Gaiking Legend of Daiku-Maryu (2005) Discussion Thread

[Suwako Moriya]

It was suggested in another thread (http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showpost.php?p=1559053&postcount=9) that I try out this series. With one of the reasons being a girl named Ruru, who I already like.

I decided to give the show a chance and have watched four episodes already. After which I concluded that rather than heavily discuss it there, it's better to start a discussion thread for it.

I figure it this way. Regardless of how much of this series I end up watching, others if they so desire might be able to benefit from a thread like this. In any case, we'll see how things go.

ANN Entry (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5894)

Official Site (http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/tv/gaiking/)

Note
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[Suwako Moriya]

As expected from the first episode we get the "How I got my own giant robot" episode. In any case, when the monsters started attacking the city I started thinking "Anyone still want to deny that the monsters exist?"

Daiya should be glad he gained Gaiking. As I'm quite it's going to be a lot more effective than a simple harpoon. Or wait maybe Daiya figured his harpoon was magical.

In any case, that "face" really does stand out. I'm not sure if I consider it weird or cool. Maybe a mixture of both. Still it looks Gaiking has some potential. Plus the opening isn't half-bad. Which is nice since they seem to use it during battles.

Ruru's definitely cute and pretty for her age. She's especially cute in the fortune telling segment. So yeah it looks like I have a reason to watch this.

[Suwako Moriya]

Daiya gets to meet the crew of Daiku-Mayru. He also gets to learn he's a chosen one. We learn that Daiya needs to actually listen completely before taking action. Yes, the hand doesn't automatically come back.

In any case, Ruru continues to be "love". The way Shizuka's hair covers her eyes makes her at least interesting to look at. Meanwhile Puria looks like

So the enemy this time are people from inside the Earth in a place called Darius. Darn it, yet another group of people inside the Earth are being cranky. Should have figured on that one.

[Suwako Moriya]

Daiya and Gaiking decide to elope. I mean Daiya decides to go on a journey with the crew of Daiku-Mayru. In any case, it seems Daiya is gradually getting the hang of Gaiking. He's also getting rather dramatic.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's nice to know that in addition to having a strange mask, the captain gets a fancy room. He's definitely an odd one. "It's not zero, but you shouldn't expect too much" is pretty balanced. Not over pessimistic, but not blindly optimistic.

In any case, it seems the episode was mainly about heading towards Darius. The sea creature with the horn was a bit weird. Still it was a bit on the cool side to see Gaiking's flame be used for that purpose.

On a side note, I'm noticing a pattern with the fortune telling segments near te end of the episode. With the best part being that we get to see an extra cute version of Ruru. So they don't definitely work for me.

Four episodes in and so far the series is showing potential. Not sure how fast I'll pace myself. On one hand, all the episodes aired awhile ago. On the other hand, I have other things to watch. Still it will be fine as long as I make occasional progress in the adventures of Ruru err I mean Gaiking.

[Fencedude]

Daiya should be glad he gained Gaiking. As I'm quite it's going to be a lot more effective than a simple harpoon. Or wait maybe Daiya figured his harpoon was magical.

If nothing else, you can never say that Daiya doesn't have gutts.

Ruru's definitely cute and pretty for her age. She's especially cute in the fortune telling segment. So yeah it looks like I have a reason to watch this.

The fortune telling segments are fantastic, easily one of the more amusing such extras I've seen.

[Fencedude]

Daiya gets to meet the crew of Daiku-Mayru. He also gets to learn he's a chosen one. We learn that Daiya needs to actually listen completely before taking action. Yes, the hand doesn't automatically come back.

Shock! A rocket punch that doesn't come back!

In any case, Ruru continues to be "love". The way Shizuka's hair covers her eyes makes her at least interesting to look at. Meanwhile Puria looks like


Shizuka was my favorite for a while, though a character introduced later ended up surpassing her, she's still awesome.

[Fencedude]

Four episodes in and so far the series is showing potential. Not sure how fast I'll pace myself. On one hand, all the episodes aired awhile ago. On the other hand, I have other things to watch. Still it will be fine as long as I make occasional progress in the adventures of Ruru err I mean Gaiking.

Adventures of Ruru is fine!

[Suwako Moriya]

If nothing else, you can never say that Daiya doesn't have gutts.

The guy seems to have enough guts for two people. Although sometimes it does feel like he needs to do a bit more thinking. So perhaps he did a stat trade?

The fortune telling segments are fantastic, easily one of the more amusing such extras I've seen.

Hopefully the segment lasts the entire series. It would be a crime if they stopped early.

[Suwako Moriya]

Shizuka was my favorite for a while, though a character introduced later ended up surpassing her, she's still awesome.

Now I'm partially curious as to who that is, but I'll probably find out eventually.

[Suwako Moriya]

Adventures of Ruru is fine!

I was actually half-tempted to make that part of the thread title, but figured it would end up being too long and silly.

[regz91]

Four episodes in and so far the series is showing potential. Not sure how fast I'll pace myself. On one hand, all the episodes aired awhile ago. On the other hand, I have other things to watch. Still it will be fine as long as I make occasional progress in the adventures of Ruru err I mean Gaiking.

Huh . . . new people watching Legend of Daiku-Maryu. What an odd concept.

To be honest, I found the first part of the show (1-26) to be pretty sluggish. Sometimes it would be great, and sometimes it would be a real chore to get through. I felt like this show picked up the style of the old 70s mecha shows more literally than any other modern show - in both good and bad ways. I remember being pretty off-and-on about this show while it was airing. I would lose interest for like a month, then really get back into it and blaze through 3-4 episodes at once.

And then from 26 on, the show just became nonstop awesome all the way through to the end.

[Fencedude]

Huh . . . new people watching Legend of Daiku-Maryu. What an odd concept.



Super Robot Wars K

[Suwako Moriya]

And then from 26 on, the show just became nonstop awesome all the way through to the end.

So it's apparently one of those shows that has ups and downs for a bit, but at a certain point starts to truly shine. It will likely be awhile before I reach 26. Regardless, I've at the very least like what I've seen so far.

[Garasharp K7]

Excellent!
Just finished the first episode, and I was grinning like an idiot through the whole thing. Great stuff! It's certainly got a very '70s feel to it in places, which is no bad thing as far as I'm concerned. Daiya reminds me of some of the kids in shows like Zambot 3, who'd think nothing of taking on massive monsters themselves even without the aid of some huge robot.
And the monsters! Yes! Oldschool biomechanical city-stompers! I know Ruru would be the biggest draw for most here - and I've gotta agree she's certainly cute - but it's all about them giant monsters for me. :)
Anyway, I like what I've seen so far. Glad I decided to start watching the show.

[Magewolf]

As expected from the first episode we get the "How I got my own giant robot" episode. In any case, when the monsters started attacking the city I started thinking "Anyone still want to deny that the monsters exist?"

Daiya should be glad he gained Gaiking. As I'm quite it's going to be a lot more effective than a simple harpoon. Or wait maybe Daiya figured his harpoon was magical.


I do not think that Daiya had any illusions about his harpoon but he had to work with what he had.No one believed him so he had to do what he could on his own.So he trained himself into a boy of iron and worked on his harpoon skills because he thought that he would have to fight sea monsters to save his father.

[Suwako Moriya]

So our heroes are considered villains in Darius. Of course, it's nice to know the Emperor doesn't seem to care much for his own citizens. The episode was mostly about Puria and Daiya interaction. Puria is becoming more and more fun to have around. The end result is a pretty worthy episode.

[Fencedude]

So our heroes are considered villains in Darius. Of course, it's nice to know the Emperor doesn't seem to care much for his own citizens. The episode was mostly about Puria and Daiya interaction. Puria is becoming more and more fun to have around. The end result is a pretty worthy episode.

Once she gets over herself, Puria's quite awesome.

Even her three stooges get to be kinda cool at points later.

[Suwako Moriya]

Once she gets over herself, Puria's quite awesome.

If she keeps it up, she'll definitely end up as one of my favorites. Actually she already is. Along with Ruru of course.

Even her three stooges get to be kinda cool at points later.

It seems like there's a variety of things to look forward to later.

[strangefour]

In any case, it seems the episode was mainly about heading towards Darius. The sea creature with the horn was a bit weird.

Is that the episode with the Anomalocaris http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anomalocaris? Japan loves that crazy extinct arthropod for some reason.

Hopefully you can hang on in the next batch of episodes. Arround episode 7 the quality of the animation slides down and the number of animation errors rises. There was one badly draw scene I remember with Daiya and I think Puria in the back of a truck and they switch sides as the camera angle changes. *shudder*

So i stopped watching it until a friend told me, "Dude it it totally gets more awesome. OPEN FACE!" So I went back to watching it. The regular animation was still iffy but got better by episode 20. The plot and character interacting started pulling itself together tighter. And the robot fights. Holy crap the robot fights were good to begin with but became more fantastic. Then you get to meet all the classic Big Four villainous henchmen. They are cool and *spoilers*

So if you can last though some animation doldrums of a 39 episode children's series being run on a 26 episode budget, you'll be rewarded.

[Suwako Moriya]

Is that the episode with the Anomalocaris http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anomalocaris? Japan loves that crazy extinct arthropod for some reason.

It was a different creature, but I saw that one in a later episode. Ie an episode that wasn't much later than this one.

[Suwako Moriya]

So Daiya gets to do a bunch of work before having to deal with the week's monster. Burning the creature was an interesting strategy to deal with it's concealing ability.

Is it just me or is the scene where Ruru begs Daika Maryu to move akin to foreshadowing? Or at least some hint she's extra special. In any case, I'll be looking forward to see her in her swimsuit in the next episode. Along with Shizuka and Puria.

[Suwako Moriya]

The battle between the old Darius Knight and Daiya was pretty nice. Also comparing his attitude about things to what seems to be the current attitude of the Darius army makes you wonder if there was some major change in the world of Darius at one point. Actually I'm sure there was.

Now on to the important stuff. The chests of Shizuka, Ruru, and Puria. That definitely made the episode worth watching. Plus I've got to love Ruru's hairstyle while she was in the swimsuit. It's also nice to see Ruru and Daiya growing closer. Although it makes me slightly jealous.

[Magewolf]

The battle between the old Darius Knight and Daiya was pretty nice. Also comparing his attitude about things to what seems to be the current attitude of the Darius army makes you wonder if there was some major change in the world of Darius at one point. Actually I'm sure there was.


One of the things that I really liked about this show is that they actually give a reason for this and examples that it was getting worse.

[Suwako Moriya]

One of the things that I really liked about this show is that they actually give a reason for this and examples that it was getting worse.

I'm going to take this as a sign that the story is eventually going to get a bit deeper eventually and more interesting than it already is.

[Suwako Moriya]

Here we get a very good episode focused on Puria. She seems to have a rather conflicted relationship with Daiya. It's hard to say if she dislikes him or likes him. Either way the whole Sky-Gaiking thing was fun to watch in action.

[Suwako Moriya]

An episode focused on Lee. The main thing I'll say about is this. The attack used by Buster Gaiking is uh quite interesting. Ah, Gaiking, you'll merge with anyone won't you?:P

[Fencedude]

An episode focused on Lee. The main thing I'll say about is this. The attack used by Buster Gaiking is uh quite interesting. Ah, Gaiking, you'll merge with anyone won't you?:P

Serpent Buster's awesome!

3~8 range with 6000 power!

...wait, what are we talking about again?

[Suwako Moriya]

Serpent Buster's awesome!
3~8 range with 6000 power!

I'm going to take a wild guess that this is a reference to one of the Super Robot Wars games.

[Suwako Moriya]

This episode is automatic win because it focused on Ruru who is lovely, cute, attractive, and I think I'll stop there. In any case, this time we get Diver Gaiking. I can't help but think Sky, Buster, and Diver are just preludes to something more major. Oh, and one really has to respect the Captain.

[Suwako Moriya]

In this episode, Daiya gets to learn how tough Nouza is. Oh, and we get a reminder of how evil Nouza is. The guy is quite the jerk.

[Suwako Moriya]

Well, that was quite the eventful battle. A battle where were get to see at the very least the initial results of what happens when... the face opens. Let's see how true Daiya's suspicions about the captain end up being. As if I couldn't guess.

[Suwako Moriya]

This episode was pretty awesome. Face Open provides for an interesting battle. Watching Gaiking Parts 1 and 2 fight separately was quite fun. Also the idea of Ruru as temporary leader is just awesome. I'd definitely obey her. Err wait that came out wrong. In any case, it makes the Captain would be from Darius. He may not be Daiya's father per se, but being a father to everyone on the ship is close enough.

[Suwako Moriya]

Rosa definitely made the episode. Especially with the attack she came up with to defeat the enemy. Fear the power of a roller coaster!

[strangefour]

This episode was pretty awesome. Face Open provides for an interesting battle. Watching Gaiking Parts 1 and 2 fight separately was quite fun. Also the idea of Ruru as temporary leader is just awesome. I'd definitely obey her. Err wait that came out wrong. In any case, it makes the Captain would be from Darius. He may not be Daiya's father per se, but being a father to everyone on the ship is close enough.

You have survived most of the hurdles of substandard animation to make it to one of the greatest robot fights ever animated. Not that that there aren't many more fun fights left in Daiku-Maryu. It's just my favorite until *spoiler* shows up.

I find it interesting that you come at GaiKing from a basically different angle but seem to be enjoying it as much as I do. You liking Ruru and the other cute girls (never anything wrong with cute character designs). Me liking it for awesome robots and enjoyable villains. Both of which lead into Daiya's motivations. I guess that's a testiment to the writing of the character interaction on a simple kids show.

[Suwako Moriya]

You liking Ruru and the other cute girls (never anything wrong with cute character designs). Me liking it for awesome robots and enjoyable villains.

Ruru was indeed my primary motivation for trying this and cute girl such as Puria give me even more reason to watch. That being said, I am finding Gaiking itself to be a pretty good secondary reason to watch this.

In any case, one time I said in an older topic the following. "I think the key to an enjoyable series involving mecha is to make sure one can care about the people actually piloting the mecha."

Which definitely applies here. I mean sure Gaiking itself is quite awesome. The villains at the very least serve their roles quite well. After all Gaiking and the others need something to fight.

However the honest truth is this. If I had found myself greatly disliking the cast, I would have dropped it long before this episode. However because I like the cast in general it gives me motivation to keep watching the series. Which in turns leads me to seeing the cool robot fights such as the one in this episode.

[Fencedude]

I find it interesting that you come at GaiKing from a basically different angle but seem to be enjoying it as much as I do. You liking Ruru and the other cute girls (never anything wrong with cute character designs). Me liking it for awesome robots and enjoyable villains. Both of which lead into Daiya's motivations. I guess that's a testiment to the writing of the character interaction on a simple kids show.

Just to chime in, I basically came at it from both directions.

Cute Girls + Giant Asskicking Robots == WIN!

and then it gets the absolute GREATEST villain ever. <3 <3 <3

[Suwako Moriya]

It's nice to get some advancement in terms of the "Where's dad?" subplot. Also, it's clear that Proist (spelling) is highly suspicious. In any case, got to love the "I'll just use his weapon" solution. Oh, and Ruru throwing the guy was definitely fun.

[Suwako Moriya]

Due to circumstances we get interaction between Lee and Vestaanu. Interaction makes the position of the latter more clear. His line about "Believe in what you want. Until you realize something" is quite telling.

In any case, I'll be shocked if Proist doesn't make an attempt for an ultimate power grab. Aside from that the most important thing of the episode is the whole "Triple Gaiking" thing. It was only a matter of time.

[Fencedude]

Due to circumstances we get interaction between Lee and Vestaanu. Interaction makes the position of the latter more clear. His line about "Believe in what you want. Until you realize something" is quite telling.

In any case, I'll be shocked if Proist doesn't make an attempt for an ultimate power grab. Aside from that the most important thing of the episode is the whole "Triple Gaiking" thing. It was only a matter of time.

I'm still annoyed that Triple Gaiking wasn't a combo attack in K, ah well.

And yes, Proist sure is suspicious, isn't he?

And Vestaanu's a good girl. Really.

[Suwako Moriya]

And Vestaanu's a good girl. Really.

True. She may be on the wrong side, but her motivations are definitely not evil. It will be interesting to see how her view might change if/when she gains more information.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's becoming quite clear that their strategy is too dependent on Gaiking. So it's time to re-recruit an old member. Some guy named Dick who is apparently disliked by the crew and I can see why. In any case, aside from that we got the following.

We got several scenes involving Ruru. Mostly because she had to deal with Daiya. Still the more screen time with Ruru the better. Since it means we get to hear her and stare at her.

Speaking of staring. Seeing Puria in that outfit was just wow. I wasn't expecting her to look like that at all. For a second there I thought it was a different character. However it became clear it was her.

Oh, and the stuff in Shizuka's room confirms two things. She's scary and likely dangerous.

[Fencedude]

Ah, Dick.

Surprisingly...actually a dick.

(and hell yes Puria's dress was fantastic)

[Suwako Moriya]

Dick continues to be a jerk who is willing to take very risky action that the others don't approve of. He definitely needs a bit of an attitude adjument.

It looks like Gaiking has finally been defeated. The idea of a flame giant being trapped in ice seems rather appropriate. Speaking of which. Why just flame? What about Air, Water, and Earth? Yes, I've played too many RPGs.

In any case the main surprise of the episode was with Proist. Turns out the guy isn't a droid after all. Heck, it's not even a guy. Apparently Proist is actually "female". And she's the "True Master".

[Fencedude]

PROOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIISSSSSSSSTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!!!!

<3 <3 <3

I love Proist.

BEST VILLAIN EVER

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, Dick.

Surprisingly...actually a dick.

I have to wonder if they chose that name on purpose or if it was unintentional.

(and hell yes Puria's dress was fantastic)

She needs to wear it more often. Ah, well, even if it turns out to be a one time thing, it's just a matter of remembering which episode it appears in.

[Suwako Moriya]

I love Proist.

BEST VILLAIN EVER

After finishing episode 19, I think I have at least somewhat of an idea why you feel that way. In any case, I need to comment on that episode shortly.

[Suwako Moriya]

Puria, Lee, and Dick works together in order to save Daiya. Then the four of them end up with new outfits and become an official team. A team where Lee gets to be the leader.

We get a better idea what Proist is really like and we learn two things. First, that she has some rather interesting mood swings. Second, that she's hot. She wears that outfit of hers very well. Got to love the wings. If not for whole being evil thing, I'm half tempted to switch sides.

[Fencedude]

We get a better idea what Proist is really like and we learn two things. First, that she has some rather interesting mood swings. Second, that she's hot. She wears that outfit of hers very well. Got to love the wings. If not for whole being evil thing, I'm half tempted to switch sides.

And she floats.

For no real reason. She just does.

(and here's a fun fact, she has the same Seiyuu as Shimazu Yoshino)

[Suwako Moriya]

For no real reason. She just does.

You've got to love it when a character does something just because she can. Also I can't believe I forgot to mention the floating thing.

(and here's a fun fact, she has the same Seiyuu as Shimazu Yoshino)

That's interesting to learn. It also gives bad mental crossover images.

[strangefour]

I love Proist.

BEST VILLAIN EVER

After finishing episode 19, I think I have at least somewhat of an idea why you feel that way. In any case, I need to comment on that episode shortly.

Woo hoo! You've finally gotten to probably my favorite plot point of GaiKing. Proist is pure flat out evil nuts. I mean all of the Big Four (or whatever they were called) are more interesting than the usual crowd of super henchmen. But Proist, man.

A hero is defined by the villains he fights. So I would often try to figure out who my 10 favorite villain are. Then I watched Gaiking Legend of Daiku-Maryu. Proist quickly climbed high on the list. She's an evil, crazy, exotic, floating, viscious, sexy, bi-polar cackling monster. The kind of villain I just love to hate.

Vestaanu & Nouza are no slouches either. They both have nice fleshed out personalities beyond just being "the plotting woman" and "the fighter who lives to fight." But Proist wow, she's takes the cake, sets it on fire, then throws it in your lap.

[Fencedude]

But Proist wow, she's takes the cake, sets it on fire, then throws it in your lap.

And then screams at you for wasting her cake.

[strangefour]

But Proist wow, she's takes the cake, sets it on fire, then throws it in your lap.

And then screams at you for wasting her cake.

Next she floats over to you. Wipes some flaming cake out of your lap. Sucks the cake off her finger. Kisses your cheek with cake covered lips. Then turns arround the screams for a firing squad to kill you.

[Fencedude]

But Proist wow, she's takes the cake, sets it on fire, then throws it in your lap.

And then screams at you for wasting her cake.

Next she floats over to you. Wipes some flaming cake out of your lap. Sucks the cake off her finger. Kisses your cheek with cake covered lips. Then turns arround the screams for a firing squad to kill you.

Or if you're a pretty girl, she'll just lock you up and sexually torment you occasionally.

[Suwako Moriya]

Or if you're a pretty girl, she'll just lock you up and sexually torment you occasionally.

Ok, this whole conversation involving Proist makes her both interesting and scary.

[strangefour]

Or if you're a pretty girl, she'll just lock you up and sexually torment you occasionally.

Ok, this whole conversation involving Proist makes her both interesting and scary.

That's exactly why she's a great villainess. The bi-polarness, not only of her personality, but of the viewer's reaction to her is what makes her so memorable.

[Suwako Moriya]

In this episode, we get a mining race. A mining race that Ruru ends up winning. Which is good because only the lovely Ruru truly deserves to win. Definitely one of those episodes used to give you a glimpse of various characters. Shizuka had some interesting moments.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, so we're getting the fortune telling at the start of the episode. Which is quite fitting since the episode is partially focused on Ruru's fortune telling. Which leads to a jealous Daiya saying something extremely stupid. Smooth move, Daiya.

And thanks to Daiya, Ruru starts to have issues with her abilities. Still things ultimately do work out in the end. Shion gets saved and we get to see the Rollercoaster Attack again. Watching such a large get destroyed is fun.

Poor Puria, one has to wonder what went through her mind as Daiya confessed to Ruru about his jealousy. I mean he might as well have been asking Ruru for her hand in marriage.

Speaking of Puria, her version of fortune telling seems to be rather dangerous if you ask me. Still it does help to mix up the formula a bit. So I guess I'd like to see a bit more of her fortune telling even if it means a break from Ruru.

[Suwako Moriya]

Anego's trio gets a chance to show off in this episode. Granted the situation in question is partially their fault anyway, but that's another story. I see Ruru has already returned to fotune telling. I guess the Puria thing was a one shot.

[Suwako Moriya]

We get some iron beast soldiers. We learn about the past of four characters. We get to see sensei for real. In any case, let's skip that stuff and get to what's important.

Shizuka gets to be awesome. Shizuka gets to be scary. Shizuka in battle outfit. School Girl Shizuka with glasses. Yes, the Shizuka factor is definitely what made the episode. You've got to love her.

[Suwako Moriya]

In this episode, we get a bunch of pink hippos. We also get the start of an idol contest involving Ruru, Puria, Rosa, Shizuka, and Kyoukoa aka some girl to fill space. Ah, Rosa, for someone who sometimes seems to be all business, you sure like to show a fun side on occasion. Ruru, she just needed the proper motivation. The whole "She's just a kid even though she has those" comment has me thinking "I'm sure they're referring to that and I've noticed it myself".

[Suwako Moriya]

Kyouko, she's quite the underhanded girl isn't she? I mean talk about sneaky and taking advantage of things. She's definitely not above bribery.

Rosa, her idea of being an Enka Idol is certainly curious. Well, I guess you've got to be willing to try anything.

Shizuka, she uses face open. Of course, they don't let use the viewer see it. Are we unworthy of her? Ah, she's wearing the school girl outfit. Yay!

Puria, so she decides to sing her own version of the opening theme. It figures she'd sing it that way. Now she's wearing a strange red outfit. Well at least it allows a view of her stomach and her cleavage. So it's good for that. Not sure about the hair style.

Ruru, she continues to have doubts. Hmm, wait she's feeling motivated again. She's even glowing too. Ah, and now we see Ruru in a nice white dress.

Rebecca, sure she's a spy. However I have to feel sorry for her getting mixed up in a situation she doesn't understand. Now she's dressed up in an idol outfit. It looks like nothing went well for her.

So in the end, Ruru gets to be the idol and we get a battle happening while she's singing. Works well enough for me.

[Fencedude]

lol the Pink Hippo episodes.

I just wish we would have gotten more of Rebecca.

[Suwako Moriya]

With this episode, Proist proves she has some compassion. Sure it's a very minor amount that doesn't amount to anything, but it's still there.:P The girls an interesting battle outfit. Then she starts having way too much fun with Daichi Maryu and Vulking

It looks the crew of Daiku Maryu are going to have their hands full now. Even more so if/when Tenku Maryu becomes a factor. Likely to be a matter of when, since it's doubtful they brought up the name just for heck of it.

[Suwako Moriya]

I just wish we would have gotten more of Rebecca.

I was partially hoping she'd end up winning the contest, but I guess it probably wouldn't have worked out.

[Suwako Moriya]

Ah, so it's finally time for the revival of Tenku Maryu. In any case, on to more important stuff.

So Ruru is actually the captain's daughter and the captain apparently killed her mother. Although if you ask me the flashback scenes are a bit contradictory. Plus I've seen this scenario play out before. Of course, I can't give examples without spoiling...

Regardless it doesn't change the fact that Ruru isn't happy about the situation and is acting in a way that I wouldn't have excpted from her so early on in the series.

It looks like things are going to get darker now as we enter the third and final cour of the series. Oh and we get a "Who is inside Proist (armor)?" quiz thing going on.

[Suwako Moriya]

They definitely took a beating from Raiking in this episode. Yeah things are continuing to get hectic. Meanwhile we get more explanation about the Ruru and Captain situation.

For most part of the episode Ruru was essentially looking lifeless and emotionless. A clear sign that she could only focus on revenge. Granted she ends up realizing the truth at the very last moment.

Ah, yes, so in the end it was a very young Proist that killed her mother. Even back then she was a bitch. In any case, as I watches the real version of the scene play out, I'm left wondering about this scenario.

You have the child (Ruru) watch her mother get killed by someone else. Yet, he or in this case she decides to conclude that the one protecting her is the one that murdered her mother.

So now I'm wondering if this actually happens in real life. Where the one doing the saving ends up getting blamed.... Never mind it doesn't help that he or she sometimes ends up blaming himself or herself anyway.

I guess if I were to make up a half-assed theory, maybe as a younger child Ruru wasn't capable of taking in everything that was happening during that day. So I guess her mind decided to simply just mix up the information that it received.

So instead of "Bitch killed mother, some guy tried to save me", it becomes "Some guy killed mother" or something like that. Either way it's a scenario that does end up making me curious.

Oh, I forgot to mention. Vestaanu's actions make me proud of her. I know she's an enemy, but part of me is hoping for the best when it comes to her. She just needs to get past a few hurdles. Including the "I've learned from my mistakes. So, I shall *Gets Shot*" curse.

On a final note, early on in the episode when Proist was holding on Ruru around the 32 second mark, I started thinking strange thoughts regarding those two. Not sure why or if I should even mention them. I probably said too much already anyway.

[Suwako Moriya]

The Captain has survived for now, but it's difficult for them to heal a person from Darius. So time to travel through a bunch of mines. Although eventually thanks to a message from Shion, Dick and Ruru decide to take matters into their hands to help the Captain.

Oh, Suspage, you're not above doing whatever you can to get your way. The guy's getting quite desparate. Meanwhile poor Vestaanu is in a tough situation due to her earlier actions. Still I'm going to keep the hope alive.

Ok then. I should have figured it would end up being a trap. A trap which leads to Suspage beating up on Gaiking. Then Proist beating up on Gaiking. And now Suspage attacking Proist?

Proist decides to give Suspage the proper reward for his actions. He gets to have his flame burn out and thus pass away. No one will mourn for him. Except maybe the creature that he kept squeezing.

[Magewolf]

The Captain has survived for now, but it's difficult for them to heal a person from Darius. So time to travel through a bunch of mines. Although eventually thanks to a message from Shion, Dick and Ruru decide to take matters into their hands to help the Captain.

Oh, Suspage, you're not above doing whatever you can to get your way. The guy's getting quite desparate. Meanwhile poor Vestaanu is in a tough situation due to her earlier actions. Still I'm going to keep the hope alive.

Ok then. I should have figured it would end up being a trap. A trap which leads to Suspage beating up on Gaiking. Then Proist beating up on Gaiking. And now Suspage attacking Proist?

Proist decides to give Suspage the proper reward for his actions. He gets to have his flame burn out and thus pass away. No one will mourn for him. Except maybe the creature that he kept squeezing.

Suspage was such a slime.I had been hoping for him to die since the first 3 minutes he spent on screen.

[Suwako Moriya]

Suspage was such a slime.I had been hoping for him to die since the first 3 minutes he spent on screen.

Let me put it this way. I'm not shedding a single tear for the guy.

[Suwako Moriya]

Daiya's analogy using a videogame to explain why they're having trouble is quite effective.

We get a bunch of flashback scenes through out the episode to tell us where many are coming from.

It looks like Proist is using both Vestaanu and Nouza. I feel sorry for those two more and more. In any case, it's quite the battle. Especially with some of the moves the crew of the Daiku Maryu end up using.

Now to focus on what's truly important. Ruru is now the captain and she gets a rather nice new look. I've decided that she can command me all she wants. Actually I decided that long ago.

[Suwako Moriya]

Wow. That sure is a heck of a lot of parts to form one robot. 500 at least. Were they going for some record? Still this leads to a very hectic battle. A battle where in the end we get.....

Gaiking the Great! Which decides to show off how awesome it is. Then we get a final episode style ending scene. Then after that we get an "It's not over yet!" type scene.

[Fencedude]

Wow. That sure is a heck of a lot of parts to form one robot. 500 at least. Were they going for some record? Still this leads to a very hectic battle. A battle where in the end we get.....

Gaiking the Great! Which decides to show off how awesome it is. Then we get a final episode style ending scene. Then after that we get an "It's not over yet!" type scene.

I love how Chou Maryu Dvorak has the same face as the original Gaiking in FACE OPEN mode.

[Suwako Moriya]

Puria and Daiya spend quality time together on the surface. We get Sky Gaiking formed used err emergency parts. Whatever works in the long run. Never thought I'd see Gaiking with that color.

Speaking of parts, it's nice to know Proist's new soldiers are also her spare parts. With so many spare parts, it's going to be quite tough to get completely defeated.:sweat:

[Suwako Moriya]

I love how Chou Maryu Dvorak has the same face as the original Gaiking in FACE OPEN mode.

Ah, learning that certain helps add a new perspective to that battle.

[Suwako Moriya]

Naoto gets to meet with the crew of the Daiku Maryu. Naoto to gets to pilot the Daiku Maryu. Naoto gets to become a member. Nothing like last minute adjustments to the party to make things interesting.

[Suwako Moriya]

Some important stuff happened and we got some focus on Dick. However the main thing to focus on is seeing Ruru in a variety of outfits.

[Suwako Moriya]

It's clear that Proist is likely more evil than her father. Not that it wasn't clear several episodes ago. We get more of Gaiking the Great. Also we get more info on Daiya's father. And it's not good news.

[Suwako Moriya]

In this episode the 17th Darius Emperor requests help. His actions in this episode helped put him in a different light. Before you could have just pegged him as "I must do evil for the sake of evil". Now it's starting to seem more like his past actions may have been a case of doing what he could for his people. Granted I'm just speculating here.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but... Poor Proist. The girl has finally broken down and gone mental. Never mind, make that extra mental.:sweat: Regardless, it looks like we've gotten another side of her.

[Suwako Moriya]

Daiya, you must. Dad, I can't. Daiya, you have to. Dad, I can't. Yes, I believe that describes a good portion of the episode.

Got to love Proist's cruel "Oh, by the way" moments. As well as her blaming them for her killing her father.

At least we learned Daiya's father's motives. So it was a case of working with the other side to find a way that would ultimately benefit both sides.

It looks like it's time to say goodbye to Dick. He started off a jerk, but eventually proved himself over time.

In any case, just two more episodes to go. You can tell I've given this show my full concentration.

[Suwako Moriya]

All right then, that was quite the involved battle. Nouza vs Proist was fun. Vestaanu knows Lee too well. Also, this answers the question of whether or not "Face Open The Great" is possible. Now on to the final episode.

[Suwako Moriya]

It seems that in the end, Proist was beyond saving. Too bad, one has to wonder if things could have gone different. I guess she ultimately became a victim of herself.

It seems the battle is won and both sides plan to work together for a better future. Which is good because it's ultimately the best case scenario. Even if it does require a lot of work.

So we're getting a time jump. Which allows us to see older versions of some of the characters including Puria. With that the ending gets a +500. Wow. Shizuka's become a MILF. +1000 to the ending. They seem to be twins.

Now then, let's take a look at Ruru. Interesting, it seems now that she's older it's even more clear that she has the blood of the Darius people in her. Her ears have changed and she's got the facial markings as well.

All right enough with being calm. WOW! JUST WOW! Even back when she was 13 I found her quite attractive. Now that she's 18, she's become even hotter and sexier than ever before. Plus, she's equipped herself with twintails!

With that I'm required to give the ending a +999,999,999,999. You know what? No matter how many nines that I decided to add, it will never ever be enough to show how valuable older Ruru is to the ending.

Now that I've finished Gaiking, I'm glad I watched it. It starts off pretty decent. It gets even better as it progresses. It's got an ensemble cast multiple characters actually matter. The robot action was pretty nice. It has an appropriate ending that works for the show.

However even without all of that Ruru alone makes the show worth watching. From the moment her lovely self first appeared early in the series to near the end when we finally get to see her older self. Her older self that shows the benefits of her mixed blood.

Now I just got to comment about this in the "Currently Watching" thread while of course being extra careful about spoilers. That much I realize. Although it may take me time to put my thoughts together.

Oh, yes, if there was ever a time I badly needed a creditless ending this would be one of them. Pure evil credits blocking a scene of the lovely Ruru. I'm going to pretend the credits are the revenge of Proist.

[Fencedude]

18 year old Ruru is just ludicrously hot.

Need a sequel just for her.

[Suwako Moriya]

18 year old Ruru is just ludicrously hot.

She's got to be one of the best examples of a character becoming older and thus ugprading ever.

Need a sequel just for her.

The fact we have not gotten one is like a crime against humanity.


On a side note, while the show never 100% confirmed it. I'm quite sure that eventually Daiya and Ruru will end up together.