How will Rahxephon Stand the Test of Time?

[TekkamanEvil]

So how well do you think Rahxephon will fare the in the world of Anime fandom ten years after its debut?

I apologize for the sort of vague question, but what I am trying to get at is do you think Rahxephon will still be loved, worshipped, and talked about as a series like Gundam, Macross, Evangelion, Hellsing, Naruto, Bleach, Cowboy Bepop, etc down the road?

For some reason, even though I absolutely love Rahxephon and had my world rocked after watching the TV series and movie, I just don't know if it will stand the test of time well. I have this inkling it's final verdict will be an HIGHLY UNDERRATED AND UNDERWATCHED SERIES. This is not due to the content, but I think its a result of lack of merchandising opportunities, its unfair association with EVA, and maybe it goes a little slow early so people might not want to invest in it all the way through. I was guilty of that myself, it was after watching the movie did my interest in the series skyrocketed.

This perspective of Rahxephon could be skewed because I have no clue how much Rahxephon is digged in Japan, but at least in America I've seen numerous series like Nadesico and Gasaraki that were wonderful but despite their excellent production failed to stick. Note that this is just my prediction based on my opinion, I could be wrong, in fact I hope I'm wrong because Rahxephon is a good series that deserves more attention at least in America anyway.

So what are your thoughts on this?

[Leader Desslock]

Judging by the lack of in-depth discussion in this forum, I'd say that Rahzephon will eventually become a cult classic. It'll have a loyal fanbase, but one that's much smaller than something like Cowboy Bebop or Evangelion. It'll never have the recognition of something like Gundam or Mazinger, nor will it ever have the popular appeal of something like Outlaw Star, Cardcaptor Sakura or Dragonball.

You know, I have to say that the discussions I've seen about Rahxephon have been centered around how Rahxephon is not EVA. I don't think I've seen a single review that doesn't mention how not-EVA Rahxephon is. It might be a great series, but the fact that its supporters don't seem to be able to get out of the "We're not EVA" rut tells me something about the series. That tells me that it doesn't necessarily have much to offer except not being EVA.

Before you think I'm being unfair, think about the reviews you've read about other types of shows that are similar to ones you've seen. Big O is blatantly viewed (with good reason) as being Batman:TAS with a giant robo for the Batmobile. I like the show, and even I have to admit that. But I've seen plenty of discussion and reviews about Big O that don't dwell on the series Batmanesque qualities. I've seen discussions about Grenadier that don't focus on it being Trigun with breasts. I've seen plenty of discussions of Outlaw Star that don't talk about Treasure Planet or Treasure Island. I've seen plenty of discussions about Last Exile and Speed Grapher, and to my mind those were both atrocious wastes of time.

With Rahxephon, I just don't catch much of that "more than just NOT Evangelion" vibe. That's all I'm getting from you fans, and I gotta tell you, that's not enough to pique my interest. The series is out, it's completely released, and gods help me, I actually rented the Appleseed 2004 DVD instead. Rahxephon is so far down on my priority list that it may be ages until I get around to seeing it.

For heaven's sakes, Rahxephon fans! Discuss this series! Make this an active subforum! If you really want people to see this series, given them a reason to want to see it! Simply saying, "It's not EVA! Watch it and see!" isn't nearly enough.

Note: Please don't anyone bother to respond to me on this "not-EVA" point. We've all had enough of that, I think. If you want to respond that Rahxephon is more than just not-EVA, do it by starting a discussion about what Rahxephon IS beyond that. Discuss the series on its own merits. Prove me wrong. Believe me, if it's a show worth seeing, I'll be happy to see the Rahxephon forum bloom and to be proven wrong.

[Krueger]

^Eh? You wanna know what RahXephon's merits are? How about an intricate web of relationships only found in a handful of other anime, including Miyazaki films? Or the very solid romance story only found in classics like Maison Ikkoku and the sort? Or the extremely well written mystery? Let's not forget the sub-story about racial equality and the hidden messages linked to Mayan culture! Anybody who constantly compares RahXephon to Evangelion is a moron, the similarities are only superficial. Look beyond the legion of haters and fanboys and you'll find a real gem, trust me.

You want some good reviews? Check out the ones by Philip R. Banks at khantazi.org (http://www.khantazi.org/Rec/Anime/Index.html) and the best one, IMO, at ANN. (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rahxephon/dvd-7)

By the way, I have a whole fansite dedicated to it and not a word on that other series. Also just recently, RahXephon caught the international sensation in France and a fan decided to take similar steps to mine, albeit with better skills. Check out the French dub, dude. It's awesome. ;)

My Site: http://www.kenoki.com/nko/
The French Site: http://rahxephon.fr/



To answer the main question, a lot of short series are forgotten. You're right, only those anime series linked to large sales of merchandise or huge marketing campaigns survive the long haul. Will RahXephon be remembered 10 years from now? Probably not by the mass media, but like already mentioned, it's sure to have a vocal cult following. I'll be sure to be involved of course. :)


P.S.
Haruka is gorgeous.
http://www.kenoki.com/nko/images/haruka/thumbs/haruka_26.jpg http://www.kenoki.com/nko/images/screens/thumbs/rahxephon048.jpg http://www.kenoki.com/nko/images/haruka/thumbs/haruka_08.jpg

[Ark]

Or the very solid romance story only found in classics like Maison Ikkoku and the sort?

How is it anything like Maison Ikkoku?

[Hellsartist]

Lol personally I thought Raxephon was incredible, much better than Evangelion...hmmm I'll start a thread! *races off*

[Westlo]

and talked about as a series like Gundam, Macross, Evangelion, Hellsing

Hellsing? Ahahahahahahahahahaa

[Krueger]

How is it anything like Maison Ikkoku?
It's not. But it is equally compelling.

[Bernard_Monsha]

For heaven's sakes, Rahxephon fans! Discuss this series! Make this an active subforum! If you really want people to see this series, given them a reason to want to see it! Simply saying, "It's not EVA! Watch it and see!" isn't nearly enough.

Note: Please don't anyone bother to respond to me on this "not-EVA" point. We've all had enough of that, I think. If you want to respond that Rahxephon is more than just not-EVA, do it by starting a discussion about what Rahxephon IS beyond that. Discuss the series on its own merits. Prove me wrong. Believe me, if it's a show worth seeing, I'll be happy to see the Rahxephon forum bloom and to be proven wrong.

The active subform died a long time ago Desslock, Rahxephon does not produce the kind of fans Evangelion does. I do not think that it a bad thing (especially considering a lot of the "not Eva" threads are started by Eva fans. It is a good series not the best I have ever seen the soundtrack is good and the characters likable. You do still owe us your in depth commentary on Zeta Gundam before you tackle Rahxephon. I will make you a deal. I have an extreme dislike for shows like Ah My Goddess, but I will put it in my rental que for viewing if you agree to rent Zeta and give us your impressions.

[Westlo]

What can be said about Zeta that hasn't been said before? You people act like it's the koran.....

[Bernard_Monsha]

What can be said about Zeta that hasn't been said before? You people act like it's the koran.....

Desslock has a known dislike for Gundam, and he swore up and down he would watch it. Zeta is one of the better series to come out of the eighties, it also cemented Tomino's popularity with the majority of UC fans. Why would you be surprised at all that some people would encourage him to watch it?

[Westlo]

I'm suprised? I don't know what to say but I'm sure you can put more words in my mouth.

[Bernard_Monsha]

I'm suprised? I don't know what to say but I'm sure you can put more words in my mouth.

Is there a particular reason you feel the need to troll? I suggest you stop now.

[Leader Desslock]

Desslock has a known dislike for Gundam...
This is true.

...and he swore up and down he would watch it.
I solicited the feedback of the Gundam forum about what the absolute best, most highly recommended, if-you-don't-like-this-you-really-don't-like-Gundam title might be. They all recommended Zeta. I said I'd watch it before I realized that this would be 50 episodes of Gundam exposure. I haven't had the heart to follow through with my pledge yet, but rest assured, I will do so, then I will document my experience in the Gundam forum for the amusement of all (or my own enlightenment, which I'll still admit is a possibility).

None of the Gundam veterans whom I take seriously on AN have proclaimed that Zeta is the Bible, so I think Van's just taking the wrong people seriously or something. It doesn't matter; I mean, he asked, you explained. We can move on now.

I will make you a deal. I have an extreme dislike for shows like Ah My Goddess, but I will put it in my rental que for viewing if you agree to rent Zeta and give us your impressions.
Nope, I'd never do that to anyone. If you don't like AMG by episode 3-4, you're never going to like it, and that's fine. :lol:

^Eh? You wanna know what RahXephon's merits are?
Don't get me wrong, there. I wasn't saying it lacks merits. I'm just saying that those merits seem undiscussed by the anime community at large, from my perspective.

Actually, you know, thanks for the lead on the French dub. That might be interesting.

[Westlo]

Is there a particular reason you feel the need to troll? I suggest you stop now.

All you had to do was just explain the backstory, which you did but for some reason you had to put words in my mouth at the end of the explaintion.....

FWIW I'm actually interested in reading that thread if Desslock ever gets around to watching Zeta Gundam.

[Vir]

Re: Original question. Time will show, but in terms of success and fandom RahXephon is above the average anime show of the same length. It's hard to compare it with something like Gundam or Naruto, which both have hundreds of episodes and have been going for years. Of those series you mentioned, the series format is closest to Cowboy Bebop or Evangelion. (26 episodes original series not based on a manga.) If I'd have to guess I'd say RahXephon has a following similar to Bebop, but RahXephon is also fairly well known in the Evangelion fandom and has significant overlap with it. The main difference between Bebop and Rah is that Bebop had a *theatrical* release, making it more well known. (The Bebop movie also had an astro-turfing campaign going for it around the US release, but it's an OK movie - better than the RahXephon movie thank goodness).

PS: It already been five years since release, and we're still talking about it. Who remembers "Bomberman Jetters"?

PPS: If you want to see reviewers who review RahXephon without mentioning Eva, check out the Eva section of the Wikipedia article. "some English-language reviewers did not mention the popular mecha anime Neon Genesis Evangelion (NGE) in their reviews of RahXephon,[42][43][50][8][51][57] "

[MightyDustLoop]

It'll go down as a cult classic. Anime is cult here. Rah is not one of the more popular ones. And no small or large blurb of size in its fandom will increase or decrease it enough to make it otherwise.

But damn if it isn't a great show. A number of us will remember its genius. If only they hadn't tainted it with that piece of crap movie. Oh well, it's technically AU Rah anyway, so I don't care all that much.

[DarkSeraph]

I agree, it's a cult classic and will be loved in years time. It's easily on par with Evangelion! And Evangelion has stood the test of time so far. :D :D

[Vir]

I agree, it's a cult classic and will be loved in years time. It's easily on par with Evangelion! And Evangelion has stood the test of time so far. :D :D

We already have other Eva-Rah threads, so I'd like discussions about the merits of each show directed there. For example: http://animenation.net/forums/showthread.php?t=145660

As for fan following and popularity, however, RahXephon does not rival Evangelion in the least, just like Evangelion is far from rivaling Pokémon. If I'd have to guess, I'd guess Evangelion ranks somewhere near Inu Yasha. Is that totally off?

[Magami No ER]

I don't see Rah as a cult classic at all, just a well developed series that is at least popular "enough". It's great for many people, I've found. And watching, I now share this opinion.

[Vir]

In other words, Magami No ER, you call it "a classic" rather than just "a cult classic"?