Needless is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Kami Imai. The manga was serialized in Shueisha's Ultra Jump magazine from 2003 to 2013. An animetelevision series adaptation by Madhouse aired from July 2, 2009, to December 10, 2009.
Synopsis
This anime is set in the year 2130, 50 years after World War III. The war has left a crater where Tokyo once stood, a place now filled with contaminated rubble. This spot, known as "The Black Spot", has no electrical power and is seen as a dark spherical patch from outer space and one of many Black Spots across Japan. The Black Spot eventually becomes populated by outcasts, some of whom, as a result of the contamination, gain various powers called "fragments". Those in possession of such fragments come to be known as "Needless". The manga is divided into two separate parts. Part I introduces the characters, starting with the meeting between Adam Blade and Cruz Schild. The first part of the series is closely followed by the anime adaptation. Part II of the manga series however, begins when Adam Archlight releases the full power of "Positive Feedback Zero". The manga begins the second part of the story, whereas the anime branches off and starts to wrap up the story. This was due in large part to the mangas late releases as the anime wanted to continue the story. The last chapter of the manga was released in June 2013.
Large spider-like machines built by Simeon to patrol areas and destroy resistance forces. They are formidable opponents, able to heavily injure Blade before being dispatched. Ruri has been secretly building massive Testaments for the latest Simeon controlled area. Also, Disc has an armada of refurbished Testaments for her protection at Iron Mountain.
Simeon Tower
A large pharmaceutical and technology research organization. It was said that Simeon conducted human experiments for the purpose of immortality. The company appears to have great influence throughout Japan. The Black Spot branch is headed by Adam Arclight himself, and is his base of power.
Iron Mountain
A mysterious base that is said to hold almost all of mankind's history. It was assumed to be destroyed during World War III, but appears to be in perfect condition. In the anime, its only inhabitants are Disc and her battalion of Testaments.
The Second Christ
A man who emerged from the wreckage of Japan to help the survivors after the Third World War. Considered the original and most powerful Needless, he was capable of using all fragment powers. He was considered the second coming of Christ, and thus known as 'The Second Christ'. After his disappearance, many believed his power was divided and spread to each individual now known as Needless, which is why their power is called Fragment. But what he truly was, how he came into existence is unknown. In Episode 21 of the Anime, it was suggested that The Second Christ was murdered by the Triple Six Committee, claiming that too many enemy nations are after his blood.
Media
Anime
An anime television series adaptation of the manga by Madhouse aired on Tokyo MX from July 2, 2009 to December 10, 2009 for 24 episodes and was directed by Masayuki Sakoi. The opening theme is "Modern Strange Cowboy" by GRANRODEO and the ending is "Aggressive Zone" by Needless★Girls, composed of the voice actresses of the series, Aya Endo, Eri Kitamura, Emiri Katō, Saori Gotō and Yui Makino. The second opening is "Scarlet Bomb!" by Aki Misato and the second ending is "WANTED! for the love" by Needless★Girls. Japanese progressive thrash metal band Gargoyle also contributed the songs "Magma Kid" and "Shi ni Itaru Kizu" to the show's official soundtrack. North American anime distributor Section23 Films announced that Sentai Filmworks has licensed the series and would release the series. The first complete set was shipped on Blu-ray and DVDFebruary 11, 2011. The second complete set was released on April 12, 2011. The anime has considerably toned down the gore and violence of the manga, however the fanservice has been increased. The most noticeable change is that the anime follows only until the moment where Adam Archlight releases his Positive Feedback Zero blast. Instead of Arclight spreading Cruz's friends and leading to the second part of the story, the anime ends with a final fight against Arclight in the Simeon Tower.
