ZW Zero Episode Discussion! [Discussion]
- Anime Site Update!
The anime-specific site for Zoids Wild Zero has updated! It now includes profiles for the characters and Zoids. Definitely check it out for the art images! We'll provide some google translations below (some details may not be accurate.) Since these translations have some spoilers, we'll be putting them under spoiler tags. Click the name to expand!Leo Conrad:
Second Generation Settlement
A passionate person with a strong sense of justice. He operates a courier business along with his buddy Buzz. He's especially skilled at modifying Zoids, and the Liger that he rides around like a horse is also a Zoid that he found and repaired by himself. Due to the mysterious light of Sally's pendant, Leo himself has had segments on the left half of his body become metalized as the Liger evolves.
Basically, while most Zoid Riders who are Wild Blasted can't control their Zoid without using a B-Proof Suit, Leo can ride without it. He has all-purpose armor and is good at close range warfare. He meets Sally, and with Liger, they go on a journey to save the planet.
Sally Land
First Generation Settlement
A gentle girl with a strong heart.
Like her grandfather, Dr. Bowman, she hates Zoids being used as weapons of war, and has a strong sense of the mission to save the planet.
Leo helped her when she was being chased by the Imperial Army.
Usually, the First Generation isn't able to adapt to the Earth's environment, so it's necessary for them to wear masks that assist with breathing, but like Leo, she was able to adapt to the Earth's environment by bathing in the mysterious light of the pendant.
Because of a long period of cold sleep, she appears younger than Leo even though she's First Generation.
She decides to go look for her missing grandfather, traveling with Leo to save the planet.
Buzz Cunningham:
Second Generation Settlement
A courier, working as business partners with Leo. He's not a bad person, but his money making priorities sometimes clash with Leo.
Because of his wide range of occupations he's a man of many faces, with good negotiation skills and the ability to get through military checkpoints with smooth talking.
For Leo, who's more of a dreamer, the more realistic Buzz is a good big brother.
He drives a repaired 21st century jeep as his means of transportation.
Luc:
Second Generation Settlement
Imperial Army: Captain
His was tasked with capturing Sally, so he aims for Leo.
He handles a remodeled Cannon Bull and charges for Leo and the Beast Liger.
Beast Liger:
Leo Conrad's Zoid
A legendary lion type Zoid with red and white armor.
It boasts high combat and athletic skills. When it achieves evolution unlock during the Evo Blast, it expands the weapons from the back, and changes into a more aggressive form.
The Mane Claws are characterized by their ability to be deployed in two stages, so that they can change their attack according to the reach. At the first stage, three huge red claws (the Red Mane Claw) appear, and at the second stage, the golden claws (Gold Mane Claw) appear, and the "Beast of Claw - Break" is used.
Cannon Bull:
Luc's Zoid
The Cannon Bull is a buffalo-type Zoid that specializes in medium-range artillery.
It has thick armor and has been modified to attack using missiles and cannons.
It has sturdy limbs and hooves, and is strong enough to withstand heavy armor and weaponry.
When using the weapon release "Machine Blast", the bullet shield on its back is deployed, and the 9-Burst Cannon appears from within.
The Nine Burst Cannon, which fires three shells at once from right to left, has an overwhelming firepower that will blow an enemy away.
- Zoids Wild Zero Ending!
Voice Actress Hazuki Senda, who plays Sally Land in the new anime, will be making her singing debut with the ending theme to Zoids Wild Zero. The original Wild anime also worked with some new artists for some of the themes, so it's nice to see this trend continuing.- Concept Art!
The Anime twitter shared a small concept art sketch of Luc. They also shared some more detailed concept art of the Catalga. A variation of which appeared in a minor capacity in Episode 1 of Zero.- Episode 1 Discussion!
Episode 1 aired on Friday, and there was so much to take in! I'm going to take a few minutes to discuss the various details, and some translation bits from Falcarius. All discussion will be in spoiler tags out of respect for anyone who hasn't seen the episode yet. Translations from Falcarius will be in gray boxes.Series Introduction
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The cause of the large-scale tectonic shifts occurring frequently all over the world, as well as the unprecedented abnormal weather conditions, may have some connection to the huge flying object that fell from space one week ago...
Monsters! First the tectonic shifts, now monsters that look like machines have appeared in the heart of the city! Are they living creatures or are they mecha? The unknown monsters are destroying the city! Due to the sudden appearance of Zoids and large-scale tectonic shifts, the Earth temporarily fell to ruin. |
Episode Storyline
Our first introduction to Leo is a valiant leap across the Aegis Barrier, a vast chasm between the city and ruins that lay on the other side. The Liger's makeshift boosters fail, and he plummets to the bottom. Leo's grand goal is to create equipment that'll allow the Liger to leap over the chasm, shaving hours off of their commute to the ruins. A popular hunting ground for scrap.
Leo's efforts are aimed at the eventual benefit of his business, a courier business that he runs with his friend, Buzz Cunningham. Buzz doesn't have much faith in Leo's antics, but he follows along, and drags him back to work when needed.
Their scavenging expedition is interrupted by the scream of a young girl. They find her surrounded by the Jamming, broken down Zoids that have yet to be explained. These ferocious creatures are determined to kill her, and they're not the last of her problems. In the chaos she drops her mask, and has no time to go back for it.
After Leo rescues her, he realizes that she's a First Generation. Beings who are unable to adapt to Earth's atmosphere, requiring a mask to properly breath. She's weak, and unable to run. Adding onto her problems, she's being persued by the Empire. Luc, pilot of the Cannon Bull is tasked with bringing her back. Although she tries to volunteer to return with Luc, to save Leo from the crossfire, Leo still intervenes and gets her out of the building.
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Buzz: "A mask? [something I can't make out]?"
Leo: "I mean, look, she's having trouble breathing." Buzz: "The only people who need masks on the surface are a generation older than us. No matter how you look at her, she's a teenage girl." |
With the rest of Luc's unit in hot pursuit, Leo calls for the Liger. Together they take out the pursuing Zoids. No sooner than they do, Luc appears with his Cannon Bull. This heavy artillery machine is too much for the Liger to handle, and it quickly loses its edge in the battle.
Soon Sally realizes her pendant is glowing. She flings it at the Liger, who promptly transforms into the Beast Liger. This is the result of Dr. Bowman's, her grandfather's research. While Luc assumes Leo couldn't possibly use the Wild Blast, he turns the tables by using the "Evo Blast" instead. As the fight goes on, Leo realizes that parts of his body are becoming metalized, like the Liger.
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Sally: "Are you going to use a Wild Blast?"
Leo: "Evolution Unleash! Evo Blast!" Luc: "Idiot! As if you could withstand the shock of a Wild Blast without a B-Proof Suit! Nine Burst Cannon!" Leo: "Heheh, your bullets look like they're standing still!" Luc: "How is he okay? His cockpit should be under tremendous shock!" Leo: "Beast Of Claw... Break!" Luc: (after being defeated) "So those are the results of Doctor Bowman's research... No wonder the higher-ups are so obsessed." |
They win the fight, and make a hasty retreat, but the future is very uncertain for our group.
Episode Impressions
Backgrounds and Effects:
What really stands out about Wild Zero is the effect usage. It travels a careful line between just perfect, and a little too much. Tons of detail applied in the post processing stage that adds so much to how the series looks. Everything from the lighting, to the gradients, and subtle blurs. The explosions look great, and every single gun shot has a nice effect applied for the muzzle flashes.
Even the backgrounds are amazing. Tons of detail squished into every frame. This series has really stepped up its development process compared to earlier ones, with a lot of additive detail to fully immerse Zoids into their environment.
Shout Outs:
There are a lot of similarities to earlier series you might notice while watching Zero. In particular, I appreciated the title cards, which use the same rusty stone format as the title cards of CC, GF, and NC0. The Eye Catches are also incredibly similar to the ones seen in Zoids Chaotic Century and Guardian Force.
Story and Characters:
While I haven't formed a distinct opinion of the characters yet, they're very riminiscent of earlier series. I don't know why, but Leo reminds me so much of Athle. The designs are nice and familiar.
When it comes to story, this series introduced a lot of questions in the very first episode. It rivals CC in its balance of sci-fi and magic, and I look forward to seeing how this is handled. The B-Proof (Blast Proof, possibly?) suits are an interesting concept, separating the Zoid from their pilot, in a sense. With even the Wild Blast being treated as dangerous it's certainly a different atmosphere from Wild. What are the Jamming? Why did they end up that way? And what was Dr. Bowman's research?
I sincerely hope that the series continues on this path, as so far, it has left us wanting so much more!
