Pushed out to the far reaches of the galaxy, the crew of the Solo Ship faces impossible odds of survival. With the Earth destroyed and the remnants of the Buff Clan pushing them to their limit, the Ideon shows as the last line of defense for the battered remains of humanity.
As the tensions of their last stand rack up on their minds, Captain Bes Jordan and pilot Cosmo Yuuki race against the clock to protect their final opportunity of survival, even as desperation eats away at the minds of their loved ones. Using any weapons left at their disposal, the crew desperately fight on to protect themselves in the cold clutches of space, punished with a final duel against Harulu Ajiba, who is now desperate to reclaim the honor lost in her father's eyes.
The story of Densetsu Kyojin Ideon: Hatsudou-hen (Ideon: Be Invoked) is a fascinating space epic where we see the characters experience a war of interstellar proportions. On the human-colonized planet Solo, archaeologists uncover an ancient alien civilization’s remains, leading to the discovery of a trio of mysterious gigantic vehicles. These objects, known as Ideon, are soon activated when the Solo colony faces the threat of invasion from an alien race called the Buff Clan.
Enveloped in the chaos, a young boy named Cosmo Yuki, along with a group of kids and adults, get thrown into the ferocious battlefront. They become the accidental pilots of Ideon, and together they experience extreme hardships, loss, and identity crises, all while unraveling the mystery behind the enigmatic power of Ideon!
Alright, let’s dive straight into the marvel that is Ideon: Be Invoked! It’s one of those rare old gems that resonate even with a contemporary audience. With perfectly balanced pacing, a heavy emphasis on character development, alongside a meticulously crafted mystery that unravels episode after episode – this series is the epitome of a classic space opera.
Firstly, the storyline is a beautifully spun galactic odyssey that doesn’t shy away from addressing the harsh realities of war. It constantly forces our heroes out of their comfort zones, lends them moments for growth but also exposes them to the volatility of their situation. The creator Yoshiyuki Tomino’s storytelling technique injectively infuses drama, action, and an ever-present element of mystery, making every episode a thrilling watch!
The character development is another stand-out trait of Ideon. These are not just faceless fodder pilots fighting an alien invasion. We see them battle trauma, confront their fears, fall in love, experience heartbreak, making us invest emotionally in their journey.
Comparatively, the animation quality might seem primitive to today’s standards. Still, given it was made in the early ’80s, Ideon packs impressive visuals for its time. The fights between the clunky Mechas and aliens are choreographed excellently, with the production retaining a rustic charm of hand-drawn animation.
The music is an alluring blend of melodious beats and intense symphonies, mirroring the series progression perfectly. The opening theme ‘Fukkatsu no Ideon’ is sure to get stuck in your head!
To wrap it up, Densetsu Kyojin Ideon: Hatsudou-hen is a masterpiece in the realm of classic Mecha Anime. From storytelling to character development, from music to the rustic charm of old-school animation, It’s an experience that’s rare to find. If you’re an ardent fan of space dramas or Mecha genre, Ideon: Be Invoked is worth buying or streaming. It might be over three decades old, but the emotional journey it takes you on has remained timeless. An anime classic done right!
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