“Texhnolyze” is a riveting anime series that transports viewers into the dystopian underground city of Lux1. The series is known for its experimental animation style, produced by Madhouse and directed by Hiroshi Hamasaki2.
The narrative of “Texhnolyze” is centered around Ichise, a stoic prize fighter who loses an arm and a leg after offending an unnamed figure2. On the brink of death, he is saved by Eriko “Doc” Kaneda, who replaces his lost limbs with prosthetic ones through a process known as “texhnolyzation”2. This process is enabled by the fictional material raffia, which is mined from underneath Lux and serves as the city’s only export and reason to exist1.
The series explores the power dynamics within Lux, where various criminal factions vie for control1. The city’s inhabitants live in fear and despair, almost secluded from the surface world1. Their only interaction with the outside world is through their mining operation of raffia1.
The balance of power in Lux is disrupted when a mysterious visitor named Kazuho Yoshii begins committing a series of crimes that puts the gangs at each other’s throats1. Amidst this chaos, new actors emerge: Ichise, recently texhnolyzed by Doc, and Ran, a young florist who can see the future1.
One of the standout aspects of “Texhnolyze” is its exploration of human-machine relationships. It delves into the complexities of these bonds and how they influence the lives of the characters. The series also touches upon themes of power, control, and survival in a dystopian society.
The anime adaptation aired on Fuji Television from April 16, 2003 to September 24, 2003 and aired twenty episodes3. It has been praised for its intriguing storyline, well-developed characters, and unique concept.
In conclusion, “Texhnolyze” is a compelling anime series that offers a unique blend of dystopian reality and cybernetic fantasy. Its exploration of human-machine relationships sets it apart from other anime in its genre. Whether you’re a fan of dystopian narratives or simply enjoy character-driven stories, “Texhnolyze” is definitely worth watching.