Zoids: Chaotic Century
A sprawling sci-fi odyssey where the bond between pilot and living machine weathers the storm of continental war, painting a vibrant, mechanically animated world with strokes of adventure and hope.
Zoids: Chaotic Century
Zoids: Chaotic Century

ゾイド

04 September 1999 — 23 December 2000 Japan 1 season 67 episode Ended ⭐ 8.6 (352)
Cast: Daisuke Kishio, Makiko Ohmoto, Mitsuki Saiga, Takuma Suzuki, Gara Takashima
Animation Sci-Fi & Fantasy Action & Adventure Comedy
The Horrors and Futility of War The Bond Between Humans and Zoids Discovery of the Past Rivalry and Redemption

Zoids: Chaotic Century - Characters & Cast

Character Analysis

Van Flyheight

Daisuke Kishio

Archetype: The Hero
Key Trait: Optimistic and Empathetic

Motivation

Initially, his motivation is a mix of youthful adventure and a promise to help Fiona find her memories and the mysterious Zoid Eve. As he becomes embroiled in the war, his motivation shifts to protecting his friends and the innocent from the conflict's devastation. In the second half of the series, his goal evolves into a broader desire to maintain the fragile peace he helped achieve and prevent a planetary-scale catastrophe, showing his growth from personal quests to global responsibility.

Character Arc

Van begins as a spirited but naive boy from a remote village, dreaming of becoming a Zoid pilot like his late father. His discovery of Zeke and Fiona thrusts him into a world of adventure and war. Initially, he is driven by a simple desire to help Fiona and protect his friends, but he struggles against more experienced pilots like Raven. Across the first arc, he matures through battle and hardship, learning the weight of his actions and solidifying his belief in treating Zoids as partners. By the Guardian Force arc, he has become a skilled and confident ace pilot in the military, yet retains his core compassion. His journey culminates in him becoming the primary defender of Planet Zi, leading the charge against the revived Death Saurer and fully realizing his father's legacy.

Fiona (Fine)

Makiko Ohmoto

Archetype: The Mystic
Key Trait: Inquisitive and Mysterious

Motivation

Her primary motivation is to recover her lost memories and understand her purpose, a quest encapsulated by her singular focus on finding 'Zoid Eve'. This personal journey aligns with the main plot, as her past holds the key to the series' greatest mysteries and threats. Over time, her motivation becomes less about her own past and more about using her unique knowledge to protect the future and the bond between people and Zoids, especially her deep connection to Van.

Character Arc

Fiona is introduced as a classic amnesiac, a blank slate with a mysterious connection to the name 'Zoid Eve'. Her arc is one of self-discovery. Initially passive and dependent on Van, she gradually gains confidence and knowledge as her memories slowly return. She is revealed to be an Ancient Zoidian, placed in stasis to survive a past apocalypse. In the first arc, she helps revive the Blade Liger and understands the danger of the Death Saurer. By the Guardian Force arc, she has become a brilliant and proactive researcher, actively deciphering ancient secrets. Her journey is completed when she regains her full memories and understands her role in stopping the destruction of Planet Zi, transforming from a girl without a past into a key figure holding the planet's future.

Raven

Mitsuki Saiga

Archetype: The Rival/Anti-Hero
Key Trait: Intense and Traumatized

Motivation

Raven is initially motivated by a simple, brutal desire to be the strongest and to prove his superiority, a goal fueled by his traumatic past and Prozen's manipulation. He seeks power to overcome the helplessness he felt as a child. His motivation evolves as he begins to question his purpose beyond just fighting. The desire to protect Reese and his grudging respect for Van eventually supplant his nihilistic drive, leading him to find a new reason to fight: not for power, but for a future he can be a part of.

Character Arc

Raven is introduced as a prodigious but cruel and emotionally detached Zoid pilot, viewing his Organoid, Shadow, and his Zoids as mere tools for victory. He serves as Van's primary rival, consistently defeating him and forcing him to grow. His past is revealed to be tragic; his parents were killed by Zoids, and he was raised by Prozen to be a weapon, instilling in him a deep-seated hatred and nihilism. His bond with Shadow is a twisted reflection of Van's with Zeke. Throughout the series, particularly after Prozen's defeat, Raven begins a slow path to redemption. He is forced to confront his past and his methods, and through his continued rivalry with Van and his interactions with Reese, he slowly rediscovers his humanity. In the final battle against the Death Saurer, he chooses to fight alongside Van, completing his transformation from a vengeful antagonist to a complex anti-hero who fights to protect the world.

Irvine

Keiji Fujiwara

Archetype: The Loner
Key Trait: Cynical but Loyal

Motivation

His initial motivation is purely selfish: to capture Zeke for fame and fortune. This quickly proves to be a superficial goal. His deeper motivation is revealed to be a desire to find a purpose and perhaps atone for his mercenary past. By joining Van, he finds a cause worth fighting for that goes beyond personal gain, eventually dedicating himself to protecting his friends and ensuring a peaceful future.

Character Arc

Irvine starts as a cynical, sharp-tongued mercenary whose sole interest is capturing the rare Organoid, Zeke, for himself, putting him in direct conflict with Van. He is portrayed as tough and self-reliant, keeping others at arm's length. However, after traveling with Van's group, his hardened exterior begins to crack. He reveals a more caring side, particularly in his loyalty to his sister and his growing protectiveness of the group. He transitions from an antagonist to a steadfast ally and a mentor figure to Van. His arc involves letting go of his solitary path and embracing the camaraderie of his new friends, becoming a crucial member of the team whose experience often guides them through danger.

Cast

Daisuke Kishio as Van Flyheight (voice)
Makiko Ohmoto as Fiona Elisi Linette (voice)
Mitsuki Saiga as Raven (voice)
Takuma Suzuki as Zeke (voice)
Gara Takashima as Louise Theresa Camford (voice)
Hochu Otsuka as Gunther Prozen (voice)
Iemasa Kayumi as Kruger (voice)
Keiji Fujiwara as Irvine (voice)
Kumiko Watanabe as Moonbay (voice)
Takahiro Sakurai as Hiltz (voice)
Noriko Hidaka as Reese (voice)
Keiichi Sonobe as Doctor D (voice)
Kentaro Ito as Thomas Richard Schwarz (voice)
Akemi Okamura as Maria Flyheight (voice)
Jin Horikawa as Rob Herman (voice)