Summary
On Thursday, Bandai Namco Filmworks (BNF) started streaming a video titledAura Battler Dunbine Side R, as part of an experimental project in collaboration with the studioKamikaze Douga. The short video is available on Sunrise’s official YouTube Channel (Sunrise is now a BNF branch).
Aura Battler Dunbineis a 1983 anime created byMobile Suit Gundamcreators Yoshiyuki Tomino and Hajime Yatate (a pseudonym for collective contributors at Sunrise, credited in most of the studio’s original work), and aired for 49 episodes. A three-episode OVA sequel was released in 1988. The video shows new footage from the original animation, including new mecha and weapons. Anison singerMindaRyn performs the theme song,“Remaning Story”.
WhileSide Ris fully composed of new footage, a video titledAura Battler Dunbine Side Lwas released in May, blending old and new scenes (Norio Wakamoto reprized his role as narrator in this one). So far, this is only an experimental project, but BNF might be testing the waters for potentially bigger plans for the franchise.
Gundam, But in a Somewhat Medieval Setting
The series resembles something like an isekai mecha series. Sho Zama accidentally ends up in a world known as Byston Well after an incident. The alternative dimension is located between the sea and the land, and is a place where dragons live alongside knights. Between castles and robots called Aura Battlers, Sho is in the middle of a war and is drawn to battle,piloting an Aura Battler himself.
Like many other Tomino’s works, the series discusses the dangers of war, but also touches on subjects like romance, life, and growing up. So this one could be defined as “isekai medieval fantasyGundam”.
Aura Battler Dunbine in the US
Aura Battle Dunbinewas directed by Tomino, and Sukehiro Tomita (MOSPEADA, Digimon Frontier,Sailor Moon1-R-Sseasons) worked as the main scriptwriter. The series was released to DVD in the US in 2003, both subbed and dubbed (by ADV Films), but it soon sold out, becoming a rare find for mecha fans. Fortunately, Sentai Filmworks currently licenses and streams it.
