If the first episode of Star Blazers REBEL 3199 is any indication, anime fans can expect more of the same suspense, intrigue, and breathtaking animation when the second season of the series premieres in November. While REBEL 3199 stands on its own in the groundbreaking Star Blazers franchise, fans would benefit greatly from revisiting the series' origins by watching the original 1974 Star Blazers series.
Star Blazers REBEL 3199 (Be Forever Yamato: REBEL 3199) by Naomichi Yamato, Harutoshi Fukui and Hideki Oka is a modern version of the two 1980 Star Blazers anime films Be Forever Yamato and Space Battleship Yamato III.
Both of those films were written by Yoshinobu Nishizaki, who created the series along with Leiji Matsumoto. As such, both the original film and the REBEL 3199 reboot are directly related to the original 1974 series.
The series is released in chapters, each chapter consisting of several episodes shown in theaters. The story of REBEL 3199 continues the story of the original series about the fight to protect humanity from alien invaders. The original alien invaders were the Gamilons, who wanted to eliminate humanity from Earth and take it for themselves.
In REBEL 3199, which takes place about eight years after the original series, humanity must defend itself against an even more dangerous threat from the Black Nebula Empire.
Why Anime Fans Should Watch the Original Star Blazers Before REBEL 3199
There are a few reasons why anime fans, especially those interested in watching REBEL 3199, should watch the original Star Blazers series. First, Star Blazers provides important context for better understanding and enjoying the upcoming series. Indeed, humanity has come a long way since the year 2199—the year of the original series.
They are now allies with the once-feared Gamilons, and watching Star Blazers helps fans explore the many legends that permeate the new films.
Aside from those practical benefits, the original Star Blazers series was a great story. Sure, there were aspects of the story—like the animation, the fashion, and some of the science—that have aged well. But Star Blazers touched on some themes and plot points that were long before its time. It set itself apart from other space operas that were coming out at the time.
For example, one of the series' deepest themes is overcoming the legacy of war. The battleship Yamato, for which the series is named and where most of the action takes place, is not a fictional creation by the creators.
It was one of the largest battleships ever built and served as the flagship of the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. Until it was sunk by the United States Navy, it participated in many of Japan's wartime naval operations. In the series, rather than being an agent of war and carnage, Yamato is portrayed as a beacon of peace and a pillar of hope for humanity.
Why Star Blazers' Character-Based Action Makes It a Must-See Before REBEL 3199
Furthermore, the series has an interesting mix of character elements with fast-paced action. All of the main characters join the Yamato crew with no guarantee that they will ever see Earth again or the people they left behind.
They also had to adjust to dealing with new teammates, many of whom they had never met before. There was enough content for the creators to weave in some compelling backstories and subplots. While at war, there were also plenty of opportunities for action and adventure, inspiring space operas ever since.
Again, if you're willing to overlook some of the dated, albeit inconsequential, aspects of the series, Star Blazers is well worth a watch for anyone interested in classic anime. If you're a Star Blazers fan or plan on watching the new Star Blazers REBEL 3199 series, you can't go wrong with watching the original series.