Keeping track of the rebooted Space Battleship Yamato series is almost hard, and to know where Be Forever Yamato: REBEL 3199 fits in requires me to offer a breakdown than what the guides that’s currently available presents.
That’s because there are releases which aren’t necessarily important, and what I’ve created is not only a reference sheet for myself but also for those wanting to dive into the ‘new universe’ than old. Not much has really changed, other than updated graphics and staying true to the source material rather than diverge to what is later known as Star Blazers for American audiences.
I still have a fondness for that iteration, but here, a lot more thought is put behind why some characters follow certain archetypes. There’s also a better story behind how the war with the Gamilon empire started. As for the sacrifice Mamoru Kodai made in order for his captain to retreat, what’s presented in the series that (re)started it all holds a lot more impact. For much of the series, Susumu (the younger brother), held his feelings back and never truly confronted Okita about what happened that day.
I’m still watching everything from 2199 to 2205 as the time allows. And with a continuation coming very soon, I better look at specific works just to remember what’s transpired. Serialized space operas can sometimes require really knowing the world very well, and I’m by no means a walking encyclopedia. For those wanting to dive deep, there’s the Yamato Wikipedia.
And presented is a bulleted breakdown of what’s available based on the parent series.
Space Battleship Yamato 2199
Just like the Star Trek universe, just where this reboot exists is comparable to why there is a Prime universe and Kelvin timeline. It’s all because of a desire to present this franchise with an updated look rather than to simply continue where the original series left off. While viewers can look at Star Blazers 2199: A Voyage to Remember instead, this edit is basically compressing the series into a movie length presentation.
- Space Battleship Yamato 2199:
Odyssey of the Celestial Ark
(宇宙戦艦ヤマト2199 星巡る方舟)This theatrical sequel takes place during milestones during the televised series and predates the next entry. Some may say this entry is worth skipping, as it’s filler material, and others will recommend it.
Space Battleship Yamato 2202: Warriors of Love
- The Era of Space Battleship Yamato:
Choice of 2202
(という時代 西暦2202年の選択)
This release is thankfully clear in its purpose: to get newcomers up to speed on key events from the 2199 and 2022 series so they don’t have to see it all from the beginning. As for why a few new animated sequences were added, it’s simply there to help bridge all the material together.
Space Battleship Yamato 2205: A New Journey
(宇宙戦艦ヤマト2205 新たなる旅立ち)
- Part 1: Takeoff (前章 — TAKEOFF—)
Japanese Release date: October 8, 2021 - Part 2: Stasha (後章 — STASHA—)
- Japanese Release Date: February 4, 2022
Be Forever Yamato: REBEL 3199
(ヤマトよ永と遠わに REBELレベル 3199)
Not too much is known about this next chapter of the franchise. While the Wikipedia entry has a lot of information which will spoil those wanting to go in blind, it confirms that the releases will be episodic, and the first chapter will be titled “Black Invasion,” and set to come out theatrically this month. This announcement was made on X (formerly known as Twitter) back in January. Other details include the fact that Naomichi Yamato (Macross Delta: Zettai Live!!!!!! assistant director) is the director, with Harutoshi Fukui (Space Battleship Yamato 2205, Star Blazers: Space Battleship Yamato 2202) writing this lastest instalment. This movie is animated by Studio MOTHER, with Satelight providing additional production assistance.
Movie Trailer
