Metal Skin Panic
MADOX-01
Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 is an OAV that was released by FujiSankei Communications in 1987. Set in Tokyo, MADOX-01 is the story of an engineering student, Koji Sugimoto, who comes into possession of an experimental anti-tank robot after its transport truck is destroyed in a traffic accident. The Japanese self defence forces, the U.S. Army, and the designers of the MADOX mobilise to retrieve the MADOX suit and Koji Sugimoto would just as soon give it to them except there's one small problem. Koji figured out how to get into the thing but he can't figure out how to get out. What's more, Koji has a date with his girlfriend who is going away to England as a foreign exchange student and if he doesn't meet her for their date he may loose her forever. Will ace test pilot Ellie Kusumoto be able to track down the renegade MADOX before veteran tank commander Lieutenant Kilgore has a chance to destroy it and cause Koji to miss his big date? You will just have to watch Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 to find out.
The story and direction of MADOX-01 are the product of Aramaki Nobuyuki's unique vision. Combined with the mechanical designs of Tamura Hideki you have something that is far from your average action-adventure anime. The combat scenes are depicted in a realistic nature, employing vehicles and weapons found in use in modern military units around the world. This sense of realism, combined with some of the best technical animation in any OAV, makes the viewer much more inclined to believe something like the MADOX suit could really exist in modern society. Once the viewer accepts the existence of the MADOX the rest of the story seems to flow around the MADOX in a logical and progressive manner. The character reactions seem to follow logically from their unique personalities and all these elements combine to create a story which is fantastic yet believable.
Another element which sets MADOX-01 apart from other anime are the unique character designs of Tamura Hideki. The character designs of MADOX-01 differ markedly from mainstream anime character designs. The designs are much more angular, with a good sense of bodily proportions and movement. Smooth lines are generally reserved for the eyes and figure while the rest of the face is dominated by sharp angles and hard edges. It is a distinctive style all its own, not derivative of any other character designers work. The characters of MADOX-01 are striking in appearance, ranging from menacing elegant. These designs in and of themselves are reason enough to see MADOX-01.
The stunning character designs of Tamura Hideki are brought to life by the talents of the voice actors and actresses of Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01. These are the characters of MADOX.
Koji Sugimoto: Voice actor Matsumoto Yasunori lends his skills to the role of second-year engineering student Koji Sugimoto. Koji is a good natured person in his second year of engineering school in Tokyo. He works part time at a garage with his friend Onose and has a strong relationship with a girl named Shiori. Shiori and Koji have been together for quite some time, but their relationship seems threatened because of Shiori is going away to England for a year to study abroad. However, despite this complication in his relationship with Shiori, Koji's life seems rather ordinary. That is until he happens across the MADOX suit. Onose discovers the suit in the salvage truck belonging to the garage and Koji offers to take charge of the strange object. What happens from this point on are some of the most bizarre mecha hijinks to be had in any anime. But despite all of this Koji is still determined to meet Shiori one last time before he risks losing her forever.
Ellie Kusumoto: Voice actress Asakami Yoko brings to life the competent and beautiful test pilot of the MADOX-01, Ellie Kusumoto is an intelligent and attractive woman. She is also a proud and spirited person who is committed to the MADOX project. Her position as MADOX test pilot quickly brings her into conflict with the equally proud and unyielding tank commander First Lieutenant Kilgore. When the MADOX suit is lost a race begins between Ellie Kusumoto and Kilgore to see who can be the first one either to make contact with the pilot of the MADOX or destroy it.
First Lieutenant Kilgore: Voice actor Sogabi Masayoshi does an excellent job portraying the arrogant and egotistical Lieutenant Kilgore. The best tank driver in the U.S. Army, Lieutenant Kilgore is picked to lead a squad of three M1A1 tanks against the MADOX in simulated city combat. Kilgore is disgusted by what he sees as a humiliating defeat by the MADOX and it's test pilot Ellie Kusumoto. When the MADOX is stolen Kilgore is given the task of retrieving the suit. However, Kilgore intends to do nothing than destroy the MADOX suit and avenge his earlier humiliation. Kilgore is a dangerous individual, a man truly out of place anywhere but on the battlefield.
Shiori Nagura: Voice actress Ishida Yukiko brings to life the character of Shiori. Shiori is a girl of few words but possessing a subtle strength and a distinctive personality. Shiori has to leave her boyfriend Koji for a time as she studies in England but before departing she wishes to meet one final time with Koji.
Onose Haruo: Voice actor Hase Arihiro plays the part of Koji's best friend Onose. Onose is a good natured friend to Koji, level headed and personable Onose urges Koji not to get the wrong idea about Shiori's departure to study abroad. Just after the two of them discover the MADOX suit Onose tells Koji that Shiori wishes to meet with him that night on the observation deck of the NSR building at eight o'clock.
There are several other supporting roles played by various voice actors and actresses. Ranging from generals to convenience store employees these minor characters play off the major characters to round out the cast of MADOX. These are the individuals who have added their voices to the general cast of characters to be found in MADOX : Ikemizu Michihiro, Hirose Tadashi, Kato Masayuki, Oka Kazuo, Shioya Komi, Inagaki Satoru, Yamaguchii Koko, Kategawa Yasuko, and Sato Koshi.
Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 was subtitled in English by AnimEigo in 1989. The subtitling effort was headed by translators Michael House and Shin Kurokawa. Final editing was done by Roe R. Adams and Masaki Takai.
Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 is licensed to AnimEigo by FujiSankei all rights under copyright reserved.