Book publisher Tokyo Sogensha has released a new spinoff novel titled Holonic: Girl on Monday for Bandai Namco Filmworks’ highly anticipated film sequel, Zegapain STA (Zegapain Statement Alpha). The novel, written by Yūya Takashima, continues the story from the film and promises to captivate fans of the franchise with its original narrative.
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About the Author and the Novel
Yūya Takashima, known for his work on the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury novel adaptation and his sci-fi research for the Zegapain ADP film, has penned this new novel. The story picks up after the events of the film, offering readers an immersive continuation of the Zegapain universe. Fans of Takashima’s previous works can expect the same level of detail and creativity in Holonic: Girl on Monday.
Film Sequel Details
The Zegapain STA film sequel is set to premiere on August 16, and anticipation is building among fans. The film brings back beloved characters from the previous anime, with Shintarō Asanuma, Kana Hanazawa, Ayako Kawasumi, and Romi Park reprising their roles as Kyo Sogoru, Ryoko Kaminagi, Shizuno Misaki, and Lu Sheng, respectively. This continuity in casting is sure to delight long-time followers of the series.
Image courtesy of Bandai Namco Filmworks
Masami Shimoda returns to direct the film at Sunrise, ensuring the sequel maintains the same quality and vision as the original series. Katsuhiko Takayama, known for his work on Aldnoah.Zero, Ga-Rei: Zero, and Looking Up At The Half-Moon, is writing the script. The character design team includes returning artists Akihiko Yamashita, Tatsuya Suzuki, and Marie Tagashira, with the latter having worked on new footage for the Zegapain ADP compilation film.
Technical and Creative Team
The film’s mechanical design is handled by a team of veterans from the previous anime, including Rei Nakahara, Noriyuki Jinguji, Takahiro Yamada, and Hideki Fukushima. Ayako Ōtsuka also returns to compose the music, ensuring a cohesive auditory experience that fans of the original series will appreciate.
Film Structure and Story Arcs
The Zegapain STA film is divided into two distinct parts. The first part, titled “Reminiscence Arc,” recaps the events of the original Zegapain television anime series and the Zegapain ADP compilation film. This section serves as a refresher for long-time fans and an introduction for new viewers. The second part, titled “Olta Moda Arc,” explores the future beyond the final episode of the TV series, introducing new challenges and a “new force” in the Zegapain world.
The “Olta Moda Arc” promises to expand the universe of Zegapain, delving into uncharted territories and presenting new threats and allies. This dual-structure approach allows the film to both honor its roots and venture into new narrative spaces, providing a comprehensive experience for the audience.
The Zegapain Project Reunion
Zegapain STA is part of the broader Zegapain Project Reunion initiative, which aims to reinvigorate the franchise and introduce it to a new generation of fans. This initiative includes various media forms, such as novels, films, and potentially new series, all designed to expand the Zegapain universe.
The original 2006 Zegapain television anime series follows the story of Kyo, the lone member of his high school swim team. To keep the team afloat, he recruits Misaki to create a promotional video for the club. Misaki agrees on the condition that Kyo pilots a mecha for Celebrum, a resistance organization fighting against the alien Gards-orm who have created Deutera Areas on Earth. This plot set the stage for a complex and engaging narrative that has captivated audiences for years.
Previous Releases and Milestones
Bandai Entertainment initially released the series on six DVD singles in North America between 2007 and 2008, followed by a Complete Collection DVD release in 2009. Sentai Filmworks later licensed the anime in 2013, further expanding its reach. The compilation film Zegapain ADP (Zegapain Adaptation), which included new footage and characters, was released in Japan in October 2016 to celebrate the anime’s 10th anniversary. The film was screened again for one week starting on July 12 in three cinemas in Japan, highlighting its enduring popularity.
Anticipation and Future Prospects
With the release of Holonic: Girl on Monday and the upcoming premiere of Zegapain STA, fans of the franchise have much to look forward to. The spinoff novel provides additional depth and context to the Zegapain universe, while the film promises to deliver the high-quality storytelling and animation that fans have come to expect.
The Zegapain Project Reunion initiative signals a bright future for the franchise, with potential for more stories and expansions in the coming years. As the series continues to evolve, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of its characters and the richness of its world-building.
Sources: PR Times, Comic Natalie
