OVA
Description
Captain Herlock, also known as Phantom F. Harlock III, commands the starship Arcadia as a human space pirate. He bears a cross-shaped facial scar and an eyepatch covering his right eye, lost in battle. His characteristic attire is black with red and white linings, featuring a cape displaying a Jolly Roger and occasionally clothing marked with the number 42, culturally associated with death in Japanese pronunciation. He carries a Gravity Saber at his side and a handmade gun near his left foot, the Cosmo Dragoon, crafted by his close associate Tochiro Oyama.
Originating from Earth, Herlock formed a lifelong bond with the Arcadia's engineer, Tochiro Oyama. Witnessing Earth's governments succumb to apathy, corruption, or collaboration with alien oppressors, he abandoned institutional authority to become a space pirate. Tochiro's death profoundly impacted him, increasing his stoicism. His ancestry includes a lineage of figures bearing the Harlock name, like Phantom F. Harlock I and II, though the exact nature of this legacy varies.
Herlock's personality centers on an individualist philosophy, prioritizing personal honor and self-determined ethics over external mandates. He operates believing one person can effect change and often mentors young characters to cultivate independence. Taciturn and grim, he demonstrates loyalty to his crew and remains committed to protecting Earth from threats its governments ignore or enable. He upholds promises rigorously, even leading to morally complex outcomes. Herlock is a heavy drinker, regularly sharing alcohol with his non-human companion Miime.
Relationships define key aspects of his character. Miime, a psychic alien from Jura and the last of her species, serves as his closest companion due to a life debt. His crew exhibits unwavering loyalty, enduring capture by authorities aiming to lure him out. He frequently mentors youths displaced by tragedy; in Endless Odyssey, this includes Tadashi Daiba, who joins the Arcadia after his scientist father's death. Herlock later reveals he killed Tadashi's father due to a prior promise to execute him if he betrayed his principles by collaborating with the extradimensional entities known as the Noo. This forces Tadashi to confront his oath of vengeance against Herlock, testing his adherence to the captain's code of honoring one's word.
In Endless Odyssey, Herlock re-emerges after disappearing to battle the Noo, entities that consume fear and manipulate spacetime. Their threat culminates in Earth's disappearance, compelling Herlock to intervene as an outlaw. His conflict with the Noo underscores themes of resistance against existential terror and preserving resolve against despair.
Beyond leadership, Herlock excels in combat using his Gravity Saber and Cosmo Dragoon. His resilience and strategic acumen allow him to navigate overwhelming odds, often leveraging the Arcadia's integration of Tochiro's consciousness.
Originating from Earth, Herlock formed a lifelong bond with the Arcadia's engineer, Tochiro Oyama. Witnessing Earth's governments succumb to apathy, corruption, or collaboration with alien oppressors, he abandoned institutional authority to become a space pirate. Tochiro's death profoundly impacted him, increasing his stoicism. His ancestry includes a lineage of figures bearing the Harlock name, like Phantom F. Harlock I and II, though the exact nature of this legacy varies.
Herlock's personality centers on an individualist philosophy, prioritizing personal honor and self-determined ethics over external mandates. He operates believing one person can effect change and often mentors young characters to cultivate independence. Taciturn and grim, he demonstrates loyalty to his crew and remains committed to protecting Earth from threats its governments ignore or enable. He upholds promises rigorously, even leading to morally complex outcomes. Herlock is a heavy drinker, regularly sharing alcohol with his non-human companion Miime.
Relationships define key aspects of his character. Miime, a psychic alien from Jura and the last of her species, serves as his closest companion due to a life debt. His crew exhibits unwavering loyalty, enduring capture by authorities aiming to lure him out. He frequently mentors youths displaced by tragedy; in Endless Odyssey, this includes Tadashi Daiba, who joins the Arcadia after his scientist father's death. Herlock later reveals he killed Tadashi's father due to a prior promise to execute him if he betrayed his principles by collaborating with the extradimensional entities known as the Noo. This forces Tadashi to confront his oath of vengeance against Herlock, testing his adherence to the captain's code of honoring one's word.
In Endless Odyssey, Herlock re-emerges after disappearing to battle the Noo, entities that consume fear and manipulate spacetime. Their threat culminates in Earth's disappearance, compelling Herlock to intervene as an outlaw. His conflict with the Noo underscores themes of resistance against existential terror and preserving resolve against despair.
Beyond leadership, Herlock excels in combat using his Gravity Saber and Cosmo Dragoon. His resilience and strategic acumen allow him to navigate overwhelming odds, often leveraging the Arcadia's integration of Tochiro's consciousness.