the 70s and 80s - especially those in the mecha genre - with the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise being paramount. The Idolo OVA in particular illustrates this, as it examines the concepts of colonialism and independence in outer space best illustrated by Gundam. Some would go as far to say that it is allegoric of the classic series, but this is an overstatement, as many key plot elements differ greatly. It also must be said that Idolo was produced by Sunrise in partnership with Konami, and that Mobile Suit Gundam is considered Sunrise's flagship franchise. All of which were born from early science fiction anthologies and books from before Anime was ever popularized on TV. Characters Dolores Hayes Occupation: OF R&D Assistant Description: Assistant to Dr. Rachel Links and girlfriend to Radium. Edgar Occupation: Bahram Soldier (Colonel) Dr. Rachel Links Occupation: OF R&D Scientist Description: One of the early Lead developers to Orbital Frame technology, and one who oddly does not have much impact beyond the anime. She was also known as having a hand in developing the AI's housed in the OF's. Rachel's husband, James, and their children Leon and Noel appear in Z.O.E. Dolores, I. Melissa Occupation: OF R&D Assistant Radium Levans Occupation: BAHRAM Soldier (Lieutenant) Description: A LEV pilot who was noted for his skill in combat, was transferred to test the new Martian weapon; an Orbital Frame. Suffered from Metatron poisoning. William Occupation: BAHRAM Soldier Viola Occupation: BAHRAM Soldier Description: Radium is her only and closest friend, which she hides a love for. Her only devotion is the military as she lost everything to the UNSF. In the first game Radium is called Radam, her lost lover Mechanics Idolo Class: Prototype Orbital Frame Purpose: General Piloted By: Radium Lavans Weapons: Primary - Arm Cannon, Sword, Homing Laser, Burst Attack Sub Weapons: Halberd Phantoma Class: LEV Purpose: General Piloted By: BAHRAM, UNSF Weapons: Vulcan Machine Gun, Smoke Grenade Alternative Weapons: Laser Rifle Trivia There is some degree of confusion pertaining to the real name of Radium. In first Zone of the Enders game for PlayStation 2, Viola mentions him but uses the name "Radam". It is never made clear whether the game or the anime use the correct name. This moment also marks the first time that events in the anime have ever been mentioned in the console games. Reception Helen McCarthy in 500 Essential Anime Movies