Neo Heroic Fantasia Arion

Neo Heroic Fantasia Arion (1986): A Mythic Mess or Underrated Gem?

Let’s cut to the chase: Neo Heroic Fantasia Arion is a wild ride. Directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko (the genius behind Mobile Suit Gundam’s original movie trilogy), this 1986 Sunrise film dives headfirst into Greek mythology, blending gods, Titans, and a hero’s quest into a 119-minute spectacle. But does it soar like Icarus—or crash and burn? Fans on MyAnimeList are split, and honestly? I get it.

First, let’s talk about the good stuff. The animation? Stunning. For an ’80s flick, the hand-drawn scenes are gorgeous—think dynamic fight sequences, sweeping landscapes, and that classic anime grit that feels raw and alive. Yasuhiko’s style shines here, with detailed character designs (Apollo’s godly glow is chef’s kiss) and fluid movements that make every battle pop. One fan raved, “The art of this movie was really beautiful. Great to watch,” and another called it “epic, well drawn, and animated.” Even critics admit the visuals are top-tier—this is a masterclass in retro anime aesthetics.

Now, the story. Arion, a young shepherd, discovers he’s no ordinary mortal: he’s the son of Demeter (a Titan, not the goddess you remember) and Zeus (yes, that Zeus). His quest? Save his sister/love interest Resphoina from the gods’ war, all while confronting his divine heritage. Sounds epic, right? But here’s the catch: the pacing is insane. Scenes jump from Arion’s idyllic childhood to a full-blown Titan rebellion in seconds. One viewer complained, “They skipped around way too much, like how he knew some of the people he met.” Another added, “The climatic scenes were underwhelming”—and honestly, the final 20 minutes are a hot mess. Gods die left and right (Zeus? Gone. Hades? Poof. Apollo? Orbited by Resphoina’s “Newtype” powers—don’t ask), and the ending feels rushed, like they crammed a trilogy into a single film.

Then there’s the mythology. If you’re a Greek myth buff, proceed with caution. The movie takes liberties—big ones. Titans are called “Titans,” but their roles are flipped; gods are either useless (Zeus can’t even defend himself from a teen with a sword) or weirdly sexualized (Athena’s subplot is… a choice). One fan ranted, “As someone who is a huge fan of Greek Mythology, I didn’t enjoy this film as much. They butchered things for the most part.” Another warned, “It’s better to have no knowledge of Greek myths because this movie uses the source material poorly.” But wait—some love the chaos! A viewer laughed, “This action romp pulps ancient Greek mythology in a blender, then molds an epic, aimless fan fiction story out of it.” If you’re here for a loose adaptation, you might dig the absurdity.

Character development? Arion goes from grieving shepherd to warrior leader in, like, 10 minutes. Resphoina’s “Newtype” powers come out of nowhere. The gods are one-note—Apollo’s cool, Zeus is a jerk, and that’s about it. Even Arion’s arc feels half-baked: his “people-rousing speech” is more cringe than inspiring, with one fan joking, “If they were hearing his reasons, the people he was rallying are sick and twisted as well.”

But let’s not write it off entirely. The soundtrack? Slaps. The adventure? Fun, if you turn off your brain. And Yasuhiko’s direction? Bold. He’s not afraid to take risks—even if they don’t always pay off. One reviewer called it “a fairly entertaining action movie recycling the Greek myths pantheon,” and another defended it as “underrated” with “great animation and concepts.” For 20-somethings who grew up on retro anime, it’s a nostalgic trip—flaws and all.

So, who is this movie for? If you love ’80s anime, Greek myths (loosely interpreted), or just want to see gods get owned by a teen with a sword, give it a shot. But if you crave coherent storytelling or accurate mythology? Skip it. As one fan put it, “It’s a product of its time”—weird, wild, and utterly unforgettable.

Final verdict? Arion is a 7/10 for animation and ambition, but a 4/10 for plot and pacing. Watch it for the visuals, laugh at the chaos, and don’t think too hard. After all, in a movie where Resphoina kills Gaia with a single blast, logic is overrated.

— A fellow anime fan who still can’t believe Apollo got orbited.