The Brave series, a beloved collection of mecha anime from Sunrise, reached a big milestone in 2024: its 35th anniversary! It all started back in 1990 with Brave Exkaiser, and since then, it’s become a legendary part of anime history. To celebrate this special occasion, Sunrise put on an amazing live concert event called the GEKIBAN Live Project – 35th Anniversary Brave Series Concert.
This concert wasn’t just any ordinary music show. It was a fantastic mix of live music and exciting scenes from some of the most popular Brave series anime. Fans got to relive the action and emotion of Brave Exkaiser, Brave Police J-Decker, and The King of Braves: GaoGaiGar. Even the manga series Brave Universe Sworgrader was part of the celebration!
The concert took place on May 25th, 2024, at the Tokyo Airship Theater. It was a truly special night for Brave series fans, bringing together music and animation in a way that only the GEKIBAN Project can.
What is the Brave Series?
For those who might be new to the world of mecha anime, the Brave series is a group of anime shows known for their exciting stories, cool robots, and themes of courage and friendship. Produced by Sunrise, the studio also famous for Gundam, the Brave series quickly gained a dedicated following. These shows are all about brave heroes who pilot powerful robots to fight against evil and protect the Earth. The Japanese word “yuusha” means “brave,” which perfectly captures the spirit of these anime.
The Brave series is special because it often blends classic mecha action with positive messages and memorable characters. Each series has its own unique story and robots, but they all share that core feeling of bravery and heroism that fans love.
The GEKIBAN Live Project Concert Experience
The GEKIBAN Live Project is known for creating concerts that are more than just music. They combine the power of live orchestral performances with iconic scenes from anime. Imagine watching your favorite moments from the Brave series on a big screen while a live orchestra plays the unforgettable soundtracks right in front of you. That’s the magic of a GEKIBAN concert!
For the 35th Anniversary Brave Series Concert, attendees were treated to a spectacular show that brought the robots and heroes of Exkaiser, J-Decker, GaoGaiGar, and Sworgrader to life in a whole new way. The music amplified the excitement of the action scenes and the emotion of the story moments, making it an immersive and unforgettable experience for everyone there.
New Animation Just for the Anniversary
One of the most exciting parts of the 35th anniversary concert was the brand new animation created specifically for the event! Fans were thrilled to see fresh animation alongside classic scenes. In particular, there was a brand new opening animation made for Brave Universe Sworgrader. This was a special treat, as Sworgrader is a manga series, making this animated opening a very unique and special addition to the Brave universe.
Before the concert, a short sample of this new Brave Universe Sworgrader opening was released online, giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect. But the full version premiered exclusively at the concert, making it a must-see for dedicated fans who wanted to experience this new animation first.
Spotlight on the Featured Brave Series
Let’s take a closer look at the four Brave series that were highlighted at the 35th anniversary concert:
Brave Exkaiser (1990)
This is where it all began! Brave Exkaiser was the very first Brave series anime. It tells the story of Hokuto Kouta, a young boy who befriends Exkaiser, a brave robot who can combine with cars to fight against alien invaders. Exkaiser is known for its cool transformations and exciting battles, setting the stage for all the Brave series that followed.
Brave Police J-Decker (1994)
Brave Police J-Decker took a slightly different approach, focusing on a team of robots who are also police officers. The main robot, Decker, is unique because he develops emotions and a sense of justice, making him more than just a machine. J-Decker is loved for its heartwarming stories and its focus on the bonds between humans and robots working together to protect the city.
The King of Braves: GaoGaiGar (1997)
GaoGaiGar is often considered one of the most iconic and popular Brave series. It’s known for its over-the-top action, incredibly powerful robot combinations, and a truly epic story. The story follows Mamoru, a boy with special powers, and Gai, a cyborg hero, who combine with the mechanical lion Galeon to become GaoGaiGar, the ultimate robot defender of Earth. Crunchyroll even streams GaoGaiGar, showing its continued popularity with fans around the world. The official description highlights the unique origin story involving a wish upon a star and a mechanical lion named Galeon, setting the stage for Mamoru’s destiny.
Brave Universe Sworgrader (Manga)
Brave Universe Sworgrader is a manga series that expands the Brave universe in new and exciting ways. While it’s not an anime series (yet!), its inclusion in the 35th anniversary concert shows its importance to the Brave franchise. The new animated opening created for the concert further blurs the lines and hints at the potential for future animation projects based on Sworgrader.
Exclusive Merchandise for Fans
No anniversary celebration is complete without special merchandise! The 35th Anniversary Brave Series Concert offered exclusive goods that fans could only get at the event. These included items featuring the key artwork for the concert, showcasing all the main robots together. There was also merchandise specifically for each of the featured robots – Exkaiser, J-Decker, GaoGaiGar, and Sworgrader. Fans eagerly lined up to purchase these limited-edition items to remember this special anniversary and show their love for the Brave series.
The Legacy of the Brave Series
The 35th anniversary of the Brave series is a testament to its enduring appeal. For over three decades, these anime have captured the hearts of fans with their exciting robot action, positive messages, and memorable characters. The concert was a wonderful way to celebrate this legacy and bring together fans of all generations to share their love for the Brave series.
The success of the 35th anniversary concert in 2024 proves that the Brave series continues to be relevant and loved. With new animation and ongoing fan enthusiasm, the future looks bright for the Brave universe. Perhaps this anniversary celebration will pave the way for even more Brave series projects in the years to come, bringing new stories and robots to a whole new generation of fans. For now, fans can cherish the memories of the 35th anniversary concert and look forward to what the Brave series has in store for the future.