Reideen

Ever had one of those days where your life goes from zero to robot-piloting hero in 60 seconds? That’s exactly what hits Junki Saiga in Reideen Episode 1—the 2007 remake of the classic Super Robot anime Reideen The Brave, brought to us by Production I.G (the studio behind Ghost in the Shell, so you know they’ve got cred). Let’s dive into this wild first episode and see if it’s worth sticking around for.

First off, Junki’s your average (well, not-so-average) high school kid: a math whiz with glasses, spends his days crunching numbers, and probably thinks giant robots are just old anime fluff. But his world implodes when his family gets news: his dad’s remains—an archaeologist who vanished years ago—have been found. Among the relics left behind? A shiny golden bracelet that’s about to turn his life upside down.

Cut to the chaos: weird extraterrestrial threats pop up, and suddenly Junki’s bracelet glows like a Christmas tree. Next thing he knows, he’s connected to Reideen—a giant mechanical robot that looks like it stepped straight out of a 70s mecha flick, but with 2007 CGI (which, let’s be real, is a bit dated now, but hey, nostalgia hits different). And here’s the kicker: he has to be naked to pilot it? Wait, what? Fans on MyAnimeList are already roasting this choice—like, is that a Production I.G quirk or some deep lore we’ll uncover later? Either way, it’s a weirdly memorable detail (and a great conversation starter with your friends).

Now, let’s talk vibes. The OST? Oh man, it’s angelic—like, I could loop that opening theme all day. One fan commented that the soundtrack “got my ears listening,” and I totally get it. It adds this epic, almost otherworldly feel to the scenes, especially when Reideen first wakes up. But Junki as a protagonist? He’s a bit flat right now. Glasses, quiet, math-obsessed—classic mecha protag setup, but let’s hope he grows into his role (no pun intended) as the series goes on.

The CGI? Yeah, it’s not the best by today’s standards. Another fan called it “kinda lame,” but cut them some slack—it’s 2007! Back then, CGI in anime was still finding its feet, and honestly, Reideen’s design is cool enough to overlook the slightly wonky graphics. Production I.G always delivers solid work, so I’m sure the rest of the series will pick up.

What else? The outro is way better than the opening, according to one fan. I have to agree—there’s something about that slower, more emotional tune that sticks with you after the episode ends. It’s the kind of song you’ll hum while making toast the next morning.

So, is Reideen Episode 1 worth watching? Let’s see: if you love old-school mecha with a side of mystery (what’s up with Junki’s dad? Where do these alien threats come from?), then yes. It’s not a masterpiece right out the gate, but it has potential. The OST is fire, the robot is iconic, and the naked pilot thing is… well, a talking point.

I’m curious to see where this goes. Will Junki get less dull? Will we find out why he has to strip down to pilot Reideen? What’s the story behind his dad’s disappearance? All these questions make me want to hit play on Episode 2.

If you’re into mecha anime or just looking for something with nostalgia and mystery, give Reideen Episode 1 a shot. It might not blow your mind, but it’s definitely an interesting start to what could be a fun series.

P.S. Shoutout to Production I.G for always bringing their A-game (even if the CGI is a bit dated). You know you’re in good hands when the studio behind Ghost in the Shell is involved.

P.P.S. Still confused about the naked pilot thing. Like, why? Is there a logical explanation? Let’s hope Episode 2 drops some clues.

Overall, Reideen Episode 1 is a decent first episode. It sets up the story, introduces the main character and robot, and leaves you with enough questions to keep you coming back. If you’re a fan of mecha or sci-fi, it’s worth checking out—just don’t forget to laugh at the naked pilot bit.

This review is based on Reideen Episode 1 (2007), produced by Production I.G and directed by Mitsuru Hongo. The series originally aired on Wowow and is licensed by Sentai Filmworks for North America. Fan comments are sourced from MyAnimeList discussions.

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