Zoids: New Century

Zoids: New Century, also known as Zoids: New Century/Zero, Zoids Zero, and simply Zoids, is a 26 episode Japanese anime series created by Makoto Mizobuchi with Shogakukan, Inc. and animated by Xebec. It was the second Zoids series created, based on the range of mecha models produced by TOMY. The series was broadcast in Japan on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from January 6, 2001 to June 30, 2001.

The series was the first Zoids series to be dubbed in English and released in the US. In other English-speaking countries, such as the UK and Australia, Zoids: Chaotic Century was aired first, with New Century following later (in line with the original production order).

After airing on Cartoon Network outside of Toonami for a short time, the series was moved to the block on November 5, 2001 and ended its initial run on December 28, 2001. It also briefly re-emerged on the block from March 18, 2002 to March 29, 2002 & then again from June 3, 2002 to July 26, 2002.

Plot
Zoids: New Century takes place a long time after the events of Zoids: Chaotic Century. Zoids are no longer used for warfare; instead the combative natures of both Zoids and humans are focused and contained by a series of battle-competitions and tournaments, run by the Zoid Battle Commission.

The Zoid Battle Commission seems to be a significant power on Planet Zi, fielding a considerable arsenal of armed Zoids, orbital platforms serviced by their own launch facilities as well as orbital based weapons systems. It is not made clear in the series if the Helic Republic and Guylos Empire still exist, although the final battle upon the rusted Ultrasaurus, hinted to be the same one in Zoids: Chaotic Century, could suggest neither were left and people had free rein to battle in old battlefields.

The series focuses on the Blitz Team, in particular the actions of the Liger Zero and Bit Cloud. The series charts the rise of the Blitz Team through various competitions of the Zoid Battle Commission, and the team's efforts to avoid conflict with the criminal organization known as the Backdraft Group.

Characters
Bit Cloud — Formerly a junk dealer, Bit Cloud joins the Blitz Team after he is responsible for damaging one of the team's Zoids during a match. Bit discovers that he is the only person capable of piloting the rare Liger Zero owned by the Blitz Team. Bit makes both friends and rivals with a number of pilots, including Harry Champ, Jack Cisco, Leon Toros, and Vega Obscura. Bit has a close bond with the Liger Zero, treating the Zoid as a friend instead of just a machine. He is often seen in friendly conflict with Leena Toros, arguing over trivial matters like cookies, doughnuts, and the shower schedule.

Liger Zero — It was initially thought to be useless, not allowing anyone to pilot it. After befriending Bit, it proved to be adept at close combat, using its super-heated "Strike Laser Claw" attack to great effect in many battles. It was equipped with the CAS system (Changing Armor System) to allow switching to one of three addon armors: the blue Jager unit and its ion boosters for speed and agility; the orange Schneider and its blades for close combat; and the green Panzer's heavy armor, cannons, and missiles for beating multiple enemies at once. Over the course of the series, it is learned that the Liger Zero is one of a series of unique Ultimate X Zoids, equipped with an integrated Organoid system and possessing the ability to learn and adapt. This allows it to predict and react to enemy attacks far faster than regular Zoids.

Leena Toros — The daughter of the Blitz Team's manager, Dr. Toros, she is portrayed as a stereotypically loud and bubbly sixteen year-old girl. She pilots two different Zoids over the course of the series, the De-bison and then the Gunsniper, and is regarded as notoriously trigger-happy in combat, bordering on psychotic. She's also known for her sensitivity and short temper, where she physically assaults others in comical fashion (usually Bit). Leena is the target of Harry Champ's continual advances. She doesn't reciprocate his feelings, and isn't above using them against him. For example, in episode 3, she used him just to get back at Bit for finishing off one of her targets in a previous match, or "stealing her prey", as she put it.

Brad Hunter — A pilot who began his career as a mercenary (pilot for hire), and was hired by the Blitz Team before the start of the series to boost their pilot number. He pilots a modified Command Wolf, but is later forced to steal a prototype Shadow Fox from Dr. Layon and the Backdraft Group. After receiving the Shadow Fox, Brad engages in combat with Bit and the Liger Zero. After a brisk battle, it is stopped due to both pilots belonging to the Blitz Team, and the Shadow Fox officially becomes a member of the Blitz team thanks to Brad's deception—his plan all along. Brad possesses a notably high physical endurance, shown in one instance when Layon stuck him in a G-Force-esque simulator and he retained consciousness despite the deadly force exerted upon him. Because of his mercenary nature, Brad will rarely enter a fight without a promise of financial compensation, even if the other team members are in trouble.

Jamie Hemeros — Serves as Steve Toros' assistant, the Blitz Team's strategist, combat controller, and occasional backup pilot of the team's sole aerial Zoid. He is believed by the characters to be an orphan because of misinformation given by Dr. Toros, but in fact his father still lives, and at fourteen years of age he is the youngest member of the team. He initially owns a Pteras, but this was traded in by Dr. Toros for a Raynos, the same kind of Zoid piloted by his father. Jamie is caring towards his fellow teammates, who often annoy him by ignoring his advice and battle plans. It is believed that his surname is derived from Hermes, the winged messenger god. His skills as a pilot are marginal; he crashes his Zoid in almost every engagement he participates early in the series. The supersonic capabilities of the Raynos allow for the exposure of Jamie's alter-ego, the Wild Eagle. Wild Eagle is portrayed as the polar opposite of Jamie's personality, and can be considered a skilled pilot. However, his skill is often counterbalanced by his cocky hubris, which usually results in serious damage to the Raynos, and a period of unconsciousness for Jamie.

Dr. Steve Toros — The Blitz Team's manager (but also serves as an inventor and occasionally a combat controller in Jamie's place), whose children are Leena and Leon Toros. He, Dr. Layon, and Oscar are old friends, but when Dr. Toros married the woman (Leena and Leon's mother) loved by Layon, Layon developed a grudge against Dr. Toros and refused to forgive him (his feelings do not extend to Leena, whom he says resembles her mother). Layon incinerated the place where the trio used to gather, completely ending the camaraderie between both of them (Oscar seems to be neutral in the situation). Dr. Toros is 38 years-old, he seems to be impulsive (notoriously purchasing weaponry on the basis of being "big" and "shiny"), overdramatic and immature at times, but in all is a knowledgeable man. He built the CAS interchangeable armor system solely for the Liger Zero. He purchased the Liger Zero because white Ligers were rare, but the Zoid was deemed defective because of the scarcity of spare parts for maintenance, as well as its fickled, stubborn personality; it would eject pilots that were forced upon it or deemed unworthy. In many episodes, he is seen playing with model Zoids, of which he's very protective, and frantically panics in comedic fashion whenever he accidentally breaks off a part. He is so fond of them that he's been shown to keep a collection on his bed whenever he sleeps or relaxes.

Episodes
Zoids: New Century is a 26 episode Japanese anime series created by Makoto Mizobuchi with Shogakukan, Inc. and produced by Xebec. It is the second Zoids series created, based on the range of mecha models produced by TOMY. The series was broadcast in Japan on the Mainichi Broadcasting System from January 6, 2001 to June 30, 2001.

The series premiered on Cartoon Network's Toonami block on November 5, 2001 and ended its initial run on December 28, 2001. It also briefly re-emerged on the block from March 18, 2002 to March 29, 2002 & June 3, 2002 to July 26, 2002.

All Zoids: New Century episodes have been released to VHS and DVD in the U.S. There were a total of six VHS/DVD's making up the entire series. The first four containing four episodes and the last two containing 5 episodes each

List of Zoids: New Century Episodes