TV-Series
Description
Gen Fudou is the enigmatic supreme commander of DEAVA, the organization formed to combat the Shadow Angels using the legendary mechanical angel Aquarion, which he himself discovered and excavated in the bay of Crete. His background is shrouded in profound mystery, but it is strongly suggested and ultimately confirmed in the sequel series Aquarion EVOL that he is not merely a reincarnation but the same individual who has lived for over 24,000 years, originating from the time of the original battle between the angel Apollonius and the Shadow Angels. In Aquarion EVOL, he reappears under the name Zen Fudo as the commander-in-chief of Neo DEAVA, his appearance altered to that of a middle-aged man with a beard and an eyepatch, demonstrating that his existence is truly immovable in the flow of time, as his surname Fudo suggests.
In terms of personality, Gen Fudou is renowned for his bizarre and eccentric behavior, which often bewilders those around him, including his own subordinates. He is a pioneer of unorthodoxy, frequently subjecting the Element users to strange training exercises and speaking in riddles. Despite his odd methods, he possesses a profound and ancient wisdom regarding the nature of humans, the cosmos, and the true power of Aquarion. He uses this knowledge not to give direct answers, but to guide the young pilots towards their own epiphanies, helping them surpass their limitations and improve their teamwork. Beneath his inscrutable exterior, he genuinely cares for the well-being of his soldiers, once stating that any DEAVA soldier who does not care for their companions is unworthy of their title.
Fudou's motivations are largely tied to the perpetuation of the cycle of reincarnation and the ultimate awakening of Aquarion. He acts as a hidden orchestrator, ensuring that the events of 24,000 years ago repeat and evolve so that humanity can be saved. His role in the story is that of a cryptic mentor and grand strategist. He is the founder and true leader of DEAVA, providing wisdom and support from the shadows, only stepping directly into the limelight when the situation demands it. In Aquarion EVOL, his actions include declaring the revival of DEAVA, initiating intense training regimens, and eventually leaving the academy to seek the mythical Aquarion, all while manipulating events from behind the scenes.
Key relationships define his long existence. He shares a complex and ancient connection with Toma (or Mikage in EVOL), a being he has known for millennia, effectively playing a cosmic game with him across the ages. A mutual but quietly expressed romantic affection exists between him and Dr. Sophia Blanc, DEAVA's chief scientist, hinting at a shared history and quieter days before the war. His most critical relationship is with the protagonist Apollo, whom he mentors directly, and it is eventually revealed that Fudou himself is the reincarnation of the legendary angel Apollonius, making him the original figure to whom Apollo's soul is tied.
Throughout the series, Fudou's development is subtle, as he is already a fully realized being. The change occurs in the audience's understanding of him, shifting from a bizarre commander to a tragic, ancient figure who has silently watched the cycle of love and betrayal for over twenty millennia. In the end, his development culminates in the revelation of his true identity as Apollonius and his decision to keep his rival, Mikage, sealed within himself to watch over the world.
His notable abilities are as unconventional as his personality. He possesses superhuman speed and sleight-of-hand, earning him the nickname the speedy magician, capable of disarming a man and turning his gun into a set of steel arrows in an instant. He demonstrates a oneness with the earth, the cosmos, and the chakras of all living things. In Aquarion EVOL, the eyepatch he wears conceals the Book of Dual Stars within his right eye socket, a power he uses to trap individuals and reveal hidden truths. Above all, his greatest ability is his immense knowledge of Aquarion and the cycle of destiny, allowing him to guide events across thousands of years with seemingly perfect foresight.
In terms of personality, Gen Fudou is renowned for his bizarre and eccentric behavior, which often bewilders those around him, including his own subordinates. He is a pioneer of unorthodoxy, frequently subjecting the Element users to strange training exercises and speaking in riddles. Despite his odd methods, he possesses a profound and ancient wisdom regarding the nature of humans, the cosmos, and the true power of Aquarion. He uses this knowledge not to give direct answers, but to guide the young pilots towards their own epiphanies, helping them surpass their limitations and improve their teamwork. Beneath his inscrutable exterior, he genuinely cares for the well-being of his soldiers, once stating that any DEAVA soldier who does not care for their companions is unworthy of their title.
Fudou's motivations are largely tied to the perpetuation of the cycle of reincarnation and the ultimate awakening of Aquarion. He acts as a hidden orchestrator, ensuring that the events of 24,000 years ago repeat and evolve so that humanity can be saved. His role in the story is that of a cryptic mentor and grand strategist. He is the founder and true leader of DEAVA, providing wisdom and support from the shadows, only stepping directly into the limelight when the situation demands it. In Aquarion EVOL, his actions include declaring the revival of DEAVA, initiating intense training regimens, and eventually leaving the academy to seek the mythical Aquarion, all while manipulating events from behind the scenes.
Key relationships define his long existence. He shares a complex and ancient connection with Toma (or Mikage in EVOL), a being he has known for millennia, effectively playing a cosmic game with him across the ages. A mutual but quietly expressed romantic affection exists between him and Dr. Sophia Blanc, DEAVA's chief scientist, hinting at a shared history and quieter days before the war. His most critical relationship is with the protagonist Apollo, whom he mentors directly, and it is eventually revealed that Fudou himself is the reincarnation of the legendary angel Apollonius, making him the original figure to whom Apollo's soul is tied.
Throughout the series, Fudou's development is subtle, as he is already a fully realized being. The change occurs in the audience's understanding of him, shifting from a bizarre commander to a tragic, ancient figure who has silently watched the cycle of love and betrayal for over twenty millennia. In the end, his development culminates in the revelation of his true identity as Apollonius and his decision to keep his rival, Mikage, sealed within himself to watch over the world.
His notable abilities are as unconventional as his personality. He possesses superhuman speed and sleight-of-hand, earning him the nickname the speedy magician, capable of disarming a man and turning his gun into a set of steel arrows in an instant. He demonstrates a oneness with the earth, the cosmos, and the chakras of all living things. In Aquarion EVOL, the eyepatch he wears conceals the Book of Dual Stars within his right eye socket, a power he uses to trap individuals and reveal hidden truths. Above all, his greatest ability is his immense knowledge of Aquarion and the cycle of destiny, allowing him to guide events across thousands of years with seemingly perfect foresight.