Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu: Die Neue These - Gekitotsu

LotGH is slowly becoming the forefront series that is defining the space opera genre of the 2020's, and I'm so fucking happy that I.G. are investing heavily into the franchise.

As a fan of the OVA, I had high hopes coming into this season. This season adapts all but the last chapter of book 3 of the novels (will conclude first episode of next season), so that means we're just getting into the juicy parts of the story.

As a movie trilogy, the production values are excellent. The CGI has improved massively, the artwork is more crisp and refined, the animation is fluent, the space ... battles are epic. Nothing less for an amazing series. Even the ED is entirely CG, and mixed with the song as the camera scrolls backwards through the battlefield and into the command ships, it gives that feeling of tragedy and sorrow, which fits the show well. It's definitely my favorite ED in terms of song and animation, but Binary Star still remains my favorite OP.

The show is still missing that old classical soundtrack that the OVA used, however, I think modern orchestral music still fits really well with the modern aesthetic and art style of the show. And it's been used properly in many of the dialogue scenes to bring out the key tones that the viewers feel as the story progresses and as the characters philosophize about war and politics. And as the seasons go on, we'll hear more tracks come out.

Perhaps movie trilogies are the way to go for the series. If they can produce this quality of animation and earn their money back to invest in even more seasons on a regular basis, then more power to them. It might look weird as the entry types on MAL would be Movie, but who cares as long as they adapt all 10 volumes?

Since I've already seen the OVA, I have nothing to say about the story and characters as they're already a 10/10.

Overall, my high hopes and expectations have truly been met for this season. I wanted to give this a 9-9.5/10 since this is only one small part of the story, but the show has impressed me enough to say 'fuck it' and give it a 10/10. I think from now on is where the remake is really gonna shine if I.G. play their cards right.

We get into volume 3 of the novel here. This set of episodes contains one of my favorite parts, which is when Yang sits at the tribunal and rebukes their arguments. You see variants of this pretty often. People argue about which should come first: individual liberty or loyalty to the state. Even in a liberal democracy, many people will still claim the latter, even though it is the more authoritarian answer.

Separately, the show also brings up the idea of "liberal imperalism," which in this case refers to rule for the people but not by the people. I would have chosen the wording differently, but ... whatever. It is a bizarre situation when an autocrat is pushing reforms that expand people's rights, while an elected government is stripping them away.

There are many characters who get well-deserved characterization and backstory here, such as Mittermeyer and Reuenthal. Kempff also feels more like his own person at this point, interacting with his family, among other things. He never really got a chance before. Some of the interactions between Reinhard and Hilda also develop both pretty well here.

Many scenes have been notably expanded from the novel and are different than in the OVA as well. For instance, when discussing Reinhard's reforms, you can see some random citizens cheering for him and thinking about what they will do with their new rights. When Julian goes out on his first mission as a fighter pilot, a few characters and scenes were added. We also see more of Oberstein's dog for some reason. The fortress battle lasts for three full episodes (and actually a bit more), and I am a bit torn on whether it felt a bit too long already. I would maybe cut a few minutes, but it isn't a huge issue.

I still liked the visuals quite a bit. Some people always dislike CGI, no matter how it is used, but I am not one of them. It works very well in space battles especially.


But let's have some fair criticism too.

"Show, don't tell" is broken on a few occasions. For instance, Mecklinger is described as highly capable, but he has been sidelined so badly that he has never got any real chance to demonstrate his skills. Want us to think that he is competent? Show him do it.

This is a general observation about Reinhard, but his reaction to Kircheis' absence is so weirdly misdirected. There would be better ways to process his emotions than insist on imperialist conquest. Actually, it is Kircheis' fault as well. Perhaps "live in peace" would have been better as parting words. However, they did a good job highlighting that the narrative does not endorse Reinhard's approach. Several characters point out that the focus on military expeditions is unwise, to say the least, and even Reinhard himself feels alienated by his newfound power. That is emphasized here a bit more strongly than in the OVA.

The last episode ended at somewhat of a weird point, but there will be another set of episodes soon, so it isn't a huge issue.


Regardless, it is a very strong adaptation effort. You often see novel adaptations rushed and ruined, but here they are investing proper time into it.

Look, if you enjoy the Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu / Legend of the Galactic Heroes franchise, you're going to enjoy this. It's the continuation of the remake of a beautiful and compelling story.

The voice actors gave solid performances, the animation is fluid and story wise, we get more of what makes this franchise so good to watch. I particularly loved watching the backstory behind some of Reinhard's allies.


So... why a 5? Well... I'm not the average fan of the series. What really gets me hyped is Reinhard and because some episodes don't focus on him or his allies, I get bored. I have a weird Reinhard-fan ... syndrome.


So, if you love this universe you'll love this series. If you only care about half this universe (like me ahah), you'll enjoy half of it x'D