Animanga/Anime| Information
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is a
Japanese Science Fiction Anime Television Series set in space, produced by
Bandai Visual in
2001 , and directed by
Kazuki Akane (of
Escaflowne fame). It was broadcast on the
WOWOW network and was translated and dubbed into
English by the anime television network
Animax , who broadcast it within its respective networks in
Southeast Asia , the
Indian Subcontinent and around the world.
The story revolves around the voyages of the ''Bilkis'' spaceship across the
Solar System , and its crew of genetically engineered humans, as they attempt to uncover the mysteries of an alien technology threatening to destroy the Earth, and whose nature may reveal the true origins and destiny of humanity in the late 23rd century.
The series is characterized by its exploration of the theme of
Genetic Engineering , and the possible consequences of this technology dominating and defining future human society. It also contains a distinctive
Metal soundtrack with electronica elements (composed by
Akira Takasaki ), often featuring
Electric Guitar solos at dramatic moments.
Featured as a central plot element is the 'Shaft', a
Mecha with a peculiar appearance. Made entirely using
CGI , this barely-humanoid robot seems to be made of structures resembling gray
Mechanical Cranes , lacking appealing characteristics common to other Mecha, such as bright colors or even a 'head'.
Geneshaft is set in a future where
Genetic Engineering is the dominating technology, defining society entirely. The government of Earth is
Totalitarian and as a result there has been peace for 200 years. The government is in control of human reproduction, and is in charge of all (artificial) births, as well as altering the genetic characteristics of each new individual, according to their function in society. One such alteration common to all individuals limit their lifespan to 45 years, in order to limit the extent of aging so that they remain healthy and able throughout all of their adult lives.
People are largely rated by the quality of their
DNA , and those whose DNA is relatively unrefined, such as those of the 'white' gene type, are generally considered inferior. In order to prevent irrational behavior caused by strong emotional attachment, family structures have been disbanded, and the emotions of love and lust eliminated. The ratio of men to women is 1:9, as it is considered that males are more aggressive than females, and this was part of what led past societies to destruction. Modern society is completely peaceful, the few men typically having leading positions and commonly being of gene types granting them enhanced decision-making skills, while females are in charge of lesser positions. Men are assigned ''Registers'' - emotionless, drone-like women - whose purpose is to document all actions that a man takes, as men's DNA contains elements of destructive desires that cannot be eliminated, while acting as his assistant.
The story begins at the time when a 500 kilometer in diameter ring-shaped structure had appeared near the Earth five years prior. Dispatched from nearby Markanan space station, several female astronauts were about to investigate its nature when it produces a massive energy blast which destroys the space station and a large portion of the surface of the Earth, after which it disappears. This instigates the moblization of a special group of men and women with specific genetic characteristics, who set out aboard the Bilkis spaceship to investigate the origins of the ring, and the possible connection with mysterious alien technology found in
Jupiter's moon
Ganymede .
During their voyages they encounter several instances of the Ring technology, which they fight with the giant mecha, called 'Shaft'. The technology of Shaft is mysterious and the mecha requires very special skills to be piloted. Along the way, they also encounter situations and people which make them question their nature as 'superior', and raise doubts about how 'perfect' their society really is.
;Mika Seido: Mika is the main character of the story. She is short but has considerable strength, though it is explained that she has the genetype white, leading to her being mocked by other characters as being inferior.
:
''Voiced by:'' Kumiko Higa (Japanese), Amanda Winn Lee (English)
;Sofia Galgalim: Sofia is a colleague of Mika and was previously working as an underwater salvager. She has the alias of ''Teddybear of the Moon''.
:
''Voiced by:'' Yuko Kaida (Japanese), Mary Elizabeth McGlynn (English)
;Hiroto Amagiwa: Hiroto is an enemy of Mika because of events that took place prior to the beginning of the story. Mika swears that she will kill him. Hiroto's sidearm of choice is the FN Herstal (Five-Seven), a belgian pistol that can carry 5.7X28mm SS190, an armor piercing ammunition used for P90 submachine guns.
:
''Voiced by:'' Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese), Dominic Armato (English)
;Tiki Musicanova: Tiki who appears to be an energetic young girl is known as the ''Hell's Faerie'' from the Kerberos base on Mars where on the thirteenth operation she decimated an entire platoon by herself. She is also known as Tinkerbell and is the twin sister of Mario.
:
''Voiced by:'' Houko Kuwashima (Japanese), Sandy Fox (English)
;Lieutenant Mir Lotus: Mir, commonly known as the ''Ice Queen'' is a conceited, egotistical woman whose DNA grants her perfect skills.
:
''Voiced by:'' Yumi Kakazu (Japanese), Paula Tiso (English)
;Remmy Levistrauss: Remmy is an analytical girl who is supportive of, and seeks acknowledgment from other people. Sometimes called the ''Desert Medusa''.
:
''Voiced by:'' Ryoka Yuzuki (Japanese), Brianne Siddall (English)
;Lord Sergei the 4th Sneak: A commander who shoots his Register and is found to be plotting against the human race.
:
''Voiced by:'' Shinji Kawada (Japanese), Jamieson Prince (English)
:"Shaft Drive" by Akira Takasaki/Ji-Zo
:"Broken Camera" by Ji-Zo
:"The Day Believe All Things" by Akira Takasaki (Episode 13)
