The Underappreciated Gems of Anime in 2017
In the ever-evolving landscape of anime, it is a curious phenomenon to witness the emergence of hidden gems that fail to capture the attention of the larger viewing audience. Even our platform, where we cover a variety of shows, has encountered this trend throughout 2017. It leaves us wondering whether it is a shift in personal taste, the evolving preferences of the audience, or even a transformation within the anime industry itself.
One such series that exemplifies this predicament is “Shoukoku no Altair.” The lukewarm response to this show, particularly here on our platform, is surprising. As a series that tackles serious and ambitious themes, both in terms of subject matter and character development, it is disheartening to see it struggle to gain traction.
Adapting Source Material: A Matter of Watchability
A significant portion of fans who were already acquainted with the manga expressed their dissatisfaction with MAPPA’s anime adaptation. Consequently, they disengaged early on, never to return, save for a few lingering complaints. However, as believers in the autonomy of an anime series, we must consider its independent merit. Regardless of how faithfully it adheres to the source material, an adaptation should stand on its own and be enjoyable for those who are new to the story. From our perspective, as individuals with limited exposure to the manga, “Shoukoku no Altair” proved to be an incredibly enjoyable experience, especially during its second cours.
A Solid Finale and Contextualizing the Narrative
Approaching the series finale, it becomes apparent that the plot’s true resolution occurred in the previous episode. This is a common structure for multi-cour narratives like “Shoukoku no Altair” as it allows ample time for contextualization. Furthermore, since the manga remains ongoing, the anime adaptation had to construct an ending that could serve as a satisfactory conclusion. Hence, the final episode did not have extensive opportunities to distinguish itself individually, although it provided a fitting closure to the series as a whole.
Navigating the Complexities of Empire Building
One of the most captivating aspects of “Shoukoku no Altair” is its meticulous attention to detail when it comes to the intricate dynamics of continental empire building. Winning the climactic battles merely represents the tip of the iceberg. The true challenges lie in governing and rebuilding the conquered territories. Additionally, broader campaigns and rivalries continually shape the overarching narrative. Even after the battle for Cielo and Espada resulted in tremendous losses for Turkiye, Louis, one of the key characters, asserts that their nation still possesses a substantial military advantage over their rivals in Balt-Rhein. They can afford to adopt a long-term perspective and patiently play the game of power.
Turkiye’s Path to an Empire
As the Emperor embarks on a public works tour to uplift the spirits of the people using his family’s wealth, the Divan is left with the crucial task of determining Turkiye’s future. Doge Lucio successfully convinces a hesitant Cuore to acknowledge Turkiye as the governing power of Cielo, effectively establishing Cielo as the nation’s first territory. This grand decision transforms Turkiye into an empire, a development that Zaganos Pasha unhesitatingly conveys to the Divan. Placing Mahmut in charge of overseeing Cielo’s reconstruction aligns perfectly with his proclivity for construction over destruction. Given his previous positive interactions with the people of Cielo, the decision garners significant goodwill. Nevertheless, the true wielder of power within the Divan now lies with Zaganos.
Rivalry, Ideals, and Overlapping Goals
Is there a rivalry between Zaganos and Mahmut? In a literal sense, the answer would be yes. Not only are they potential contenders for the long-term center of power within the Divan, but they also possess fundamentally different perspectives on the nature and application of power. Initially taken aback, Zaganos finds it astonishing when Mahmut declares that there was no element of revenge in their actions against Louis’ army. Mahmut clarifies that his hatred lies not with the country that waged war on his people and annihilated them, but with war itself. This stark difference in mindset startles Zaganos. However, despite their conflicting approaches, there exists a semblance of understanding between these two young leaders of Turkiye. They recognize that their goals overlap, even though their preferred methods diverge significantly.
The Road to Empire: Zaganos’ Vision
Zaganos grasps the fact that Turkiye cannot attain empirehood by emulating Balt-Rhein. In Cielo, he finds a vital testing ground for this premise. Both Zaganos and Louis perceive Phoenike as a model, an empire that endured for centuries. They aspire to replicate this longevity for their own nation. However, beneath their superficial similarity lies a fundamental divergence. Despite their profound desire to transform their dreams into reality, they believe that crushing the other will pave the way forward. Zaganos, therefore, initiates a preemptive invasion of the Empire’s territory, preventing them from regaining stability following their devastating defeat at Mahmut’s hands.
Mahmut’s Ultimate Challenge: Building a Future Without War
Of the three men, Mahmut faces the most daunting task. While Zaganos genuinely envisions a “benevolent” empire for Turkiye, we suspect that if reality shatters this ideal, he will embrace empire-building without qualms. For Louis, the path ahead is relatively straightforward. However, Mahmut yearns to forge a future devoid of war, relying on methods other than warfare to achieve this goal. Striving to “crush those who love war,” as described by Zaganos, presents an immense challenge. For now, Mahmut remains steadfast in his principles. When Vasco presents his plan for a weapon of mass destruction, Mahmut, much like his mentor, rejects it outright. However, countless trials will test Mahmut’s commitment, and moments will arise where resorting to arms may appear to be the only way forward. In those critical junctures, he will face agonizing choices, dedicated to upholding what truly matters to him.
The Human Face of “Shoukoku no Altair”
Undoubtedly, Mahmut’s journey lies at the heart of “Shoukoku no Altair.” It is through his experiences that the series acquires a human face. As in any exceptional epic drama, the combination of grand narratives and personal struggles intertwines to create a captivating story. This conflict, which reflects the timeless struggle of human civilization, feels hauntingly close to our present reality. “Shoukoku no Altair” masterfully weaves a narrative that both draws inspiration from history and delivers a noble tale of a young individual’s pursuit of greatness through righteous actions in the face of evil. Although it took some time to find its footing, “Shoukoku no Altair” ultimately surpassed our expectations and emerged as the standout series we anticipated from its initial announcement.
Conclusion
As we bid farewell to “Shoukoku no Altair,” we acknowledge its remarkable portrayal of empire building, the complexities of governance, and the struggle for peace. Through its distinctive characters and gripping narrative, this series has captivated our attention and sparked introspection about the parallels between its fictitious world and our own. It is a testament to the enduring power of anime to tackle profound themes and resonate with viewers. We hope that in the vast sea of anime, future gems like “Shoukoku no Altair” will receive the recognition they deserve.
FAQs
1. Is “Shoukoku no Altair” based on a manga?
Yes, “Shoukoku no Altair” is adapted from the manga series written by Kotono Katou.