What is it: Armitage III
Armitage III is a cyberpunk anime series set in a dystopian future where humanity has colonized Mars. The story revolves around Naomi Armitage, a third-generation android police officer, and her partner Ross Sylibus, a human detective transferred from Earth. The plot begins with the investigation of a series of murders of androids known as “Thirds”, who are almost indistinguishable from humans. Armitage III is notable for its exploration of themes such as identity, humanity, and the ethics of artificial intelligence. The series combines elements of action, mystery and drama, creating an engaging narrative that attracts both science fiction and anime fans in general.
The Armitage III series was originally released as a series of OVAs (Original Video Animation) in 1995, consisting of four episodes. It was later adapted into a film titled “Armitage III: Poly-Matrix”, which re-edited the OVA episodes with some additional scenes. In 2002, a sequel titled “Armitage: Dual-Matrix” was released, continuing the story of Naomi Armitage and Ross Sylibus. The series is known for its high-quality animation for the time, as well as its impactful soundtrack, which complements the futuristic and dark atmosphere of the narrative. Armitage III also stands out for its character and scenario design, which accurately reflects cyberpunk aesthetics.
Naomi Armitage, the protagonist, is a complex character who struggles with issues of identity and acceptance. As a third-generation android, she possesses human emotions and feelings, which makes her unique compared to other androids. Her partnership with Ross Sylibus, a human detective who initially distrusts her, evolves throughout the series, exploring themes of trust and camaraderie. Ross, meanwhile, has his own traumatic past, which includes losing his wife in an android attack. The dynamic between the two main characters is one of the series' strengths, providing emotional depth and character development.
Armitage III's setting on Mars adds an extra layer of complexity to the narrative. The planet is portrayed as a place of opportunity and danger, where coexistence between humans and androids is tense. The colonization of Mars is a recurring theme in science fiction, and Armitage III addresses this in a unique way, exploring the social and political implications of such an endeavor. The series also raises questions about android rights and what it means to be human, topics that are increasingly relevant as technology advances in the real world. Armitage III's depiction of Mars is rich in detail, with futuristic cityscapes and industrial environments that add to the cyberpunk atmosphere.
In addition to its gripping narrative, Armitage III is known for its influence on the cyberpunk genre and pop culture in general. The series inspired other works of science fiction and anime, helping to popularize the cyberpunk subgenre in Japan and the West. Armitage III's visual aesthetic, with its use of neon, shadows, and advanced technology, is a classic example of the cyberpunk style. The series also addresses philosophical and ethical issues that continue to be debated today, such as the nature of consciousness and the rights of artificial beings. Armitage III's influence can be seen in numerous other works of media, including films, games, and literature.
Armitage III also had a significant impact on the anime industry, helping to establish standards for the production of OVAs and anime films. The series was one of the first anime to be widely distributed outside of Japan, contributing to the anime's growing popularity in the international market. The English dub of Armitage III, which featured renowned actors, helped make the series accessible to a wider audience. Critical reception for Armitage III was generally positive, with praise for its animation, soundtrack, and narrative. The series continues to be a landmark in the cyberpunk genre and an example of how anime can explore complex and relevant themes.
