Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy

Company type	Anime television series
Industry	Animation, Entertainment
Founded	February 25, 2006 (2006-02-25)
Founder	Manglobe
Headquarters	Japan
Products	Anime series, DVDs, soundtracks, manga adaptation
Parent	Manglobe

Ergo Proxy is a Japanese cyberpunk anime series produced by Manglobe, directed by Shūkō Murase, with the script penned by Dai Satō. The show was broadcast over 23 episodes from February through August 2006 on the Wowow satellite channel. Set in a dystopian future following an apocalyptic event, the narrative unfolds in a world where humans coexist with AutoReiv androids until a virus triggers self-awareness among these machines, leading to a sequence of violent incidents. Inspector Re-L Mayer probes these occurrences and uncovers a broader conspiracy involving enigmatic humanoid entities known as "Proxies," who are subjects of clandestine governmental research.

The series merges philosophical and Gnostic motifs with a distinctive visual approach that integrates traditional 2D digital cel animation, 3D computer-generated imagery, and digital effects. After its initial release in Japan, Ergo Proxy was licensed for DVD distribution by Geneon Entertainment and subsequently aired on Fuse in the United States, with further dissemination in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The show has garnered acclaim for its unique artistic style and intricate thematic content.

Setting

The storyline takes place in a post-apocalyptic dystopia where environmental catastrophe has rendered the outside environment uninhabitable. Enclosed domed cities such as Romdeau—where most of the story occurs—act as refuges where humans live alongside AutoReiv androids. The governance of Romdeau is structured through a bureaucratic system composed of various bureaus including Intelligence, Information, Health & Welfare, and Security, all under the supervision of the Administration Bureau headed by an official known as the "Regent."

AutoReivs are divided into "Companion" models that resemble humans and "Entourage" types with more mechanical appearances; these categories include specialized versions designed for leisure or combat purposes. These androids possess different degrees of bio-cybernetic sophistication tailored to their societal roles. Humans themselves are artificially cultivated with predefined objectives, their societal functions reinforced by a concept referred to as their "raison d'être."

Plot

The emergence of murders committed by AutoReivs infected with the Cogito virus—which grants self-awareness—disrupts Romdeau’s fragile social equilibrium. Behind this turmoil lies secret government experimentation involving mysterious humanoid beings called "Proxies," godlike figures integral to human survival.

Re-L Mayer, granddaughter of the Regent, leads an investigation into these killings alongside her AutoReiv companion Iggy. Throughout her inquiry, she encounters powerful Proxies and uncovers their true importance. Vincent Law, an immigrant connected to the Proxies, flees persecution while attempting to regain lost memories in Mosk. Re-L partners with him to unveil hidden truths about both the Proxies and the domed cities, discovering that these domes depend on Proxies for their continued existence.

Production

Ergo Proxy was helmed by director Shūkō Murase, with chief writing duties handled by Dai Satō and character designs created by Naoyuki Onda. Initially unveiled as a 23-episode television project at France’s MIP TV Trade Show, Manglobe provided Murase with only a foundational concept—a futuristic detective thriller—allowing him to expand it into an existential-themed story.

Murase highlighted the creative liberties afforded by distribution through DVD and subscription-based satellite TV channels, which minimized commercial pressures typical of conventional broadcasting. Satō selected the title Ergo Proxy primarily because it "sounds cool." The narrative centers on dual identities within characters, drawing inspiration from René Descartes’ famous dictum "cogito, ergo sum." While Gnostic themes were not explicitly intended at first, the creators ultimately embraced these philosophical elements as fitting for the storyline.

Originally conceived with Vincent as the main protagonist and Re-L as secondary, Re-L’s compelling character development led to a narrative structure featuring both characters sharing lead roles.

Anime

In Japan, the anime Ergo Proxy was broadcast on the satellite pay-TV channel WOWOW from February 25 until August 12, 2006. Geneon Entertainment issued the series across nine DVD volumes between May 25, 2006, and January 25, 2007. For Region 1, Geneon secured licensing rights and released six DVD volumes beginning November 21, 2006. The English-language dub debuted on the American pay-TV network Fuse from June 9 through November 24, 2007, with a complete DVD collection following in December 2008.

On July 3, 2008, Geneon and Funimation Entertainment entered an agreement granting Funimation exclusive rights to produce, market, distribute, and sell certain titles in North America, including Ergo Proxy. By March 29, 2012, Funimation had obtained full licensing of the series and reissued it under their Anime Classics label on July 3, 2012. Additionally, Geneon released a four-disc Blu-ray set and two separate DVD box collections in August and September of 2012.

In Australia and New Zealand, Madman Entertainment handled DVD distribution starting in March 2007. MVM Films released the first volume in the United Kingdom on August 6, 2007. The English dub was aired on Australia's ABC2 channel from July 3 to December 4, 2007. In Canada, the series was broadcast on pay-TV digital channel G4techTV during its Anime Current programming block from July 26 to December 27, 2007.

Manga

A manga adaptation titled Centzon Hitchers and Undertaker, created by Yumiko Harao, was serialized in Shogakukan's Monthly Sunday Gene-X magazine from February through November of 2006. The chapters were compiled into two tankōbon volumes released on August 18, 2006, and February 19, 2007.

Soundtracks

Geneon Entertainment released two official soundtracks for the anime: Ergo Proxy OST opus01 and Ergo Proxy OST opus02, both launched in Japan on May 25 and August 25, 2006 respectively. These albums feature compositions by Yoshihiro Ike. The first soundtrack includes the opening theme "Kiri" performed by Monoral and the ending track "Paranoid Android" by Radiohead. The second soundtrack initially accompanied a special edition of the first Region 1 DVD release.

Reception

The reception for Ergo Proxy was largely favorable, with reviewers commending its detailed visuals, cyberpunk style, and thought-provoking themes while pointing out an uneven storyline and heavy philosophical influences. Newtype USA praised the intricate drama centered on investigator Re-l Mayer as well as the richly crafted sci-fi environment populated by androids and distinctive creatures. They highlighted the "outstanding supporting characters and intricately layered narrative," awarding the initial DVD release "DVD of the Month" for delivering a sophisticated science fiction experience beyond standard robot conflicts. Katherine Luther from About.com lauded its cyberpunk motifs, combination of traditional and computer-generated animation techniques, and psychologically intense plotline, describing it as gripping and immersive.

THEM Anime Reviews valued the animation quality and pacing but mentioned occasional inconsistencies in character design. Zac Bertschy of Anime News Network assigned a B+ grade; he criticized character development but praised the elaborate backgrounds set against bleak dystopian landscapes. Carlo Santos, also writing for Anime News Network, expressed concerns about narrative flaws in the middle episodes and finale along with uneven animation quality but acknowledged the series' ambitious vision and notable accomplishments despite its shortcomings.

D. F. Smith of IGN rated the DVD box set at 7.0/10, complimenting its visual presentation, soundtrack, and voice performances while finding the plot overly intricate with an abundance of philosophical content. He concluded that although imperfect in some respects, the series offers compelling imagery, music, and intellectual depth likely to appeal to viewers interested in profound Japanese animation works. Another IGN writer, Ramsey Isler, ranked Ergo Proxy’s opening sequence as the tenth best anime opening ever produced due to its dark visual style paired with an uplifting theme reminiscent of music videos by Nine Inch Nails or Lifehouse.

On June 12, 2015, Ergo Proxy was among thirty-eight anime and manga titles banned by the Chinese Ministry of Culture.

External links

• Geneon Ergo Proxy MySpace page (English)