes.”

Themes and Character Arcs

The series continues to explore themes of identity, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between humanity and the Festum. Characters like Kazuki and Maya, now veterans of the conflict, carry the weight of their past battles while trying to protect the next generation. Miwa, Kazuki’s niece, steps into the spotlight as a pilot, adding a fresh dynamic to the story.

Fans on MyAnimeList were quick to dissect the emotional beats. One commenter noted: “Maya and Kazuki are the remaining 1st generation who still pilot until now… Looks like she is more focused on protecting her niece, Miwa.” Another added: “Kazuki getting so old his hair is straight as heck. Kazuki became more OP, so he had to upgrade his mecha while Miwa, to my surprise, is now piloting it.”

The introduction of “Sero,” a mysterious figure resembling a fusion of past characters Seri and Reo, also sparked theories. “Did Seri and Reo assimilate or something? Sero does kind of look like a hybrid of the two,” one fan speculated. While others debated whether this was even possible given the events of Exodus, it’s clear that The Beyond isn’t afraid to keep fans guessing.

Animation and Soundtrack

Visually, The Beyond maintains the high-quality animation that the series is known for, with intense mecha battles and stunning space backdrops. The soundtrack, featuring another banger opening by angela, adds to the adrenaline-pumping atmosphere. As one viewer raved: “The whole episode was pretty much one big battle, and I thought it was really good. OST was great, and angela sang us another fantastic opening.”

Fan Reactions and Theories

The fandom’s reaction has been a mix of excitement and emotional devastation (because, let’s be real, this is Fafner—no one gets out unscathed). Some fans admitted they had to rewatch Exodus just to prepare for The Beyond. “It’s been 5 1/2 years since I finished Exodus, and I waited so long so I could binge-watch this. You know I had to rewatch the last episode before starting The Beyond. What a start!”

Others were left reeling from the episode’s twists. “Quite the start! Having Miwa in Mark Sein to begin really threw me off at first. And I really thought we were going to lose Rina in classic Fafner style for a minute there.”

Final Thoughts

Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond is a worthy continuation of a series that has always balanced mecha action with deep, philosophical storytelling. It doesn’t shy away from its roots, delivering the same intensity and emotional punches that fans have come to expect. Whether you’re a longtime follower or a newcomer brave enough to dive into this complex universe, The Beyond offers a gripping ride—one that leaves you desperate for more.

As one fan perfectly summed it up: “Holy crap! What have they done…?”

And honestly? We can’t wait to find out.

Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond – A Gripping Continuation of Humanity’s Struggle

When it comes to mecha anime, few series manage to blend existential themes, intense battles, and emotional depth as seamlessly as Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond. As the fifth installment in the Fafner franchise, this 12-episode continuation of Exodus doesn’t just pick up where its predecessor left off—it dives deeper into the chaos, sacrifice, and fleeting moments of peace that define humanity’s fight against the Festum.

A Theatrical Experience with a Story to Match

Originally screened in Japanese theaters in three-episode segments, The Beyond carries the weight of its cinematic roots. The first three episodes premiered on May 17, 2019, with the final trio dropping on November 5, 2021. The staggered release only heightened the anticipation, and fans who stuck around were rewarded with a narrative that’s as relentless as it is poignant.

The story follows the remnants of Alvis as they attempt to reclaim their homeland, Tatsumiyajima, from the Festum. But this isn’t just another battle—it’s a desperate bid for survival, layered with personal stakes and moral dilemmas. Characters like Kazuki Makabe and Soushi Minashiro return, their struggles mirroring the broader conflict: Can humanity coexist with the Festum, or is annihilation the only outcome?

Fan Reactions: A Mix of Confusion and Adoration

If there’s one thing fans agree on, it’s that The Beyond doesn’t hold your hand. One MyAnimeList user joked, “As usual with this series, I have no idea what’s going on, but that’s a given for this series at this point, and I have grown to like it anyways.” The complexity of the plot and the sheer number of characters can be overwhelming, but for many, that’s part of the charm.

The emotional beats, however, are impossible to miss. The first half of the season lulls viewers into a false sense of calm, with characters sharing rare moments of joy—only for the second half to deliver gut-wrenching battles and tragic losses. One fan noted, “They start the operation in hopes to recover Tatsumiyajima, and at the end, Seri returns in her Mark Zwolf.” The return of Seri, now with white hair, was a standout moment, sparking nostalgia and excitement.

Themes That Hit Hard

The Beyond doesn’t shy away from its core themes: sacrifice, identity, and the cost of war. The series has always been about the blurred lines between humanity and the Festum, and this installment pushes that further. Characters like Soushi and Kazuki embody the struggle—Soushi with his cold, calculated plans and Kazuki with his raw power and empathy. A fan hilariously pointed out, “LMAO at Soushi saying must be nice to be so calm since Kazuki is more powerful than everyone.”

The deaths, though frequent, aren’t just for shock value. They serve as reminders of the fragility of life in this war-torn world. One viewer lamented, “Misao finally died,” while another reflected on the emotional impact of flashbacks and character dynamics.

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch for Fans

Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond isn’t for the faint of heart. It demands attention, rewards patience, and leaves no room for half-hearted engagement. The animation, courtesy of XEBEC’s successor studio, is stunning, and the soundtrack (including a new Angela ending theme) elevates every scene.

For longtime fans, it’s a satisfying, if bittersweet, continuation. For newcomers, it might be a confusing but ultimately rewarding dive into one of mecha’s most underrated franchises. As one fan wisely put it, “Don’t waste your time if you’re not ready to commit—this series doesn’t do petty.” And honestly? That’s what makes it so special.

Rating: 8.5/10 – A flawed but unforgettable journey into the azure.