Cannon God Exaxxion: Stage 1

After Gunsmith Cats ended in the 90's all I heard was that Kenichi Sonoda was going to work on a giant mecha project. I hoped it would be a TV series, but it turned out to be another manga series. I picked it up a copy of volume one, and was immediately surprised and entertained. Let's face it, the mecha genre had a major game change after Evangelion came out. Then every series and manga went out of their way to imitate its success: angst filled pilots, combining the philosophical and psychological ramblings with the action, and of course you have to have a completely incomprehensible ending (even if Evangelion's ending made sense to some people). It was all getting old and stale. Sonoda must have felt the same way, because he brought back the mecha genre with a return to basics. Aliens invade attempt to take over the earth and only a young pilot in his huge mecha can stop them. Nothing fancy, just simple and straight to the point. Of course this being Sonoda there have to be his characteristic touches: guns, ammo, hot babes, and intense action scenes. And that's what "Cannon God Exaxxion" delivers in Vol 1. The character of Hoichi "Gun" Kano is a breath of fresh air. Not only does he want to save the earth, and pilot the mecha - but he isn't shy around the girls. Hoichi is a total and complete guy, the 15 year old in me was cheering. On top of that Hoichi seems to be a pretty decent kid. He's a little hot tempered, but he wants to help people and has a kind heart. He's a hero you can get behind. Supporting him, literally and figuratively is Isaka Minagata, a "robot-girl" with serious curves and serious powers. Not only is she the main link to the entire Exaxxion project (which Hoichi's scientist grandfather runs), but she can turn into a jet cycle, provide him with a direct link to the Exaxxion mecha and has offered to jump his bones a couple times during the first issue. She's completely willing to do just about anything Hoichi asks. Tell me this wasn't written for teenage boys. Then there's Akane, Hoichi's school friend who obviously has a crush on him. Trapped with the rest of the school during the alien invasion, Akane proves that she is smart, a little nosey (she is a reporter after all) and brave. She's concerned about Hoichi, but is trapped in the sidelines for most of this first volume. The story itself moves very fast, establishing the world, alien invaders, the basics of the Exaxxion project, and a few action scenes. Sonoda keeps things flowing quickly but never in a confusing manner (something that occurred during the "Gunsmith Cats: Burst" saga. Since this volume is the introduction it really as to cover a lot of ground, but it does it well, and establishes our villains and heroes perfectly. It's not all exposition either. Sonoda weaves the action and story together, so there aren't really any slow spots, and it's all building toward more revelations and confrontations. The art is typical top notch Sonoda, so fans of the "Gu

Ten years ago, the aliens arrived and started bringing benefits to mankind. But one man has felt they were silent colonial invaders. He wrote a book about it and has been labeled crazy. His nephew, Hoichi, thinks he could still be right, but has had to bear the brunt of bullies (and is now an excellent fighter).But on the tenth anniversary of the alien arrival, the aliens make their move. They almost immediately destroy the UN forces and take control of the globe. Hoichi has been selected by his uncle to be a hero. He is to be the pilot for a super, giant robot.An excellent story that unfolds nicely. Hoichi is a good hero character and at first really gets into his role. But the power he wields can cause collateral damage and he begins to have doubts.One of the more intelligent Mecca stories out there. Good characters and character development joined the intricate plot and background makes for a very enjoyable story.

This is one of the favorites of my collection--I practically memorized it within two days of buying it. It has everything... humor, romance, action, adventure, terror, and most importantly--beautiful women and incredible mecha! And it is (semi) believable. Isaka's...assets are like that for a reason, which makes a weird sort of sense. Hoichi is reluctant at first to play the part of the hero, but once he gets a load of his weaponry, his assistant, and his fans, he's all for it. This should appeal to fans of Gundam and Escaflowne, due to the incredible mech designs and action. Of course, fans of Gunsmith Cats will probably enjoy it too.And for those of you that are not in the above categories--read it anyway! You won't be sorry you did!

Hoichi Kano is not your typical superhero. He is not doing this for the 'good of the planet Earth'--he's doing it to feel like a hero and boost his ego. When approached by the beautiful android Isaka, he tries to make out with her. He is unpopular at school because of his grandfather's opinions on the aliens, and the fact that he shares them. Of course, when the aliens turn on humanity, Hoichi and his grandfather are suddenly very popular.If you are looking for beautiful girls and powerful mecha, then look no further. Busty young ladies abound in this series, and Isaka's sexiness even serves a real, logical purpose. And the Exaxxion is right up there with the Gundams and Escaflowne in mecha goodness!I reccommend this to any fan of Gundam, Macross, or Escaflowne. I think you'll like it!

IT was sad when GunsmithCats ended but this series is looking great from the beginning. It's about a high school kid, named Hoichi, who lives in a world where first contact with aliens was achieved 10 years ago. The aliens have given the humans great technology and seem to be prepared to release a new elevator-type transport system so they can send large objects through(seemingly faster then any other means). Suddenly the aliens turn on us and lay the smackdown on earth's defenses, leaving us unprotected. The only person who can stand up to the aliens is Hoichi's excentric uncle, who has created a fighting suit, a giant mech with a huge cannon in its chest, and a rather busty and flirtatious android. This manga is a great read for fans of Gunsmith Cats and I await the other releases