Studio MADHOUSE's new anime series, Orb: On the Movements of the Earth, had its two-episode premiere on Saturday, introducing what could be an early contender for Anime of the Season. The Fall 2024 lineup certainly has a lot of great series, including Trillion Game, another Madhouse animated series from the creators of Dr. Stone, Riichiro Inagaki. But let's find out why Orb stands out from the rest for many reasons. (Warning: light spoilers ahead)
The artwork is very attractive
One thing the producers really needed to overcome when dealing with an anime rooted in astronomy was making the night sky look as gorgeous as humanly possible, and that's exactly what the Art Director did. Artist Yasutoshi Kawai and Director of Photography Akane Fushihara provide. Is it surprising, especially since Fushihara was also the director of photography for Frieren: Beyond Journey's End?
Every scene under the starry sky is like seeing realistic pictures of it in real time. The image of the Milky Way toward the Galactic Center is absolutely beautiful. Sometimes I'm so focused on the sky trying to find the constellations that I almost miss what's being said.
One detail I loved was that the series premiere also made sure to show why the night sky is or isn't visible in certain situations…and actually showed it. there! Once Rafal was informed that when the Moon was not bright in the sky, the stars and the rest of the galaxy were easier to see at night. Then, in episode two, Rafal is walking along a road with the moon as full and bright as possible, blurring everything else in the background around it.
It's the level of detail I appreciate most as someone who appreciates astronomy. As we look around the Earth where the story takes place, the artwork around town is also gorgeously done. There is attention to detail in the stones on the bridges and the mortar and stucco of the houses and restaurants that make you feel as if you are there with the characters. But this is just one of many things about the series premiere that was executed without error.
Exposition
I'd argue with anyone willing that the story presentation of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is the best of any other anime this season. Dan Da Dan certainly has the most thrilling franchises and the likes of Blue Box and 365 Days to the Wedding may have given fans the most heartwarming starts, but overall? I'm watching Orb: On the Movements of the Earth and here's why.
The introduction of an established villain was done wonderfully. The character of Novak, voiced by none other than Kenjiro Tsuda, is not only the first villain introduced but also the first such character. We already know how sick and twisted Novak is before we learn who the main character, Rafal, is. I'll spare readers the brutal details. Just know that the production of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth didn't shy away from some moments that might turn people away from the screen.
What's more, Novak and Rafal had their first encounter after just two episodes. A former mercenary who has become a powerful arm of the church army hunts scientists, in this case astronomers, regardless of their age? And we got that in just the first two episodes of the story? Out of the dozens of anime I've watched so far, none has a structure as complex as this. And the best part? It doesn't feel rushed or forced in any way.
In another explanatory note, Hubert's unfortunate situation is a disturbing way to show how dangerous this world is for people like him and Rafal. Any sign of material that goes against the bible is punishable by imprisonment the first time and death the second time. The teacher even threatened Kohanski when he joked about science, and even Rafal himself when he said he would study astronomy instead of theology at university.
So not only do we get a solid setting thanks to the first two volumes in the form of well-crafted artwork and presentation, but the details in the history of it all are something I value high, even if some of them inject “fiction” into historical fiction.
History
The history in Orb: On Earth's Motion was right on the money in some ways and inaccurate in others and that's okay for people like me. I can understand historical inaccuracies could be a problem for historians trying to enjoy this series given the fact Netflix advertises this series as a historical anime when it should be is a historical novel. So, with that said, here's what I love in terms of history and science.
As for the first part, it is highly accurate that the scientists were imprisoned and/or burned at the stake. Galileo Galilei exemplifies “under house arrest” for this debate on heresy, but also in 1600, astronomer and philosopher Giordano Bruno was considered a martyr of science. learning, having his tongue imprisoned and then burned at the stake, methods of torture and punishment are introduced in Orb: On the Movements of the Earth.
So, these are definitely the methods used to silence those who go against the scriptures. It's true that the time period of these persecutions is not necessarily accurate to the 15th century in which the series is said to be set. But I'll leave that discussion for another article coming soon (stay tuned). What I really loved about Orb was the discussion of heliocentrism and Rafal's mention of Ptolemy.
Rafal's discussion with Hubert felt like I was watching two scholars present their ideas about the universe. Even when Rafal was naive, he never scolded Rafal for believing in what he did. In fact, he even understood and praised Rafal's notes. Then, when Rafal came up with the idea that the Earth was spinning, it took him a minute to understand it and, as someone who puts reason above feeling, he finally came up with the idea that The Earth is orbiting the Sun.
In turn, it launched his research into heliocentrism and gave him a purpose to devote himself to his research despite the persecution he might have faced from the church. And don't worry historians, I understand some of the historical timeline issues on this one too. Again, that's an article coming soon. But that doesn't take away from the fact that heliocentrism is what sparked Rafal's desire to learn more.
In fact, I like how Rafal initially dismissed the idea of heliocentrism not only with a laugh and a “no chance,” but he also refuted what he himself concluded about it. universe. The Orb: On the Movements of the Earth premiere does a great job of showing how aspiring astronomers used to think until something more complex and realistic came along, even including the existence of a god in the midst of all theories.
Orb: On the Movement of the Earth Production
There are also little things from the production side, not just the artwork that I appreciate. For example, take the moment Rafal sees the fire burning, what we know, for the first time. He turned away after looking into the eyes of one of the victims, a feeling that normal children his age should have had at such a grotesque scene. The scene causes a feeling of panic and nausea when seeing such a scene. The production sold it well.
Another case is when Rafal is sitting in his office. The blue of the moonlit night sky on one side of his face while the orange glow from the candlelight at his desk on the other side is a nice touch. It wasn't the actual content, but seeing the two contrasting colors coming from a natural environment instead of special effects or forced lighting was a nice touch that I thought symbolized his personality as an astronomer, even if that wasn't the intention.
One final, underrated aspect that I really like about the premiere of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is that the soundtrack was composed by Kensuke Ushio, who has also composed the soundtrack for other anime like DanDaDan , Chainsaw Man, Space Dandy, Heavenly Delusion, etc
It's not anything impressive or a bit Sawano at times, but it fits the anime's setting and theme so well that sometimes my mind gets lost in both the music and the visuals. . It enhances the selling point of astronomy in the context of the story.
Orb: Summary of Earth's Motions
This premiere is also a great way to showcase that there really are people like Rafal and Hubert who have had a difficult life. fear caused by the study of the stars. They themselves are not real historical figures, but they were certainly inspired by them. Orb: On the Movements of the Earth is more than just a mesmerizing look at the stars.
This is an anime that doesn't take the main elements lightly nor shy away from the violence and brutality surrounding history. Going forward, knowing that this anime will most likely adapt the entire manga (8 volumes) in 25 episodes, I'm happy to know that we will (probably) get the entire story in one season.
Episode 1 rating: 10/10
Episode 2 rating: 9.5/10
If you enjoyed the season premiere of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth then be sure to vote for it in our week's poll! Episode 3 of Orb: On the Movements of the Earth will be released on Saturday, October 12. Netflix is streaming Orb: On the Movements of the Earth with English subtitles.
Screenshot via Netflix
©️ Uoto/Shogakukan/Production Committee “The Sphere: About the Movement of the Earth”