Zoids: New Century Zero or Zoids: New Century/0 (Zoids: Shinseiki / Zero in Japan) is an animated/anime television series created by Maktoko Mizobuchi in 2002 by Shogakukan, Inc. It is the third Zoids series created, based on the range of mecha models produced by TOMY. The series has been dubbed and released in Western nations, and was the first Zoids series to be dubbed in English. The series is comprised of 26 episodes that run for 25 minutes.
There is a significant gap between the events of Zoids: Chaotic Century and Zoids New Century Zero (between 400 and 4000 years, but 1000 years is the usually accepted figure). Zoids are no longer used for warfare; instead the combative natures of both Zoids and humans are focused and contained by a series of battle-competitions and tournaments, run by the Zoid Battle Commission.
The Zoids Battle Commission seems to be a significant power on Zi, fielding a considerable arsenal of armed Zoids, orbital platforms serviced by their own launch facilities as well as orbital based weapons systems. It is not made clear in the series if the Helic Republic and Guylos Empire still exist.
The series focuses on the Blitz Team, in particular the actions of the Liger Zero and Bit Cloud. The series charts the rise of the Blitz Team through the various competitions of the Zoid Battle Commission, and the team's efforts to avoid conflict with the criminal organization known as the Backdraft Group.
Formerly a junk dealer, Bit Cloud is forced to join the Blitz Team after he is responsible for damage to one of the team's Zoids during a match. Taken to the Blitz Team's base, Bit discovers that he is the only person capable of piloting the rare Liger Zero owned by the team's manager. Over the course of the series, it is learned that the Liger Zero is one of a series of unique Ultimate X zoids, equipped with an Integrated Organoid system and possessed with basic intelligence. Some fans believe that the Integrated Organoid system of the Liger Zero resulted in a fusion of the Blade Liger and the Organoid Zeke, but this theory has not been confirmed on any official source, and is most likely false.
Bit Cloud's first name is believed to be derived of the Japanese term "Bitto Shiyo-ze" or "Cheer up", representing his happy-go-lucky personality. Bit has a strong relationship with the Liger Zero, treating the Zoid as a friend instead of just a machine. He is often seen in friendly conflict with Leena Toros, arguing over trivial matters like cookies, doughnuts, and the shower schedule.
Views on Bit's piloting skill fall into two camps. One side believes that his skill is much lower than the level of the characters from Chaotic Century and Guardian Force, and that his success is almost totally dependent on luck and the Liger Zero, as he only appears to steer and yell attack commands. Those who believe that Bit is equal to or superior to the character from other Zoids' series point to his ability to gain control over the previously unpilotable Liger, along with his rapid adaptation to almost any tournament situation.
Voiced by: Takahiro Sakurai (Japanese); Richard Ian Cox (English)
Leena Toros is the daughter of the Blitz Team's manager, and is portrayed as a stereotypically loud and bubbly sixteen year-old girl. She pilots two different Zoids over the course of the series, the Dibison and Gunsniper, and is regarded as notoriously trigger-happy in combat, bordering on psychotic.
Leena is the target of the continual advances of Harry Champ, although fan speculation is that she secretly harbours a love for Bit Cloud (with whom she constantly gets into arguments). In the original Japanese version, the character is named Rinon Toros.
Voiced by: Ayako Kawasumi (Japanese); Kelly Sheridan (English)
Brad Hunter was a pilot who began his career as a mercenary, and was hired by the Blitz Team at a point before the series to boost their pilot numbers. He pilots a modified Command Wolf, but is later forced to steal a prototype Shadow Fox from Dr. Layon and the Backdraft Group.
Because of his mercenary nature, Brad will rarely enter a fight without a promise of financial compensation, even if the other team members are in trouble. Fans speculate that Brad has Irvine from Chaotic Century as an ancestor, and that he has feelings for Namoi Fluegel. In the original Japanese version, the character is name Ballad. Brad's surname is never given in either the Japanese or English versions, but supporting materials give it as "Hunter".
Voiced by: Masaya Matsukaze (Japanese); Samuel Vincent (English)
Jamie Hemeros is the Blitz Team's strategist, combat controller and occasional backup pilot. He is believed by the characters to be an orphan, and at fourteen years of age he is the youngest member of the team. He initially owns a Pteras, but this is traded in by Dr. Toros for a supersonic Raynos, the same kind of Zoid piloted by his father.
Jamie is caring towards his fellow teammates, who often annoy him by ignoring his advice and battle plans. It is believed that his surname is derived from Hermes, the winged messenger god. His skills as a pilot are marginal; he crashes his Zoid in almost every engagement he participates in.
In Atari's English-language ports of the Zoids video games, his name is given as Jimmy; several Japanese fansites romanize his name Jemmy (the katakana for his name read ji e mii).
Voiced by: Mitsuki Saiga (Japanese); Bill Switzer (English)
The supersonic capabilities of the Raynos allow for the exposure of Jamie's alter-ego, the Wild Eagle. Wild Eagle is portrayed as the polar opposite of Jamie's personality, and can generally be considered a skilled pilot. However, his skill is often counterbalanced by his cocky overconfidence, which usually results in serious damage to the Raynos, and a period of unconsciousness for Jamie.
The Wild Eagle alter-ego appears to be shared by members of the Hemeros family, as Jamie's father, Oscar, exhibited the same abilities and personality changes when flying certain Zoids. Unfortunately, this eventually led to a high-speed, uncontrolled landing of Oscar's Raynos. Oscar was both injured and seriously unnerved by the accident, as he "never flew a Raynos again" (in Doctor Toros's words). He was not, despite what the rest of the characters were led to believe, killed. In fact, he often pops by to check up on his son, though he unintentionally seems to make Jamie somewhat miserable (such as good-humouredly patting Jamie on the back when the latter was injured).
Steve Toros is the Blitz team's manager (but also serves as an inventor and occasionally a combat controller in Jamie's place), whose children are Leena and Leon Toros. He formerly friends with Dr. Layon until he accepted marriage to the woman (Mrs. Toros is unnamed) eventually bearing both of his children; out of envy, Layon incinerated the place where the trio used to gather, completely ending the camaraderie between both of them (Oscar seems to be neutral in the situation.).
Dr.Toros is 38 years-old, he seems to be impulsive (notorious purchasing weaponry on the basis of being "shiny" and "big"), overdramatic and immature at times, but in all is a knowledgeable man. He built the CAS interchangeable armour system solely for the Liger Zero (see the Liger Zero article for details). He purchased the Liger Zero because white Ligers were rare, although the Zoid later appeared to be defective. Or so he thought...
Voiced by: Daiki Nakamura (Japanese); Ron Halder (English)
Other characters
Dr. Layon: He was formerly friends with the Blitz Team's Steve Toros until an argument between the two with the subject being the husband of Leena and Leon's mother. He is in association with the Backdraft Group, although he tries to recruit pilots to fight to avenge him (Harry Champ, the Tigers' Team, Brad). It is believed that his reasons for joing the Backdraft Group were by the onset of alcoholism. English Voice Actor: Michael Dobson
Harry Champ: "A man destined to be king", as he regularly states during each appearance a multitude of times. He is heir to half of the Champ family's fortune, along with his elder sister, Mary Champ; but he could care less about his fortune when it comes to his unrequited crush on Leena Toros. Harry also has two robots named, Benjamin and Sebastian. He pilots a variety of Zoids, "From a Gojulas to Cannon Tortoises". His main Zoid is a customised Dark Horn, but he has also piloted an Iron Kong PK, and a Cannon Tortoise. Many more Zoids are seen in his hangar, among them a Red Horn, a Shield Liger, and a Gordos. Japanese voice actor: Wataru Takagi; English voice: Brad Swaile.
Jack Cisko: a talented mercenary who pilots a cheetah type Zoid, the Lightning Saix. His personality is depicted as arrogant and aloof. He has two teammates, Kelly and Chris Tasker who also pilot Lightning Saixes, and together, they were able to use a strategy involving drafting to defeat the Blitz team. Japanese voice actor: Keiji Fujiwara; English voice: Brian Drummond
Vega Obscura: an eleven year-old pilot under command of the Backdraft Organization (Sarah in particular) who pilots the Berserk Fury (AKA: Berserk Führer). He and Bit eventually meet in the final rounds of the Royal Cup. Based on his powerful dinosaur-type zoid and his physical appearance, it is speculated that he might be related to Raven from Chaotic Century/Guardian Force. Japanese Voice Actor: Motoko Kumai; English Voice Actor: Alex Doduk
Naomi Fluegel: a female pilot under the alias of "Red Comet" for being skilled in sniping and long-range combat. She pilots a red Gunsniper with a specialized sniping system that includes a gun within the Zoid's tail. At the beginning of the series, Naomi is a solo pilot until Leon Toros aids her to form the Flugel Team. It's pretty clear in the series that she and Brad have feelings for each other; this pairing is highly common in fan fiction. Due to some similarities in looks and personality it is thought by some fans that she may be a descendant of Moonbay. Japanese voice actor: Rio Natsuki; English voice actor: Saffron Henderson
Leon Toros: Dr. Toro's elder son who was formerly on the Blitz Team until Bit joined the group, he left the group in hopes of becoming a better pilot knowing that the Blitz Team would in in good hands with Bit as their new pilot. He later becomes Naomi Fluegel's partner. Leon pilots a Shield Liger at the beginning of the series and is later seen piloting a Red Blade Liger. Japanese voice actor: Susumu Chiba; English voice actor: Ted Cole
Chris and Kelly Tasker: Twin sisters who join with Jack Cisco to form the Lightning team. Both women pilot Lightning Saixes. The two can be distinguished by their outfits; Kelly wears green, Chris wears blue.
Kirkland, Omari and Lineback: Known as the Tigers Team, and occasionally the Fuzzy Pandas Team these three pilots have a reputation for being losers. Though they start out as capable opponents, as the series progesses they become more of "comedy relief" characters. In hopes of breaking their unlucky streak (a rather successful move), they rename themselves the Zabre Fangs. They are a reference to the Hanshin Tigers baseball team.
Mary Champ: Harry's older sister who wants her brother to be married to an heiress instead of Leena; Mary battled the Blitz Team with the Liger Zero at stake.
(AKA: The Backdraft Group); The Backdraft Organization is a group against the Zoids Battle Commission with their main intention to capture the Ultimate X Zoids. They are also responsible for the running of unsanctioned battles. There are ranks distributed throughout the group; the backdraft is controlled by a "Committee of Seven" and is notorious for their ruthless, underhanded and often dangerous battle tactics. Known members of the Backdraft include:
Vega Obscura (pilot of the Berserk Fury): A rather innocent and cheerful young boy with incredible skill in battle. He meets his match against Bit Cloud. Voiced by Alex Doduk.
Sarah (overseer): A high ranking member, usually cold and severe, though she is rather maternal towards Vega. Voiced by Ellen Kennedy.
Fuma Team (unsanctioned competition team): A four member team, usually employed by Altail. Their team leader is a woman named Fuma; the remaining three pilots are Ehga, Koga, and Negola. They initially pilot War Sharks, but are given Genosauruses by Altail to sabotage the Berserk Fury and demote Sarah.
Pierce (air combat specialist): She is skilled in aerial combat, defeated only by Jamie (piloting the Raynos in his Wild Eagle persona) and Bit on two seperate occasions, and under the direct command of Altail. She leaves the group after her defeat at the hands of Bit, deciding that Backdraft battles are getting old. She is last seen with Stoller and Sanders. She piloted a Zabat and later a customized Stormsworder. Voiced by Alaina Burnett.
Major Polta (Gold Team Leader): A subordinate of Altail, often seen wearing an odd looking mask. Voiced by Scott McNeil.
Captain Sanders (adjudent of Elephander Pilot): Stoller's subordinate, a skilled pilot who looks up to Stohler and defects from Backdraft along with Stoller. Last seen celebrating the end of the Zoids tournament with Stohler and Pierce. Voiced by Matt Smith.
Captain Stoller (Elephander Pilot): A senior member of the Backdraft and highly respected until he is defeated by Bit Cloud. A man bound by honour, he defects from the Backdraft Group after to fight a fair battle against Bit. He is last seen with Sanders and Pierce. Voiced by Scott McNeil.
Altail (Chief Executive Officer): He believes that zoids known as Ultimate Xs exist and places his reputation on the line to find them. After recovering the Berserk Fury, he is brushed aside and he attempts to sabotage Sarah. Voiced by Don Brown
Count (Boss of Chief Executive Officer)
Episode Listing
There are two story arcs within the series; the Zero Arc (episodes 1-19) and the Ultimate X arc (episodes 20-26)
1. "Commence Battle - Attack Liger Zero"
2. "New Partner vs Naomi and the Red Comet"
3. "The Prince Arrives - Harry Champ"
4. "Unsanctioned Battle - The Mysterious Backdraft Group"
5. "High Speed Battle - Transforming into Zero Jager"
6. "The Dark Giant - The Invincible Elephander"
7. "The Desert Gang - The Hovercargo's in Danger"
8. "Invasion of the Fierce Tigers - Transform to Zero Schneider"
9. "The Princess Arrives - Mary Champ"
10. "Desert Tusk - Assault of the War Sharks"
11. "The Sensational Three - Rematch with Jack Sisco"
12. "Zero is Stolen - The Fiery Battle"
13. "The Brave Wild Eagle - The Raynos Vs The Zabat"
14. "Frightday the 13th"
15. "Laon Returns - Anti-gravity Catastrophy"
16. "The Red Rival - Leon Toros Returns"
17. "Warriors on Vacation - The Storm Sworders"
18. "Love on the Battlefield - My Love the Judge"
19. "The Third Conversion - Zero Panzer's Debut"
20. "The Shadowfox - Brad's Betrayal"
21. "Harry's Disaster - Dr. Laon Traps Toros"
22. "The Dragon Under the Sea - In Search of the Ultimate X"
23. "The Dragon Awakens - The Beserk Fury Enters the Fray"
24. "The Tournament of Heroes - The Royal Cup"
25. "Survival - The Mystery of the Ultimate X"
26. "The Miracle of Zero - The Wind, The Cloud, and Adventure"
Series Comments
This series of Zoids is believed to possess a relatively small fanbase in the Western nations, but has a larger one in Japan. The lower popularity in the Western nations is believed to be a combination of several factors.
First was the treatment of the series as a children's show, and the editing and rewriting that came with it. The Zoids series in Japan were aimed at a mid- to late teenager audience. When Zoids/ZERO was edited for English dubbing, the following events and scenes were edited out:
All drug and alcoholic references. (Example: Dr. Layon gets drunk in a bar)
Implied sexuality and nudity. (Example: Episode 4; Bit walks in on Leena in the shower. While there was no actual nudity, it was implied. Episode 18; Benjamin falls in love with the Judge; a male judge like all the others in the original Japanese, whose voice was changed to sound like a female in the dub).
Several incidents of comedic violence. (Example: Episode 22; Harry hits Bit after he mistook Bit for Leena and hugged him).
Second was the largely unbelievable plots and linearity, along with the lack of character development. Other reasons cited include the greater stretch of disbelief necessary, and the perceived superiority in the above-mentioned factors demonstrated by the Chaotic Century and Guardian Force series.
On the other hand, Zoids/ZERO requires less suspension of disbelief in some regards then the other two series. Both Chaotic Century and Guardian Force had very unrealistic and unbelivable depictions of the military and warfare, while Zoids/ZERO avoids this by avoiding military-style combat entirely. Likewise, it is claimed that the central plot of Guardian Force makes very little actual sense. Finally, the characters of ZERO lack the same degree of Script Immunity as those in the previous shows.
Finally, for all the criticism of scenes deleted from Zoids/ZERO, more scenes were excised from the American versions of both Chaotic Century and Guardian Force, although the majority of these related to physical injury of the characters.
Zoids/ZERO was at one point the series which recieved the most negative critisim from the western fandom, although that "honour" has since been passed on to Zoids: Fuzors.
