It’s easy to get drawn into the sheer visual of it all – beings with a third eye, a symbol of their connection to vast computer systems, watching over a desolate Earth. This is the striking premise of 'The Third,' a narrative that plunges us into a post-apocalyptic world. But beneath the surface of this sci-fi landscape lies a compelling story of survival and discovery.
At its heart is Honoka, a character who’s more than just a jill-of-all-trades. She’s a protector, navigating this harsh reality and using her unique abilities to shield her friends from the formidable 'Third.' The story takes us back, before she was known as the graceful Sword Dancer, to a time when her powers were still a mystery, even to herself. It’s a journey of self-understanding intertwined with the fight for survival.
Digging a little deeper, we find that 'The Third' isn't just an anime; it's rooted in a rich fantasy novel series by Ryo Hoshino, originally titled 'Aoi Hitomi no Shoujo' (The Girl with Azure Eyes). This Japanese novel, illustrated by Nao Goto, first graced readers in 1999 and even earned a spot as a finalist for the 10th Japan Fantasy Novel Award. The series expanded into multiple volumes of novels and short story collections, laying the groundwork for the animated adaptation.
The anime, which aired in 2006 and ran for 24 episodes, brought this world to life. Produced by XEBEC, it followed Honoka, a 17-year-old frontier swordswoman. Her special ability, the 'Azure Celestial Eye' on her forehead, allows her to scout and execute missions. Her path crosses with a mysterious blond-haired man named Ix, and together, they begin to unravel the secrets of the 'Forbidden Score' and the 'Mechanical City.' This city, a hub for Honoka's activities, becomes a clandestine center for developing forbidden technologies, operating under the less stringent control of the 'Forbidden Score.'
Honoka herself is a fascinating protagonist. Neither fully human nor accepted by the super-human 'Third,' she occupies a unique space. Her character is a blend of youthful courage and delicate sensibility, often accompanied by her AI companion, Bogie. Together, they take on various commissions, solving problems in their desert world. Ix, the blond-haired observer, evolves from a detached watcher to an emotional participant, forming a deep bond with Honoka as they face the planet's future together.
The supporting cast also adds significant depth. Characters like Zakan, a skilled mechanic and father figure to Honoka, and Bogie, her AI guardian, enrich the narrative. Zakan's tragic end, a result of an attack, serves as a pivotal moment, highlighting the brutal realities of their world and deepening Honoka's relationships.
The voice cast behind the anime also deserves a mention, bringing these characters to life with nuance. Megumi Toyoguchi lent her voice to Honoka, while Daisuke Namikawa voiced Ix. The late Unshō Ishizuka, known for his iconic roles, and Masahiko Tanaka also contributed their talents, adding gravitas to the series.
