Metal Armor Dragonar
Encyclopedia
is a 48-episode mecha
anime
series, created by Sunrise
and aired from 1987 to 1988. Devised shortly after the release of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
, Dragonar was intended to be both a "starter" series to get new fans into mecha anime, and a potential successor to the Gundam
franchise. In fact, it's concept is to be the renewal of the first Gundam. Though the series enjoyed good ratings and earned a loyal fan following, it failed to surpass Gundam and ended up as a single series, probably due to its light, ZZ Gundam-like take on the real robot mecha genre. Game developer Banpresto
had Dragonar appear in two of its popular franchises, Super Robot Wars
and Another Century's Episode
; fans responded positively, and Sunrise acknowledged them in 2005 by releasing a memorial DVD
collection of the series, a remastered version of the previous two-part LD
boxset releases years before.
. Their stated goal is the rebirth of mankind, but their primary intention by some of its members is the destruction of all those who dwell on Earth. To this end, the Empire uses humanoid battle machines called Metal Armors, as well as a gigantic mass driver
cannon. Originally intended to send lunar material to Earth orbit for later retrieval, the Mass driver is reconfigured to launch small meteorites towards the home world. By the time the story takes place many bombardments have already taken place. The Earth Alliance, unable to compete with the Giganos military might, manages to steal three prototype Metal Armors with plans to reverse-engineer them with the help of exiled Giganos scientists. However, the ship carrying the Dragonars (posing as a refugee ship) is chased to a neutral colony by Giganos, and an attack is staged to retrieve them. Kaine, Tapp and Light, three friends and EA trainees, are on the colony during the attack, and find a dying Giganos spy who gives them three disks. Chased by Giganos' weapons, the trio enters the colony's dock and finds the Dragonars. Using the disks, they activate the machines and use them to protect the colony. However, since the Dragonars are keyed to only be operable by their initial user, the three friends find themselves forced to become the Earth Alliance's first Metal Armor pilots, faced against the advanced technology and veterans of the Giganos forces...
, Kaine lives on Alucard with his mother, who helps manage the colony. His parents are divorced, and Kaine resents his father for putting his work before his family. When his mother is apparently killed in the attack on Alucard, he is more than willing to help fight Giganos. Voiced by Masami Kikuchi
- One of Kaine's best friends and the pilot of Dragonar-2. Tapp is an African-American New York
er and graduated from an American training academy and was transferred to the astronaut academy on Alucard. Tapp tends to be cheerful and laid back, even in situations where Kaine and Light are stressing out. Even so, he can be serious when the need arises. His family lives in Alliance occupied New York. Voiced by Hōchū Ōtsuka
.
- Kaine and Tapp's friend and the pilot of Dragonar-3. A native Briton, Light's grandfather was in the Parliament
and his father leads the Federation's European branch. However, he prefers to avoid positions of leadership, showing a natural aptitude for information-gathering and electronic warfare, which makes him the perfect pilot for Dragonar-3 (which he affectionately calls "D3-chan"). Voiced by Kenyuu Horiuchi.
- Meio's younger sister, she becomes an enlisted member of the Alliance after the attack on the Alucard colony. Combined with her role as a communications officer/operator for the Earth Alliance, she is very much an homage to Sayla Mass
from Mobile Suit Gundam
.
- Rose was born on the Moon and became a refugee when Giganos declared independence. She escapes to Alucard and later boards the Idaho before the colony is destroyed. At 16 she is a warm and charming personality who assists in supervising the refugee children. Her character is possibly a nod at Mobile Suit Gundam
's Frau Bow.
- Kaine, Tapp and Light's direct superior, a gruff but caring soldier who takes the three trainees under his wing and instructs them in piloting. Often nicknamed 'Umiboozu' (sea monster) by Kaine because of his large size. Has a close relationship with Lt. Diane Lance, whom he marries at the end of the series.
- Diane was thought to be a refugee but turns out to be a Lt for the Earth Alliance. She works in the information branch and is active in the 1st and 2nd arc but is later reassigned and only returns in the ending, which shows her marrying Ben Rooney.
Kenny Duncan
Yama
Douglas
Langue Plato
Genil
Soul Jirsett
Jim Austin - Kaine's father who left his family behind for the Earth Alliance. He is an excellent pilot.
Aoi Wakaba - Kaine's mother, who administered the space colony Alucard and was initially presumed dead after a Giganos attack, but later found to be alive but captured by Giganos and used as a threat against Kaine Wakaba as part of their plan to bring down the Federation.
Meio Plato - Giganos' top ace pilot, nicknamed the . He gained fame piloting the Falguen and is fiercely loyal to Guiltorre. His father Lang Plato is the engineer who helped develop the Dragonars, and he has a younger sister, Linda, who opposes the war. Despite his calm nature and popularity with younger pilots, he is repeatedly looked down on by his superiors for failing to capture the Dragonars and begins to chaffe under Dorchenov's command, eventually being framed for murder of Guiltorre by Dorchenov. In the end, he and Kaine set aside their differences and defeat Dorchenov by exploting Dorchenov's machine's weakness and attacking with a volley of missiles and finished by a combination attack using their beam swords (which was recognised and implemented into Super Robot Wars). He is very much an homage to Char Aznable
from Gundam. Voiced by Juurouta Kosugi
Dan Kruger
Practice Squad member. Fiercely loyal to Meio Plato. Out of the Plato Squad Members, he is the only one to die, which happens while he protects Meio and the rest of the squadron from enemy fire as the rest escape to cover while their sensors were damaged earlier.
Welner Fritz
Practice Squad member. Fiercely loyal to Meio Plato.
Karl Geiner
Practice Squad member. Fiercely loyal to Meio Plato.
Marshal Guiltorre
The supreme commander of Giganos. Though he declares war on the Earth Federation, he truly treasures the Earth for its beauty, eventually questioning himself whether declaring war was really the right option, moments before he was murdered by Dorchenov.
Chephov Giganos Lt. stationed on an abandoned satellite, who captured the three Dragonar but then began to train and befriend them. Shot by Meio Plato for refusing Guiltorre's orders that the Dragonar pilots be taken into his custody. Given a funeral ceremony by Kaine, Tapp, and Light.
Gon Jem
Leader of the "Gon Jem Shittenoh" platoon and pilot of the YAMA-13 Geyzam, and later the YGMA-14 Gilgazamune. Ridiculed with the nickname of "Garbage of Giganos". Despite his infamy, he respects and values his subordinates Gold, Ganan, Zin and Min to the point of swearing revenge against the Dragonar Team for the death of the first three.
Lee Sue Min
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Deins. Eventually joins Meio Plato's platoon when fighting against Dorchenov. Her machine is best known for the chainsaws attached onto the arms, which makes her a deadly opponent when close-up.
Gol
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Gewei. He is usually seen carrying a chaingun and is prone to fire it at random during fits of rage. Because of his savage nature, low level of intellect and size, he is nicknamed "Gorilla", something that he hates being called.
Ganan
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Gan-Dolla. He is known for carrying a knife (or more) wherever he goes. His last words are a cry for help after Kaine slashes his unit in half with his laser sword, which destroys the robot unit and sends the motorcycle unit, with Ganan on board, crashing into a cliff, killing him instantly.
Zin
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Dauzhen. The womanizer and somewhat more civilized one of the group. His weapon of choice is a pair of Sai. Zin's machine's unique attribute is the ability to generate holograms of itself to confuse the opponent, though it can be negated by D-3's jammers.
Mordel
Perkins
Dorchenov - Dorchenov is an ambitious officer of Giganos who, while not seen much early on, becomes the main villain of the series when he wages a coup d'état of the Empire and assassinates Guiltorre, and putting the blame on Giganos ace Meio Plato who also happens to be at the scene. Though mostly a political figure in Giganos, he is just as capable as a pilot in a Metal Armor.
XD-02 Dragonar-2 - Piloted by Tapp Oceano, Dragonar-2 (also called D-2) focused on long-range firepower. It mounts a pair of powerful railcannons on its backpack, along with a set of rear-firing machineguns for defense, and can also carry a double Gatling gun or mount extra missile pods on its legs. Like D-1, D-2 is eventually upgraded into the XDFU-02 Dragonar-2 Lifter, gaining missile launchers and the ability to fly.
XD-03 Dragonar-3 - Piloted by Light Newman, Dragonar-3 (also called D-3) is an electronic warfare unit. Its oddly-shaped head and chest contain a number of powerful sensors, as well as jammers and ECM equipment. Playing a mostly supportive role, D-3 only carries a hand railgun and an assault knife. Even when upgraded into the XDFU-03 Dragonar-3 Lifter thus giving it flight, its only change in armanent is missile-launch capability located in the Lifter Module. Unlike D-1 and D-2, D-3 was never given a custom variant, mainly because D-3's unique role made it difficult to modify further.
XD-01SR Dragonar-1 Custom
XD-02SR Dragonar-2 Custom
MBD-1A Dragoon - The Federation's mass-produced metal armor, created from data gathered by all three of the Dragonars. A single railcannon is mounted on the right shoulder for mid/long-range attacks, and it also carries a single laser saber and a hand railgun. On the chest is a variety of sensors similar to the D-3's, albeit not as powerful. A Lifter flight system is also standard, with missile launchers mounted on the wings. The Dragoon is easily a match for many of the Giganos Empire's standard metal armors, and can be especially formidable with a skilled pilot in the cockpit.
AMA-03B Gebaye
MAFFU-05 Gebaye MAFFU
FMA-04A Dyne
FMA-04A Dyne (Ground Type)
MAFFU-04 Dyne MAFFU
Dora
Gunzer
AMA-06B Gundora
Gelfer
AMA-06C Geldora
FFA-02 Schwarg
AFA-03 Dowtwen
WAMA-07A Zwai
XMFA-09 Falguen (Pilot: Meio Plato)
MAFFU-09 Falguen MAFFU (Pilot: Meio Plato)
XFMA-09 Falguen Custom(Pilot: Meio Plato)
The Falugen Custom is designed by original mecha design Kunio Okawara
in official fanbook of Sunrise in 2007, almost 20 years after the original anime. The armaments are later appeared in PS2 cross-over mecha game series Another Century's Episode 3
, as Meio's upgrade of original Falugen MAFFU. The Falguen Custom mainly put all characteristics of D-1,D-2, and D-3 onto the base of Falugen, which give strong firepower and ECM ability to become a more-all rounded Metal Armor, virtually becomes a perfect form of a Metal Armor.
YFMA-08A Gelf (Pilot: Dan Kruger)
MAFFU-08 Gelf MAFFU (Pilot: Dan Kruger)
YAMA-08B Jagd Gelf (Pilot: Welner Fritz)
MAFFU-08B Jagd Gelf MAFFU (Pilot: Welner Fritz)
YRMA-08C Reb Gelf (Pilot: Karl Geiner)
MAFFU-08C Reb Gelf MAFFU (Pilot: Karl Geiner)
AMA-03G Stark Gebaye (Pilot: Gol)
FMA-04G Stark Dyne (Pilot: Lee Sue Min)
AFA-03G Stark Dowtwen (Pilot: Zin)
Stark Gundora (No code) (Pilot: Ganan)
YAMA-13 Geyzam (Pilot: Gon Jem)
YGMA-14 Gilgazamune (Hydelnecken Colors) (Pilot: Hydelnecken)
YGMA-14 Gilgazamune (Dorchenov Colors) (Pilot: Dorchenov)
YGMA-14 Gilgazamune (Gon Jem Colors) (Pilot: Gon Jem)
Opening themes (episodes #1-26)
Ending themes (episodes #1-26)
game developed by Banpresto titled "Real Robots Final Attack", which is a Third-Person VS Shooter similar to Sega's Virtual-On series. Later, the series appeared in the 2001 game Super Robot Wars Advance, in which Kaine and friends were (unwillingly) mentored first by Gundam Wing's Lucrezia Noin, then later by Gundam 0083
's South Burning. The series would later appear in the 2004 game Super Robot Wars MX
, where Giganos took center stage as the primary Real Robot
antagonists, even usurping the Titans and Neo-Zeon from the so-called "Holy Trinity of Gundam" (Zeta
, Double-Zeta
, and Char's Counterattack
). A late 2004 release saw Dragonar in Super Robot Wars GC/XO
, using Giganos as an ally to Zeon, with the Dragonar storyline being closely tied in with the original Mobile Suit Gundam
; upon being disabled (i.e. having their head and limbs destroyed and their body crippled), mass-produced Giganos units can be captured by the player's mothership, and then be sold for money, broken down for money and parts, or assigned to any pilot from the series. Dragonar's next video game appearance was in the 2005 game Another Century's Episode
, a 3D action game produced by the team of Banpresto
and From Software
. The game allowed players to control the D-1, D-2, D-3 and, surprisingly, the Gilgazamune, but not the Falguen. The year 2006 brings about Another Century's Episode 2
, which features the Custom versions of the Dragonars, as well as the ability to use Meio's Falguen MAFFU and Min's Stark Dyne, as well as Gon Jem's Gilgazamune from the first game. And they are still in part in the Another Century's Episode 3
. Although the original type of D-1, D-2, and D-3 are gone, Meio's Falguen Custom, which never appears in the anime, will be added into the game. The series also appear in Harobots
, because as Sunrise's series, this series' units can be act as 'wild' units, or player's units.
Character Designer: Kenichi Ohnuki
Mecha Designer: Kunio Okawara
Dragonar first opening directed by: Masami Ōbari
Mecha
A mech , is a science fiction term for a large walking bipedal tank or robot, including ones on treads and animal shapes.-Characteristics:...
anime
Anime
is the Japanese abbreviated pronunciation of "animation". The definition sometimes changes depending on the context. In English-speaking countries, the term most commonly refers to Japanese animated cartoons....
series, created by Sunrise
Sunrise (company)
is a Japanese animation studio and production enterprise. It is a subsidiary of Namco Bandai Holdings. Its former name was Nippon Sunrise, and prior to that, Sunrise Studios...
and aired from 1987 to 1988. Devised shortly after the release of Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
is a TV series aired on Japanese TV from 1986–1987, was the third Gundam series, and a direct follow up to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Director Yoshiyuki Tomino returned to lead the series, and he assembled a new team consisting of character designer Hiroyuki Kitazume, who had been one of Zeta...
, Dragonar was intended to be both a "starter" series to get new fans into mecha anime, and a potential successor to the Gundam
Gundam
The is a metaseries of anime created by Sunrise studios that features giant robots called "Mobile Suits" ; usually the protagonist's MS will carry the name Gundam....
franchise. In fact, it's concept is to be the renewal of the first Gundam. Though the series enjoyed good ratings and earned a loyal fan following, it failed to surpass Gundam and ended up as a single series, probably due to its light, ZZ Gundam-like take on the real robot mecha genre. Game developer Banpresto
Banpresto
is a Japanese toy company, best known in America for game development, headquartered in the Shinagawa Seaside West Building in Shinagawa, Tokyo. It was founded April 1977 as Hoei Sangyo, Co. Ltd. The company was renamed Coreland in 1982, and during the 1980s it worked mainly as a subcontractor for...
had Dragonar appear in two of its popular franchises, Super Robot Wars
Super Robot Wars
is a series of tactical role-playing video games produced by Banpresto, which is now a Japanese division of Namco Bandai. The main feature of the franchise is having a story that crosses over several popular mecha anime, manga and video games, allowing characters and mecha from different titles to...
and Another Century's Episode
Another Century's Episode
, abbreviated as A.C.E., is a mecha action video game produced by Banpresto and developed by From Software. It was released for the PlayStation 2 on January 27, 2005....
; fans responded positively, and Sunrise acknowledged them in 2005 by releasing a memorial DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
collection of the series, a remastered version of the previous two-part LD
Laserdisc
LaserDisc was a home video format and the first commercial optical disc storage medium. Initially licensed, sold, and marketed as MCA DiscoVision in North America in 1978, the technology was previously referred to interally as Optical Videodisc System, Reflective Optical Videodisc, Laser Optical...
boxset releases years before.
Story
Dragonar takes place in the year 2087, when a military force called the Lunar Empire of Giganos has risen and captured the MoonMoon
The Moon is Earth's only known natural satellite,There are a number of near-Earth asteroids including 3753 Cruithne that are co-orbital with Earth: their orbits bring them close to Earth for periods of time but then alter in the long term . These are quasi-satellites and not true moons. For more...
. Their stated goal is the rebirth of mankind, but their primary intention by some of its members is the destruction of all those who dwell on Earth. To this end, the Empire uses humanoid battle machines called Metal Armors, as well as a gigantic mass driver
Mass driver
A mass driver or electromagnetic catapult is a proposed method of non-rocket spacelaunch which would use a linear motor to accelerate and catapult payloads up to high speeds. All existing and contemplated mass drivers use coils of wire energized by electricity to make electromagnets. Sequential...
cannon. Originally intended to send lunar material to Earth orbit for later retrieval, the Mass driver is reconfigured to launch small meteorites towards the home world. By the time the story takes place many bombardments have already taken place. The Earth Alliance, unable to compete with the Giganos military might, manages to steal three prototype Metal Armors with plans to reverse-engineer them with the help of exiled Giganos scientists. However, the ship carrying the Dragonars (posing as a refugee ship) is chased to a neutral colony by Giganos, and an attack is staged to retrieve them. Kaine, Tapp and Light, three friends and EA trainees, are on the colony during the attack, and find a dying Giganos spy who gives them three disks. Chased by Giganos' weapons, the trio enters the colony's dock and finds the Dragonars. Using the disks, they activate the machines and use them to protect the colony. However, since the Dragonars are keyed to only be operable by their initial user, the three friends find themselves forced to become the Earth Alliance's first Metal Armor pilots, faced against the advanced technology and veterans of the Giganos forces...
Earth Alliance
- The pilot of Dragonar-1 and the main character of the story. A sixteen-year-old Earth Alliance trainee who graduated in JapanJapan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, Kaine lives on Alucard with his mother, who helps manage the colony. His parents are divorced, and Kaine resents his father for putting his work before his family. When his mother is apparently killed in the attack on Alucard, he is more than willing to help fight Giganos. Voiced by Masami Kikuchi
Masami Kikuchi
is a veteran voice actor who was born in Nagano. He works for Kenyu Office.-Anime:* Air Gear * Aoki Densetsu Shoot * The Brave Express Might Gaine * Captain Tsubasa J...
- One of Kaine's best friends and the pilot of Dragonar-2. Tapp is an African-American New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
er and graduated from an American training academy and was transferred to the astronaut academy on Alucard. Tapp tends to be cheerful and laid back, even in situations where Kaine and Light are stressing out. Even so, he can be serious when the need arises. His family lives in Alliance occupied New York. Voiced by Hōchū Ōtsuka
Hochu Otsuka
, also known by the his stage name , is a Japanese voice actor from Okayama Prefecture, affiliated with the talent management firm Crazy Box. He is the official Japanese dub-over artist for: Gary Oldman and Jean-Claude Van Damme....
.
- Kaine and Tapp's friend and the pilot of Dragonar-3. A native Briton, Light's grandfather was in the Parliament
Parliament
A parliament is a legislature, especially in those countries whose system of government is based on the Westminster system modeled after that of the United Kingdom. The name is derived from the French , the action of parler : a parlement is a discussion. The term came to mean a meeting at which...
and his father leads the Federation's European branch. However, he prefers to avoid positions of leadership, showing a natural aptitude for information-gathering and electronic warfare, which makes him the perfect pilot for Dragonar-3 (which he affectionately calls "D3-chan"). Voiced by Kenyuu Horiuchi.
- Meio's younger sister, she becomes an enlisted member of the Alliance after the attack on the Alucard colony. Combined with her role as a communications officer/operator for the Earth Alliance, she is very much an homage to Sayla Mass
Sayla Mass
, is a fictional character from the Universal Century Gundam universe, first appearing in the groundbreaking 1979 43-episode anime series Mobile Suit Gundam...
from Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam
is a televised anime series, created by Sunrise. Created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it premiered in Japan on Nagoya Broadcasting Network on April 7, 1979, and lasted until January 26, 1980, spanning 43 episodes...
.
- Rose was born on the Moon and became a refugee when Giganos declared independence. She escapes to Alucard and later boards the Idaho before the colony is destroyed. At 16 she is a warm and charming personality who assists in supervising the refugee children. Her character is possibly a nod at Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam
is a televised anime series, created by Sunrise. Created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it premiered in Japan on Nagoya Broadcasting Network on April 7, 1979, and lasted until January 26, 1980, spanning 43 episodes...
's Frau Bow.
- Kaine, Tapp and Light's direct superior, a gruff but caring soldier who takes the three trainees under his wing and instructs them in piloting. Often nicknamed 'Umiboozu' (sea monster) by Kaine because of his large size. Has a close relationship with Lt. Diane Lance, whom he marries at the end of the series.
- Diane was thought to be a refugee but turns out to be a Lt for the Earth Alliance. She works in the information branch and is active in the 1st and 2nd arc but is later reassigned and only returns in the ending, which shows her marrying Ben Rooney.
Kenny Duncan
Yama
Douglas
Langue Plato
Genil
Soul Jirsett
Jim Austin - Kaine's father who left his family behind for the Earth Alliance. He is an excellent pilot.
Aoi Wakaba - Kaine's mother, who administered the space colony Alucard and was initially presumed dead after a Giganos attack, but later found to be alive but captured by Giganos and used as a threat against Kaine Wakaba as part of their plan to bring down the Federation.
Lunar Empire of Giganos
Char Aznable
, born is a fictional character from the Gundam franchise. He is originally one of the main antagonists in Mobile Suit Gundam and later becomes one of the protagonists of Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. In his final appearance in Char's Counterattack, he assumes leadership of the Neo Zeon movement,...
from Gundam. Voiced by Juurouta Kosugi
Dan Kruger
Practice Squad member. Fiercely loyal to Meio Plato. Out of the Plato Squad Members, he is the only one to die, which happens while he protects Meio and the rest of the squadron from enemy fire as the rest escape to cover while their sensors were damaged earlier.
Welner Fritz
Practice Squad member. Fiercely loyal to Meio Plato.
Karl Geiner
Practice Squad member. Fiercely loyal to Meio Plato.
Marshal Guiltorre
The supreme commander of Giganos. Though he declares war on the Earth Federation, he truly treasures the Earth for its beauty, eventually questioning himself whether declaring war was really the right option, moments before he was murdered by Dorchenov.
Chephov Giganos Lt. stationed on an abandoned satellite, who captured the three Dragonar but then began to train and befriend them. Shot by Meio Plato for refusing Guiltorre's orders that the Dragonar pilots be taken into his custody. Given a funeral ceremony by Kaine, Tapp, and Light.
Gon Jem
Leader of the "Gon Jem Shittenoh" platoon and pilot of the YAMA-13 Geyzam, and later the YGMA-14 Gilgazamune. Ridiculed with the nickname of "Garbage of Giganos". Despite his infamy, he respects and values his subordinates Gold, Ganan, Zin and Min to the point of swearing revenge against the Dragonar Team for the death of the first three.
Lee Sue Min
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Deins. Eventually joins Meio Plato's platoon when fighting against Dorchenov. Her machine is best known for the chainsaws attached onto the arms, which makes her a deadly opponent when close-up.
Gol
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Gewei. He is usually seen carrying a chaingun and is prone to fire it at random during fits of rage. Because of his savage nature, low level of intellect and size, he is nicknamed "Gorilla", something that he hates being called.
Ganan
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Gan-Dolla. He is known for carrying a knife (or more) wherever he goes. His last words are a cry for help after Kaine slashes his unit in half with his laser sword, which destroys the robot unit and sends the motorcycle unit, with Ganan on board, crashing into a cliff, killing him instantly.
Zin
Gon Jem Shittenoh member, and pilot of the Stark Dauzhen. The womanizer and somewhat more civilized one of the group. His weapon of choice is a pair of Sai. Zin's machine's unique attribute is the ability to generate holograms of itself to confuse the opponent, though it can be negated by D-3's jammers.
Mordel
Perkins
Dorchenov - Dorchenov is an ambitious officer of Giganos who, while not seen much early on, becomes the main villain of the series when he wages a coup d'état of the Empire and assassinates Guiltorre, and putting the blame on Giganos ace Meio Plato who also happens to be at the scene. Though mostly a political figure in Giganos, he is just as capable as a pilot in a Metal Armor.
Earth Alliance
XD-01 Dragonar-1 - Piloted by Kaine Wakaba, Dragonar-1 (also called D-1) is a general purpose Metal Armor. Its primary weapons include a rapid-firing hand railgun, laser sabers that combine to form a lancer, and a number of grenades and thrown bombs. D-1 was also designed to work with the XC-00 Cavalier Zero an armored support unit mounting extra weapons. Later on, D-1 is given a missile-laden flight unit and redesignated XDFU-01 Dragonar-1 Lifter.XD-02 Dragonar-2 - Piloted by Tapp Oceano, Dragonar-2 (also called D-2) focused on long-range firepower. It mounts a pair of powerful railcannons on its backpack, along with a set of rear-firing machineguns for defense, and can also carry a double Gatling gun or mount extra missile pods on its legs. Like D-1, D-2 is eventually upgraded into the XDFU-02 Dragonar-2 Lifter, gaining missile launchers and the ability to fly.
XD-03 Dragonar-3 - Piloted by Light Newman, Dragonar-3 (also called D-3) is an electronic warfare unit. Its oddly-shaped head and chest contain a number of powerful sensors, as well as jammers and ECM equipment. Playing a mostly supportive role, D-3 only carries a hand railgun and an assault knife. Even when upgraded into the XDFU-03 Dragonar-3 Lifter thus giving it flight, its only change in armanent is missile-launch capability located in the Lifter Module. Unlike D-1 and D-2, D-3 was never given a custom variant, mainly because D-3's unique role made it difficult to modify further.
XD-01SR Dragonar-1 Custom
XD-02SR Dragonar-2 Custom
MBD-1A Dragoon - The Federation's mass-produced metal armor, created from data gathered by all three of the Dragonars. A single railcannon is mounted on the right shoulder for mid/long-range attacks, and it also carries a single laser saber and a hand railgun. On the chest is a variety of sensors similar to the D-3's, albeit not as powerful. A Lifter flight system is also standard, with missile launchers mounted on the wings. The Dragoon is easily a match for many of the Giganos Empire's standard metal armors, and can be especially formidable with a skilled pilot in the cockpit.
Lunar Empire of Giganos
RMA-07A DrauAMA-03B Gebaye
MAFFU-05 Gebaye MAFFU
FMA-04A Dyne
FMA-04A Dyne (Ground Type)
MAFFU-04 Dyne MAFFU
Dora
Gunzer
AMA-06B Gundora
Gelfer
AMA-06C Geldora
FFA-02 Schwarg
AFA-03 Dowtwen
WAMA-07A Zwai
XMFA-09 Falguen (Pilot: Meio Plato)
MAFFU-09 Falguen MAFFU (Pilot: Meio Plato)
XFMA-09 Falguen Custom(Pilot: Meio Plato)
The Falugen Custom is designed by original mecha design Kunio Okawara
Kunio Okawara
is a mechanical designer in the Japanese anime industry. A mechanical designer is similar to a character designer, but the design is for robots, ships, and other mechanical items found in a particular show. Okawara was the first in the industry to be specifically credited as a mechanical designer...
in official fanbook of Sunrise in 2007, almost 20 years after the original anime. The armaments are later appeared in PS2 cross-over mecha game series Another Century's Episode 3
Another Century's Episode 3
, abbreviated as A.C.E.3, is a mecha action video game produced by Banpresto and developed by From Software. It is the sequel to the popular 2006 game Another Century's Episode 2, and the third game in the Another Century's Episode series. It was released for the PlayStation 2 on September 6,...
, as Meio's upgrade of original Falugen MAFFU. The Falguen Custom mainly put all characteristics of D-1,D-2, and D-3 onto the base of Falugen, which give strong firepower and ECM ability to become a more-all rounded Metal Armor, virtually becomes a perfect form of a Metal Armor.
YFMA-08A Gelf (Pilot: Dan Kruger)
MAFFU-08 Gelf MAFFU (Pilot: Dan Kruger)
YAMA-08B Jagd Gelf (Pilot: Welner Fritz)
MAFFU-08B Jagd Gelf MAFFU (Pilot: Welner Fritz)
YRMA-08C Reb Gelf (Pilot: Karl Geiner)
MAFFU-08C Reb Gelf MAFFU (Pilot: Karl Geiner)
AMA-03G Stark Gebaye (Pilot: Gol)
FMA-04G Stark Dyne (Pilot: Lee Sue Min)
AFA-03G Stark Dowtwen (Pilot: Zin)
Stark Gundora (No code) (Pilot: Ganan)
YAMA-13 Geyzam (Pilot: Gon Jem)
YGMA-14 Gilgazamune (Hydelnecken Colors) (Pilot: Hydelnecken)
YGMA-14 Gilgazamune (Dorchenov Colors) (Pilot: Dorchenov)
YGMA-14 Gilgazamune (Gon Jem Colors) (Pilot: Gon Jem)
Theme Songs
Opening themes (episodes #1-26)
-
- Performed by Mami AyukawaMami Ayukawais a female Japanese singer from Shinjuku, Tokyo, Japan.- Theme songs :* Kaze no No Reply , second opening theme song from TV series Heavy Metal L-Gaim...
- Music by Kyōhei Tsutsumi
- Lyrics by Machiko Ryū
- Arrangement by Shirō SagisuShiro Sagisuis a well-known Japanese music producer and composer. With a career spanning over 25 years , he is best known for his work as a record producer for acts including Misia, Satoshi Tomiie, and Ken Hirai...
(episodes #27-48) - Performed by Mami Yamase
- Music by Daisuke Inōe
- Lyrics by Yukinojō Mori
- Arrangement by Kazuo Ōtani
- Performed by Mami Ayukawa
Ending themes (episodes #1-26)
-
- Performed by Mami Ayukawa
- Music by Kōji Makaino
- Lyrics by Machiko Ryū
- Arrangement by Shirō Sagisu
- "Shiny Boy" (episodes #27-48)
- Performed by Mami Yamase
- Music by Daisuke Inōe
- Lyrics by Yukinojō Mori
- Arrangement by Kazuo Ōtani
Video games
Though it has no dedicated games, Dragonar has appeared in several related games. Its earliest known appearance is in the PlayStationPlayStation
The is a 32-bit fifth-generation video game console first released by Sony Computer Entertainment in Japan on December 3, .The PlayStation was the first of the PlayStation series of consoles and handheld game devices. The PlayStation 2 was the console's successor in 2000...
game developed by Banpresto titled "Real Robots Final Attack", which is a Third-Person VS Shooter similar to Sega's Virtual-On series. Later, the series appeared in the 2001 game Super Robot Wars Advance, in which Kaine and friends were (unwillingly) mentored first by Gundam Wing's Lucrezia Noin, then later by Gundam 0083
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory
is a 13-episode anime OVA series set in the Gundam universe. The first volume containing two 30-minute episodes was released in Japan on May 23, 1991. Subsequent volumes, containing one 30-minute episode each, followed every one or two months; the final volume went on sale on September 24, 1992...
's South Burning. The series would later appear in the 2004 game Super Robot Wars MX
Super Robot Wars MX
is a video game for the PlayStation 2. It is part of the Super Robot Wars series by Banpresto, a division of Bandai, and was released on May 27, 2004...
, where Giganos took center stage as the primary Real Robot
Real Robot
is a genre of Japanese animation. The genre contains mecha robots that are powered by conventional power sources and weapons explainable by real world science, and that use ranged weapons and speed to survive battle situations....
antagonists, even usurping the Titans and Neo-Zeon from the so-called "Holy Trinity of Gundam" (Zeta
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam
is a television anime, part of the Gundam series and a sequel to the original Mobile Suit Gundam. The show was created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, with character designs by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, while the series' mechanical designs is split amongst Kunio Okawara, Mamoru Nagano, and Kazumi Fujita...
, Double-Zeta
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ
is a TV series aired on Japanese TV from 1986–1987, was the third Gundam series, and a direct follow up to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam. Director Yoshiyuki Tomino returned to lead the series, and he assembled a new team consisting of character designer Hiroyuki Kitazume, who had been one of Zeta...
, and Char's Counterattack
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack
is a 1988 anime film set in Gundam's Universal Century timeline of Gundam, specifically U.C. 0093.Making its theatrical debut on March 12, 1988, Char's Counterattack is the culmination of the original saga begun in Mobile Suit Gundam and continued through Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam and Mobile Suit...
). A late 2004 release saw Dragonar in Super Robot Wars GC/XO
Super Robot Wars GC
is the first and only Nintendo GameCube Super Robot Wars title. The basic premise of the game is that the plot, settings, characters, and other mechanics consist of essentially mixing and combining the like of Gundam, Mazinger, Getter Robo, Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh, and many other mecha-based anime...
, using Giganos as an ally to Zeon, with the Dragonar storyline being closely tied in with the original Mobile Suit Gundam
Mobile Suit Gundam
is a televised anime series, created by Sunrise. Created and directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino, it premiered in Japan on Nagoya Broadcasting Network on April 7, 1979, and lasted until January 26, 1980, spanning 43 episodes...
; upon being disabled (i.e. having their head and limbs destroyed and their body crippled), mass-produced Giganos units can be captured by the player's mothership, and then be sold for money, broken down for money and parts, or assigned to any pilot from the series. Dragonar's next video game appearance was in the 2005 game Another Century's Episode
Another Century's Episode
, abbreviated as A.C.E., is a mecha action video game produced by Banpresto and developed by From Software. It was released for the PlayStation 2 on January 27, 2005....
, a 3D action game produced by the team of Banpresto
Banpresto
is a Japanese toy company, best known in America for game development, headquartered in the Shinagawa Seaside West Building in Shinagawa, Tokyo. It was founded April 1977 as Hoei Sangyo, Co. Ltd. The company was renamed Coreland in 1982, and during the 1980s it worked mainly as a subcontractor for...
and From Software
From Software
is a Japanese video game company founded in November 1986 known primarily for being the developers of the Armored Core, Demon's Souls, King's Field, Otogi and Tenchu series.-Games:...
. The game allowed players to control the D-1, D-2, D-3 and, surprisingly, the Gilgazamune, but not the Falguen. The year 2006 brings about Another Century's Episode 2
Another Century's Episode 2
, abbreviated as A.C.E.2, is a third-person mecha action video game produced by Banpresto and developed by From Software. It is the sequel to the popular 2005 game Another Century's Episode...
, which features the Custom versions of the Dragonars, as well as the ability to use Meio's Falguen MAFFU and Min's Stark Dyne, as well as Gon Jem's Gilgazamune from the first game. And they are still in part in the Another Century's Episode 3
Another Century's Episode 3
, abbreviated as A.C.E.3, is a mecha action video game produced by Banpresto and developed by From Software. It is the sequel to the popular 2006 game Another Century's Episode 2, and the third game in the Another Century's Episode series. It was released for the PlayStation 2 on September 6,...
. Although the original type of D-1, D-2, and D-3 are gone, Meio's Falguen Custom, which never appears in the anime, will be added into the game. The series also appear in Harobots
Harobots
Harobots is a game series developed by Sunrise Interactive, it features Haro from Gundam series, as a protagonist's pet. Haro can be customized and battle for its trainer from any mecha series by Sunrise....
, because as Sunrise's series, this series' units can be act as 'wild' units, or player's units.
Production Notes
Much confusion had surrounded the early release of this series even before it went on the air. The Japanese anime magazine Animec for example, still hailed the title under the working name "Stillevar", not "Dragonar", despite the fact that the mecha and character designs were already approved. Before the series went to air, there were fans in North America who believed this to be a Gundam prequel.Character Designer: Kenichi Ohnuki
Mecha Designer: Kunio Okawara
Kunio Okawara
is a mechanical designer in the Japanese anime industry. A mechanical designer is similar to a character designer, but the design is for robots, ships, and other mechanical items found in a particular show. Okawara was the first in the industry to be specifically credited as a mechanical designer...
Dragonar first opening directed by: Masami Ōbari
Masami Obari
' is a noted Japanese animation director and character and mecha designer.-Biography:In 2000, he founded the animation studio G-1 Neo with fellow animators, which later disbanded and was reformed under the Studio G1 Neo name.- Direct-to-video animation :...
External links
- Official web site (in JapaneseJapanese languageis a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
)