"Reideen" is Japanese anime series that focuses on science fantasy with the use of mecha. The series is produced by "Production I.G" and is directed by Mitsuru Hongo. The series had recently finished airing its first run. Last episode was aired on September 1, 2007 on the Japanese TV network called "WOWOW." The series runs for about twenty-six episodes. This is one of numerous anime series that hasn’t been adapted from a manga. On the contrary, there is a manga currently in production that’s being adapted from the series itself. The series very much as an interesting premise as it seems that mathematics will play a strong role.
The main protagonist is a high school student named Junki Saiga. In the first episode, it’s revealed that Junki is gifted in the field of mathematics as he can come up with the answer to just about any equation. He’s had a normal routine until he received a phone call about his missing father who was an archaeologist and a researcher. They had finally found the remains of the father. However, the body of Junki’s father had in possession notes and very much significant artifacts that play in important role in the Reideen series.
A triangular mountain called "Japan’s Pyramid" looks to be very significant. The design itself should be a result of artifice instead of nature taking its part. Junki and his family visit the archeological dig site. There, Junki is given an ancient looking bracelet that has the name of "Reideen" inscribed on it. At that point, he meets the person that plays an important role in Junki’s life. The man is named Maedasaki Taro.
Things then pick up as a mechanical life form in the form of a robot then falls from the sky causing mass chaos and destruction. The Vigilance Corps which is the Japanese Self-Defense Force is dispatched to take on this monstrous robot. Everything is chaotic as the robot starts wreaking havoc. The robotic monster breaks the dam causing the water to floor everything and engulf Junki. At this moment, the bracelet comes to life as Japan’s Pyramid opens up.
Inside that pyramid is the robot named "Reideen." In that instant because of the bracelet, Junki becomes the pilot of Reideen and uses it to combat the robotic monster. Junki is very shocked to be inside the very core of Reideen as it looks to be apart of him. Humorously, Junki is shocked to see himself standing naked and without his glasses. Junki learns to use Reideen, he has to consider it an extension of his mind body and soul.
As the pilot of Reideen, Junki has to be careful. Any damage that Reideen suffers will be inflicted upon Junki’s body. This is very similar to Van’s predicament in the anime series of "Escaflowne." When Van’s machine called Escaflowne takes damage, he takes it as well. Only way he can be healed if Escaflowne is repaired as well.
Throughout the series, there are many attacks coming from different sides such as aliens forces wanting to take Reideen from Junki due to the power it possesses. Then there a group within the military that think of Reideen is a nuisance. Despite that, Reideen has an arsenal of weapons and abilities at Junki’s disposal that enable him to take on these threats. While dealing with all these threats, Junki will combat these colossal beast machines throughout the series leading him to take on the ultimate enemy or enemies.
He has items such as a God Wand that lets him find colossal beast machines that keep themselves hidden, a God Arrow enabling Reideen to shoot enemies, a flying ability known as God Bird, an underwater ability called God Marine, and so forth. With all these abilities, Reideen looks to be a fresh concept on the genre of mecha. This in a sense looks to be pretty similar to "Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion." The main characters pilot a giant mecha at the same time go to school like normal to conceal their true identities.
The graphics seem to look clean and well done. With the mecha, the 3D effects look to be pretty great and fit the feel of the series. The creators of Reideen have done a good job making the series different from the rest of the mecha-themed series.
It’s unknown if and when there will be an official release to North America. One can expect that a company like ADV or FUNimation will eventually purchase the license. But we won’t know for awhile if someone will purchase the North American license. Realistically, we can expect this series to be released to North American in about one to three years.