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Z.O.E was one of those series that I had a few episodes of imported. I’d played the game, and really disliked it, and was under the assumption that perhaps the anime would help turn the tide and improve my opinion of it. However, the few episodes that I did in fact get were in the middle of the story, and I really didn’t have a clue as to what was going on. Thankfully, there was no whining kid like in the game, but what the hell was going on with this hot pink mecha running around? I decided it was just best to ignore the series and pretend it didn’t exist at all. Opinions change however, and I’ve
had more than enough time to wash that horrid taste of the game out
of my mouth. Having the chance to start over on the
In the original Z.O.E OVA, the story took place in 2167, five years before the game. This time, the action takes place in actual game time (2172) and, believe it or not, does in fact have connections and ties to the original OVA. The series centers on James Links, an Earthling and an Ender, which is more or less a deliveryman for hire who specializes in space travel. James reluctantly takes a job delivering an unknown package to Earth and in a strange turn of events, the client specifically asked for him. Hoping to use this as an opportunity to reunite with his estranged children, he begins making the two-week journey. To his surprise, the contents of the gigantic crate happen to be Delores, an Orbital Frame that is sentient and was apparently developed by his deceased with, Rachel. The problem now is that the UN is after the Frame, as is just about everyone else. I can honestly say that those feelings I had when I saw parts of this series originally are now gone. Being able to finally see the first five episodes, as well as the OVA, sheds an entirely new light on the series. There are so many things about this series that I would have missed had I passed up the chance to sit and watch it again, and I thoroughly had a great time with this one. In fact, at times it was difficult to pull myself away for a brief moment, and was actually disappointed when the last of the five episodes was over. In an interview with the staff on the OVA, they had talked about wanted to create something that had a story to it aside from just combat. Z.O.E Dolores is just that. The combat really isn’t the main part of the story at all, and there are several forces at work here. James’s attempt at reconciling with his family is an important issue here, and there’s quite a bit of time devoted to it as the series continues along. It’s not the typical cut and dry routine that you’d assume however, and things move at a good pace as they slowly bond together once again. However, the best part of the series in my opinion is Dolores herself/itself. Being a sentient mecha, she can think as well as talk. In the past when we’ve seen this, it’s been some super advanced creation that is generally smarter than any human, and this is a typical theme that’s been used in Hollywood films as well (Demon Seed comes to mind.) Dolores on the other hand is quite the opposite. She has a childlike innocence and experiences fear and wonderment in each new situation that she encounters. It’s also not often that you find a mecha that’s afraid to fight, or can feel pain for that matter. Even with the main story going on, Dolores brings a great element of humor into the series. The animation quality of the series is just about equal to the OVA, although there is a few times where it seemed a little less than stellar. However, there is the fact that there are time and budget constraints placed upon a series. There’s also a lot more freedom with a film or straight to video title. Of course, Japan has their censorship laws as well, although quite a bit more flies on television there than what it does here. Regardless though, Z.O.E as a series makes an excellent addition to the expanding Enders universe, and more and more we’re getting an incredible amount of background of this 22nd century world. Z.O.E has to be without a doubt, one of the better mecha anime series to come along in quite a long time. It combines all the things that make a great series. It’s witty and smart and evenly paced. There’s not a single point in this collection of episodes that leaves you feeling like you’ve just witnessed something that’s rather unimportant. This is definitely one of the mecha series to collect, and you certainly won’t be disappointed at any point with this series. Episode 1 – James’s Misfortune James Links has been requested to deliver a special package to Earth, and he accepts with a bit of uncertainty as a means to reunite with his son and daughter. During his trip however, discovers that the crate that’s in his cargo hold is an Orbital Frame that calls herself Delores. She can think and talk, and isn’t quite sure of this new world. Stranger still however is the fact that she sees James as her “uncle.” Unfortunately, the UN arrives to check the contents of the cargo, hoping to find and take the Frame as their own. Dolores on the other hand is determined to protect “uncle”, but will she be enough? Episode 2 – Elevator of Capital Punishment During the inspection of the James’s cargo, a traitor killed the UN inspection team and now James is taking the heat for it. Von Dorufuo-Mu, a member of an organization known as Wired, is determined to bring him in. James decides to head to Earth however, even though he knows that he’s a wanted man. It’s not just the authorities that are looking for him; his children are as well to find out what the real story is. Even though they are reunited, they soon cross paths with Wired and are all arrested. Dolores discovers what has happened to “uncle” and sets out to rescue him. Episode 3 – Leon’s Choice Having escaped incarceration, the Links family finds safe ground and tries to determine how to clear their family name. Although Leon thinks that he may have the answer by bringing in help from the company that he worked for, it turns out that in fact, they want to take the Frame to sell to the government in an effort to bring up quarterly profits. Dolores has other plans however, and once again does what she can to protect “uncle” and his family. Episode 4 – Final Countdown James has decided that the solution to saving the family lies back on Mars. In fact, there also seem to be reason to believe that his wife, Rachel, is there as well, despite the fact that Noel and Leon have believed their mother to be dead for the past five years. The Frame will only hold one passenger however, and the only way off the planet seems to be in an old rocket that’s guarded fiercely by a crazy old man. Time is running out however, as Wired has determined the whereabouts of the Links family. Can they make it off the planet in time, or will Wired bring in the felons once again? Episode 5 – A Runaway Trip to Death Although they have safely left the planet, Wired is still on the hunt and a new enemy comes into play with a Frame that Dolores is afraid to fight. In fact, the battle ends with her apparent destruction and Noel and Leon head to a safe house their father has instructed. Unfortunately, money sometimes speaks louder than friendship, and the proprietor attempts to cash in. The two flee for their freedom (and their lives) and are soon separated. Meanwhile, James has managed to make it back with a heavily damaged Delores, and she believes she’s dying. Can this really be the end of Delores, or can she pull trough and continue to help “uncle?” -mike-
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series
from square one, I decided to give it another go and see if things
were a bit different that what I had originally experienced. I’d
get the chance to start from the first episode, learn a little more
of the back story, and maybe come out with a new frame of mind of
the whole thing. At least, I was hoping that would be the case.
If
you’ve seen the OVA, then the connection between it and the
series are obvious. However, for those that aren’t up to speed,
let me fill you in on the details (and go pick up the OVA.) James’s
wife, Rachel, is present as one of the scientists in Idolo who is
behind the development of the Orbital Frame. Dolores on the other
hand was the fiancée of Radium, the original Frame Runner in the test
project. Of course, how exactly Dolores’s voice and personality
were transferred into the Frame are a mystery, but I’m sure
it will be revealed as the series goes on.
In
the added extras, there’s a great interview with two of the
original Japanese (and note that I did say JAPANESE) voice actors.
I’d like to extend thanks to ADV for realizing that the importance
of interview doesn’t lie within pointless babblings of English
voice over actors who are the equivalent of a cover artist. It’s
the Japanese cast that truly breathes life into the series, and I
honestly feel they have a better take and impression of the series
than what any American voice actor does.