What is it: Figure 17
Figure 17 is an anime that mixes elements of science fiction, drama and slice of life, created by Genco and OLM, Inc. Launched in 2001, the series consists of 13 episodes and stands out for its unique and emotionally engaging approach. The plot revolves around Tsubasa Shiina, a shy and introverted young woman who moves to Hokkaido with her father after her mother's death. One night, Tsubasa witnesses the crash of a spaceship and finds a mysterious capsule containing a girl identical to her, named Hikaru. From this encounter, Tsubasa's life changes drastically, as Hikaru is, in fact, an alien bio-weapon called Figure 17, designed to combat an extraterrestrial threat.
The Figure 17 series is notable for its slower pace and focus on character development, in contrast to many action anime that prioritize battles and fight scenes. Each episode is approximately 45 minutes long, which allows for a deeper exploration of the emotions and relationships between the characters. Tsubasa and Hikaru develop a strong bond, almost like sisters, and Hikaru's presence helps Tsubasa gain confidence and open herself up to new experiences. The duality between Tsubasa's everyday life and battles against aliens creates a rich, multifaceted narrative that appeals to both drama and science fiction fans.
An interesting aspect of Figure 17 is the way it addresses themes such as friendship, identity and overcoming trauma. Tsubasa, initially an insecure and lonely girl, finds in Hikaru not only an ally in the fight against aliens, but also a friend who helps her face her fears and grow as a person. The relationship between the two is central to the series and is developed with a rare sensitivity in anime of this genre. Furthermore, the series explores the idea of identity, as Hikaru, being a bio-weapon, also seeks to understand her place in the world and her relationship with Tsubasa.
The animation in Figure 17 is another strong point of the series. Produced by studio OLM, Inc., the quality of the animation is high, with attention to detail in both action scenes and everyday scenes. The battles are well-choreographed and exciting, while the quieter scenes capture the beauty of Hokkaido's landscape and Tsubasa's school life. The soundtrack, composed by Toshihiko Sahashi, perfectly complements the tone of the series, varying between exciting music for battles and soft melodies for the more introspective moments.
Figure 17 also stands out for its innovative approach to the episodic format. With episodes longer than the standard 20 to 25 minutes, the series has the freedom to develop its plots and characters more fully. This allows viewers to engage more deeply with the story and characters, creating a more rewarding viewing experience. The series was well received both in Japan and internationally, earning praise for its originality and emotional depth.
In short, Figure 17 is an anime that offers a unique and emotionally rich experience. With its combination of drama, science fiction and slice of life, the series addresses universal themes of friendship, identity and overcoming trauma in a way that resonates with viewers. The high-quality animation, immersive soundtrack, and innovative episode format all contribute to making Figure 17 a memorable series worthy of discovery by new anime fans.
