Zone of Enders: Idolo (2001)
Animation Production: Konami Computer Entertainment Japan and Sunrise Animation
Released by: ADV Films
Official Website: ADV's ZOE Idolo Page
By Jeffrey Couto

Introduction

Some weeks after checking out the Zone of Enders Dolores series I finally had the opportunity to checkout the self contained ZOE Idolo movie/OVA, which is a prequel to ZOE Dolores, with some loosely connected elements tying them together.

Story

"2167 AD. Deep in a hidden laboratory, the Martians are testing new weapons technology that's going to blow Earth away! Hotshot pilot Lieutenant Radium Lavans is taking charge of this program to lead the fight against Earth's oppressive rule-or is the program taking charge of him? The mineral Metatron that powers the Idolo weapon has a mind of its own! With the Earthling UNSF working to crush a possible Martian uprising, Radium's Orbital Flame project development team has no time to lose. Will Radium be able to force the Idolo beta unit to choose a noble destiny, or will the power of Metatron consume him completely?"-- ADV's ZOE Idolo Webpage

Review

ZOE Idolo starts off with bang as we join a conflict already in progress between several LEV suits and enemy forces comprised of air-based weapons and giant ground-based cannons atop the main target area. As we watch the progress of the battle unfold we are introduced to two of the movie’s main protagonists, Viola a female suit pilot and 2nd Lieutenant Radium Lavans, a hot-shot pilot who is the focus of the story.

After this initial action-intensive sequence reaches its conclusion our story begins to unfold. It’s here that we are introduced to the overall setting and circumstances of the ZOE Idolo world, which as we learn is set in the planet Mars, where a conflict between the Mars-born humans and their Earth counterparts continues to grow and create tension amongst a Martian civilization that yearns for its freedom from oppression and Earth rule.

In order to gain their independence we learn that the Martians have developed a unique weapon that may be their only hope of defeating the Earth forces, a new Orbital Frame code named Idolo, powered by a newly discovered energy source known as Radium, whose properties give the machine amazing capabilities that are well beyond those of existing technologies and which allow for a mysterious and deep bond between the frame and its pilot.

With a 55-minute running time I was surprised at how much character development and evolution was included in this OVA. I really enjoyed seeing the protagonist go from his initial hot shot pilot persona into a more serious and tragic figure in the end. The realization of this transformation through his and Idolo’s symbiotic relationship and their increasing convergence being what gave this character development its unique twist.

Aesthetically, ZOE Idolo is very pleasing visually, featuring solid line drawings, a good palette of colors (not too dark, not too light), sharp looking character & mecha designs and more importantly a smooth animation frame rate. Also, CGI is scarcely used throughout segments of the OVA.

Sound wise this anime was also very good, featuring a diverse compilation of BGM and even some of the same music that was used in the original PS2 game, which was neat to hear again during some of the training sequences. The voice acting is excellent in both the original Japanese track and the English dubbed one.

Extras include on the DVD include interviews with the Director, Chief Character Designer, Character Designer and Mecha Designer. Other bonuses include a Zone of Enders Timeline, Production Sketches and ADV Previews. Overall it is a very nice DVD package for fans of the series.

Final Thoughts

A videogame-born anime, Zone of Enders Idolo goes beyond its electronic roots and introduces us to a new world and set of characters that make their presence known and engage us with a great story. I recommend this OVA not only to fans of the Zone of Enders series, but also to fans of modern anime who enjoy a good character driven story.

Jeffrey Couto