Eureka Seven, known in Japan as
Psalms of Planets Eureka
seveN (Japanese:
交響詩篇エウレカセブン Hepburn:
Kōkyōshihen Eureka Sebun,
literally "Symphonic Psalms Eureka Seven"), is a Japanese mecha anime
TV series by Bones.
Eureka Seven tells the story of Renton Thurston and
the outlaw group Gekkostate, his relationship with the enigmatic mecha pilot Eureka,
and the mystery of the Coralians.
Bandai produced three video games based on
Eureka Seven; two of them
are based on events prior to the show, while the third is based on the first
half of the show. Both the original concept of the anime and the video game
Eureka
Seven vol. 1: New Wave have been adapted into manga series as well,
although with many significant changes primarily at the end. The TV series has
also been adapted into a series of four novels and a movie.
A sequel anime and manga series,
Eureka Seven: Astral Ocean, was
released in 2012.
Synopsis
Eureka Seven consists of fifty episodes which aired from April 17,
2005, to April 2, 2006, on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and Tokyo
Broadcasting System networks. Almost all of the show's episodes are named after
real songs, composed by both Japanese and foreign artists.
The series focuses on Renton Thurston, the fourteen-year-old son of Adrock
Thurston, a military researcher who died saving the world. He lives what he
considers a boring life with his grandfather in a boring town. He loves
lifting, a sport similar to surfing but with trapar, a substance abundant
throughout the air, as the medium. He dreams of joining the renegade group
Gekkostate, led by his idol Holland, a legendary lifter.
An opportunity to do so literally falls into his lap when a large mechanical
robot, called the Nirvash typeZERO, and Eureka, its pilot and a member of
Gekkostate, crash into Renton's room. Renton's grandfather orders him to
deliver a special part to the Nirvash called the "Amita Drive", which
releases the immense power dormant within the typeZERO called the "Seven
Swell Phenomenon". Afterwards, Renton is invited to join Gekkostate, where
he quickly discovers that the behind-the-scenes life of Gekkostate is hardly as
glamorous or as interesting as printed in the glossy pages of their magazine,
ray=out.
Only one thing makes it all worthwhile for him: the presence of Eureka, the
mysterious pilot of the Nirvash. Renton, Eureka, and the Gekkostate embark on
an adventure that will shape their future as well as the world's.
Eureka Seven works on a wide variety of themes throughout its story.
One of the most obvious themes in the series is racial integration, presented
via the relationships in the series, e.g. Renton's with Eureka, who is not
entirely human. Religious tolerance and harmony is presented in the characters'
relationships and also the series' conflicts. Allegories of real world
conflicts and wars, current political climates from Japan and abroad,
depictions of surf culture and other subcultures and related musical movements
that span several generations, and ties to environmental movements. The series
also covers other more personal themes such as parenting, and family, along
with a very innocent view of puppy love/love at first sight from Renton and
Eureka.
Personal identity and protection
play a huge role for Renton and Eureka, as both of them say, "I am
me" in the series multiple times, and Renton has sworn to protect Eureka.
Continuing with themes addressed in previous series, responsibility and guilt
manifest most explicitly with repeating the phrase, "You're going to carry
that weight." The series works these themes, as well as the theme of
growing up and change, into the journey of Renton Thurston.
Song List Eureka Seven
