A great war devastated the civilizations of the world and greatly reduced of the human populace. The land itself reduced to one big barren desert and the surviving humans barely trying to live out their lives. Well, if it sounds like Sunabouzu but it’s not. Because in The Third: Aoi Hitomi No Shoujo goes a step further. Because now humans are being watched and ruled over by a strange breed of creatures who even govern what kind of technologies they can use! Wow. Humans need to be governed by somebody else other than their kind? Isn’t that as good as not existing? Oh well. We humans screwed up big time so I guess they needed some guardians of the galaxy to watch us so that we won’t make the same bloody mistakes again. It’s like our grounded period or something.
Episode 1
The council ponders about some mysterious object popping up on their radar and because they cannot detect what it is, they cannot permit it to exist! Fila Marique shows the trajectory of entry of this mysterious thingy from space. But since Jouganki is not around, the council refrains from making any decision and decides to get more data first. Now we see Honoka waiting for night fall to begin her mission to exterminate spider monsters residing in some decimated city in the outskirts. She kills them all but lets her guard down on the last one. Stuck in her web, thanks to her AI thank, Bogie blasting a hole in the big mother, she manages to get out alive. Back in town, greenhorn mechanic, Joey Toy tries to check and maintain Bogey but the tank won’t allow him. Even Honoka won’t allow him to do any simple checks. She compares him to the veteran, Zankan and that stops his bugging. Honoka and Bogie return to the desert where she lived most of her life and where many of her memories are. In the dead of the night, Bogie wakes up Honoka because he detects a lone human being targeted. She goes to check it out and not sure WTF this handsome Iks guy is doing in the middle of the sand. Yeah, giant ants going to eat him. Honoka fights her way through to bring him back to the tank. Seems he was just doing some insect watching? At this place and weird hour? Oh well, since he is a nice guy, it could be that Honoka is starting to fall for him.
Episode 2
Seems Iks was travelling alone but his vehicle broke down. Since he can’t repair it, he left and Honoka finds it dangerous since nobody should be moving outside during night time. Then why didn’t he wait for morning? Isn’t he moving with them now? Honoka gives up arguing with him. Fila reports to Jouganki about the council’s decision. He reminds her he has no absolute veto over it. Something about their job to protect and do what’s best for this planet. That is why The Third was created. Iks learns Honoka’s job is to do much about anything except kill humans. And Bogie’s job is like Honoka’s guardian, including overseeing her future. Wow. A battle tank has got to play her parent too, huh? Iks wonder why they are moving around at night since they did mention about its dangers. Honoka is on her way to meet Zankan and doing so in daytime would attract attention. When they arrive, they see bandits trying to hijack the ship of Zankan and his daughter, Millie. Honoka’s warning of slicing a tank in half has them realize she is the famed Sword Dancer so they flee. After father and daughter tease Honoka over her ‘boyfriend’, they get to business as Honoka wonders about the PSP she found for him to repair. Sorry, it’s not that handheld console. Powered Synchro Protector and basically a piloted exoskeleton. He promised to have fixed it by today but looks like it needs more time. Zankan explains more to Iks about such technology infringing some Technos Taboo and that’s why Inspection Force are out there. Basically they’re tinkering with something illegal. Another reason they are moving around at night too. With Bogie picking up signals of Jouganki, Honoka gets ready to meet him. However it’s just his hologram. He could see her in person if she would grant his wish. Nah. She’ll chop him up instead. Jouganki knows Iks and wants to talk to him. But the talk is short as he also knows she is harbouring PSP. Deny as you will but he can’t have her flouting the laws and sends a few upgraded bots to fight her. She easily cuts them all down but these weak bots are on purpose since it would be a shame to actually kill her. Though, he notes her skills have deteriorated. As Honoka pouts about this Jouganki dude, Iks helps sooth some of that pain by healing her bruise. Next day, Honoka and Zankan part ways, promising to meet in 10 days.
Episode 3
We see the Inspection Force forcefully apprehending a guy, separating him from his wife and baby. In the next desert town, Honoka parts way with Iks. Honoka reluctantly goes to see Dr Nor for her check-up. As she waits, his busty android maid, Meilin tends to her. Now this is why Honoka doesn’t want to see him because he makes a public announcement for Honoka to come to his room for her breast enlargement surgery!!! That pervy old man! She takes a look at her wrist injury and learns she has been fighting the latest mecha with her sword. He can tell Jouganki is involved and already told her not to get involved with him. After checking further medical data from Bogie, he still finds her wound suspicious and then realizes it is because of a man. He starts teasing her, causing her to be further embarrassed. It couldn’t get any worse when he also prescribes oral prescriptions for her! He warns her the Inspection Force has been getting active lately like as though they’re searching for someone. Honoka believes it could be Iks. Honoka goes about in town and doing odd jobs to earn some money. Then she notices a closed store and learns a raid the other day. As explained, humans are only allowed to use technology provided by The Third. Anything else is considered illegal AKA Technos Taboo and the Inspection Force can arrest you. Later Honoka sees Iks being friendly with the local kids. She takes him away to a bar to talk about him being a wanted man. Well, he doesn’t seem too worried about it. Before anything can start, the Inspection Force comes in. They have orders to bring Iks to Hyperion. What if he refuses? Then they will use force. Before Honoka could do her hadouken or something, Kevin the mercenary beats them up. The entire bar joins in the brawl so as to give their little sweetheart time to escape. Honoka thought this would be goodbye for real with Iks but then Iks wants to contract her for a job. See this gold he’ll pay? The job is that he wants to follow her around. He can’t tell the details yet but would like to see the many things he doesn’t know about. Since Bogie notes they are strapped for cash after all the weapons she bought, I guess Honoka sees no problem to have a male escort this job. Oh boy, Joey gonna be so jealous…
Episode 4
Several people are doing some illegal trade in the desert. Too bad the Inspection Force finds out and executes them all on the spot! Those special units in Inspection Force with such power and authority are known as Blue Breaker. Honoka sees Zankan and this time he has completed PSP. You can see the happiness and eagerness in Honoka wanting to try out this baby. Well, she has to put up with this embarrassing body suit if she wants to take it for a spin. Like a child with a new toy, she has a lot of fun testing it out as it perfectly syncs with her movements. With Honoka satisfied with everything, she part ways with Zankan. Next time they meet, it’ll be when Bogie breaks down. Yeah, Millie wants Bogie to break down faster! Shortly into their journey, Honoka could sense something in the sky. However, Bogie does not detect anything and this could only mean one thing: Blue Breaker. Honoka has Bogie turn around and to her horror, Blue Breaker is attacking Zankan’s tank. Honoka rides her PSP into battle but too late, Zankan’s tank is no fire. She tries to lure out Blue Breaker who is in stealth mode as well as save Millie from certain death. During the attack, Honoka’s bandana comes off, revealing her third blue eye on her forehead. Not sure if she uses some power of this to force Blue Breaker to reveal itself. A short standoff before Blue Breaker flies away. Honoka knew she lost since her hand is injured and would’ve stood no chance had she even attacked. Worse, Blue Breaker went away with a mocking sneer. When Millie sees Honoka’s third eye, she becomes scared and in shock, she faints. Honoka hugs her crying, sad that she couldn’t stop all of this. RIP, Zankan oji-san…
Episode 5
Honoka still feels guilty over her powerlessness to save Zankan. With Iks, they bury his body as Honoka reveals Millie’s mom was killed by a stray bullet from the Inspection Force. As for this third eye, it is known as the astral and all people from The Third have this and thus their name. However, that eye is red and Honoka’s eye is the only one which is blue. This eye allows The Third to communicate in various ways as well as access data in computers. Long ago, Honoka was taken to Hyperion but was kicked out. Despite having astral eye, she had no abilities of The Third and was deemed useless. She ended up in some slums but an old man named Walken took her into his caravan since her parents wanted her to grow up healthy. As long as she remained here, she will never be free of that eye. Walken raised and taught her stuffs. Only members of the caravan new about her astral eye. As per Walken’s advice, she kept it hidden because of her circumstances, she was neither human no The Third. Hence Zankan and Millie don’t. Honoka found it hard to tell them since Millie’s mom was killed in such a way, she thought Millie might hate her. With Millie awakened, it seems she is just trying to act indifferent. Solemn. Awkward. What else can Honoka do? Meanwhile Fila tries to find data on Honoka but no such data exist. Then she interrogates Blue Breaker about his fight with Honoka. It seems there are attacks his sensors cannot detect and that he had orders from Jouganki to not kill Honoka. Honoka thinks of bringing Millie to Emporium, he asks why Jouganki wants her. She explains he actually wants her ability. She demonstrates using this chi thingy to easily cut through a stone. This is what she imbues her sword with. Then she shows him a beautiful flower field that only blooms at night. She wants to show this to Millie. Upon returning, a panicky Millie rushes to Honoka. She was scared she was alone and couldn’t find her anywhere. She’s all that she has left. I take it that their friendship is back to normal. Good thing this is over with because now here comes Blue Breaker to ruin the party.
Episode 6
Not sure what’s the deal because WTF Honoka trying to locate and fight Blue Breaker without her PSP?! Bogie takes the rest to evacuate despite Iks’ pleas he wants to go help Honoka. Bogie’s reasoning about life and death and Honoka doing this for survival, blah, blah, blah. But Iks reminds him that he had a contract with Honoka and must be with her. Since he puts it that way, Bogie accepts and returns to aid Honoka by giving her PSP. Shouldn’t this be done from the start? However, Honoka is blinded by rage trying to avenge Zankan’s death so she mindlessly wastes ammo until it all runs out. Then Blue Breaker damages her PSP so she’s back out as a person. When Millie claims she wants Honoka because it’s not like anything they do can bring back her father, Honoka goes into zen mode, waiting for Blue Breaker to get close before unleashing some force. Wow. Honoka got some haki too?! Then she recites some poem from Donna Myfree (who?!), making that machine feel scared! Even more so, telling him to GTFO because she’s not in the mood to cut anything! Yeah, machine makes wise move to flee. After that, she collapses. She finds herself in some dream world talking to Iks about the memories of this world. Not that Honoka understands it now. Honoka wakes up as a frantic Millie calls out to her. Yeah, not going to have another trauma of losing somebody! Soon, Jouganki comes to see her in person. Actually, he wants to see Iks who is the first official contact The Third have when they came to this planet. Jouganki wonders why he is visiting this planet as well as needing his assistance to deal with some matters. However Iks can’t at this moment and in due time, he will know. In that case, Jouganki will wait until he is willing. As he leaves, he reminds Honoka that he still won’t give up on her powers. Fila learns of Jouganki’s doing and she’ll comply with his decision. Though, she won’t take responsibility if he regrets it later. Jouganki also warns her that Honoka is no longer the girl she thought she is.
Episode 7
Honoka leaves Millie in Zankan’s sister’s care before setting out for the desert. One night, a small group of monster ants stop by near Bogie. Honoka checks it out and one of them is on the tank itself. However it is starting to sprout wings. As explained, it means the ant will become a queen and is most likely going to form a new hive of its own. For some odd reasons, Honoka wants to defend this ant from attack of other rival swarms. Bogie disagrees with this since this is the ants’ problem and that they have a job to do. Doing this will only make them late. However Honoka insists she wants to and hopes Bogie will give her until dawn. For once, he makes an exception. So we see Honoka fight rival ants trying to attack this queen. Honoka’s sword swing doesn’t kill them, but merely put them in a suspended animation state. A technique she learnt from Walken. More and more swarms show up as the strain on Honoka is starting to show. Bogie wants to scram but Honoka insists on that until dawn promise. As she continues her fight, flashback shows Honoka almost got eaten by this discount Star Wars’ sand pit monster after chasing some cute critter. Although Walken saved her, she requested him to save the little bunny too. He did that and put the discount Sarlacc in suspended animation. Then some lecture about the law of nature and why they should not interfere, blah, blah, blah. Hence this will be the only time Walken will bend to her will. Honoka then honed this school from him until his death. Just when Honoka is about to be overwhelmed, the queen ant grows its wings and flies off. Immediately Honoka jumps onto Bogie as they make a scram for it. Honoka notes perhaps she wanted to see this ant take flight and saw herself as it.
Episode 8
Honoka and Bogie get caught within the wave of the stampeding sand dragons. Luckily Bogie manages to ride this one out. Unfortunately the tank takes a hard tumble. Hence Honoka leaves it to Joey to fix it (he’s going to have a hard time overhauling this mother) while leaving Bogie’s AI unit with Meilin. Along the way, she meets Kevin who warns her about some religious cult sending their assassination squad around. It could be possible that they are the ones behind the sand dragon incident. At the bar, Honoka watches this busty chick, Paifu being hit on by a few shady guys. However she is quick to draw the gun on them and will not hesitate to shoot. Honoka notices another guy trying to pull a fast one behind Paifu’s back so she goes to warn the buster to stop it. Those guys then leave and it seems they know who Honoka is. Paifu wants to thank and accompany her. However Honoka declines. Paifu tries to use her power to hypnotize her but it doesn’t work. Later Honoka stumbles into Millie. The latter is now schooling and notes a teacher who is just like Honoka. She is motivated to study a lot so she can become a great mechanic like her dad and support Honoka. Honoka is then taken to see Ingrid who is the chief admin of Emporium. She wants to hire Honoka for a job. Since she has come into the sand dragons, she wants her to pinpoint the cause of its stampede because it’ll be devastating if they come close to this town. Meanwhile Fila summons the council for an emergency meeting. It seems there is this unknown space distortion field barrier. Probes have been sent to investigate but all have been swallowed. They think it is some Technos Taboo. However Jouganki argues this is not because humans have been under their supervision and hence they cannot create something this taboo without them noticing it. He shows them the location of this barrier which is located a year before the great war ended. It has a very devastating power and even more so by today’s standards. He believes it to be Gravestone, an ultimate weapon equipped with mankind’s first space distortion device.
Episode 9
The council wonders if this is even Gravestone to begin with as there is no proof. However Jouganki urges the need to take swift action as the barrier is growing and at this rate, it will destroy the world. Bogie’s tank is back in shape thanks to a talented field of mechanics. I guess Joey can’t handle it himself. So he promises to go to some vocational school to become better. In return, Honoka must come back alive. As Honoka heads out to the desert, look who is here to join her? Paifu. She’s making herself at home in the tank? Well, since she isn’t a bad person, Honoka lets her do as she pleases. Honoka then tells her life story. Paifu reveals Ingrid hired her to watch Honoka but she isn’t surprised since she had a hunch. Honoka also doesn’t feel upset by everything. All she needs to do is work properly so others will trust her. If they don’t? Then continue doing so until they do! That night, Paifu seems to be headed off somewhere. Detecting other life forms coming their way, Honoka rides her PSP to see Paifu engaging with those cultist in their PSP. Honoka helps but have to show her Sword Dancer chops as slicing the machine with her sword is more efficient. Yeah, saves ammo too. Honoka faces off with the boss but Paifu kills him right away. Paifu reveals she was part of the mercenaries hired by the cult and did the same thing. However she didn’t have any complicated philosophy whatsoever and quit. That’s why she has many enemies and is a murderer. She lured them out for this and brushes off rumours that the cult is behind the sand dragon stampede. Honoka watch as she kills all the men. But she isn’t upset since she still believes Paifu as a good person. Because Millie said so. The boss somehow turns into a monster and attacks (genetic mutation whatever). Honoka can’t cut him down in time so Paifu pumps a few bullets into him. Hope he stays dead. Honoka is shocked with Iks’ return. Yeah, where did he go to? Honoka introduces him to Paifu and seeing how Honoka interacts with him has Paifu suspicious of Honoka’s identity.
Episode 10
The council is trying to revive Wormhole Driver, some laser satellite in space created by The Third during the great war to destroy Gravestone. Honoka tries to act all cheerful before Iks but he can tell something is wrong. Bogie reveals she has been having nightmares lately but Honoka brushes it off. They catch up on things as she continues her chirpy ways. Next day, not sure how Honoka can trace the sand dragon source using a metal detector. Yeah, some magnetic thingy. However she is relying more on the sensation in her forehead since it is causing her some unease. Paifu doesn’t trust Iks and soon deduces Honoka’s depression. She thinks Honoka is depressed she killed a man for the first time last night. She confronts her and gives her an earful about this. Paifu claims she was the one who finished the man off and killed him and thinks Honoka wouldn’t want to save a killer like her. On the contrary, Honoka notes she has cut down many things from monsters to robots and didn’t regret turning her sword against that man. She doesn’t think her judgment is wrong and will still draw her sword because she believes in her ideals. As long as that stays the same, things will also stay the same no matter who her enemy is. Paifu scoffs at that hogwash and since it’s come to this, they fight. Too bad Paifu is slower in drawing her gun compared to Honoka drawing her sword. The blade is already at her neck. Then they do fist fighting. Honoka just dodging and making Paifu sweat all over. In short, Honoka’s fighting is still way superior. Eventually Paifu realizes she can’t win against this monster. But great workout, though. She continues to lament her power still doesn’t work on her. Next day, the magnetic trail the sand dragons have gone cold. So now Honoka is using her guts and instincts to lead her to wherever. However they stumble into Gravestone. Jouganki learns too late that Honoka and Iks are in the area. You know when Wormhole Driver fires, it takes out its surrounding too, right? Yeah. Looks like the weapons is all warmed up and ready to shoot.
Episode 11
Honoka seems compelled to walk into the barrier as she feels someone is calling to her. Since Iks won’t stop her, Paifu does the honours. However an energy burst engulfs them. Paifu then finds herself in the middle of a decimated city and war. Amidst the confusion, she tries to run and hide. When she meets with Bogie, she tells him to attack. However he cannot return fire on what he cannot detect. Paifu then sees Honoka in the distance as she cuts and blows away the illusion. This weakens her, though. And Paifu sees her third eye. Resting back in Bogie, the ladies want to know the truth from Iks. So he just tells them that they are in the memories of a certain person and the attack against them is just replaying of his memories on the attack that was made against him. Since he cannot say more, Honoka insists of returning and following that call. Paifu is against this and tells her to rest. She manages to convince her to do that since they need to gather info first. Paifu talks to Iks alone to get more details but he only mentions all the things Honoka said about Paifu. Good and bad, she said them in a cheerful manner. As she grew up in a caravan, she probably wanted to experience a school life, that’s why Honoka addressed Paifu as sensei. That voice calls out to Honoka again. Bogie alerts the rest that Honoka has vanished. Yeah, how can somebody under his constant surveillance just disappear? Don’t know. It just happened. Yeah, Iks too suddenly disappears. Damn, this place getting more haunted. We see more Paifu talk with Iks about Honoka’s depression of killing somebody for the first time. Had Honoka did not do that, Paifu would’ve died. She still finds this dumb so Iks takes it as she likes Honoka. We see Iks talking to that voice and claims he accidentally woke him up. Though, the voice thought he is here to kill him. Iks assures he has no hostility towards him as the voice laments they tried to kill him and thus the reason he hid here as he couldn’t do anything then. As for why he is trying to get out know, he is going to kill them. He is going to destroy the world that hated him. Paifu sees a young kid before her. She asks about Honoka but he isn’t telling anything. Because she’ll die here! Meanwhile Honoka meets… Herself!
Episode 12
Paifu fights the kid but is on the losing end since her moves cannot connect. Honoka too is on the defence as she is only running away from her clone who is more confident and talkative. Iks is talking to the voice that while he was sleeping, the war ended. He wants to know if his enemies lost but Iks said nobody won. If there was, war was the winner. This makes him upset and unable to accept that outcome. If that’s the case he should’ve continued sleeping. Iks asks why he called out to Honoka. His excuse is trying to get rid of her since she deflected his attacks. Iks calls his bluff because he has been calling her for a long time and Honoka responded to it. Honoka’s clone tries to paint Honoka a loner and a killer, hence she should just kill everybody. Honoka disputes that so her clone kills her. Too bad Honoka didn’t die and gets up. Though, it hurts like hell. Honoka hen mentions all the people in her life who supported her. She felt she has done anything and that’s why she’s working hard to be worthy of all that. She is going to live and believe in herself. With that resolve, Honoka is able to cut herself. Meanwhile Paifu applies the same technique as Honoka did with her chi to defeat the kid. Honoka continues to wander about until she enters a strange place and sees a boy sitting by himself. He is Gravestone. She knows he was the one calling to her and was crying. He has watched her fight and claims she is strong. She credits the people who supported her that gave her the strength. When he claims he is not like her, she denies because now he’s got her. Assuring he is no longer alone, Gravestone breaks down in her arms. So now the place is falling apart, how will Honoka escape? Ah, Iks to the rescue. Well, all in time because the Gravestone threat just disappears like that. This means The Third do not need to fire their Wormhole Driver. Phew. Jouganki must be feeling so relieved. Iks explaining to Honoka about Gravestone’s incompleteness, the reason he was unable to emerge from that space. The boy is the image of the scientist’s dead son who died in the war. Honoka is relieved he was never alone to begin with and had his father’s love. He must not have wanted his son to be used in the war and hence that image.
Episode 13
A lost guy in the desert thought he is dead. However he thought a desert fairy saved him and reunited him with his rescuers. As such, this is just part of the many desert legends that are going around. Meanwhile, a couple of cocky punks who got a near brush with Sword Dancer (and chickened out) are bragging about it when this hunter named Leon wants to know where he can find her. They get rude so he deals them with a major bloody pain. Honoka visits Millie to see how she is doing. She also invites her to join her on a short cruise through the desert since she is thinking of taking a break. Would Millie miss the world for it? Yeah, not even school. Apparently this was put up by Paifu because she noticed Millie has been sleeping a lot in class till a point she isn’t even waking up. Like a coma? However she woke up like as though there was nothing wrong. She deduced it could be more than just a sleeping problem and could be suffering from the effects of PTSD. Yeah, remember her dad’s death? Honoka still blames herself for not being able to do anything about it but Iks says not to because at that time, it would’ve been hard for anybody. And so Honoka thought of this desert trip to tell Millie all sorts of desert legends since it is such a mysterious yet beautiful place. Next day, Leon comes to see Honoka. He is on a mission to hunt a desert fairy but since he doesn’t know the area, he needs a guide. Honoka declines him since she is on vacation. She could recommend him to others but Leon won’t bother asking another aside the best. And Sword Dancer is the best in this part of town, right? Leon leaves but is sure they will meet again. He leaves Honoka in shock because he knows about her third eye. That night, Millie sets off with Honoka for the desert trip. Meanwhile Leon is stopped by the Inspection Force. But he does some phantom trick to destroy them. So, is he a desert legend too? A desert ghost?
Episode 14
As Honoka and Millie continue their carefree desert trip, eventually a worried Honoka asks about Millie’s health and if she is eating right, etc. Despite Honoka’s genuine concerns for her, Millie took this the wrong way and thinks she sees her as a hindrance. In that case, Millie doesn’t need all this sh*t. Wow. Now she hates her? And WTF, Millie runs away?! Where can she run in this desert?! It’s as good as courting trouble. Speaking of which, she starts to fall into a sand pit. No, it’s that discount Sarlacc again. Honoka is busy fending off its tentacles who want to have her as dinner too. As Millie slides further in, she hears the voice of a fairy telling her not to give up. Honoka may be freed from the tentacles but she cannot reach Millie in time. What is this thing that is faster than her who saves Millie? Oh, a white desert wolf? After handing Millie back in the safe hands of Honoka, the wolf goes to fight the monster. Damn, it has electric tentacles to shock the monster?! Too big to feel its effects, though. Honoka then has Iks take care of Millie before she returns to go help the wolf. This time her sword is enough to cut the whole monster in half! Wow! Once everything calms down, Honoka blames herself for being stupid and all. Of course Millie apologizes for acting up. She didn’t mean what she said and still loves her. She curses her own powerlessness. Well duh, she’s a kid so she isn’t that strong to begin with. Millie also mentions the fairy she saw. Well, it’s right before them! Iks recognizes it as a Star Seed. A bright glow before the fairy disappears. As Honoka ponders about what to do for her, Iks suggests to find that wolf. After all, they need to thank it for saving Millie.
Episode 15
Journeying for 3 days to find the wolf. Nothing. One during as the desert storm hits, Honoka could sense the fairy. With Millie, they go out to greet it. Honoka asks Iks about it and he explains it is actually a seed of life. It travels across the universe to plant and nurture genetic data of all life forms it collects in a new planet. Honoka thinks this means the planet is doomed. However she still has hope and doesn’t think so. Iks’ comment is that if this is what Honoka thinks, so be it. Double lucky for them because the wolf is here. It proves Honoka’s theory that the wolf is also after the fairy and they’re connected. As they try to approach it to give their thanks. A warning shot is fired and the wolf escapes. Honoka hurries to check what’s going on and it turns out to be Leon. Looks like he wants the wolf too. Honoka warns him to go away so Leon dares her to kill him. They fight and it looks like Leon is made up of liquid metal. Yeah, like cutting through water. Worse, he can shoot lasers and Honoka gets shot many times! With the wolf sneering at him, Leon backs off. Iks hurriedly takes Honoka back to Bogie. Is he going to be a doctor now? His worst fears come true as Honoka has taken too much damage. Her wounds too deep for her to heal since the laser has burnt through her capillaries. A blood transfusion is needed. Well, the nearest hospital is 5 days away. Iks has an idea. He lets the wolf known as Kamui in as it uses its tentacles to do its transfusion. It’s unscientifically unproven so it’s not surprising Bogie is concerned Kamui seems like doing something strange to her. At least Honoka is in stable condition now. Then they talk about Leon whom Iks knows it was from an old military unit of monsters during the great war. Yup. Lost technology. However despite being somewhat immortal, it should be deteriorating over time. The only reason why Leon is able to maintain such high intelligence and functionality is that he absorbs other Phantoms. Cannibalism? Yeah, see him do one right now. He’s feeling so much more powerful and faster. Can’t wait to fight Honoka again. Hence the reason Leon is chasing after the fairy is so that by devouring a higher life form, let’s say he’ll become close to God.
Episode 16
So, Kamui has planted regenerative cells into Honoka. Wow. She’s looking way better now. Such convenience. Meanwhile Honoka has a dream talking to the fairy. She hopes to keep living on this planet. Iks further explains about Kamui. He once lived with humans but now those memories are scattered all over the place. This means he can recall it anytime since it left it out in the open. Millie wants Kamui to take her to see some moon dragonflies. Beautiful. More surprise for Millie as Honoka is here too. She thanks her as they watch this beautiful sight. And then Honoka disappears. Holy sh*t! That was her ghost?! Is this her new ability? Because the real Honoka still in bed sleeping. Once she is better, Honoka wants to settle things with Leon since clearly he is after Kamui and the fairy. Bogie is against this since she is no match for him even if this is to thank them for saving their lives. Since she insists, Bogie will only allow it if she fights using PSP. Sure, it won’t do jack sh*t on Leon but it’s better than being exposed to getting injured easier. Once Leon is detected, they see him facing off with Kamui. Honoka takes over in her PSP as Leon relishes fighting her. Millie wants to go help but Iks tells her not to get in the way. Yeah, what is she going to do with a small handgun? Believe in Honoka! Eventually Honoka has to hop out of her PSP to fight him in person. Then it’s like she achieves some sort of zen state. Using and sensing the gaps in his chi or something, he manages to dodge his attacks faster than the speed of light. And woah! She cuts through his lasers! So sharp that when she cuts Leon in half, it stops his regenerating abilities! Bye, time to die. Then they see the fairy and Kamui together. Both fuse and become one. Iks explains the fairy has been wandering around as she lacks something to move on. So it was whatever vital life DNA the wolf had and that’s why Kamui was chasing her? But take heart, the fairy hasn’t totally depart from this planet yet and is finding a proper place to do so. Wow. Really?! Hence an excuse to say they will continue to roam the land and create more urban legends for dumb humans. Millie returns the handgun to Honoka. She thought of keeping this as a memento but realizes nothing could replace the real Honoka. Yeah, the real thing is way better!
Episode 17
Oh damn. Who hijacked Wormhole Driver and blasts a great hole in some part of the desert?! Honoka has been called to the admin bureau. She thinks it’s for another job but as she waits in the room, she calls out to Jouganki’s ploy to meet her like this. To her shock, it’s not him but Fila. Fila has a request of her but before she can get to it, they have to hide because Inspection Force is raining bullets on them! Honoka takes Fila to safety and has Paifu help disable some of them. But there is more to come. Fila says these robots are supposed to be under her control but has lost them because someone hijacked them. Honoka then uses her astral eyes on Fila. She manages to sniff out the perpetrator hiding nearby. She escapes. Luckily Kevin and his mercenaries arrive in time to take out the rest of the Inspection Force. Getting back to business, Fila claims Jouganki has gone missing. She knows the perpetrator behind this is Rona Fauna, another one of The Third and has taken control over a portion of the Inspection Force. While holding up in one of their facilities, Jouganki went to negotiate with her alone but went missing soon after. You think The Third could’ve used their astral eyes to find some info but Rona uses a different system like a jamming device and that’s how she hijacked stuffs. Hence if they send more robots in, they are likely to be controlled by her. Despite this being an internal problem for The Third, that is why she is asking for Honoka’s help to find Jouganki. Assuming he is alive. Honoka and Paifu load up and prepare what they need for the rescue mission. We see Jouganki alive but captured in the hands of Rona.
Episode 18
Fila sends blueprints of the facilities where Rona is. However recent aerial footage shows she has used nanomachines to change its structure and they can also assume the interior has also altered. So more training and preparing until that day comes. Honoka is eager that Fila is going to introduce a new firepower to the unit. Well, look who’s back? Blue Breaker! Yeah, not so enthusiastic now, huh? The irony that Zankan’s killer is now on their side. Honoka is not impressed with this as Paifu gives her 2 cents worth of opinion that Blue Breaker is probably worth a few more Inspection Force bots. Otherwise it will be just another ordinary bot if the team isn’t unified on this mission. Honoka allows Blue Breaker to be part of their team but has a condition that it must follow her orders. Any independent action, Honoka will cut it down immediately. Got to put aside her burning hatred for professionalism. Meanwhile Jouganki tells Rona that her attempts are futile as the council are putting all their effort into solving this and they will not discount destroying the entire facility along with him. She doesn’t think they’ll do it since he is here but Jouganki they will as this is for the betterment of this planet. Allowing her to continue as she is will only hurt this planet. As a member of The Third, she should also know this. However she poses a question if she is considered The Third because of her astral eye or she is just another creature with such. Fila tries to find more info on Rona but there are none. She believes her data has been expunged and since the permanent councillors are capable of this, why? D-day is here as Honoka and co prepare to launch an aerial assault on the facility.
Episode 19
Honoka rides her PSP to take down the vanguard drones and bots. Blue Breaker backs her up. But with the immense amount of resistance, Honoka and Blue Breaker are soon separated from the rest. Although they crash landed safely, both sides make their way towards the facility. Rona has been too engrossed in her talk with Jouganki to notice the enemy attacking until her assistant points it out. But to her surprise, the enemy isn’t The Third. As Jouganki wants to know what her goals are since initially she had demands about temporarily shutting down the central government but has not said anything about it since he came here. However she claims as long as she has Wormhole Driver, nobody can touch her. This has him doubt if she will use it again. As Honoka draws closer, Rona could sense more of her and as she describes her, Jouganki can tell it is Honoka’s team and wonders if this is what Fila resorted to. Jouganki wants to know what she really is up to because even if she has combined her special abilities to fuse with the system, the central government cannot defeat her. Well, from her reaction and words, why does my guts say that she’s in love with Jouganki???!!! Yeah, because look at her worried face when she sees him worried about Honoka. That is why she is curious to see who that girl is and lets her into the facility. Honoka senses strange things inside and cannot make out of it. It’s something big and spreading all over but yet weak and fragile. Blue Breaker explains the place is covered with nanomachines and have fused with the original materials. Thus this whole place is like a pseudo artificial life form. The whole facility could be overflowing with Rona’s chi.
Episode 20
Some jamming device is also interfering with Bogie’s attempt to make contact with Honoka. But with Iks feeling it is constantly losing strength, another way of putting it that it is dying. Bogie has to let off Iks and Paifu since Rona has sent a huge tank killer to chase the invaders out. I guess we need to see some big machines fight each other. In the end, Bogie comes out victorious since he has more battle experience. Honoka and Blue Breaker walk deeper into the facility. After dispatching a few bots, Blue Breaker turns on Honoka. However he soon tells her to cut him down. It is then Honoka realizes why Fila put Blue Breaker on her team. It’s like some sort of payment. Blue Breaker believes she hates him and can cut him down with ease. However Honoka tells him off that this mission is to rescue Jouganki. Even if she loses a member, the mission is a failure. Hence he is to only obey her orders and get back alive. Yes, she will not cut him. Poor robot, feeling confused that this does not compute. Why doesn’t she cut down something she hates? Well, she points out he has no more ammo left so it’s hardly threatening. Just STFU and follow her orders. Iks and Paifu enter the facility. They are being attacked by Rona’s assistant. However Paifu gets stabbed in the chest. She plays dead to turn the tables on her and kills her. So Paifu gonna die? Not if Iks now becomes her fairy, telling her not to give up and even healing her. So still distrust that dude? Rona gets desperate as Jouganki tries to convince her to come with him and that she can still be saved. However she laments that he is no different than the rest of The Third who think themselves as gods. She thinks he only cared for her research just like how he only cares for Honoka’s abilities. Thus the reason of being kind to her. Surprise but no, she admits she loves him. I know it! With jealousy taking over, Rona has more reason to eliminate Honoka. Speaking of her, looks like she is in a room with a person in a container. Blue Breaker says this is Rona. Oh, Rona going overboard as she overuses her abilities. She’s going crazy.
Episode 21
Blue Breaker explains this is Rona’s real body. She died over a year ago and her body preserved. He also explains how she hijacked Wormhole Driver that is capable of destroying this planet. Why does The Third have a weapon that can destroy when they already have control of this world? It is to keep anyone from interfering. Blue Breaker then attacks Honoka but she anticipates this and dodges. After all, she knew Blue Breaker’s mind has been taken over by Rona the moment he stepped into this room because no robots will know about Rona or Wormhole Driver. Honoka is left to dodge his attacks as she is in a dilemma to cut him down. Blue Breaker using his last ounce of sanity to tell her to kill him. Honoka’s answer is to just cut off his weapon. Poor robot still cannot compute she won’t kill him. Although Honoka hasn’t forgiven him, she talks about things existing for a purpose and he needs to find that out. If he ever wants to settle this in the future, she’ll be glad to oblige. Though, she hopes it won’t come to that. Oh man, did Honoka actually make a robot turn over a new leaf?! Oh sh*t! Blue Breaker reacting like he is in despair after hearing Honoka’s words! Mean killer machine has a conscience?! But Blue Breaker is back to normal since Rona’s weakening means she has lost control of him. This also means Jouganki is freed from her grasp. He still wants to save her and with The Third’s technology, perhaps prolong her life even if 100% recovery to her original state is not possible. However she notes even if that’s the case, what good will that do? She already knows her condition. She pushes him out, knowing he wants to see Honoka. Jouganki knows Honoka can get here by herself. The important issue is to save Rona. Cut yourself from the system before it’s too late. Oh, too late for her. A final confession she loves him and did everything she can just to be close to him for one last time. When Honoka arrives, she asks for Jouganki. Rona claims he is dead because she killed him. This shock distracts Honoka as Rona unleashes her thorny surprise to kill her.
Episode 22
Rona forces Honoka to fight but the latter just keeps dodging and insists she will not. It ends only because memories of Jouganki floods through Rona’s mind. Yeah, just lost the will to fight, huh? Because now it’s time to talk. Rona reveals Jouganki is alive and since Honoka has seen her real body, this means the one she is talking to her is a clone. She can only live as long as the original one does and that means that time is nearing up. Rona explains she has this ability to see weaknesses in the machines. She had this idea to merge their minds with machines to solve this issue via creating an efficient system but The Third feared this and shunned her. That is of course until Jouganki came to help her by giving her this facility to continue her research. By using her own nerve cells as nanomachines, she came out with results and he was pleased. She was pleased. Even more so when he helped hide her from the central government and told her to continue her research. It made her had a purpose of existence. Meanwhile Jouganki finding his way stumbles into Iks who of course knows everything. Jouganki laments he neglected Rona throughout the years and something about The Third unable to have procreating abilities and thus this love thingy is alien to him. Iks says his sentiments has reached her. Honoka helps to help Rona by pouring some of her chi into her. She reveals her blue astral eye and says she is the same like her. A defect of The Third who was also ostracized by them. Rona laments had they met earlier, fate would’ve been different. Unfortunately, Rona dies. But soon the place takes a life of its own. Like as though the dark subconscious of Rona is trying to get revenge and activate Wormhole Driver to destroy the planet. Jouganki makes contact to Fila to stop the weapon but she says she can’t as they still don’t have control over stuffs. He curses their powerlessness. Before it gets too late, Honoka is forced to cut the menace in half. Threat over. In the aftermath, Jouganki learns the council cannot afford to lose him and that’s why they concluded of using Honoka even if it meant sacrificing her. He goes to thank and apologize to Honoka for dragging her into this mess. But she just brushes off as a job. As everyone leaves, Rona narrates that it is not Jouganki is unable to love nor he would not love anyone. It’s only because there’s someone else in his heart other than her. She hopes Honoka would realize that since they share the same soul.
Episode 23
The Inspection Force hauls Joey away. Oh boy… So when Honoka returns to town to get Joey to fix Bogie, his mechanic pals tell what happened. But soon Honoka finds Joey wandering the streets. Looks like he got off lightly despite dabbling with Technos Taboo. He has lost his licence and can’t tinker even with legal Technos either. Joey has a reason for doing this because as his ambitions grow, he realizes sooner or later he will have to touch Technos Taboo. Meanwhile Paifu notices Iks acting strange so she confronts him to spill the beans. He is going to Steel Gorge, an area filled with Technos Taboo that is off limits to everyone. There is something he must do even if it means going against The Third. He hopes she won’t tell Honoka this. Later Honoka talks to Paifu and tells her about Joey’s case. Although he didn’t say it, she believes he touched Technos Taboo because he wanted to make Bogie better. For that, he needed cutting edge technology and thus was cut violating Technos Taboo. So she’s feeling responsible about it? Paifu must have felt sorry for her and tells what Iks is up to. Go to him before it’s too late! Instantly Honoka makes haste. Iks walks through the desert and is surrounded by Inspection Force who tell him to go back. He ignores them. The fire. Nothing happens to him. Jouganki is shown this image and Fila tells him to do something about it since Steel Gorge is under his jurisdiction. Honoka manages to track down Iks and reminds him their contract hasn’t ended. Iks remains adamant this is something he must do alone. Bogie gives a hesitant Honoka a little push to tell him what’s on her mind and so she confronts him again, this time revealing she never asked him stuffs in fear that it would be over if she knew. But she feels it is unfair for him to leave when she doesn’t know anything about him. Oh, you just made her cry. Iks hugs her and takes her on a galaxy trip! Wow. The universe this cold? That’s why there is life and planets to warm it up. However the downside is that wars and conflicts will cause it to vanish. Iks lets Honoka feel the soul and the tears of this planet. It is feeling bitterly cold and sad. Iks is also feeling the same. That is why Iks is on a journey to Steel Gorge to meet the planet’s cold soul. Jouganki doesn’t think Fila needs this overkill. Yeah, the entire desert filled with armed robots! He knows no matter how big the army, it is all futile to take down Iks. Pointless. But looks like Iks won’t be their only enemy as Honoka has joined his side.
Episode 24
A hologram of Jouganki confronts Honoka and Iks. He tells them they are violating Technos Taboo and wants them to go back. Honoka says she won’t. Why? Because screw Technos Taboo! She is doing this intentionally to break it. What about Iks? His objective of coming to this planet is to come here. With negotiations failed, time to move in the army. Honoka will deal this alone. Using her astral eye, it’s like she’s got a new move (Iks said it’s from the regenerative cells of Kamui) and uses some blue wave to cause and earthquake to destroy all the bots! OMG! What a waste! The desert turns into flaming hell! Oh Fila, you don’t mean to look so shock, do you? She panics more when Jouganki decides to personally bring the duo to Steel Gorge. Because if they continue this resistance, The Third will be no different than humans and will bring more harm to this planet. Jouganki brings them to the most top secret facility at the bottom of Steel Gorge. He reveals that besides other lost technologies of the old, there lies a singular energy that The Third have been watching ever since for generations. Or rather, he has been watching them too. This is also somewhat makes The Third afraid and hence limiting access of this place to humans.
At the bottom, a cold spell hits all of them. Iks identify this planet’s soul as the Observer and likewise he identifies Iks as the Arbiter. Honoka and Jouganki are made to experience life from the very beginning on this planet until those damn humans destroyed everything with rage and war. Yeah, the pain and sorrow Observer feels piercing his being. Makes you reduced to tears even for a stoic person. Before Iks passes his judgment, he asks if there is all that’s left and no new hope left. That is when Honoka stands up and wants to give her piece of opinion. She feels very sorry for him due to all the grief and suffering he has been subjected to. Wow, is Honoka apologizing on behalf of humans for what they have done?! However, she also wants to thank him. This makes Observer feel a lot better for there is one who cried for him. Iks then explains the many souls that Honoka has comforted like Gravestone, Millie and Rona. Hence Iks believes it is his turn to observe this planet and will take over Observer’s place so he can learn more about it. Thanks to meeting Honoka, he feels humans have begun to rethink their future. Observer feels grateful for this judgment (why do I have a feeling it’s like he is freaking happy to be freed from this torturous duty?!) as he prepares to depart from this planet. Kamui pops up as the fairy also separates herself so as to ride Observer into space. Honoka and Kamui chasing this blue fireball into space… Jouganki feels this could be the turning point for humans and The Third and hence might reconsider about Technos Taboo. Iks continues to join Honoka on her journey because there is still so much she wants to show him about this world.
Third Eye Blue: Semi-Chi Kinda Life
Humans should be freaking thankful to Honoka for extending life on this little blue planet. Uh huh. She be made a saint. No, a God! But I guess nobody knew about this and I believe Honoka isn’t the kind would love to be put upon a pedestal so I guess that’s okay. Basically humans in general and many of them are jerks but it’s just the luck of this planet and those in power to have met a girl like Honoka who isn’t even actually an actual human being herself. Let that sink in. Having The Third somewhat saving your planet on your behalf too, wow, we humans must be really that useless, huh? Let’s just hope humans can build upon this unseen goodwill and improve themselves for the aeons to come.
The overall story feels rather okay and from what I can see, it doesn’t really have a particular plot in tow. Sure, Honoka is the main character but we mostly see the series being divided into a few mini arcs and Honoka being the centre of it. It’s not like there was any ultimate goal to fight against The Third nor would they try to get rid of Honoka herself. In fact, the light novel source that this series was adapted, the last time I checked, it is still ongoing?! Not sure if this series was quite obscure and didn’t even get any internet update but it seems hard to find sources of it. So I’m not sure if the anime’s direction is independent of the light novel or part of one of its volumes. And seeing that there has been no sequel thereafter, it’s safe to say that we’ll never get our answer. At least for those who don’t read the original source. Furthermore, every episode has the narrator narrate in between. Like as though we’re too dumb to figure it out if the characters didn’t say it. Yeah, maybe like yours truly are really too dumb to get it. Anyway, he narrates in quite a poetic fashion like as though this is part of a storybook but I guess it is better than having such moments an awkward silence. Whether the characters are starring off into the scenery or emotionally hugging, the narration of that scene makes it look less awkward.
The Third being the strange sentient beings they are, there have been many question marks raised as I watched over the series. Well, for starters, who put them in charge of managing the planet? Are they self-proclaimed managements of the universe? Or are they God’s apostles or something like that? Can’t be that as seen in the end that there are higher beings than them that they even fear. Therefore sometimes the way they govern the planet, it is somewhat conflicting. While their noble goal is to reduce as much conflict as possible and for the betterment of the planet, sometimes their methods may give rise to more wars and hurt it all instead. Just take a look at this Technos Taboo thing. You know humans have this rebellious spirit inside, right? In no time if this gets out of hand, humans might force a revolt and The Third sending in more bots to keep the peace, started a war instead. Sometimes I can’t help feel that the Streisand effect is going to play out here. Therefore humans sneaky enough can play this card and allow them to do whatever they want. You know, all for the peace of this planet. Loophole.
Then the other curious part about them as Jouganki mentioned, they cannot procreate. While that line itself is vague, it makes me wonder if they are machines. Well, they do bleed and cry so I guess they’re not. But since they use their astral eyes to connect to any sort of computer, I guess they are. So are they a crossbreed of such? After all, there is not much about them that we know of throughout the series and even towards the end. Because as such, if The Third do not even sexually produce, the baffling thing that boggled my mind is that, why do they even have male and female versions? Do you get what I’m trying to say here? Okay, maybe it is just me assuming that Jouganki is male while Fila is female because of comparing them to human counterparts since they look close enough. Even so, how do they actually breed assuming they are not immortals and in the case of Rona, can face death.
Making them weirder is that it feels like they want some sort of uniform identity among them. Because in the case of Honoka, just because she has a different astral eye colour, she gets kicked out. Not considered part of this The Third membership. Like, what the f*ck? It’s the same case for Rona because of her different ability of her astral eye. So does this mean The Third all strive to be the same robotic-like existence because if you don’t show the same abilities whether they are good or bad, you are not considered one of them. Strange. Even more so, they make human-like blunders especially the one after Gravestone’s incident, as Fila even commented why the f*ck did they not disengage this space weapon after it. WHY?! Why did they even leave it operational?! It wasn’t like there was some immediate threat after Gravestone, right? Yeah, all for the next plot, I suppose. Yeah, pretty weird people and as shady as hell when you consider you don’t even know or see who is part of this central government.
Enough of those 3 eyed beings already, better move on to Honoka because she’s the main character, right? So as one who is sandwiched between humans and The Third, she is trying to find her place and acceptance in this world but I don’t think that should bother her too much because it’s Honoka we’re talking about. Okay, maybe she initially had this bothersome trouble plaguing her of not wanting to kill humans, but I suppose that is needed for some sort of character development. Hence that Gravestone arc so that she could fight herself (because you are your greatest enemy), and then come to realization that if there comes a time where she needs to use her blade, then she’ll use it. No more hesitation and dilemma of sulking like a baby about the principals she swore to stick with. Because life is very much like a grey area, never so obvious in black and white and there are thin fine lines between just about everything. Even forgiving Blue Breaker so as to show us she has greatly matured and in control of her anger. So mature that it even confused a highly intelligent robot! Damn. So we just turned Honoka into a lost girl into a cool casual team leader and eventually the planet’s saviour. All hail mighty Honoka!
In order not to paint her as some heartless mercenary or killing human machine whatever, that’s why we sometimes see her supposedly cute side when she flusters (part and parcel of this series’ brand as comedy?). Like also trolling us she would be falling for Iks because yeah, no other guys in town looks as handsome as he is. And of course she isn’t totally a brute and she could be some sort of cultured person too because she loves reciting that Donna Myfree poems that until this day I have no clue what its abstract lines try to say. Like, huh?! Who the f*ck?! What the f*ck has that got to do with everything?! That’s why it feels a little bit unrelated.
Then there is this mysterious guy known as Iks. Your hot guy of the series. Unfortunately my guts rang like hell earlier on that he was like some sort of sentient being from outer space, so it came to no surprise the revelation about his role at the end. The way he pops up anywhere, goes missing anything and hints about knowing just about everything. Does that not say a lot about his character? Yeah, that spoiled it for me. Iks takes on mostly the observer role as he lets viewers guess who he is but veterans like yours truly could already tell from miles away. So as to keep the mystery of his character, the reason why he is tight lip on certain subjects and he is being casual with whatever decisions the characters make. He isn’t against it nor is he supportive of it. Because if that is what they think it is, then so be it and so he shall accept that decision. Yeah, pretty much on the fence guy. After all, that is what observers are supposed to do, right? So no wonder he didn’t head to Steel Gorge the first time he landed on this planet is because he needed time to wander about, see how the world is doing before making his decision. Yeah, also to troll us with some sort of romance with Honoka because obviously we’ve got to show that Honoka is still human (or The Third) and that she has some feelings too. Basically Iks taking over the observer’s role in the end is like some sort of confession to her because now he gets to travel and be with her a little longer.
Couldn’t make head or tail about this Jouganki dude at first. Is he the antagonist or an ally for Honoka? It sounded like the former because he hints he wants her abilities. But can a mild mannered man be a villain? As we see, he is unlike those faceless and nameless councils of The Third since he has some sort of compassion too. So perhaps he needed Honoka’s abilities for a good cause but since Honoka won’t let him, there’s that. What are the chances he has feelings for Honoka too because he always lets her off lightly. I’m very sure she is that certain person occupying his heart as Rona mentioned. Very sure. His expression just doesn’t show it. Which makes my theory that The Third are closer to robots because of their mostly emotionless expression. Not sure if he is one of the higher ups of the central management too because the council really put him high on a pedestal and consider him a very important person although Jouganki himself doesn’t really want to go with that.
Other characters are rather okay. They give some variety to the series but I don’t really see them as too significant to the overall story. Like Paifu seems to be there to be Honoka’s rival-cum-partner because this busty lesbian is interested in this tomboy but somehow can’t get her way with her. So she’s like providing some sort of fighting assistance to Honoka and be Millie’s teacher-cum-guardian, that’s about it. Bogie being the highly intelligent AI unit serves Honoka’s needs and it could be interesting to see if this AI would actually become more human-like due to his interaction with Honoka and other humans. I mean, sometimes you hear the decisions he makes, it makes you wonder if this tank was transplanted with a dead soul of a human. Though, Bogie tries to remind us that he is still machine and all those feelings and emotional matters he doesn’t really get. But still, the wellbeing of Honoka is his utmost importance just like the planet’s wellbeing is to The Third.
Blue Breaker feels underwhelming but I suppose he exists so as to give Honoka a shot at redemption because can’t stay mad at Zankan’s murderer forever. So as to raise Honoka to a saint-like level by forgiving her enemy and letting him live. Even if it’s a robot. Yeah, a robot feeling so confused about Honoka’s goodwill. Funny. Millie, another stepping stone for Honoka to not feel guilty and get over the fact she failed to save her father. If Millie gets to grow to be strong, then hell Honoka should to. Finally there’s Joey to hint there is some romance but I guess he is just forgettable. Someone there to just fixt Bogie and be somewhat Zankan’s successor.
The action scenes are rather okay and just enough for entertainment value. Especially Honoka swinging her sword and sometimes the effects are unbelievable but I have got to remember that she uses her chi force and channels it through her sword so I guess it’s only right that she could cut through just about anything like hot butter through knife. Now you can’t even send in an entire planet’s worth or armies to fight her because we can already see how much she has evolved. Want to bet who would win the fight if God sends his angels to face Honoka?! Though, I find the fact that sometimes Honoka has to use her PSP, it’s just mostly for show and to satiate some mecha fans. I feel her PSP is just redundant because eventually Honoka comes out and uses her sword, the weapon she is so familiar with and most comfortable of using. That PSP is just like a big toy just for shows to look cool. Oh, this show has a piloted mecha! Cool! Sort of. Yeah, I guess we’re all here to see how badass Honoka cuts up stuffs with her sword. Not piloting some machine. Leave that to Gundam! To prevent Honoka hogging all the action, sometimes Bogie will back her up and fire all his cool arsenal of missiles and machine guns. And sometimes Paifu and her guns.
Art and animation are old school anime and obviously the art style is from that era. I can safely say that it looks better than many contemporary animes today despite the animation being outdated. Yeah, I guess back then people had more passion and less of those technological conveniences to easily churn out results at a touch of a button, huh? Speaking of which, there is some CGI here and mostly are on the robots. Again, I have to say that it is still better quality than today’s animes although I won’t go so far as to say it is a masterpiece. Even though you can tell they are CGI, they still look pretty decent. Like for Bogie looks pretty cool and unique as a tank. Even if the Inspection Force are boring drones, at least they didn’t skimp the CGI quality on it. Though, there are some episodes I noticed a downgrade in quality but thank goodness they don’t make this a habit. On a trivial note, The Third’s astral eyes somewhat bugged me. I won’t say they look creepy but they don’t look like the other eyes either. What am I trying to say? When I first have a closer look on them, damn I thought it looks like a vagina!!! F*CK!!!
Honoka looking so tomboyish (and perhaps androgynous) and dresses up like man. It only feels right as she spends most of her time in the desert and has to cut down things. It will look pretty suspicious if she was all dolled up, looking pretty and very feminine and can kick ass hard. Yes, that will be too fantasy-like. Also, to prevent perverts from jerking off to her… Heh… That’s why we have a mature Paifu and lolicons can fawn over Millie who looks way feminine than Honoka. And of course pretty boys like Iks and Jouganki to please the eye as well. This anime was done by the now defunct (actually now merged with I.G Productions) Xebex who did the To Love-Ru series, Love Hina, Busou Renkin, Pandora Hearts and the original Shaman King.
Voice acting is pretty okay too. Fancy finding Takehito Koyasu here as Jouganki but he sounds more subdued and nothing badass like you would hear in the Jojo series. Then there’s the late Unshou Ishizuka as Bogie and speaking of such, I thought the fairy sounded familiar. Then I found out it was by the late Miyu Matsuki. Oh damn, feeling a bit sad despite it has been already many years they passed on. And I still missed identifying Rie Tanaka as Fila. The other casts are Megumi Toyoguchi as Honoka (Revy in Black Lagoon), Daisuke Namikawa as Iks (Waver in Fate/Zero), Sanae Kobayashi as Paifu (Lucy in Elfen Lied), Tomoyuki Shimura as Blue Breaker (Nakai in Bakuman), Yuki Sakata as Millie, Yuuji Ueda as Joey (Takeshi in Pokemon AKA more popularly known as Brock in the west), Hitomi Nabatame as Rona (Margery Daw in Shakugan No Shana) and Juurouta Kosugi as the narrator (Arlong in One Piece).
The opening theme is Sajou No Yume by Yuko Sasaki. Sounds pretty dramatic and enigmatic in its own right. I thought this song had traces of Yuki Kajiura’s trademark in it (especially the strings part) but since I couldn’t find any info about this, it might just be coincidence. Both the ending themes are sung by Chou Hikou Shounen. ING being the first ending theme is your typical anime rock pop that should fit well in shonen-esque animes like Naruto. The second ending theme, Late Show is another rock outfit. Well, sounds okay too and I’m not going crazy over it.
Overall, it’s a pretty decent retro anime. Might not be mainstream but it’s still entertaining and watchable in its own right. I mean, when a series was released with other juggernauts and classic hits in the same season like Black Lagoon, Gintama, Suzumiya Haruhi No Yuutsu, Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni, Ouran High School Host Club, xxxHOLIC and Utawarerumono, no wonder this was easily brushed over by many. Take heart it can’t be the worst anime of that season too because that’s when Gundou Musashi also made its debut. Hah! But I believe this anime wasn’t trying to compete or go head to head with them and for now it is happy to be one of those obscure desert legends in the pile of animes of yesteryears. Smiling and pleased to those who have stumbled and watched it. I bet that line feels like a Donna Myfree worthy poem! Who the f*ck is that again?!
Chua Tek Ming~*Anime Power*~ !LiVe FoR AnImE, aNiMe FoR LiFe! 