Search - Zaion - Epidemic (Vol. 1) on DVD

Nicole B. from SUN PRAIRIE, WI
Reviewed on 12/21/2007...

Info: In the near future, a meteor strikes Earth, releasing the M34 virus, which causes humans to mutate into monsters. Humanity's only weapon against the monsters are the young men and women of NOA (Nano Osmolar Armor): microscopic machines that allow them to function as human mecha have been infused into their blood. Yuuji, NOA's ace warrior, is a typical anime sci-fi hero: sullen, alienated and hot-tempered. When the monsters reach Stage II and meld into huge, metamorphic creatures even NOA can't stop them. The new secret weapon is Ai, a wistful teenage girl who can project Deva, an enormous laser light hologram that zaps Stage II monsters.

But Ai lacks the personal strength or conviction to use her powers consistently. At least, until she meets Yuuji, who gives her a reason for living.
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It's pretty, and interesting to watch. It kinda sucks that they split this into 2 DVDs (since it's only 4 episodes, each only 25-30 min. long - but at least you don't have to commit to buying 20 volumes.)
Typical mech-type warrior backdrop for a first-love romance. Ai doesn't get close to people, because "everyone ends up unhappy." Yuuji is pissed-off teenage supersoldier, angsty from watching his friends die, and the goverment cover-up.
I really wish they'd talk more about the virus and character background, it's just a 'day in the life' view from the characters POV. Haven't watched the other video yet though, so who knows, maybe it'll get better.
It is very well done technically. I appreciate the blend of Computer and Traditional Cell Animation.

2 of 2 member(s) found this review helpful.

So short yet kind of sweet

M. Mills | seminole | 01/19/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I'm not too sure what people were expecting from Zaion considering its 4 episodes long but let me give you my perspective. Zaion is a love story that doesnt get too in depth but if one looks at the situation it could happen. Yuuji our main male character is the leader of the NOA soldiers leading the fight against a virus that turns humans into monsters. The soldiers are equiped with nanotechnology which enables them to wear body armour to fight against the virus or people who are infected. Eventually the virus will take on new strands and the soldiers who were equiped with nanotechnology will be infected as well. This is where our female lead character Ai comes into play because she is the secret weapon against the virus(Yuuji eventually becomes infected). Yuuji and Ai eventually meet up because seemingly Ai is lonely and constantly sees Yuuji in the courtyard from her room. Eventually Ai has enough guts and visits Yuuji in the courtyard and its just to be honest a wierd scene because no one says anything. Then during one battle they use Ai and she does nothing till she sees that Yuuji is in danger and she saves him from imminent death(yada yada). This series could have been a lot longer and it would have been better but dont dismiss it because it is so short. Its not one the best animes i have seen but it is comparable to Voices of a Distant Star or Video Girl Ai. So yeah i'd say it its worth buying :)"

Studio Gonzo slumming

Stormwaltz | Edmonton, AB Canada | 04/30/2006

(2 out of 5 stars)

"This schizophrenic four-part "original web animation" could never decide whether it wanted to be a sci-fi action series about nanotechnology and comet-borne alien viruses, or a romance between two young people. The point is likely moot, as both stories fail.

The virus changes people into the usual mutant monsters fought using improbably advanced nanoengineered soldiers and holography. Thrilling. The two lovers are entirely unappealing. The boy's "character" is to smolder with generic rage all the time. At least he's one up on the girl, who has all the personality of a glass of room temperature tap water.

What buzz the series had I can only attribute to Studio Gonzo's aggressive marketing of this unremarkable lemon. All I can give it props for is a bold soundtrack choice, with Kenji Kawai employing 70's style progressive rock."

Heart over mecha

serval | midlothian,VA. | 10/03/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"All characters in this anime are two-dimensional paper dolls, and Stormwaltz tart description of the young lovers is not undeserved.
Evens so they are, in my own humble opinion, a refreshing change from the usual lecherous-cretin-meets-overendowed-bimbo(es) themes.
Hey, call me a mushy old fart, but I am still a sucker for purehearted young love. The fourth episode did not leave my eyes dry. Snif. Sorry."