Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne explained

Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne
Ja Kanji:輪廻のラグランジェ
Ja Romaji:Rinne no Raguranje
Genre:Adventure, Mecha, Science fantasy[1]
Type:manga
Rinne no Lagrange: Akatoki no Memoria
Author:Shotaro Suga
Illustrator:Kimitake Yoshioka
Publisher:Square Enix
Demographic:Seinen
Magazine:Young Gangan
First:September 2, 2011
Last:February 25, 2013
Type:tv series
Studio:Xebec
Network:Tokyo MX, Yomiuri TV
First:January 8, 2012
Last:September 23, 2012
Episodes:24
Episode List:List of Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne episodes
Type:ova
Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne - Kamogawa Days
Studio:Xebec
Released:August 23, 2012
Runtime:43 minutes
Rinne no Lagrange: Kamogawa Dream Match
Developer:Namco Bandai Games
Publisher:Namco Bandai Games
Platforms:PlayStation 3

is a Japanese anime television series produced by Xebec and Production I.G and directed by Tatsuo Sato and Toshimasa Suzuki, written by Shotaro Suga, original character design by Haruyuki Morisawa and music by Saeko Suzuki & TOMISIRO. Set in Kamogawa, the series revolves around Madoka Kyouno, Fin E Ld Si Laffinty (Lan) and Muginami, who all come from different worlds and attend the Kamogawa Girls' High School. While they form the Jersey Club to fulfill tasks for other school clubs, they are also destined to pilot strange robotic aircraft known as Vox Units, supported by a military organization named Novumundus stationed at an offshore base called Pharos. Their ultimate mission is to cease the intergalactic war between neighboring planets called Le Garite and De Metrio, in an attempt to restore the friendship between the planets' respective leaders named Dizelmine and Villagulio.

The first season aired in Japan between January 8, 2012 and March 24, 2012 while the second season started airing between July 8, 2012 and September 23, 2012 following a recap episode on July 1, 2012. Both seasons have been licensed by Viz Media in North America and Anime on Demand in the United Kingdom. A manga accompaniment began serialization in Enix's Young Gangan magazine and a light novel from Media Factory, both from September 2011.[2] [3] A hybrid Blu-ray Disc containing an original video animation and a PlayStation 3 video game was released on August 23, 2012.

Plot

Madoka Kyouno is an extremely energetic girl who is always full of passion and enthusiasm. As the proud and only member of the Kamogawa Girls' High School's Jersey Club, she is always ready to assist anyone who is in need of help.

However, her life takes an unexpected and surprising turn when a mysterious alien from the planet Le Garite named Lan arrives on Earth and asks her to operate a strange robotic aircraft-like vehicle (called a Vox Unit) which she encountered while drowning ten years ago. Motivated by her desire to protect the city of Kamogawa and its people, Madoka agrees to pilot the awakened Vox Unit to fight against dangerous aliens that have come to wreak havoc on Earth.

Characters

Main characters

[4]
  • The sole member of a Jersey Club who often helps out other clubs and people in need and is passionate about her home town of Kamogawa. She has a habit of saying and draws a circle in the air when she finishes helping someone. She soon discovers she has the ability to pilot a strange robotic aircraft known as the Vox Aura, which she previously encountered ten years ago when she almost drowned. She names this Vox unit Midori, after its green color. In Season 2, she is in her last year of high school and has not thought what she is going to do for the future. She still helps out with the Jersey Club and her uncle's new beach cafe.
    [4]
  • An alien girl from the home planet Le Garite, who was sent to protect Madoka and the aircraft. She is not used to Earth culture and often picks up terms from the strangest sources, often barking like a dog (i.e. saying) after Asteria tricked her into thinking it was a standard Earth greeting. Not only that, her unfamiliarity with Earth's culture makes her somewhat clumsy as well. She was initially unable to properly utilize her Vox Unit as the knowledge of a supposed fate concerning Vox pilots caused her to become afraid. However, Madoka helps her overcome her fear and she becomes able to use her Vox unit, Vox Rympha, which she names Orca. She is particularly jealous towards Muginami, who shows a lot of interest in Madoka, which leads to her joining the Jersey Club and begin living with Madoka. Due to her luxurious upbringing as princess of the planet Le Garite, Lan has little understanding of the commoners' lifestyle. She returns in Season 2. Though she looks that same, Madoka pointed out she grew up a little bit.
    [4]
  • Another Ovid pilot who transfers in Madoka's class and joins the Jersey Club. Although she appears to have a slow-witted personality, she is actually sharp and perceptive. She will occasionally say . Born on a Prison Planet, she views Villagulio as an older brother and by his orders, she infiltrated the Pharos base to steal one of the Ovids, thus she ends up becoming the pilot of Vox Ignis, which she nicknamed Hupo. Other than becoming a pilot, she also shows her professional skills of a lifeguard, a martial artist, and a waitress on occasions. After being betrayed and abandoned by Villagulio, Muginami finds herself a new place among Madoka and her friends. After Villagulio's second skirmish, she and her Vox Unit took him and retreated into space. She returns in Season 2 where, after realizing she doesn't want to fight those she loves, rejoins the Jersey Club. Hupo is now equipped with an energy cape she uses as a shield.

    Kamogawa residents

    Madoka's cousin who is a researcher on underwater archaeology and tried to prevent Madoka from coming into contact with the Vox Unit. She gives in to Madoka's decision to pilot Vox Aura but only on the condition that Madoka is to continue with her daily life as usual. She is a former member of the Jersey Club who inspired Madoka to be like her. In Season 2, she continues her research on the Vox Units and the Rin-ne.
  • Madoka's uncle and Youko's father who owns the 'Be With Hiroshi' restaurant, where Madoka lives. In Season 2, he opened a beach cafe which did much better than his restaurant ever did since Le Garite reveal themselves to the public.
  • A teacher at Madoka's school, who was a member of the Jersey Club along Youko and Madoka's mother.
  • Youko's assistant. In Season 2, he and Youko are continuing her research on the Vox Units and the Rin-ne.
  • Novumundus

    The commander of the Pharos facility.
    The granddaughter of the chairman of Novumundus, who provides most of the orders in the organization. She dresses in Lolita fashion and wields a great deal of authority. She also has a memoria on her chest. In Season 2, she reveals herself as the reincarnation of Queen Maycun who almost destroyed Earth 20,000 years ago by "opening" the Rin-ne and feeling responsible.

    De Metrio

    The disowned prince of De Metrio who was thrown into Muginami's home planet and became close to her. Soon after, he formed the rebellious organization "Kiss" and sent Muginami to Kamogawa to investigate about the Vox Units, but apparently gets angry at her for becoming the pilot of Vox Ignis and abandons her, while actually it was part of his plan to have her get close to Madoka and the others. In Season 2, it is revealed that Villagulio reclaimed the throne of De Metrio and is currently at war with Le Garite.
  • Former antagonist that piloted the Ovid Libertas. He is the oldest of the three and the most experienced. In Season 2, he is now working at Hiroshi's new beach cafe as a waiter (in butler cosplay) after Villagulio's second skirmish. He seems to attract a lot of customers, specifically female customers. He is also the reason why the beach cafe is doing much better than Hiroshi's restaurant.
  • Former antagonist that piloted the Ovid Voluntas. He tends to be rebellious, but is understanding. In Season 2, he is now working at Hiroshi's new beach cafe as a cook (which he is pretty good) after Villagulio's second skirmish. He really enjoys life on Earth.
  • Former antagonist that pilots the Ovid Teneritas. He is the youngest of the three and the least experienced. He has a fetish for maid outfits and looks very good in it (even though he looks like a pretty girl). In Season 2, he is now working at Hiroshi's new beach cafe as a waiter (in maid cosplay) after Villagulio's second skirmish.
  • The princess of De Metrio and Villagulio's sister. She was presumed dead after a failed Vox Particle Control Experiment with disastrous consequences. It is later revealed that she survived the experiment and rescued by Le Garite following the Tradegy of Militia Zodia, since then secretly under Dizelmine's care.
  • Villagulio's right-hand woman.
  • Le Garite

    The crown prince of Le Garite and Lan's older brother. His true objective is making use of Madoka and the Vox Units to destroy the planet De Metrio, as part of his plan to ensure Le Garite's survival as both planets' respective planetary systems are en route of collision. He ended up becoming a young kid after leaving the Rin-ne due to his wishes to right his wrongs.
  • Dizelmine's aide who was an observator at Pharos during the first season, and since then returned to assist his master. It is revealed he manipulated Dizelmine into opening the Rin-ne, and is also responsible for Queen Maycun who nearly destroyed the Earth 20,000 years ago.
  • Mecha

    17.3 meters tall and piloted by Madoka; is later renamed Midori. Originally devoid of weapons, it is specialized in close quarters combat and later in the series it is equipped with a sword called the Formula 32 and a left wrist energy shield. Also comes with a Velociraptor Attachment.
  • 17.3 meters tall and piloted by Lan; is later renamed Orca. Armaments include a right wrist sword-machine gun hybrid armed with 120mm bullets and a left wrist energy shield.
  • 17.4 meters tall and piloted by Muginami; is later renamed Hupo. Armaments include a pair of energy guns that can combine into a double sided sword, a beam cannon, and in the second half of the series an energy cape.
  • 17.4 meters tall and piloted by Kirius. Armaments include a metal staff, a pair of heat swords that can convert into whips, and a force field.
  • 17.9 meters tall and piloted by Izo. Armaments include a pair of heat clubs and a force field.
  • 17.4 meters tall and piloted by Array. Armaments include an energy cannon on each shoulder and a force field.
  • 19 meters tall and piloted by Villagulio. Armaments include an anchor in each arm, a pair of large swords, and a large mortar gun called the Death Wish. It is upgraded to Avarium Sepera in the second half of the series.
  • Piloted by Dizelmine. Is armed with a sword in the right wrist. Later revealed to be a fourth Vox Unit.
  • Media

    Anime

    See main article: List of Lagrange: The Flower of Rin-ne episodes. The first season of the anime by Production I.G and Xebec aired in Japan from January 8, 2012 to March 24, 2012. The first episode was pre-aired on January 1, 2012. A second season aired in Japan between July 8, 2012 and September 23, 2012 following a recap episode on July 1, 2012.[5] The anime was licensed in North America by Viz Media and in the United Kingdom by Anime on Demand.[6] [7] An English dubbed version streamed on Viz Media's Neon Alley service for PlayStation 3 from January 2013.[8] [9] [10] The series is now streaming on RetroCrush after Viz's license expired.[11] For the first season, the respective opening and ending themes are "Try Unite!" and "Hello!", both performed by Megumi Nakajima. For the second season, the opening theme is by Nakajima whilst the ending themes are by Kaori Ishihara, Asami Seto and Ai Kayano and by Nakajima. An original video animation titled, was released on a Hybrid Blu-ray Disc alongside a game for PlayStation 3 on August 23, 2012,[12] following an advance screening in ten theaters on June 23, 2012.[13]

    Manga

    A manga accompaniment written by Shotaro Suga and illustrated by Kimitake Yoshioka, titled, began serialisation in Young Gangan magazine from September 2, 2011.

    Video game

    A PlayStation 3 video game developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment, titled , was released on the Kamogawa Days Hybrid Disc on August 23, 2012.

    See also

    Notes and References

    1. Web site: The Official Website for Lagrange . Viz Media . June 26, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160521083838/http://www.viz.com/lagrange. May 21, 2016.
    2. Web site: Xebec's Rinne no Lagrange Anime Gets Young Gangan Manga. Anime News Network. 2011-08-17. 2011-10-18. 2011-10-06. https://web.archive.org/web/20111006001348/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-08-17/xebec-rinne-no-lagrange-anime-gets-young-gangan-manga. live.
    3. Web site: TVアニメ『輪廻のラグランジェ』公式サイトリニューアルオープン! . September 4, 2008 . Saiani.net . ja . October 18, 2011 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140602195831/http://www.saiani.net/article/221093906.html . June 2, 2014 .
    4. Web site: Megumi Nakajima Sings Rinne no Lagrange Opening, Ending. October 16, 2011. Anime News Network. 2011-10-18. 2011-10-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20111018103524/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2011-10-16/megumi-nakajima-sings-rinne-no-lagrange-opening-ending. live.
    5. Web site: Rinne no Lagrange Season 2 Confirmed. Crunchyroll.com. 2012-03-11. 2012-03-25. 2012-07-03. https://web.archive.org/web/20120703043132/http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/03/11-1/rinne-no-lagrange-season-2-confirmed. live.
    6. Web site: Viz Media Adds Lagrange- the Flower of Rin-ne Anime. Anime News Network. 2011-12-26. 2012-09-07. 2013-06-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20130609003703/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-12-26/viz-adds-lagrange-the-flower-of-rin-ne-anime. live.
    7. Web site: Anime on Demand to Stream Rinne no Lagrange (Updated). Anime News Network. 2011-12-26. 2012-09-07. 2013-06-09. https://web.archive.org/web/20130609000342/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-01-10/anime-on-demand-to-stream-rinne-no-lagrange. live.
    8. Web site: Viz the Launch 24 Hour Anime Service on Streaming Console. Anime News Network. 2012-06-27. 2012-09-07. 2013-06-18. https://web.archive.org/web/20130618034154/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-06-27/viz-to-launch-24-hour-anime-service-on-major-game-console. live.
    9. Web site: Lagrange Anime English Dub Cast Revealed. Anime News Network. 2012-08-14. 2012-09-07. 2012-08-17. https://web.archive.org/web/20120817232142/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-08-14/lagrange-anime-english-dub-cast-revealed. live.
    10. Web site: Lagrange Anime's English Dub Sneak Peeks Streamed (Updated). 21 June 2023. 2014-06-06. 2014-08-08. https://web.archive.org/web/20140808174217/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-11-14/lagrange-anime-english-dub-sneak-peek-video-streamed. live.
    11. Web site: RetroCrush Adds Canary, Magic User's Club, Yakitate!! Japan Anime in October . 21 June 2023 . 2021-11-15 . 2021-11-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211115120119/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2021-09-29/retrocrush-adds-canary-magic-user-club-yakitate-japan-anime-in-october/.177939 . live .
    12. Web site: Rinne no Lagrange Original Video Anime Bundle. Anime News Network. 2012-04-04. 2012-09-07. 2012-07-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20120719130505/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2012-04-04/rinne-no-lagrange-original-video-anime-bundled-with-game. live.
    13. Web site: 『輪廻のラグランジェ -鴨川デイズ-』GAME&OVA Hybrid Disc|バンダイナムコゲームス公式サイト. 2012-03-25. 2013-05-19. https://web.archive.org/web/20130519071226/http://lag-rin.com/kamogawadays/. live.