B’T X: A Classic 90s Anime That Evokes Nostalgia for Mechanical Battle Legends

Going back to the 90s, the Japanese anime industry had many giant robot works, but one that hardcore fans still talk about is B’T X (Beet X, Guardian of the Universe), a manga by Masami Kurumada, the creator of the famous Saint Seiya. This anime first aired in 1996, and although nearly 30 years have passed, the charm of the adventure story of Teppei and B’T X, the dark horse robot revived by his blood, remains unforgettable.

Story Summary (No Spoilers)

The story begins when Takamiya Teppei, a boy who loves inventing, travels to visit his older brother Kotaro, a scientist working on the B’T (Brain-Triggered) project, which creates robots with consciousness. But just as they are about to reunite, an attack by a group of men in black occurs. Kotaro is kidnapped, and Teppei is left injured in a junkyard. His blood drips onto a strange abandoned robot, awakening B’T X, a legendary robot that bonds with Teppei as its new master.

Teppei must embark on a journey to find his brother, with B’T X as his powerful ally. Along the way, they face many enemies, including opposing B’Ts with unique abilities. The plot unfolds with the mystery of the B’T project and the goals of the 'Machine God' group behind the kidnapping. The bond between brothers and the friendship between human and robot are the heart of the story.

Performance and Characters

Although it's an anime voiced by top voice actors of the era, the highlight of B’T X lies in its character design and relationships. Teppei (voiced by Nobuyuki Hiyama) is a protagonist full of energy and determination, while B’T X (voiced by Jin Horikawa) has a strong and imposing voice but is loyal. Kotaro (Nozomu Sasaki) is the kind and intelligent older brother. Karen (Megumi Ogata), a strong young woman who joins the journey, also plays an important role.

All voice actors convey emotions well, especially during dramatic or intense battles. Villains like Foo Laphine (Kazuya Ichijo) and B’T Shadow X (Emi Shinohara) have their own charm. Although some characters are straightforward in typical 90s anime style, they are still memorable.

Direction, Visuals, and Music

B’T X was directed by Masami Kurumada in collaboration with Toei Animation. The visuals, while not as smooth as modern anime, have a unique style with sharp lines and dimensional robot designs. The battles of each B’T feature diverse weapons and special moves, showcasing the grandeur of the 90s style.

The music was composed by Kyosuke Kamiyama and Yuko Kano (under the name KUSUO). The opening theme 'B’T X' sung by KUSUO is energetic and fits the adventure theme, while the ending theme 'Kibou no Uta' is beautiful and warm. The background music effectively enhances emotions in key scenes.

Editorial Analysis

The editorial team sees B’T X as an anime with unique charm. Although not as popular as Saint Seiya, it has strengths in its plot that blends science and spirituality. The concept of robots having life and bonding with their masters through 'blood' raises philosophical questions about life and machine consciousness.

Another highlight is the diverse design of B’Ts, each with unique powers and personalities, making battles non-repetitive. However, the middle part of the story may drag with too much focus on battles, somewhat diminishing character relationships. Overall, B’T X remains an anime that robot and sci-fi fans shouldn't miss, especially those who enjoy Kurumada's works.

Verdict

B’T X is a classic anime that 90s robot and sci-fi fans must watch. Despite technical limitations and some dragging parts, its unique concepts and character charm make it still engaging. Suitable for those nostalgic for old-school anime or wanting to experience a new world from Kurumada.