Zoids: New Century, or Zoids: New Century Slash Zero, is an anime television series created in 2001 by Shogakukan, Inc. It is the second Zoids series created, based on the range of mecha models produced by TOMY. The series has been dubbed and released in Western nations, originally simply under the title Zoids, before being later rebranded as Zoids: New Century by Viz Media, and was the first Zoids series to be dubbed in English. The series has 26 episodes that run for 25 minutes each. In August 2014, a Blu-raybox set of the series was released in Japan. It optionally came with a limited editionLiger Zero.
Series background
New Century Zero takes place a long time after the events of . Zoids are no longer used for warfare; instead, the combative natures of both Zoids and humans are focused and contained by a series of battle-competitions and tournaments, run by the Zoid Battle Commission. The Zoid Battle Commission seems to be a significant power on Planet Zi, fielding a considerable arsenal of armed Zoids, orbital platforms serviced by their own launch facilities as well as orbital based weapons systems. It is not made clear in the series if the Helic Republic and Guylos Empire still exist, although the final battle upon the rusted Ultrasaurus, hinted to be same one in Zoids: Chaotic Century, could suggest neither were left, and people had free rein to battle in old battlefields. The series focuses on the Blitz Team, in particular the actions of the Liger Zero and Bit Cloud. The series charts the rise of the Blitz Team through various competitions of the Zoid Battle Commission, and the team's efforts to avoid conflict with the criminal organization known as the Backdraft Group.
Also known as The Backdraft Group, The Backdraft Organization is a group that acts to undermine the Zoid Battle Commission by running unsanctioned battles. Their main goal is capturing Ultimate X Zoids. There are ranks distributed throughout the group; the backdraft is controlled by a "Committee of Seven" and is notorious for their ruthless, underhanded, and often dangerous battle tactics. Known members of the Backdraft include:
Vega Obscura
Sarah
Fuma Team
Pierce
Major Polta
Captain Sanders
Captain Stigma Stoeller
Altail
Count
Brad Hunter
Dark Judge
Episode listing
1. "Commence Battle - Attack Liger Zero"
2. "New Partners vs. Naomi the Red Comet"
3. "The Prince Arrives - Harry Champ"
4. "Unsanctioned Battle - The Mysterious Backdraft Group"
5. "High Speed Battle - Transforming into Zero Jager"
6. "The Dark Giant - The Invincible Elephander"
7. "The Desert Gang - The Hovercargo's in Danger"
8. "Invasion of the Fierce Tigers - Transform to Zero Schneider"
9. "The Princess Arrives - Mary Champ"
10. "Desert Tusk - Assault of the War Sharks"
11. "The Sensational Three - Rematch with Jack Sisco"
12. "Zero is Stolen - The Fiery Battle"
13. "The Brave Wild Eagle - The Raynos vs. The Zabat"
