Gravion Volume 3: Upgrade - Underland Online
- Underland Online
- Mike
- 09/01/04
- click here
Gravion Vol. 3: Upgrade
Sometimes it?s nice to see an old concept get revamped. In the case of
Gravion, a more modern and relatable approach to the mecha genre has taken place. The show focuses around a cool butt-kicking giant robot; that forms from the combination of other vehicles,
Voltron style. Oh and on top of that, its piloted by six young and attractive pilots with interesting personalities; four female, and two male. Its full of action, intrigue, and mystery. This volume ?Upgrade,? is the last set for the first season, but don?t expect any real closure or answers from it.
The basic premise of this show is that an eccentric billionaire, who owns amazing technology, has discovered the presence of an alien attack force coming to Earth. He uses his resources to build a giant robot that is made up of various vehicle pieces. It uses the forces of gravity to pull off some its transformation, and its amazing techniques. This robot, Gravion, is Earth?s best hope for survival, but it can only be piloted by people with some sort of G-factor that allows them to withstand the amazing forces of gravity that the Gravion uses to function. Six young pilots have been recruited to pilot the Gravion, and become Earth?s saviors.
This volume starts out with several of the Gran Knights out on a day of shopping with the castle maids. Unfortunately a Zeravire attacks the city in the middle of our heroes? outing. During the chaos, one of the maids, Cecile, is captured by the Zaravire. Eiji goes to try and save her, but that means he can?t join the others in battle. Fortunately Sandman has just upgraded the vehicles with a Phantom System that can allow the ships and Gravion to operate without a full roster of pilots. Before Eiji can save Cecile, Toga prepares to attack the Zeravire. This enrages Eiji, who talks the knights into holding their ground. Fortunately, Eiji saves Cecile in time, so that the Gravion can finish the Zeravire off. When they get back, Eiji takes out his frustration on Toga, and quits the Knights. The Gravion is down a pilot, but can the Phantom System replace him for long?
These episodes stay pretty action packed, and never really get into the big mysteries that the show has seen so far. Mysteries like: what happened to Eiji?s sister, what?s the deal with Sandman, and why the hell are the Zeravire attacking Earth anyway? Considering these are the last episodes of the season, I was hoping for at least some answers.
The animation in this show is great. I love the coloring and smoothness, and beautiful quality of it. The Robot and vehicles are well-designed, and the backgrounds and environments are flawless. I also love the look of the characters. The endowment of Mizuki is a little over the top, but I guess I can?t complain too much. Also, along that line; it seems like there?s an awful lot of up skirt type shots. It makes me wonder if the authors or animators might have a fetish.
I really liked the special features in this set. Along with the standard open and close, there is a set of design sketches, and Japanese music videos (clips form the show set to the music from the show). What I love are the two window clings of Leele and Ena, and the package insert that gives all sorts of tidbits of info, plus the final chapter of a written side-story. Definitely some of the coolest features I?ve seen outside of a boxed set.
This show is a wonderful interpretation of the mecha genre. It is filled with excitement and energy, which kept me interested the whole time. I like that it is fast-paced, funny, and has a lot of intrigue. When it comes down to it, Gravion is just a really cool show. I?m anticipating the next season, and hopefully it will finally answer some of those questions. ?Fellows of the Gran Knights?combine!?
Episode 10 ? Crack
A Zeravire attacks while the Gran Knights are on a shopping excursion with the maids. Cecile is captured by the monster, and Eiji goes to her rescue. With one Knight out of the battle, the Phantom System must be enabled to take up the slack.
Episode 11 ? The Thing That Was Lost
Eiji left the group, and Toga must deal with what happened, and grow from his experiences. Leele takes off to try and convince Eiji to come back. When a Zeravire attacks, neither Leele nor Eiji can be reached. That leaves only four pilots to run the Gravion.
Episode 12 ? Because You?re With Me
With only four Gran Knights at the helm, the Gravion is not at full power. The Zeravire is putting up quite a fight. Finally, Leele and Eiji join the fray, and things are looking up.
Episode 13 ? White Steel Fang
A new type of Zeravire attacks a Government base. When it is finished, it just sits and waits, not causing further destruction. Sandman feels that the Zeravire has evolved with the goal of defeating Gravion. The Gran Knights feel they can win and decide to take the challenge. They find that they are outmatched though. Then Sandman sends a new weapon, the sword White Steel Fang.
Posted on Wednesday, September 01, 2004 (Archive on Friday, October 01, 2004)