Tag: Science Fiction

Eureka Seven: AO – A Sequel That Divided Fans

When Eureka Seven: AO (Astral Ocean) was announced as a sequel to the beloved 2005 mecha anime Eureka Seven, fans were ecstatic. Produced by Bones, the studio behind classics like Fullmetal Alchemist and My Hero Academia, expectations were sky-high. The series aired from April to November 2012, spanning 24 episodes, and followed Ao Fukai, the son of the original protagonists, Renton and Eureka. But did it live up to the legacy of its predecessor? The answer, according to fans, is a resounding—and often heated—mix of “yes,” “no,” and “what the hell was that?”

The Premise: A Promising Start

Set in a futuristic world where mysterious alien life forms called “Scub Coral” threaten humanity, AO introduces us to Ao Fukai, a 12-year-old boy living on the isolated island of Iwado. His life takes a dramatic turn when he stumbles upon the Nirvash, a giant robot once piloted by his missing mother, Eureka. As Ao becomes entangled in a conflict between warring factions and interdimensional threats, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth about his parents and his own destiny.

On paper, this sounds like a solid continuation of the Eureka Seven universe. The animation, courtesy of Bones, is undeniably gorgeous, and the soundtrack—featuring tracks from the original series—hits all the right nostalgic notes. Early episodes were praised for their world-building and the introduction of new characters like Fleur Blanc, a skilled pilot with a sharp tongue, and Truth, a mysterious antagonist with ties to the Scub Coral.

Where It Went Wrong: Fan Backlash

Despite its strong start, AO quickly became a lightning rod for criticism. The most common complaint? The convoluted plot. While the original Eureka Seven balanced mecha action with coming-of-age themes and romance, AO leaned heavily into time travel and alternate dimensions—a narrative choice that left many viewers scratching their heads.

Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit didn’t hold back:

• “This show shouldn’t have been made.” – One user bluntly stated that AO felt like an unnecessary cash grab, tarnishing the legacy of the original.
• “The ending was a train wreck.” – The final episodes, especially 23 and 24, were criticized for rushing through major plot points. Ao’s resolution—erasing himself from existence to “fix” the timeline—left many feeling unsatisfied.
• “Where was Renton?” – A recurring gripe was the lack of screen time for Renton Thurston, the protagonist of the original series. When he finally appeared, it felt too little, too late.

Some fans defended the series, arguing that the hate was overblown. One commenter pointed out, “People are acting like this was Guilty Crown. It’s not that bad.” Others appreciated the emotional payoff of seeing Renton and Eureka reunited, even if Ao’s fate was bittersweet.

The Good, The Bad, and The Confusing

What Worked:

1. Animation & Action – Bones delivered stunning visuals, particularly in the mecha battles. The Nirvash’s redesign and the aerial combat sequences were highlights.
2. Soundtrack – The music, including callbacks to the original series, was universally praised.
3. New Characters – Fleur and Truth added fresh dynamics, even if their arcs felt underdeveloped.

What Didn’t:

1. Overcomplicated Plot – Time travel and alternate dimensions muddled the story, making it hard to follow.
2. Rushed Ending – The final episodes crammed too much into too little time, leaving key questions unanswered.
3. Ao’s Fate – Erasing his own existence felt like a cop-out, undermining his entire journey.

Final Verdict: A Flawed But Ambitious Sequel

Eureka Seven: AO is a divisive entry in the franchise. For some, it’s a worthy successor with breathtaking animation and emotional moments. For others, it’s a messy, unnecessary follow-up that fails to capture the magic of the original.

If you’re a die-hard Eureka Seven fan, AO is worth watching—just temper your expectations. And if you’re new to the series? Start with the 2005 classic. As one fan put it: “The first Eureka Seven is special. This… show… never happened.”

Would I recommend it? Sure—but with a warning: brace yourself for a wild, confusing, and occasionally frustrating ride.

Rating: 6.5/10 – Flawed but visually stunning.

What did you think of Eureka Seven: AO? Love it or hate it? Drop your thoughts in the comments!