Funimation picked up Fafner TV and its new sequel Movie, both which I purchased and am working my way through. (I can't wait to get to the Movie, where the animators will likely be able to live up to the promise of these mecha designs alongside the drama). However, I've found out that there was a OVA prequel called "Right of Left" that was not released in Region 1. The cool snapshots I've seen of it seem to be of a higher quality than the TV series, leaning more toward the Movie. I'd really like to see this. Any chance this will be picked up in the future, or is it too obscure?
(In the meantime, thanks for giving me the chance to give Fafner a second look. While it's not without flaws, I feel it has really added to Funimation's slim mecha catalog, which is my favorite genre. All and all, I have to say Fafner is one of the more unique mecha series in the last decade).
for some reason I have avoided this series, what did you like about it? I think I am turned off by seeing the characters from Gundam seed in different uniforms, it just looks far to similar. I guess I should give it a chance since that doesn't mean it isn't a good anime. Maybe I will check it out this weekend, what would you list as pros and cons of the series?
First, let me reiterate to the main topic: Funimation, I REALLY want to see a release of the Right of Left prequel!
I've avoided it for a long time, too, mainly because I didn't like the SEED-like character designs and I thought the mecha would be done in low-budget CG. Keep in mind, I haven't finished the whole thing yet. I'm at episode 18. I'm an avid viewer of this genre, and here's the quick pros and cons below. (Basically, in a nutshell the series is Evangelion meets RahXephon meets Gundam SEED meets Yukikaze. Despite that, it carves out its own world and feeling as it develops. I would argue that there are visual or story elements in this series that went on to affect the Rebuild versions of Evangelion and the Gundam 00 Movie).
Pros:
-Interesting mechanical design (which is drawn out more so than CG).
-Interesting world and technology with more scope than one would expect.
-Interesting enemy.
-Interesting story that draws you in with curiosity.
-Nice plot twists that cause the story to be multidimensional.
-Good character interaction and development.
-Even minor characters have back stories.
-Thought-provoking commentary on topics like "Identity" and "Existence" are weaved in.
-Good soundtrack.
-The character interactions between adults and younger cast members are better balanced and handled than most shows of this type.
-Nice use of Norse/Germanic mythology.
-By and large, the series has a very serious tone befitting of the subject matter.
Cons:
-A fair amount of the character designs are in the same style as Gundam SEED (which I don't personally care for).
-Animation is very inconsistent, with only a few standout moments.
-Outside a few scenes in the early going, mecha battles are poorly animated and choreographed.
-The pacing becomes very rushed after a handful of episodes, lessening some of the impact of the many revelations.
-A few of the handful of comedic moments distract from the series' overall tone.
NOTE: From the Movie (Heaven and Earth) promos, I can tell that the mecha fight aniamtion problems have probably been solved, as it uses visuals reminiscent of the Rebuild of Evangelion movies. (I have the Movie, but haven't gotten to it yet). Also, the promos I've seen of the prequel OVA (Right of Left), unreleased in Region 1 so far, also has much higher/balanced production values.
Result: If this TV series had the budget of, say, Gundam 00, and maybe a different character designer, it'd be an instant classic. I'd say if you're someone who has gone through the likes of Evangelion, RahXephon, and Gasaraki, Fafner should also be considered as a next stop. But again, I want to reiterate that calling it a Evangelion clone is really inaccurate, especially given how the series develops and the amount of characters it covers. I just wish it had gotten a higher budget and maybe a larger episode count. It feels like a series that had ambitions higher than its studio could afford, but they tried it anyway, and that deserves some credit. Plus, I have a feeling that between the Movie and the Prequel OVA, a lot of the missed potential was finally capitalized on. However, the TV series itself is more worth watching for the ideas than the animation and overall execution, which is unfortunate. Idea-wise, it has everything it needs to be a hit. I've just been frustrated by the overall quality of the animation in the TV series.
There is talk of a sequel TV series (to the Heaven and Earth Movie) in the works called Fafner: Exodus. But right now, I'd really like to be able to finish collecting and seeing the main series by getting the prequel.
I think I will give it a shot, thank you for replying with all of that. I don't know why i avoided it so long being a mecha fan.
Weather Funimation releases it or not all depends on how well the Fafner stuff they have out right now sales.
Temp Account for SoundMonkey44
I completed Fafner TV and Fafner: Heaven and Earth (Movie). Funimation, bring on the Region 1 release of Right or Left (OVA film) and Exodus (upcoming sequel to Heaven and Earth)!!! Please!
Continuing where I left off, the animation had some improvements toward the end of Fafner TV, but Heaven and Earth was spectacular, rectifying many flaws of the series while fully realizing the mecha and building on the established world/characters of the show. Despite leaving me a little confused after my first watch, it excited me and left me wanting more. Heaven and Earth should easily be considered a crown jewel in Funimation’s library right next to the Rebuild of Evangelion movies! It’s a must watch. I think it's one of the most significant mecha productions in some time, and one of the more "complete" original feature-length films in the genre in terms of balancing plot and action.
I must confess that I felt the new movie dub cast wasn’t as strong overall as the original TV cast, and featured some errors in pronouncing established names (“Minashiro” once slipped to “Minamiro,” and what should have sounded like “Go-bine” became “Go-bane.”) Still, I greatly appreciated having an English dub. This film deserves that, and the dub did shine at points while being more than serviceable. So, thank you Funimation!!! This is one I wish I could have seen in theaters. It is easily an event title.
Beyond the pros and cons, on the whole, this Fafner franchise is amazing, and has really moved into my upper ranks because of its engaging world and scenarios, and how seriously it takes itself. It’s able to mix touching elements of the human heart with mysterious politicking and dire alien invasions with the best of ‘em.
The Movie needs the TV series to be understood, but even by visuals alone, I would think the Movie would be a highly respected spectacle for anime fans, especially those who like the mecha genre. (I could see an alternate scenario where a person would start out by watching the Movie for the "pretty pictures" and then go back to the TV series to get more out of it). I'm surprised that Heaven and Earth hasn't gotten more buzz, particularly since it came out in Japan in 2010. (One issue for seeing it on the shelf, I guess, could be that the cover images aren't the most exciting; they're more character-centric for established fans/viewers).
Anyway, as I said, in the future, I really hope that Funimation will seriously consider picking up for Region 1 release:
1.) Fafner: Right of Left (an OVA prequel film)--it looks like it has a really touching story mixed with quality animation that’s a nice step between the TV series and Movie. Plus, it has plot lines and characters referenced in both the Movie and TV Series. Kind of seems like it might be the Gundam 0080 or Macross Plus of the Fafner world. (My current avatar was developed based off a screenshot from it I ran across).
2.) Fafner: Exodus (an upcoming sequel to Heaven and Earth)--After how good Heaven and Earth was, one can’t help but be intrigued by a high-quality continuation.
I definitely want to add those above two to my collection.
PS: Minor production notes:
1.) The O-card slipcase for the Fafner TV series set is easily damaged. I returned the first one I ordered because it came mangled. The second one I ordered from a different place also came slightly banged up, but I decided to just keep it. I think this box design might need to be rethought for future releases, though I do appreciate how it gives the case a DVD size.
2.) While the O-card is printed correctly in episode count, the Bluray case spine is misprinted to say there are only 24 episodes, and not 26. (Still, nice uniform packaging for both TV series and Movie).
3.) I thought the Funimation trailers for the TV Series and Movie should have been on their respective discs' extras.
NEW UPDATE: Fafner Exodus has now been confirmed by Studio Xebec to be a 26-episode TV sequel (Though TV had been noted once before, more often than not, in recent times, it had been reported as a Movie, like Heaven and Earth). Looking forward to this. (Hope Funimation is keeping their eye out for this one).
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-23/fafner-exodus-sequel-to-be-26-episode-tv-series
PS: My interest in seeing the Fafner: Right of Left prequel OVA has not waned. Is this the right forum to show my continued interest?
I am kinda worried about exodus. The crew is the exact same as the first series. That makes it really hard to have evolution. Really hope it dosent just turn into the exact same series with better animation or something. That said with 2013 looking to be a pretty barren year in terms of titles Im excited about. This is for sure on to watch out for.
For every 60 seconds you spend being angry, you lose a minute of happiness.
Be Warned: I will talk your ear off on any topic Studio Bones related.
I am kinda worried about exodus. The crew is the exact same as the first series. That makes it really hard to have evolution. Really hope it dosent just turn into the exact same series with better animation or something. That said with 2013 looking to be a pretty barren year in terms of titles Im excited about. This is for sure one to watch out for.
For every 60 seconds you spend being angry, you lose a minute of happiness.
Be Warned: I will talk your ear off on any topic Studio Bones related.