Broken Blade

Broken Blade (ブレイク ブレイド, Bureiku Bureido ^?, a.k.a. "Break Blade") is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yunosuke Yoshinaga. Flex Comix published the first tankōbon volume of the manga on April 10, 2007.^[1] The manga was previously licensed in North America by CMX,^[2] where three volumes were released before CMX shut down.^[3] The manga is licensed in Taiwan by Tong Li Publishing.^[4] The manga was adapted into six 50 minute animated movies.^[5] Sentai Filmworks has licensed the movie series and will release them on DVD and Blu-ray in 2012.^[6]

Plot summary

The story is centered around a young man named Rygart Arrow, an 'un-sorcerer' born into a world where people can use 'magic'. This magic is the ability to control and empower quartz, doing many things from creating light to operating machinery to riding giant mecha called 'Golems'. Rygart, however, is one of the few exceptions; he cannot utilize quartz, making many aspects of life difficult as well as being looked down upon by the rest of society. Despite this 'limitation', in his youth he managed to befriend Hodr and Sigyn, the future King and Queen of the Krisna Kingdom and Zess, the younger brother of the Secretary of War of the Athens Commonwealth.

Years later, Rygart is reunited with Hodr and Sigyn where he learns the Athens Commonwealth has begun an invasion of Krisna. Rygart is also shocked to learn that their old friend, Zess, is leading one of the strike forces. While at the capital, Rygart discovers that he has the ability to pilot a recently discovered ancient golem which cannot be piloted by magic users. Despite its ancient origins, the golem possesses capabilities and systems far more advanced than any modern golem, and could be key to turning the tide of battle. While hesitant at first, Rygart soon gets involved in the war between Krisna and Athens, in an attempt to save Hodr and Sigyn, and Zess.

Characters

The Kingdom of Krisna

Rygart Arrow (ライガット・アロー, Raigatto Arō^?)

Voiced by: Souichirou Hoshi (Japanese), Greg Ayres (English)

Rygart is the series' main protagonist at the age of 25. He was born an un-sorcerer, meaning that he cannot use magic, unlike the majority of the worlds populace. Before he left to see Hodr, he worked on a farm with his brother who is also an un-sorcerer, because of this, his father sold all Quartz operated tools and worked with tools without Quartz to make the boys stronger and to keep them from feeling like outcasts. After his father took out loans, Rygart was able to attend Assam military school where he befriended Zess, Hodr, and Sigyn where the four of them were known as "the four problem children of Assam's Military School", with him being known as the "King of Make-up tests". He hates violence and believes he could win via his opponent tiring out but is willing to fight more directly and violently with his enemies. He becomes the pilot of the Delphine, an ancient Golem designed for only an un-sorcerer's use as a Heavy Knight for Krisna. He originally joins the war to protect his brother and friends, but later admits he's really fighting to protect Sigyn who he really loves. Initially, Rygart is extremely hostile towards Girghe when they are teamed up, yet acknowledges the other pilot's skills as a pilot. Rygart eventually comes to recognize Girghe as an 'outcast' like himself, and is traumatized after Girghe sacrifices himself for Rygart. Rygart later spearheads the counter assault on Binonten and has a rematch with Borcuses, this time managing to kill the General, but is left with only more questions about his role in the war. After Borcuse's death, Rygart is promoted to Warrant Officer and given the title, "Hero of Krisna".

Sigyn Erster (シギュン・エルステル, Shigyun Erusuteru^?)

Voiced by: Chiwa Saito (Japanese), Emily Neves (English)

Sigyn is the 25-year-old Queen of Krisna and Hodr's wife and a close friend of Rygart. They went to the same military school as him, where she was known as the "Mad Scientist" for secluding herself in the school's lab for up to 3 days and nights at a time without eating or drinking. She pursues a career of science and cares deeply for her friends, to the point of pointing a gun at Rygart upon first seeing him to ask why he did not show up at her wedding and confirm that he does not hate her. While she is the Queen, she rarely acts like one as she usually spends her time in the castle maintenance workshop tinkering with machines alongside the royal engineers. Even though she and Hodr are married, they both sleep in separate chambers as they no longer share a mutual love. It is later revealed that Sigyn was in love with Rygart during their days in military school. When Rygart left school to take over his father's farm, Sigyn attempted to confess her feelings to him, but he purposely ignored her, not wanting Sigyn to live a life of ridicule as the wife of an unsorcerer. Even after her marriage to Hodr, she still loves Rygart. Whilst complimenting each other on their hair, Cleo says "Blonde hair...Is much prettier" to which an exhausted Sigyn replies "Black...For one single moment...I...Really....Liked it". Sigyn later petitions Hodr for a divorce, but he has yet to give her an answer. Regardless, Sigyn has been spending more and more time with Rygart in an attempt to help him overcome the guilt and trauma he has experienced on the battlefield.

Hodr (ホズル (クリシュナ9世), Hozuru^?)

Voiced by: Yuichi Nakamura (Japanese), Kalob Martinez (English)

Hodr is 25-year-old king of Krisna and Sigyn's husband. He befriended Rygart at Assam military school when he ditched class to help him save an owl after he spotted him from his classroom's window. He was known as the "Crowned Prince" for staring at the sky and scoring failing grades. He does not want to be king, but tries to be a good leader and cares greatly for his people's lives. Despite being married with Sigyn, he does not shows any feelings for his wife and is aware she loves Rygart. During the cease-fire before the Battle of Binonten, Hodr reveals to Rygart that he has lost all romantic interest in Sigyn and that she has petitioned him for a divorce but later put it on hold. He then berates Rygart for not being honest about his feelings for Sigyn. He has a younger sister named Lindy who is married to a General from the Orlando Empire.

Narvi (ナルヴィ・ストライズ, Naruvi Sutoraizu^?)

Voiced by: Marina Inoue (Japanese), Shelley Calene-Black (English)

Narvi is a 24-year-old female Upper Class Heavy Knight from Krisna. She previously served under General True before being assigned to command her own squad. As a squad leader she has a tendency to be brash and impulsive, always trying to be at the front of battle. Her actions are the result of her desire to prove her worth as a field commander, so that she may be able to serve in General True's inner circle of officers. She is devastated after finding that General True was killed in battle. After the Battle of Binonten, Narvi is promoted and becomes one of General Baldr's front-line commanders. She also receives a prototype new-model Golem with greater speed and maneuverability.

Nile (ナイル・ストライズ, Nairu Sutoraizu^?)

Voiced by: Minoru Shiraishi

Nile is Narvi's older brother and a First Class Heavy Knight.

Loggin (ロギン・ジー・ガルフ・エンサンス, Rogin Jī Garufu Ensansu^?)

Voiced by: Tomoya Kawai (Japanese), David Gorgritz (English)

A 29-year-old male Upper First Class Heavy Knight from Krisna who serves as a mech sniper.

General Baldr (バルド, Barudo^?)

Voiced by: Masashi Sugawara (Japanese), Rob Mungle (English)

A calm General and brilliant strategist.He is one of Krisna's most prized generals. He serves as a mentor to Rygart on becoming a soldier and is also his Commanding officer. He has a son named Girghe but has since disowned him due to the latter killing one of his fellow cadets and injuring 8 others during a training exercise without reason. Baldr was away on border patrol when that incident occurred and has never been able to get the full story from his son or the reasons for his actions. Baldr attempts to ease Rygart's conscious after he delivers Girghe's body to him. Baldr has shown great concern for Rygart, seeing how the pressures and traumas of the war have weighted on Rygart's mind, and is afraid they may drive Rygart down the same path that ultimately 'broke' his son.

General True (トゥル, Turu^?)

Voiced by: Kenichi Ogata (Japanese), Chris Ayres (English)

A hot-headed General of Krisna who always immediately runs into the battle without strategy much to the trouble of those under his command. Despite these flaws, he is well loved by the people of Krisna due to donating all of his money to the orphanages of Krisna and even taking care of the orphans himself with two of those orphans being Narvi and Nile. He is killed at the end of Volume 4 due to his hot-headed impatience leading his forces right into an obvious ambush by the Athens Invasion Force.

Captain Sakura (サクラ, Sakura^?)

Voiced by: Nanaho Katsuragi (Japanese), Luci Christian (English)

A tall female military instructor for Krisna. She is an expert in close quarter melee combat.

Girghe (ジルグ, Jirugu^?)

Voiced by: Kōsuke Toriumi

A gifted mech pilot from Krisna and General Baldr's son. He was formerly serving in prison for killing one of his fellow cadets without reason during training but when Krisna needed more skilled mech pilots for the war, he is granted supervised release and assigned to Narvi's squad to help the war effort. He is skilled in sniping and using a Katana with his Golem, a modified Athen's Artemis and takes the opportunity when given the chance to fight other skilled mechs whether they be comrade or foe. Due to his attitude and his past actions, General Baldr has ordered his squad-mates to execute him should Girghe try to attack any of them. His instability was the result of the pressure trying to live up to peoples expectation who expected him to follow his father's footstep. But what may have started his instability was when during his childhood, he and his father rescued a village from a group of escape prisoners where he allow his father to shoot him in the leg as a distraction when one of the prisoners took him as hostage. Girghe fights against several of General Borcuse's elite guard while protecting Rygart and the rest of his squad. He manages to severely damage or disable all other their heavy mechs before finally being disabled and captured. He is later killed by Borcuse by fooling the General into believing he is the pilot of the Delphine.

Regatz Arrow (レガッツ・アロー, Regattsu Arō^?)

Voiced by: Masumi Asano (Japanese), Larry Christian (English)

Rygart younger brother. Like his brother, Regatz too is also an un-sorcerer.

Commonwealth of Athens

Zess (ゼス, Zesu^?)

Voiced by: Hiroshi Kamiya (Japanese), Leraldo Anzaldua (English)

Zess is a 25-year-old soldier of Athens. He met Rygart at Assam military school, where he was called "straight-laced Zess". He was the best pilot cadet in the academy's history and was full of pride. He first met Rygart when Rygart was being bullied and refused to stand up for himself. Zess defended him and quickly befriended Rygart afterward. When he learns his nation plans to conquer Krisna, he leads his Valkyrie Squadron, a small commando strike force of mechs to the Krisna capital in order to make Hodr surrender quickly to spare his friends and their country from the wrath of the main Athens Invasion Army, unaware that the leaders of Athens gave an unofficial condition of surrendering to Hodr: The execution of the whole royal family, including Sigyn. Ultimately his mission is a failure which costs the lives of two of his subordinates and the capture of Cleo. In his last confrontation with Rygart, he is critically injured when his cockpit is crushed. He returns home to his wife and 2-year-old daughter, all the while greatly regretting the consequences that awaits Krisna by the main Invasion force. After the death of General Borcuse, and at the request of his brother, he was ordered to lead the second Athenian invasion force. Zess's Valkyrie Squadron Golems are the lightweight mech, Artemis.

Cleo Saburafu (クレオ・サーブラフ, Kureo Sāburafu^?)

Voiced by: Kana Hanazawa (Japanese), Brittney Karbowski (English)

A subordinate of Zess, Cleo is is a 12-year-old mech pilot who looks like a teenager; her friend Lee used to make fun of her for being extremely developed for her age. She's a quick learner, but despite this she is very clumsy and somewhat a slow thinker with some subjects. She says her positive skills are cooking, laundry, and keeping watch without even getting tired. She graduated from military school after 2 years, when it ordinarily takes 6 years. When Cleo learns that Lee was killed in battle, Cleo believes Rygart killed her (unaware that Lee committed suicide ) and initially wants to kill him. Afterward, she meets Rygart in battle and shows a surprising amount of skill contrary to how she was before, almost defeating Rygart. She is defeated shortly after securing Zess's escape and taken prisoner, where she was treated very leniently and shared a room with Sigyn. She initially tried to escape by securing Sigyn's gun and attempting to kill Rygart, but fails because the gun actually had no ammo. She befriends Sigyn and no longer tries to escape afterward. Later, she is released in a hostage exchange for Rygart and his squad. Her family has been serving the Athens military for three generations, with her grandmother a retired mech pilot who is now an Athens military academy instructor and her mother, a high ranking officer in the Athens military.

Erekt (エレクト, Erekuto^?)

Voiced by: Hideyuki Umezu (Japanese), Andy McAvin (English)

A soldier of Athens and a subordinate of Zess. He is Zess's second in command.

Lee (リィ, Rii^?)

Voiced by: Yūko Kaida (Japanese), Maggie Flecknoe (English)

A soldier of Athens who detests Krisna for their supposed "ruthless" acts during the previous war, though she seems unaware of Athen's own acts during it. She is friends with Cleo where both of them went to Military School together. During the attack at the Krisna's capital, Lee commits suicide after being saved by Rygart from another Krisna soldier attempting to finish her off, believing being dead is much better than being a prisoner of the Krisna "barbarians", devastating Rygart.

Argath (アルガス, Arugasu^?)

Voiced by: Kenichi Ogata

A soldier of Athens and a subordinate of Zess. He is the first to be killed by the Delphine.

Loquis (ロキス, Rokisu^?)

Voiced by: Takaya Hashi

The Secretary of War of the Commonwealth of Athens and Zess's older brother. He is the mastermind of the Athens Invasion of Krisna. Officially, he claims the invasion was to punish Krisna for harboring troops from Orlando, Athens long time enemy, during the previous war. However, in reality it is an excuse to claim Krisna's rich, extensive quartz mines as Athens' own quartz resources are dwindling. After Borcuse's death it is revealed that Loquis is suffering from a terminal illness and is not bedridden. At his order, he promotes Zess to General and appoints him as the leader of the Second Krishna Invasion Force. He also asks for Zess to protect and raise his young son.

General Borcuse (ボルキュス, Borukyusu^?)

Voiced by: Kazuya Nakai

One of Athens most infamous Generals. To his subordinates he is seen as a loving father and a good friend, but in reality, he is a cold and calculating man who will not hesitate to commit heinous acts of barbarism to achieve his goals. Borcuse was placed under house arrest for committing a war crime during the Invasion of Assam, where he slaughtered innocent villagers and displayed their bodies as a way to intimidate and bait his enemies. The Athens government pardons Borcuse and makes him leader of the Krisna Invasion Force, believing that his tactics, while brutal, are the fastest way to defeat Krisna. He is a highly skilled mech pilot and is accompanied by five other specially chosen pilots who serve as his elite guard and troop commanders. When Borcuse attempts to slaughter a village to goad the Krisna forces, he is confronted by Rygart and the two duel. Rygart manages to deal a significant amount of damage to Borcuse's Golem but the General becomes 'bored' and disables the Delphine. Recognizing that the Delphine is ancient technology, Borcuse orders Rygart to be killed and his mech taken back to Athens but manages to escape, dealing a blow to Borcuse's pride. Borcuse's reputation suffers another blow when Girge duels and kills one of his commanders, Bades including the elite Golems that were accompanying Bades. Girghe and Rygart are captured and brought before Borcuse where he proceeds to shoot Girge in the head prior to a prisoner exchange. Borcuse and Rygart engage in a rematch at the end of the Siege of Binonten, in which Rygart ultimately emerges the victor. Initially ordered to be taken as a prisoner, Borcuse taunts Rygart with memories of Girghe, causing Rygart to kill the General. Borcuse's Golem is the Hykelion, a giant, black mech that possess a pair of "scorpion tails" on the shoulders that he uses as a secret weapon which he hides under his mech's cape.

Colonel Io (イオ, Io^?)

Voiced by: Takuma Terashima

Borcuse second in command. Relatively young for a field commander, Io is greatly respected for both his prowess in battle and his abilities as a tactician. While he appears intimidating, due to his tall height and a large prominent scar on his face, Io is a kind man who treats civilians and children with respect. Io disapproves of the barbaric acts that Borcuse and his fellow commanders commit against civilians and enemy combatants. He is also in a relationship with Borcuse's daughter. As one of Borcuse's elite guard and commanders, Io rides the Toria, a blue colored customized Golem which utilizes both swords and guns . After Borcuse is killed, Io returns to Athens and resigns from the military, guilt-ridden over his perceived inability to protect Borcuse and his fellow commanders.

Bades (バデス, Badesu^?)

Voiced by: Kazuyoshi Hayashi

One of Borcuse's elite guards and commanders. A bald, middle age man, he is Borcuse's Lieutenant and strategist. Unfortunately, Nike has no respect for him and usual insults him if his plans fails or makes fun of his baldness. After he and Borcuse's men were ambushed by Girghe which resulted in the death of several Athens pilots including his comrade Iris, he returns to face Girghe again with the Spartans, a elite group of Athens pilots with customized Golems where he tries to convince Girghe to side with Athens instead. However, Girghe refuses and proceeds to kill all of the Spartans before finally killing Bades himself. His name is derived from the Greek god Hades. Bades' rides a customized gold colored golem whose primary weapons are a heavy gun-lance and a powerful shoulder-mounted cannon.

Iris (アイレス, Airesu^?)

Voiced by: Katsuhisa Hōki

One of Borcuse's elite guards and commanders. He is the oldest among Borcuse's inner circle. Iris is the first of Borcuse's inner circle to died as he was killed by Girghe in an ambush after he and the rest of Borcuse's army escapes their first battle with General Baldr's army. Iris rides a customized white golem whose primary weapon is a heavy quart battle-ax.

Nike (ニケ, Nike^?)

Voiced by: Ryoko Shiraishi

One of Borcuse's elite guards and one of the two female commanders in his inner circle besides Leto. Despite looking like a child, Nike is actually 25 years old. While she display a look of a sweet, innocent girl, in reality she is a sadistic killer who will not hesitant to kill anyone who angers her, whether they be enemy or ally. Io is the only one who can calm Nike as he treats her like a little sister. Nike's Golem is the heavy mech Giratos, whose primary weapon is a pair of bladed arm shields, which when paired with the golem's enhanced arm strength allows it to crush and split enemy golems in half. This was what she uses to kill General True in the series. The story in the manga version is, during her first meeting with Girghe, he disabled and used her Golem as a 'shield' while proceeding to damage the other Athens Golems, dealing a huge blow to her ego. Her second encounter with Girghe fares no better as her Golem is completely decapitated. Making her way back to the main forces on foot, she encounters and battles Narvi, but in the end Narvi succeeds in shooting Nike through the heart, killing her but not before Narvi comforts her at her last moments.

Leto (レト, Reto^?)

Voiced by: Eri Kitamura

One of Borcuse's elite guards and one of the two female commanders in his inner circle besides Nike. She serves as the Intelligences officer and mech sniper. She also has feelings for Io. She joined Bades and the Spartans in their battle against Girghe and was the only survivor, due in thanks that she was the group's sniper and suffered only minimal damage in that battle. After Borcuse's death and her return to Athens, she is deeply upset when she learns that Io has resigned from the military. She confronts him and berates him for 'betraying' their friends memories and that he has an obligation to avenge them. Io agrees with her accusations, but she can only watch tearfully as he walks away saying that he no longer has the will to fight.

Leda (レダ, Reda^?)

Voiced by: Nozomi Sasaki

General Borcuse's daughter. Leda is in love with Io and gets jealousy if another woman is interested with him.

The Empire of Orlando

The Empress

A young girl who is the 162nd Empress of Orlando who is loved by her citizens. In reality, she is rather devious and calculating.

Aruvia

The Chief Cleric of Orlando.

General Cain

A General of Orlando and Hodr's brother in law. He was to lead the Orlando Expedition forces to help Krisna against the Athens Invasion force by the order of his Empress, but at the last moment she had him replaced with General Molak due to his relationship as King Hodr's brother in law as the Empress change plans to have the Expedition forces intervene only after Athens severely weaken Krisna so they may eliminate both sides and take over Krisna for Orlando. Nevrthless, Cain join the expedition hoping to save Hodr and Krisna.

General Molak

General Cain's replacement for the Orlando Expedition forces. Molak is a masked young woman who is very loyal to her country yet is smart to realize the politics being played in the empire. While she has orders to ensure Cain does not interfere in her mission, she still respects him and gives him some leeway over his concern for his brother in law.

Lindy

General Cain's wife, Hodr's younger sister and Sigyn's sister in law. She is a good friend of the Empress.

Greta

Voiced by: Kikuko Inoue

A merchant and engineer who provides and assists Sigyn in making the Quartz armor and weapon for Rygart's Delphine during the sixth movie.

Media

Manga

The first volume of the manga was published on April 10, 2007.

Movies

The movies opening theme song is "Fate" by Kokia and closing theme song for the first five movies are "SERIOUS-AGE" by Faylan while the closing theme song for the sixth movie is "Nageki no Oto" (嘆きの音, The Wailing Sound^?) by Kokia. While the movie closely follows the manga story, the movies were done on what was available and an ending was never properly given as the story is still in progress; for episode six, the animators deviated from the manga to end the story with their own plot.

List of Broken Blade movies

Picture Drama

References

External links

• Broken Blade official website (Japanese)
• Flex Comix Official Broken Blade website (Japanese)
• Broken Blade (manga) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia
• Broken Blade (anime) at Anime News Network's Encyclopedia