Anime Lovers: Tytania

Anime Review

Tytania

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Based on the novel series by Tanaka Yoshiki of Legend of the Galactic Heroes fame and produced by the same director/studio that worked on its OVA comes the new anime “space opera” TYTANIA. In addition to working on the extremely popular Legend of the Galactic Heroes OVA, Ishiguro Noboru also directed the original Macross, where his ability to read musical scores undoubtedly helped make the series (and subsequently the franchise) a success. As mentioned above, Artland returns in charage of production, whose work looks good, but by no means mind blowing. In this sub-genre of science fiction, romance and melodramatic adventure should be prevalent in addition to large-scale space battles, much like the first episode has shown us. While I haven’t seen Galactic Heroes myself, the space opera genre has piqued my interest in the past thanks to the Seikai series — Crest of the Stars and Banner of the Stars — which I thoroughly enjoyed. Since anime adaptations such as these seem to be far and few between nowadays, there was enough incentive for me to check this series out.
Set in a universe where mankind has spread across the galaxy and established a countless number of nations, TYTANIA follows the intergalactic conflict revolving around the Tytania clan. Having withdrawn from mankind’s Interstellar Federation (星間都市連盟), Tytania helped the Empire of Vardhana — the greatest opposition to the federation — win a decisive battle. Having done so, Tytania forced the Emperor of Vardhana to acknowledge their importance to the empire, effectively taking his place as the most influential power in the galaxy. With the Empire of Vardhana now their puppet, Tytania began exercising its military power and fearsome influence by subjugating most of the interstellar federation under its rule. However, during an attack on the nation of Euria, Tytania is surprisingly repelled by a flamboyant commander, Fan Hulic (Konishi Katsuyuki), who shows the universe that Tytania isn’t as invincible as they seem. From that point on, the war between Tytania and Euria continues, getting the entire galaxy involved.
Going by the first episode alone, I find it hard to judge where this series is headed, but felt that they’ve done a good job enticing fans of this type of show — especially with the huge space battle between Tytania and Euria. In addition to providing the setting for the series (where monarchies seem to be in place), the introduction of the mighty Tytania really helped establish the premise when they displayed their authority by publicly executing the Prime Minister for supposed acts of treason. Much like how the Abh was involved in conquering worlds in the Seikai series, Tytania initially comes off as a group of dark, menacing tyrants; however, I get the feeling that we’ll see a drastically different side of things once the story shifts focus to the many many Tytania characters (see cast below), much like we did with the Abh. Because of this, I imagine the first episode only really laid out the introductory stuff, with the more interesting stuff yet to begin. They did establish Euria’s presence as a nation that opposes Tytania though, which is pretty fundamental to the story. What I’d like to see more of now is Lydia (Nadzuka Kaori) and what role she plays in the overall story, being a key character who’s not a Tytania but on their side.
Aside from Kaori (Yuasa Hirmoi in true tears) playing one of few female characters in this series, we also have Minagawa Junko (Cornelia Li Britannia in CODE GEASS), Yahagi Sayuri (Sairenji Haruna in To LOVE-Ru), and Makishima Yuki (Amamiya Sayuri in Tokimeki Memorial ~Only Love~). Opposite of them though is an enormous male cast full of tons of talents, with Kishio Daisuke (Kaname Kuran in Vampire Knight) as the male lead Juslan Tytania (left in pic), and Konishi Katsuyuki (Kamina in Gurren Lagann) as Fan Hulic. After that, there are a few Gundam pilot seiyuus, Yoshino Hiroyuki, Hoshi Souichirou, and Kamiya Hiroshi, in addition to various others. Music-wise, the opening theme really takes “space opera” to a literal sense, whereas the ending theme is lot more upbeat thanks to PSYCHIC LOVER, whose music I like a fair bit after hearing their songs in Witchblade.
With that said, if you’ve been looking for something to fill that Legends of the Galactic Heroes or Crest/Banner of the Stars space opera void, TYTANIA is one of the few series in awhile to come along fitting the bill. Luckily though, it looks pretty promsing thus far.

Plot

After venturing into outer space, humanity has built many planetary cities. Most of these cities were affiliated to the Interstellar Federation, and it became the biggest force in the galaxy. Therefore, people believed that the Age of the Federation would last long. However, the situation changes when a clan called "Tytania" secedes from the Federation and receives the title of Lord from the Emperor of Vardhana. Tytania obtains a victory over the Federation, and they assert that the Empire cannot exist without them. Tytania puts most of the Federal Territories under its control, and they hold hegemony in the galaxy. Meanwhile, a war begins between Euria and Tytania over their respective rights and interest. From that moment on, the galaxy enters into a tempestuous period.

CHARACTERS

Nobility

Ajman Tytania (アジュマーン・タイタニア, Ajuman Taitania^?) Voiced by: Kenta Miyake

The "Landless Lord" Ajman Tytania is the current head of the Tytania clan.

Jouslain Tytania (ジュスラン・タイタニア, Jyusuran Taitania^?) Voiced by: Daisuke Kishio

Jouslain Tytania is one of the four dukes in line to succeed Ajman Tytania as the clan's next Landless Lord.

Idris Tytania (イドリス・タイタニア, Idorisu Taitania^?) Voiced by: Hiroyuki Yoshino

Idris Tytania is the youngest of the four Dukes in line for succeeding as the head of the clan. His flagship is the Fire Phoenix.

Idris Tytania, at age 24, is the youngest and newest of the four dukes in line for succeeding as the head of the clan. Intelligent and cruel, he murdered the Emperor's secretary claiming he was a 'rebel' and subsequently purged all of his supporters. Besides a duke, he is also commander of the royal guard in charge of protecting Uraniborg and, after certain events, is appointed in an even higher position. He holds a grudge against all the other dukes, especially Jouslain. His brother, aged 17, appears in one episode. He also has at least two sisters.

Ariabert Tytania (アリアバート・タイタニア, Ariabato Taitania^?) Voiced by: Takashi Kondo

Ariabert Tytania is one of the four dukes in line to succeed Ajman Tytania as the head of the Tytania Clan. He commands the flagship Golden Sheep.

Zarlisch Tytania (ザーリッシュ・タイタニア, Zarisshu Taitania^?) Voiced by: Taketora

Zarlisch Tytania is one of the four dukes in line to succeed Ajman Tytania as the head of the Tytania Clan. Zarlisch's flagship name is the Typhoon.

Lydia (リディア, Ridia^?) Voiced by: Kaori Nazuka

Lydia (10 years old) is the second princess of the Elbing Kingdom. She currently resides on Uraniborg under the custody of Jouslain Tytania.

he second princess of Elbing Kingdom. In order to help her world, she gives herself up as a hostage to Tytania, where she brings a breath of fresh air to the stagnant halls of Tytania, due to her straightforward nature.

Resistance

Fan Hyulick (ファン・ヒューリック, Fan Hyurikku^?) Voiced by: Katsuyuki Konishi

Fan Hyulick is a former Admiral of Euria, who inflicted the first defeat to the Tytania clan in 200 years.

A former Admiral of Euria, Fan Hyulick handed the Tytania clan their first major loss in 200 years at the battle of Kereberos (Cerberus) making him highly sought after by Clan Lord Ajman Tytania for his tactical skill.