Mecha industry veteran Masami Obari makes a return in an exciting role for Cygames' original anime, Bang Brave Bang Bravern. Unlike Obari's previous works, this new anime takes a more realistic approach, showcasing robots that appear to be realistically manufactured for combat. The official trailer has announced a premiere date in January of next year, making it an eagerly anticipated winter for fans of mecha.
It is uncommon for Cygames Pictures to produce anime independently, and it has been some time since Obari directed a full-length anime, which makes their collaboration on this mecha show both surprising and highly anticipated. What's even more unexpected is that, despite its unconventional title, the trailer reveals a gripping military thriller with grounded elements.
Although the footage is filled with action, it does not quite reach the level of the vibrant battles seen in Gundam. Nonetheless, devotees of this genre will undoubtedly rejoice at Obari's return to the industry and hold great anticipation for this fresh series.
Bang Brave Bang Bravern Promises Near-Future Mech Thriller Action
The initial trailer released by Cygames on their YouTube channel features a synopsis of the anime. According to the translated version, the story takes place in a period where the technologically advanced humanoid armored weapon called "Titanostride" (TS) has been created. On the island of Oahu, Hawaii, numerous nations' armies assemble. Isami Ao from the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and Ao and Lewis Smith, both serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, encounter each other amidst the ongoing conflict. However, their battle is abruptly disrupted by a sudden aerial assault from unidentified aircraft, causing the soldiers to be separated and vulnerable.
Mecha in the near future is not a common theme, with the exception of the YouTube original series Obsolete. Cygames Pictures, known for their work on the mobile phone game adaptation Princess Connect! Re:Dive, is venturing into uncharted territory with their second TV broadcast. However, they are not completely unfamiliar with the sci-fi genre, having produced the impressive Blade Runner: Blackout 2022. With these two projects, Cygames has demonstrated their ability to deliver exceptional animation quality.
The director of this new production, Obari, is a well-known figure among mech enthusiasts. He has contributed to the mechanical designs of anime such as Gravion and Dancouga, and has directed numerous mech shows, including the Gundam Build Metaverse ONA. Typically associated with "super robot" anime, where larger-than-life machines unleash visually stunning attacks powered by exotic sources, it is surprising to see Obari's name attached to a show featuring mass-produced weapons controlled by military pilots. Even the title of the show, Bang Brave Bang Bravern, seems to suggest a story centered around a heroic robot.
Set to premiere in January 2024, the release of Bravern coincides with the second season of Synduality: Noir, creating an exhilarating winter for enthusiasts of mecha. These two shows offer an abundance of choices; the visually stunning machines in Cygames' latest work, coupled with the real-world backdrop, promise captivating intrigue as governments and militaries navigate conflicts on and off the battlefield. Bang Brave Bang Bravern is a delightful addition to the winter lineup, presenting the eagerly anticipated return of Obari as the director of a full-length TV series.