No, what’s seen below isn’t a badly executed tribute to Metroid and if you’re thinking Paul Verhoeven, wrong too. Apparently, Bandai (of Gundam fame) adapted Robert A. Heinlein’s classic “Starship Troopers” into a six-part anime miniseries titled “Starship Troopers OVA.” It aired in the 1980s but has generally been forgotten. A few episodes are on YouTube, however. In it, the ape suits in the novel were given serious Japanese mecha treatment. Now an otaku sculptor is rebuilding the suits based on the OVA.
To be fair, the real-life models seem closer to Heinlein’s description, bulky and ape-like. But what’s pictured above is the unfinished version. Based on the OVA, the battlesuit packs an automatic grenade launcher on one shoulder and a handheld assault rifle.
The Influence of Heinlein’s Vision
Robert A. Heinlein’s “Starship Troopers” has had a profound impact on the science fiction genre. The novel, published in 1959, introduced readers to a militaristic future where humanity is engaged in an interstellar war against an insectoid alien species. The concept of powered armor suits, which Heinlein described in great detail, has inspired countless works of fiction, including films, video games, and other novels. The OVA adaptation by Bandai took these ideas and infused them with a distinctly Japanese aesthetic, resulting in a unique interpretation that blends Western and Eastern sci-fi elements.
The OVA’s mecha designs are a testament to the creativity and innovation of Japanese animators. The ape suits, as they are often called, are not just functional pieces of military hardware but also works of art. The sculptor’s efforts to recreate these suits highlight the enduring appeal of Heinlein’s vision and the OVA’s distinctive take on it.
The Legacy of Starship Troopers in Modern Media
The influence of “Starship Troopers” extends far beyond its original publication and the 1980s OVA. The novel’s themes and concepts have permeated various forms of media, shaping the way we think about futuristic warfare and the role of technology in combat. For instance, the powered armor suits described by Heinlein can be seen in the design of the Mjolnir armor worn by the Master Chief in the “Halo” series. Similarly, the gritty, militaristic tone of “Gears of War” owes much to Heinlein’s depiction of a society perpetually at war.
The OVA itself, while not as widely known as the novel or the 1997 live-action film directed by Paul Verhoeven, remains a cult classic among anime enthusiasts. Its detailed mecha designs and intense battle scenes have left a lasting impression on those who have seen it. The sculptor’s project to rebuild the suits is a fitting tribute to this often-overlooked piece of sci-fi history.
Being a sculpture, it isn’t mobile and cannot be worn. Still, it’s an impressive tribute to both a cult OVA and a sci-fi classic. Remember, if not for “Starship Troopers,” a lot of today’s most popular games wouldn’t exist, i.e., “Halo,” “Gears of War,” “Lost Planet,” “Aliens,” etc.
The sculptor’s dedication to recreating the OVA’s battlesuits is a testament to the lasting impact of Heinlein’s work and the creativity of the Japanese adaptation. It serves as a reminder of the rich history of science fiction and the ways in which different cultures can reinterpret and build upon each other’s ideas. Whether you’re a fan of the original novel, the OVA, or the many works it has inspired, there’s no denying the significance of “Starship Troopers” in the world of sci-fi.
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