Both are clever mecha anime, but only Eureka Seven seemed to reach a favorable level of popularity. Here’s why RahXephon deserves another visit.
Of the variety of mecha anime that have appeared over the years, eureka seven is one that stands out, and for good reason. It’s distinct because the theme of romance is a driving force for the overall narrative, and also because of the anime’s visually lush display of the series’ unique sport known as reffing, a version of air surfing. Studio Bones’ one-off production was preceded by another mecha anime that was also quite unique, but was generally overlooked by anime fans.
RahXephon began airing in North America in 2002, three years before eureka seventhe debut of In addition to addressing basic themes of the genre such as war and extradimensional/terrestrial contact, RahXephonHis use of music as the force with which his mecha attack and can affect the world is a notable departure from the regular military methods of warfare seen throughout the genre. Both eureka seven and RahXephon they are unique explorations of the mecha genre and while they have some similarities, they are also extraordinary series in their own right. So why hasn’t the latter received an equally favorable legacy?
The mecha in both animes are not certain wicks by the fact that they are partially or totally organic, or completely mystical in origin. The Nirvash piloted by Renton and Eureka eureka seven, along with the other LFOs, are biomechanical hybrids. Similar to the evangelions in Neon Genesis Evangelion, LFOs consist of an organic skeleton on which control and shielding systems are placed. The skeleton comes from Scub Coral, the sentient alien life form that took over planet Earth.
Likewise, the Dolems in RahXephon they are instead huge clay beings controlled by Mulian through song. The RahXephon, on the other hand, is a humanoid mecha released from an egg that had been buried under Tokyo. The story then revealed that RahXephon’s “soul” is Reika, or Ixtli, whom he was helping guide the protagonist Ayato to his purpose. With its chosen pilot, the instrumentalist, the RahXephon is destined to act like a god and retune the world to reverse the effects of Mulian’s invasion.
Both animes also give a creative nod to music in their own way. eureka sevenThe episode titles reference song titles and subcultures, primarily in and around the 1980s. Some references include Afrika Bambaataa and “Planet Rock” by Soulsonic Force, “Morning Glory” by Oasis, and “Helter Skelter” by The Beatles. The Summer of Love incident that catapults the events of the series is also a reference to the rise of the Acid House genre in Britain.
RahXephonThe approach to music is more literal in execution, with music being a key aspect of the plot, and in the formation of key characters. The Mulian, the story’s interdimensional antagonists, pilot the Dolems through song and Ayato pilots the RahXephon as their instrumentalist in a similar way. Each of the Dolems that appear is named after musical terms, linking real-life musical concepts with the mystical power that brings these beings to life.
Although the two series offer exciting variations on the mecha genre, RahXephon he does not usually receive the same level of appreciation as his successor. However, the anime has many interesting aspects that make it stand on its own. Its conceptual use of music in the designs of the many Dolems, and the use of improvised jazz throughout the story, make for an equally engaging visual and auditory experience. RahXephon also bears similarity to Evangelion through Ayato’s search for purpose and his role as creator/destroyer of existence, but differs in its lack of focus on despair and existentialism, pointing to a more optimistic search for Ayato and the overall outcome.
Both eureka seven and RahXephon they are unique options to choose from in the vast sea of mecha anime available. While they may share some features, they hardly diminish the original aspects of the latter. The defining features of RahXephon what makes it stand out is its mystical, non-alien approach to the origins of its mecha, and its clever use of music as visual and thematic material to shape the story. He effectively blends a coming-of-age story with supernatural sci-fi elements, innovative character designs, and an eclectic integration of music, resulting in a visionary installment in the ever-evolving genre of mecha anime.
RahXephon is available to stream on HiDIVE.
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