AnnoKano

The Daicon Opening Animations are two short films that were created for two Sci-fi conventions. They have gone down in history as the first and second titles produced by the infamous Studio Gainax, which at the time was little more than a group of students from the Osaka University of Arts. Though they may be fairly humble origins for one of the most influential animation studios of the past 30 years, the Daicon films still demonstrate the tremendous potential of the Gainax staff. Both Daicon III and Daicon IV have essentially the same premise; a single girl fighting a battle royal against the Sci-Fiheroes of yesteryear. Deep and compelling storytelling it is not, but one can’t help but enjoy watching dozens of characters, some familiar and some long since forgotten, fighting each other. Certainly, one doesn’t need to think hard to imagine the faces of the people attending those conventions all those years ago; seeing all their favourite characters in a single film with reasonable production (or in the case of Daicon IV, exceptional production) would have made for quite the kick. Hell, even thirty years later it’s hard not to feel pumped up when you hear the opening line: “Just on the border, of your waking mind” That brings us to the soundtrack, which in Daicon IV, consists of the songs ‘Prologue’ and ‘Twilight’ by Electric Light Orchestra. It’s a perfect fit; it manages to sound futuristic, yet is still distinctly eighties at the same time. It manages to reflect the period of the films but also the sci-fi and fantasy themes that go with it. But it also conveys a strong sense of ambition, a clear reflection of how the film’s young creators felt at that time. Because although the Daicon films follow a very simple concept, on technical terms they are on another level; comparable to and perhaps even exceeding the level of professional productions of the time. The animation is incredibly smooth, the backgrounds are detailed. The cast is largely made up of characters borrowed from other shows, and these are somewhat faithful reproductions of their originals, but this isn’t where Daicon exceeds expectation; one of the most memorable scenes, featuring what appears to be a nuclear bomb going off in reverse, features no science fiction characters at all. It’s clear that the Gainax staff were not content with mere being mere imitators. The Daicon Openings are certainly an important part of anime history, and one that will not be forgotten any time soon. But make no mistake, they are worth so much more than a pedestal in an anime museum exhibit. The Daicon Openings represent a youthful passion to do something you love; a sense of unity that (sadly) anime fans have since lost; and a studio not content with the status quo. They may be almost 30 years old, but the Daicon Opening animations are as young and fresh as they were at the first screening.

brandotendie

This is history. This is art. This is the passion and love of a medium encapsulated and condensed into 5 minutes with the care and effort of three men who would change the face of anime forever. In just over 5 minutes, this opening animation to the 1981 DAICON sci-fi/anime convention, DAICON III tells the simple story of a little girl's quest to water a radish. Along the way, however, she is assailed and chased by popular pop culture icons, forcing her to utilize her full power to get to her goal. It's a simple plot, yes. Also, the animation looks very dated and low-budget, yes. Butthe reason why DAICON III is so beautiful is because of its historical significance. The short film was made by Hideaki Anno, Hiroyuki Yamaga and Takami Akai, the forefathers and founders of the legendary anime studio Gainax, which would later become Studio Trigger. The legacy of these men has repurposed the face of the anime industry, pumping out classics like Gurren Lagann, Gunbuster, and the timeless Neon Genesis Evangelion. On top of that, the way they distributed the short film by selling individual tapes for fans to watch over and over back at home was revolutionary; this was the very first example of an anime original video animation (or OVA, for short), a practise that is still put into use today and has wrought some of the best things the medium has to offer (primarily 1988's Legend of the Galactic Heroes). That legacy and more started with just this short, 5 minute film, a passion project so intimate, bursting to the seams with love and care, that in every key frame we can already see the signature touches and tropes that would begin to litter the industry for years to come. Aside from the historical significance, DAICON III is just brimming with that optimism and unadulterated love of young, creative minds. Bolstered by a very bright and cheery wholesome 70s score, the short film is just a real love letter to the medium of anime as well as other influences (Star Wars and Ultraman among others). It's more than just a pop culture romp akin to, say, 2006's The Ultimate Showdown, it's a short but sweet testament to the burning passion of three young men, and also a precursor to greater things to come. Even in its dated glory, there's more heart and passion to be seen here than in most seasonal anime nowadays, and that's honestly refreshing to see. It's a reminder of why so many people love anime, why I love anime. DAICON III may not offer much in terms of technical aspects or plot, but it is a very important milestone; it is modern anime's Steamboat Willie.