Unveiling the Hidden Depths of 'Hundred': Essential Lore and Production Secrets

The 2016 anime series Hundred is recognized for its combination of sci-fi action, mecha combat, and character interactions. Beyond its battles and ecchi elements, the series incorporates intricate lore and unique characteristics that contribute to its depth. This article will explore some of these aspects, focusing on the conceptual foundations and character complexities that define Hundred within its genre.

The 'Hundred' Weapons and the 'Savage' Threat

At the core of Hundred is humanity's struggle against an alien menace known as the 'Savage.' The primary defense against these entities consists of 'Hundreds,' which are powerful, customizable weapons that manifest from each user's body. A key detail is that each Hundred is linked to its wielder, reflecting their personality, combat style, and individual characteristics. This personalization requires a 'Slayer,' the Hundred's user, to achieve synchronization with their weapon, making it an extension of themselves. This symbiotic connection is fundamental to the series' combat system, adding strategic and personal significance to each confrontation.

Hayato Kisaragi and the 'Variant' Ability

The narrative introduces Hayato Kisaragi, a new transfer student at Little Garden, a marine academy designed to train Slayers. Hayato demonstrates exceptional combat abilities and possesses a rare trait: he is a 'Variant.' While most Slayers can only command a single type of Hundred, Variants can wield multiple Hundred types simultaneously or switch between them. This unique capability makes Hayato a valuable asset. His Variant status is integral to the plot, connecting to his past and his relationship with the Savage, suggesting underlying lore regarding the origins of both the alien threat and the Hundred technology. This power distinguishes him and drives much of the central conflict and subsequent revelations in the story.

Little Garden: A Mobile Fortress and Training Hub

Little Garden is more than just an academy; it is a colossal mobile fortress and a self-sustaining floating island. Engineered to evade the Savage, it serves as humanity's primary defense and training center. The scale and advanced technology of Little Garden are significant, symbolizing human ingenuity and resilience in the face of annihilation. The academy hosts a diverse international community of Slayers, each with distinct motivations, backgrounds, and Hundreds, creating a varied array of personalities and combat approaches. Little Garden's dual role as a sanctuary and training facility is crucial to the series' world-building, emphasizing the constant threat beyond its walls.

Integration of Ecchi Elements and Light Novel Adaptation

Hundred incorporates ecchi elements, which often serve to provide moments of levity amidst intense battles and existential threats, or to develop character relationships, consistent with the harem genre. The series, an adaptation of Jun Misaki's light novel with illustrations by Nekosuke Okuma, translates the source material's lighthearted interactions and romantic comedy tropes into its anime format. These scenes, frequently involving Hayato and characters such as Emilia Hermit or Claire Harvey, offer a contrast to the narrative's themes of war and survival, allowing for deeper emotional connections with the characters. This balance between serious plotlines and moments of levity and romance is a characteristic of many successful light novel adaptations, a balance Hundred executes effectively.

Production IMS and Visual Execution

Production IMS, the studio responsible for the anime adaptation, is known for its visually engaging action sequences and character designs across its projects. The studio's aesthetic consistently emphasized sleek mecha designs and dynamic combat choreography, which are evident throughout Hundred. The confrontations against the Savage are fluid and impactful, showcasing the diverse capabilities of the various Hundred types, from close-quarters combat to long-range artillery. This visual consistency and attention to detail in the action sequences were instrumental in bringing the light novel's battles to the screen.

Themes of Identity, Responsibility, and Power

The series explores themes of identity, responsibility, and the nature of power. Hayato's journey involves understanding his unique abilities, confronting his past, and defining his role in a world facing destruction. His relationships, particularly with Emilia, who initially conceals her identity, and his younger sister Karen, add emotional depth to the narrative. The necessity for teamwork among Slayers, despite individual strengths, reinforces the idea that even formidable individuals cannot overcome a global threat in isolation. These thematic elements elevate Hundred beyond a simplistic action-harem anime, offering intellectual engagement alongside entertainment.

In summary, Hundred provides content beyond its battles and fan service. Its weapon system, the protagonist's 'Variant' ability, the technologically advanced mobile fortress of Little Garden, and the studio's commitment to dynamic visuals contribute to a comprehensive experience. For those interested in sci-fi action, mecha combat, and character-driven drama with romantic elements, a thorough understanding of these aspects can enhance appreciation for this 2016 anime series.