Heavy Object

In the distant future, the nature of war has changed. "Objects"—massive, spherical tanks impermeable to standard weaponry and armed with destructive firepower—rule the battlefield; their very deployment ensures victory, rendering traditional armies useless. However, this new method of warfare is about to be turned on its head.

Qwenthur Barbotage, a student studying Object Design, and Havia Winchell, a radar analyst of noble birth, serve in the Legitimate Kingdom's 37th Mobile Maintenance Battalion, tasked with supporting the Baby Magnum, one of the nation's Objects. Unfortunately, a battle gone awry places the duo in a precarious situation: mere infantry stand face-to-face against the unfathomable might of an enemy Object. As they scramble to save themselves and their fellow soldiers, a glimmer of hope shines through, and the world's perception of Objects is changed forever.

Heavy Object follows these two soldiers alongside Milinda Brantini, the Baby Magnum's pilot, and their commanding officer Frolaytia Capistrano as the unit treks all over the globe to fight battle after battle. Facing one impossible situation after another, they must summon all their wit and courage to overcome the insurmountable foes that are Objects.

[Written by MAL Rewrite]

Capistrano, Frolaytia Main

Itou, Shizuka Japanese

Barbotage, Qwenthur Main

Hanae, Natsuki Japanese

Brantini, Milinda Main

Suzuki, Eri Japanese

Winchell, Havia Main

Ishikawa, Kaito Japanese

Ohoho Supporting

Kanemoto, Hisako Japanese

Zoom, Charlotte Supporting

Oonishi, Saori Japanese

Raylong, Staccato Supporting

Matsumoto, Shinobu Japanese

Honeysuckle, Sladder Supporting

Hosoya, Yoshimasa Japanese

Monica Supporting

Ookubo, Rumi Japanese

Myonri Supporting

Hondo, Kaede Japanese

Cook, Justin Producer

Nakayama, Nobuhiro Producer

Kananiwa, Kozue Producer

Miki, Kazuma Producer

Reviews

Mar 28, 2016

kittycats468

Recommended

I completely got the wrong idea when I read the synopsis probably because I read it wrong so I'll write a mini one of my own. Basically there are giant balls that can kick ass and have a bunch of cannons and can withstand atomic bombs. Then there's Qwenther and Havia who outsmart them and become famous and the whole story is just them figuring out the weaknesses and beating everyone else. Of course you have to have the teenagers be the ones beating everyone up though because that's the law of mecha. Even the commander is only 18 -_- not saying there's anything wrong ... it's just so cliche...

Art- It was pretty average

Sound- I liked some of the sound tracks and the voice actors were nice too

Character- They do a good job with the characters and it's entertaining watching Qwenther always awakening his inner genius at the last moment and saving the princess. It's always funny when they throw in the pervert element of the 2 mc's too. The producers made good antagonists that made you want to smack them and it brings out the mc's good points even more. There isn't much character development though since they were basically at the peak from the start.

Story- Loved it. It was basically repeating but it kept be hooked the whole time just watching them fight Objects. They waste a lot of time explaining the plans and stuff though even though if you're a normal human being it's hard to keep up with sometimes.

Basically if you like action and a little bit of humor it will probably fit your fancy. You don't have to like mecha to like this. Personally I'm not a huge mecha fan but I really liked this anime.
That's all thanks for reading. ^~^

Reviewer’s Rating: 10

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Mar 25, 2016

Stark700

Mixed Feelings

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, no it’s an Object! When you throw an armored machine with unimaginable technology into war, these bad boys are supposed to be the ultimate ace in the hole. They can apparently turn tides in modern warfare. Objects are supposed to revered and feared on the battlefield. Then, we are introduced to two boys - Qwenthur and Havia. These two are able to actually defeat a heavy object with their reckless strategies and thus their daily military misadventure begins in this unorthodox sci-fi show.

Adapted from the light novel of the same name, some viewers may be familiar with the origins ... of this series already. It’s created by Kazuma Kamchi, the brainchild of Toaru Majutsu no Index. With 10 volumes released, the anime adaptation covers a 2-cour of 24 episodes. As as sci-fi modern warfare story, Heavy Objects hits on a variety of ideas. But is it really satisfying with its execution?

There’s a bunch of agendas the series tries to achieve when judging on the surface. One of these is establishing the main players, or otherwise nations that clashes in warfare. These include the Legitimacy Kingdom, Capitalist Corporations, Information Alliance, and the Faith Organization. Each of these favors different values and has their own goals. Second, there are the main characters. Qwenthur and Havia are the two main guys on the frontlines and are literally daredevils. With a wacky sense of humor, both of them really has ways to escape death. Time and time again, the show puts them into situations where they are likely to die yet somehow escapes with their hearts still beating. Some might call this “plot armor” but the show marks it more as a gimmick. Both of these guys are also very crafty and is shown by the way they defeated their first Object. Joining them are two female characters - Frolaytia and Milinda, the elite princess. Frolaytia is their commanding officer and often puts them in dangerous missions. Her quite temper and slight sadistic personality makes her someone to be feared. The show also makes her more of the fan service character as often times, there are suggestive camera shots at her body. This is furthered by the fact that she tempts the boys with her pseudo-sadism. On the other hand, Milinda is more of a quiet girl who relies on using her pilot skills to get the job done. As the pilot of the Baby Magnum, she displays impressive skills that makes her a threat to her enemies. Throughout the series, I think it’s pretty obvious that she has a crush on Qwenthur judging on her reactions.

By the third or fourth episode, it’ll be obvious at how the show is structured with its storytelling. It’s chronicled in a series of arcs that has an overall connection to the main story. The Objects are the main attraction that gets featured in warfare. As thus, a good deal of the show concentrates on exploiting the strengths and weaknesses of the Objects. Each of them has a different configuration, design, armaments, model, and other features that makes it stand out on the battlefield. Now, I admit. I’m kind of a sci-fi nerd when it comes to shows like this. And by the context of this show, it’s quite fascinating when examining the features of these Objects. Essentially, they are armored fighting machines with almost all of them having a spherical main body. The design of each Object is covered by body armor that makes their defensive capabilities pretty stiff. Their propulsion system allows the Objects to maneuver on almost any time of environment. As a show that transits battle environments from the frosty lands of Alaska to dense jungles of the Amazons, it’s pretty important to show how Objects can function in different circumstances. Then, there’s also the reactor that fuels the energy of the Objects. Think of it like as a battery. The pilot controls the cockpit and each Object has its own unique control system. The show mostly features this for Milinida as we see the detailed structure of Baby Magnum’s cockpit. Finally, each Object has a heavy arsenal of weapons that ranges from impressive railguns, laser beam cannons, plasma weapons, and technology that far surpasses our own in the real world. In retrospect, the show does a neat job to cover the mechanics of the Objects and why they have such reputations. And in a story of sci-fi warfare, that needs to be.

On a more personal or relationship level, the show is a bit of a hit or miss. In particular, Qwenthur is a character that is hard to get attached to. He is a daredevil but also very dense when it comes to the feelings of some characters, in particular Milinida. At various points during this show, he gets unintentionally caught in misunderstandings that comically puts himself and others in danger. He invokes the wrath of the girls without knowing with his poor choice of words. And to top it all, he doesn’t realize it even with his good buddy Havia screaming at him. On the other hand, Qwenthur and Havia has a pretty amusing relationship. Their on screen moments shows that they act more like brothers than comrades. Their reckless tactics often requires teamwork and strategic timings so the show emphasizes on their trusting connection. This easily shows that they respect each other while also getting the job done and is one of the key reasons that they are able to survive so many times. Furthermore, the boys often help out Milinida when she is in danger while putting their own lives at risk. It earns Frolaytia’s criticism but there is also genuine among of trust that she places onto the boys. It’s a bit of an unorthodox relationship when these four are shown on screen each time but there’s definitely a good amount of connection between them.

On some of the more negative note, Heavy Object relies far too much on its comedy at times. The sex jokes are pretty evident that quickly gets repetitive. From tight pilot suits to pole dancing, the show tries to pull out every trick from the book. There’s also not enough concrete characterization for the majority of the cast. Although Havia gets some decent characterization in one of the arcs, it’s not really enough to salvage the show. And speaking of main characters, Milinida is a girl that I think people will find hard to relate or like. That stoic face and lack of character development doesn’t make her stand out much in the show. At times, she is even used in story as a fan service object. While the show invests a good amount of time about the Objects, there’s little investment on some of the main antagonists. And even when it does, it’s pretty stereotypical. Finally, some of the supporting characters like Havia’s fiancé, Ho Ho Ho(Yes, that’s not really her real name), Sladder Honeysuckle, etc will be easily forgettable except for their names.

After the promotional videos, it became fairly obvious that J.C Staff would also participate with animating the main series. And because the nature of the original character designs, except to see some similarities. On the positive side, the studio put a good amount of effort to make Objects look like a legitimate threat. I already mentioned their combat features and the show does a well job in crafting them in physical form. This is also demonstrated in the sheer force of fighting power they show on the battlefield. Indeed, the action is solid and fairly well coordinated with its stylized choreography. Character designs are also inspired with military outfits depending on the battle environment. The pilot outfits are also noticeable especially in the case of Milinda. Now, do be aware that there’s also a fair amount of fan service. The awkward timings that usually focus on the girls can sometimes feel humorously uncomforting. Despite that, artwork is decent in general ranging from the impressive Object designs and battlefield landscapes.

Depending on your perspective, the music and soundtrack of the show may or may not stand out. There are two OP theme songs although the first one has a more lyrical beat than the second. The OST of the show is what you may expect if you’ve seen other sci-fi related features. Only of course, it’s somewhat more lighthearted at times while also tense during battle scenarios. The character voice mannerisms are what I depict as fair. The guys’ voices blends between casual to stressful depending on what the type of situations they are caught up in. Sometimes though, it makes them look like fools in the face of danger. Milinda’s voice sounds like a robot at times so it’ll be hard to adapt with from early on. And of course, there’s Frolaytia. Any fan who is familiar with Shizuka Itou will recognize her voice right away and she seems to carry on her role when stepping in the shoes of the commander. Remember Akeno from High School DxD or Hildegard from Beelzebub? Yeah, you get the idea.

Heavy Object is a trick pony. It’s a show with sci-fi elements that also tosses in comedy in the face of danger. With the way the story is structured, it’s to be expected that there will be a variety to offer. This is true when applying to the Objects but the characterization in the show is rather unimpressive. Relationship dynamics is not something I think people will appreciate unless they are part of a target audience. As such, the show is designed to not be taken so seriously like some realistic war story. In fact, you’ll have to watch based on what it’s shown rather than what you’d expect.

Reviewer’s Rating: 6

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Mar 25, 2016

KaoruMatsuoka

Not Recommended

Quiz time! What's the most important element of a good war story?
a) The gripping character drama as relatable characters are forced into dangerous situations
b) The moral ambiguity of the conflict (good people having to do bad things)
c) The themes of loss, both of life and of innocence, on the battlefield
d) The tits and ass of the 14 year-old mecha pilot

If you answered D, congratulations! You might be a future light novel writer.

Every season of anime has one show that is so awful it can't even be enjoyed for its failings anymore. This season, one of the candidates for that prestigious wooden spoon ... falls to Heavy Object, a series based off a light novel (alarm bells ringing yet?) by the notoriously anal-retentive Kazuma Kamachi. While it isn't the absolute worst the season has produced so far, it's right near the bottom.

STORY- 1/10

The world of Heavy Object is one where the titular Objects, giant, round mecha, fight in a series of never-ending conflicts with laser guns and all sorts of other advanced technology. Just from reading the blurb on MAL and seeing the picture, I bet you'd expect a hilarious Michael Bay meets G Gundam-style train wreck with mecha beating the piss out of each other, deliciously hammy screaming, the power of nakama, and everything that possibly can blow up blowing up.

It's not.

While some shows might be terrible in both production values and story, they are just so delightfully over-the-top that you can derive all sorts of enjoyment from them. This show is not that at all. If Code Geass is the equivalent of two 747s colliding in midair, and Mirai Nikki is the equivalent of a fully-loaded freight train plowing a poor 16-wheeler who had the misfortune to stall right on the railroad tracks, Heavy Object is the equivalent of backing into a light pole in the neighborhood going 15 miles an hour.

"But surely," you say, "when two incredibly powerful and destructive mechs go at it, there's got to be something to enjoy, right?"

First off, a lot of the time it's not even two mecha fighting at all. The story is mainly about our two bland protagonists goofing off, being perverts, and...blowing up Objects with barely applicable "reasoning".

Yes, the most advanced technological weapon in the history of man, one that "was single-handedly able to change war forever", is defeated by two ordinary foot soldiers. And again, and again, and again, and again. You now have a good idea of the plot. It devalues the threat of the Objects so much because the countries that use them seem downright idiotic for letting two regular joes being able to blow them up on a regular basis. Hasn't anyone actually thought of preparing for sabotage, or trying to stop it?

As well as being utterly boring, it doesn't help that the show shoehorns in what seems like every light novel trope, in dead seriousness. There's constant gazes and glimpses of the schoolgirl mecha pilot's, well, ejection hatch, and most of the fanservice of both her and the attractive female commander (case in point: the infamous pole-dancing scene) comes off as completely out of place due to the fact that there's just so much of it despite it being completely superfluous and unnecessary. The commander wears kimonos that show off her shoulders and breasts. There's an idol singer who shows up for a few episodes. A private military contractor in the final few episodes dresses like maids, and they say "goshujinsama". I am not making this up. This is despite the ethnic makeup of every character that has appeared in the story being 0% Japanese.

At some point, you wonder if the writer has any idea what a war story, or mecha story, actually is. But that doesn't stop Kamachi.

One of the good parts of To Aru Majutsu no Index, as much as I had gripes with it, was how detailed its setting was. Almost every character and artifact that appeared had pages on who they were and why they were important, and it added a lot of depth to what would be a forgettable harem light novel. Heavy Object doesn't even have the worldbuilding aspect going for it. The world is fractured into all sorts of small countries fighting each other because...they are. That's it. This is compounded by the fact that the author seems to have no idea how an actual military works. Let's just say that anyone who's actually served overseas would be less than pleased at this anime's portrayal of war.

There's even times where the story tries to get serious, and bring questions of morality into the equation. The key word here is "tries", because it sure doesn't succeed. Characters will discuss the immoral side of war (while the enemies they're fighting are obviously and hilariously evil, mind you), and then the next scene will be another steamy fanservice scene in a change so quick it will give you whiplash. All the light novel tropes mentioned above makes it impossible to take any serious aspects of the story at face value, and the sheer cliche status of the characters makes it downright idiotic to try to introduce these "mature" elements. Morality is a key issue of war stories, but Heavy Object is too much of a joke to really even be considered one, and as such should never have attempted to get serious in the first place. I hear fans all over say that "you shouldn't take it seriously". However, why shouldn't I when it attempts to pose questions such as this? It clearly wants to take itself seriously. Why should it be judged as a parody?

CHARACTERS-1/10

Main characters Qwenthur and Havia are completely and totally depthless and generic, except for their perversity which seems to increase exponentially every arc. It's like the author decided to drop two harem MCs into a setting without even making it a harem, because both of them could be interchanged with any other light novel protag without missing a beat in the story.

But my major issue with them is that they're one of the biggest Gary Stu duos of the season. Remember the fact that Objects are supposed to be so powerful they make foot soldiers obsolete? Well, these two never lose against them. They do what is the equivalent of defeating a nuclear missile with a baseball bat, and they do it every single arc. You thought Touma and his "nullify everything" was bad? The amount of plot armor these two have could send an elevator into freefall just by getting on it. Because who needs narrative tension when you have plot armor? It's not helped by the fact that they're incredibly unsympathetic; they get away with almost everything questionable they do, and the show just laughs it off.

In contrast, Milinda, the female mecha pilot, exists only to lose. The ability of the protagonists to pull bullshit logic out of their asses allowing them to win is matched only by her ability to job in fights she clearly has the edge in. The only reason why she's there is to provide fanservice, which, as she is a major character, clearly signals something's wrong with that portrayal. "Depth" does not mean "bra size", "depth" means "backstory and motivations".

The female commanding officer is largely the same as Milinda, although she at least has a few lines explaining her situation and is reasonably competent at her job. Nonetheless, the characters are all so one-dimensional that it's nearly impossible to like them.

ART- 7/10

JC Staff, known for their adaptation of mediocre light novels like Shakugan no Shana, DanMachi, and the aforementioned Index, takes the helm on this production. The art is pretty good. I'll admit it's done quite well, and while some of the CGI might be a little shaky, it melds well most of the time. It's quite possibly the only thing saving this show in the first place.

SOUND-3/10

Both the music and the voice acting are completely bland and unforgettable. Despite there being some names in the cast that are recognizable, all the characters' voices are as generic as their personalities. The music is even more so; if anyone managed to get a track from this anime stuck in their head, I'd be impressed. It goes hand in hand with the low production values of the art, and adds the final cherry on top of this atrocity of an animated television series.

OVERALL-2/10

Heavy Object had the potential to be an at least sort-of enjoyable trainwreck, but as noted above, it couldn't even manage that. Instead what we got is a weird mishmash of all the wrong parts about serious war stories, hot-blooded mecha shows, and trashy LNs. When the art is the only thing saving you from a 1/10, you know something's wrong. Hope I could at least convince someone not to watch it, or to go into it with heavy apprehensions, and it leaves me with the final thoughts that Kazuma Kamachi really needs to step his game up.

Reviewer’s Rating: 2

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	Poll: Heavy Object Episode 24 Discussion ( 1 2 3 ) Stark700 - Mar 25, 2016	125 replies	by MxS7HGS »» Jul 7, 2023 9:27 AM
	Poll: Heavy Object Episode 23 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Mar 18, 2016	61 replies	by MxS7HGS »» Jul 7, 2023 8:30 AM
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	Poll: Heavy Object Episode 20 Discussion ( 1 2 ) Stark700 - Feb 26, 2016	56 replies	by MxS7HGS »» Jul 4, 2023 12:22 PM