It's hard to impress. I've been watching anime for so long that it's hard to permeate my brain and make such a mark. But Infinite Ryvius did it, and it did it not through an amazing plot or visuals, but through the complexity and excellence of its characters. I can tell you now, that even from the middle this series was vying for my favorite - from the opening credits, I could see that this was going to be something great; and I gotta say: I was not dissapointed. Well...
...what is Infinite Ryvius? Some might say it is a animated version of Lord of the Flies (a book written by William Golding) - one of the most remarkable studies of the human psyche. I can see how such an assumption could be made, and I acknowledge a basis of truth to this statement; but Ryvius is so much more. Everything about it surpasses Lord of the Flies, from its setting to its characters; and with the addition of females, you can already tell it's going to steer into an entirely different direction.
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Infinite Ryivus is the story of adolescents (the average age is 16) abandoned by all in a horrible accident - these 400 some odd survivors are marooned in space, while all around they are a challenged by their own race. I'm not going to go into details about the plot, as it would ruin the series, but basically, they escape in a highly advanced gravity-altering ship called the Ryvius (referred to as the Brattica by some) and traverse the galaxy trying to find refuge. Inside they find a giant robot called the Vital Guarder which protects them in their travels (this device is a central aspect in the plot). The story is set hundreds of years in the future, after mysterious solar activities caused a mist of high pressure and turbulence called the Geduld which encompasses the galaxy.
Blue
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But even as the numerous events and plot twists transpired between the ship and the universe, I found myself not caring so much about the exterior. I was fixated on the marvels of the inside. The Ryvius becomes the home of dozens of detailed relationships and struggles - it is a microcosm far superior to the deserted island of Lord of the Flies. As there were absolutely no adults on board, the teen-travellers each developped in different manners - unrestricted by society. Just like Lord of the Flies, Infinite Ryvius is a brilliant study of the human mind. It zooms into the brain of each of the characters (there is an amazingly large cast) and reveals what makes them tick.
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At the same time, each person's viewpoint is exposed as time wears on. Fundementalism, democracy, dictatorship, communism, republicanism, and anarchy - to some it is a mystery how these theories and biases developped; "I cannot think in such a way! Who can?" With the storytelling of Infinite Ryvius, it shows the necessity for each system and gives a certain rationality to all views. Even Social Darwinism is advocated. While some may see Infinite Ryvius as a tale of teenagers and intergalactic battling, it is in truth a masterful study of society and an explanation to the development of modern day government and personality.
Individually, each character is shockingly complex - but what augments them is their part in numerous factions. For instance, there is the Zwei; the top students on the ship who were selected by the adults to learn to pilot it. Another group, the Observers is simply a militant group of punks who demand a rule for the people. But how each group coincides is fascinating and the course of politics in the ship leads to numerous twists and shocks. But while all of this occurs, the series does not lose focus on the little relationships - brotherhood, trauma, friendship and most importantly... survival.
Kouji
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While at least ten characters play a huge role, the main character is Kouji Aiba; a moderate, average kid who finds himself in a different position with each change in government. There is his brother, Yuki, with whom he never gets along with, and his partner Ikumi - a friendly guy with a painful past. Of course there is the childhood friend, Aoi Housen, as well as Fina, the girl Kouji rescues.
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The Zwei consists of a dozen diverse personalities, as well as the Observers. Then most mysterious of all, the colorful figure who wanders the ship and echoes the emotions of everyone. I can not stress enough how each character is developped; the creator's certainly found time for everyone - even the most insignificant of them had some change within the series. Everyone made an indent through poignant dialogue or vibrant actions, and the ending is great - no ends left open and no character left unfulfilled.
Let's run through the basics: The animation and artwork is average, and I'm not quite sure how to characterize the music... but it's pretty good. It manages to set the moods and not get in the way - not a soundtrack that I'd go out of my way to buy, but it achieves its goals as an ambient sound.
The opening is great. As I said before - it foreshadows the greatness of the series. Character designs are done by the same Hirashi Hirai who did Gundam SEED and Scryed (two other great titles) and the voice acting is very well done - passionate when need be. But do not watch Infinite Ryvius for action or visuals - I mean, both are good, but it is not the prime aspect of the series. It is not what makes it shine.
Infinite Ryvius is my favorite series. At least right now it is - and I can see it staying like that for quite some time. Because of its superior characterization, solid, unique plot, and all around excellence, I award Infinite Ryvius the highest honor. I strongly recommend it to all who take interest the individual and the human psyche. Even if you don't, it's damn enjoyable - and a perfect topic for your English class analyses. A+++
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