Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 12]

Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond – A Gritty Return to the Azure

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Introduction

The Soukyuu no Fafner franchise has always been a hidden gem in the mecha genre, and The Beyond—its fifth installment—doesn’t disappoint. Picking up after Exodus, this 12-episode season throws viewers straight into the chaos of war against the enigmatic Festum. Released theatrically in Japan (three episodes at a time), The Beyond continues the series’ tradition of blending intense mecha battles with deep existential themes.

But what do fans think? Let’s dive into the discussions and see why this series still resonates with its audience.

The Plot: War Never Changes

The Beyond wastes no time reintroducing us to the world of Tatsumiyajima and its young pilots. The story kicks off with a high-stakes battle, leaving little room for exposition. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it:

“It throws us straight into action without much context, which I’m sure we’ll get in the next episodes. The whole episode was pretty much one big battle, and I thought it was really good.”

This approach is classic Fafner—confusing at first, but rewarding for those who stick around. The series explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and the cost of survival, all while maintaining its signature melancholic tone.

One of the biggest talking points is the mysterious character “Sero.” Fans speculate whether this is a fusion of two previous characters, Seri and Reo:

“Sero does kind of look like a hybrid of the two, and Seri’s SDP was assimilation… Speaking of tragedy, I wonder how our protagonists will suffer in The Beyond.”

The ambiguity keeps viewers hooked, and the payoff (as the season progresses) is worth the wait.

Characters: Old Faces, New Struggles

Kazuki Makabe, the series’ protagonist, returns—older, wiser, and with straighter hair (a detail fans couldn’t help but notice). Meanwhile, Miwa, now piloting a Fafner, adds a fresh dynamic to the team.

Fans appreciate how the show balances legacy characters with new blood:

“Maya and Kazuki are the remaining 1st generation who still pilot until now… Looks like she is more focused on protecting her niece, Miwa.”

The emotional weight of seeing these characters grow (and suffer) over the years is a major draw. As one fan nostalgically remarked:

“It’s been 5 1/2 years since I finished Exodus, and I waited so long so I could binge-watch this… Kazuki became more OP, so he had to upgrade his mecha, while Miwa, to my surprise, is now piloting it.”

Animation & Soundtrack: A Feast for the Senses

Visually, The Beyond delivers. The mecha designs are sleek, and the battles are fluid, with a cinematic quality befitting its theatrical release. The soundtrack, as always, is a standout—Angela’s opening theme sets the tone perfectly.

Fans praised the OST and the overall production:

“The OST was good, and Angela sang us another great opening.”

The series’ ability to maintain its aesthetic consistency while evolving its animation style is a testament to its dedicated production team.

Fan Reactions: Love, Confusion, and Theories

The Beyond doesn’t hold your hand, and that’s both its strength and its challenge. Some fans admitted feeling lost initially:

“This is like the beginning of the original series—viewers are thrown directly into the deep end without a lot of background… Fortunately, it all clears up in the next few episodes.”

But the confusion is part of the fun. Theories about character fates, the Festum’s motives, and the significance of “Sero” kept forums buzzing.

One fan even joked:

“If you see that my post is exactly 1 month old (or more)… Don’t waste your time. Assume I’ve moved on.”

(Classic anime fandom—passionate but fleeting.)

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Mecha Fans

Soukyuu no Fafner: The Beyond is a worthy continuation of a series that refuses to compromise its depth for flashy action. It’s a story about survival, sacrifice, and the bonds that keep humanity fighting.

As one fan perfectly summarized:

“What a start… Holy crap! What have they done?”

If you’re a fan of mecha anime with emotional weight, The Beyond is a journey worth taking. Just be prepared for the feels—and maybe a rewatch of Exodus to catch all the nuances.

Rating: 8.5/10

What did you think of The Beyond? Drop your theories (or rants) in the comments!