View source for RahXephon

{{Short description|Japanese anime television series}}
{{Overly detailed|date=September 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2021}}
{{Infobox animanga/Header
| image           = RahXephon dvdcover3 adv.jpg
| caption         = Cover art from the third volume of ADV's DVD release of ''RahXephon''
| ja_kanji        = ラーゼフォン
| ja_romaji       = Rāzefon
| genre           = [[Mecha anime and manga|Mecha]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Osmond |author-link=Andrew Osmond (journalist) |first=Andrew |title=RahXephon and Blu-ray Bakemonogatari Released Monday |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-08-25/rahxephon-and-blu-ray-bakemonogatari-released-monday |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=December 30, 2018 |date=August 25, 2013}}</ref> [[Romance fiction|romance]]<ref>{{cite web |last1=Santos |first1=Carlo |title=Rahxephon: Pluralitas Concentio DVD - Review |url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rahxephon-pluralitas-concentio/dvd |website=[[Anime News Network]] |access-date=December 30, 2018 |date=March 8, 2005}}</ref><!-- Note: Use and cite reliable sources to identify genre/s, not personal interpretation. Please don't include more than three genres (per [[MOS:A&M]]). -->
| creator = [[Bones (studio)|Bones]], [[Yutaka Izubuchi]]
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = manga
| author          = [[Takeaki Momose]]
| publisher       = [[Shogakukan]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher
 | AUS = [[Siren Visual]]
 | NA  = [[Viz Media]]
 | SG  = [[Chuang Yi]]
}}
| demographic     = ''[[Seinen manga|Seinen]]''
| magazine        = [[Monthly Sunday Gene-X]]
| first           = August 19, 2001
| last            = November 19, 2002
| volumes         = 3
| volume_list     =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = tv series
| director        = Yutaka Izubuchi
| producer        = {{ubl|Daisuke Kawakami|Go Haruna|Katsuji Nagata|[[Masahiko Minami]]|[[Shirō Sasaki]]}}
| writer          = {{ubl|[[Chiaki J. Konaka]]|[[Ichirō Ōkouchi]]|[[Hiroshi Ōnogi]]|[[Yōji Enokido]]|Fumihiko Takayama|Yutaka Izubuchi|[[Mitsuo Iso]]}}
| music           = [[Ichiko Hashimoto (musician)|Ichiko Hashimoto]]
| studio          = Bones
| licensee        = {{English anime licensee
 | AUS = [[Siren Visual]]
 | NA  = [[Sentai Filmworks]]
 | UK  = 101 Films
}}
| network         = [[Fuji Network System|FNS]] ([[Fuji TV]])
| network_en      = {{English anime network
 | NA  = [[Anime Network]]
 | US  = [[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] ([[Anime Unleashed]])
}}
| first           = January 21, 2002
| last            = September 11, 2002
| episodes        = 26
| episode_list    = List of RahXephon episodes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Print
| type            = novel series
| author          = [[Hiroshi Ohnogi]]
| publisher       = [[Media Factory]]
| publisher_en    = {{English manga publisher
 | US = [[DrMaster]]
}}
| demographic     = Male
| imprint         = [[MF Bunko J]]
| magazine        =
| first           = July 2002
| last            = February 2003
| volumes         = 5
| volume_list     =
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Game
| title           =
| developer       =
| publisher       = [[Bandai]]
| genre           = [[Adventure game|Adventure]], [[Action game|Action]]
| platforms       = [[PlayStation 2]]
| released        = August 7, 2003
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Video
| type            = ova
| title           = Her and Herself (彼女と彼女自身と) / Thatness and Thereness
| director        = [[Tomoki Kyoda]]
| producer        =
| writer          = Tomoki Kyoda
| music           = Ichiko Hashimoto
| studio          = Bones
| released        = August 7, 2003
| runtime         = 15 minutes
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Other
| title           = Other
| content         =
* ''[[RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio]]'' (film)
}}
{{Infobox animanga/Footer}}
{{nihongo|'''''RahXephon'''''|ラーゼフォン|Rāzefon|lead=yes}} is a Japanese [[anime]] television series created and directed by [[Yutaka Izubuchi]]. The series follows 17-year-old [[Ayato Kamina]], his ability to control a [[mecha]] known as the RahXephon, and his inner journey to find a place in the world. His life as a student and artist in Tokyo is suddenly interrupted by a mysterious stalker, strange planes invading the city and strange machines fighting back.

The series was animated by [[Bones (studio)|Bones]] and it aired on [[Fuji TV]] for twenty-six episodes from January to September 2002. It was produced by Fuji TV, Bones, [[Media Factory]] and [[Victor Entertainment]]. The series received critical acclaim and was subsequently translated, released on the [[DVD-Video|DVD]] and aired in several other countries, including the United States. A 2003 movie adaptation ''[[RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio]]'' was directed by [[Tomoki Kyoda]], with plot changes and new scenes. The series was also spun into novels, an extra [[Original video animation|OVA]] episode, an [[audio drama]], a video game, illustration books and an altered [[manga]] adaptation by [[Takeaki Momose]].

Director Izubuchi said ''RahXephon'' was his attempt to set a new standard for mecha anime, as well as to bring back aspects of 1970s mecha shows like ''[[Reideen The Brave]]''.

==Setting==
The backstory of ''RahXephon'' is a fight against multi-[[dimension]]al invaders known as Mulians (known as {{nihongo|Mu|ムー|Mū}}). The Mu are visually indistinguishable from humans, however they carry a genetic marker called the "Mu phase" which turns their blood blue and causes some memory loss when they mature.

The story reveals that two Mu [[Floating city (science fiction)|floating cities]] appeared above Tokyo and [[Sendai]] around the [[2012 phenomenon|end of 2012]]. The ensuing conflict between Mu and humans escalated into [[nuclear warfare]], and the Mu enveloped Tokyo and the outlying suburbs within a spherical barrier resembling [[Jupiter]], referred by outsiders<!--unclear if this is in-universe--> as "Tokyo Jupiter" ("Tōkyō Jupita"). The barrier has a [[time dilation|time dilating]] effect, which causes time inside Tokyo Jupiter to slow down to one-fifth compared to the outside time, and allowed the Mu to secretly take control of Tokyo, using the area as their base of operations. The goal of the human forces outside of Tokyo Jupiter is to build up their strength to penetrate through and invade Tokyo Jupiter and stop the Mu while surviving their attacks.

Although ''RahXephon'' is part of the [[mecha]] genre of anime, its "mechas" are not mechanical. The mechas, used by the Mu and called Dolems, are made out of clay, like [[golem]]s. Each is bound to a certain Mulian; however, some are also bound to certain human hosts, called "sub-Mulians".

The dominant theme of ''RahXephon'' is the music changing the world. The Dolems are animated by a mystical force connected to music; most of the controlling Mulians appear to be singing. A Dolem attacks while singing, and sometimes the attack is the song itself. The RahXephon can also attack by having its pilot—the "instrumentalist"—sing a note. This unleashes force waves that cause massive destruction. Each Mulian Dolem has an Italian name referring to [[musical notation]]s, such as, ''Allegretto'', ''Falsetto'', or ''Vivace''. The ultimate goal of the RahXephon is to "tune the world." Izubuchi says the name ''RahXephon'' lacked a real meaning, but that he now explains it as composed of ''Rah'' as the origin of [[Ra]] according to Churchward, ''X'' as the unknown variable or X factor, and ''-ephon'' as a suffix for [[musical instrument|instrument]] from "[[Wiktionary:en:-phone|-phone]]".<ref>{{cite book |page=1|author=Momose Takeaki |author-link=Takeaki Momose |author2=Izubuchi Yutaka |title=RahXephon Vol. 3|date=September 29, 2004 |publisher=[[VIZ Media]] |location=San Francisco, CA |isbn=1-59116-428-1 }}</ref>

==Plot==
The most important plot line of the series is the unusual relationship between [[Ayato Kamina]] and [[Haruka Shitow]]. Although Haruka appears to be a stranger to Ayato at first, the series reveals that they knew each other from before the beginning of the story.

<!--Tense: Past -->Ayato is a boy who was unknowingly conceived with the help of the ''Bähbem Foundation'' living in Tokyo with his adoptive mother, [[Maya Kamina]]. Ayato had met Haruka on a trip outside of Tokyo, and they continued to see each other when they returned to [[secondary education in Japan|school]] in Tokyo. At this time, Haruka's [[Japanese name|family name]] was ''Mishima''.

However, during what later became known as the Tokyo Jupiter incident, Haruka and her pregnant mother were away on a holiday trip while Ayato was caught inside the city. Years later, after giving birth to Haruka's sister Megumi, Haruka's mother remarried and their family name became ''Shitow''. Meanwhile, Maya modified Ayato's memories to make him forget Haruka. The series makes clear that all of the humans within Tokyo Jupiter are subject to the same kind of mental control, thinking that they are all that's left of mankind after a devastating war. Ayato is haunted by visions of Haruka, which he manifests in his art. [[List of RahXephon characters|Ixtli]], RahXephon's [[soul]], also adopts Haruka's appearance and family name (''Mishima'') to guide Ayato, but takes a different given name—''Reika''.

The story begins as Tokyo comes under attack by invading aircraft while a mysterious woman, later revealed to be Haruka, stalks Ayato. By this point, Haruka has grown considerably older than Ayato and everyone else who is inside of Tokyo Jupiter because of the time dilation. Because of this and her now having a different last name, Ayato does not recognize Haruka and also initially does not fully trust her, but he gradually re-discovers his love for her as the series progresses, and he learns of everything that has happened. At the end of the series, Ayato's RahXephon merges with [[Quon Kisaragi|Quon]]'s, allowing him to modify the past by "re-tuning the world" to make it so that he and Haruka are never separated. In the final sequence of the series, the adult Ayato <!--(who can now easily be mistaken for [[Dr. Kisaragi]], his twin brother) Is this essential to plot?-->is seen with his wife Haruka and their infant daughter Quon.

==Characters==
{{Main|List of RahXephon characters}}
:''This section represents the story from the television series and may differ from other works.''

[[File:Rah terra group01.jpg|thumb|left|240px|TERRA operations and research staff]]
At the beginning of ''RahXephon'', Ayato Kamina is a modest 17-year-old living in Tokyo. He is an average student, who enjoys painting and spending time with his classmates Hiroko Asahina and Mamoru Torigai. He has affectionate relationship with his mother, strained by her long-hour work.

During the sudden attack on Tokyo, Ayato hears the singing of his classmate Reika Mishima. She leads him to a giant egg containing the RahXephon. Haruka Shitow, an agent of the defense research agency ''TERRA'' (acronym for ''Tereno Empireo Rapidmova Reakcii Armeo'', broken [[Esperanto]] for ''Earth Empire Rapid Response Army''), brings Ayato and the RahXephon to their headquarters.

Ayato moves in with Haruka's uncle Professor Rikudoh and pilots the RahXephon against the attacking Dolems. Quon Kisaragi, a mysterious girl living with chief researcher Itsuki, seems to share some of Ayato's artistic talent. Ernst von Bähbem of the ''Bähbem Foundation'' sponsors TERRA through the ''Federation'', the successor of the [[United Nations]].

While most characters are introduced by the end of episode 7, ''RahXephon'' continues to characters development and reveals their mysteries and relationships through heavy use of [[foreshadowing]].

==Dolems==
''Dolems'', or {{nihongo|''Dorems''|ドーレム|Doremu}}, are enormous [[mecha]]-like beings that are used as powerful weapons by the Mulians. The name "Dolem" is derived from "[[golem]]".<ref name="annobuchi">{{cite book
 | author = staff
 | year = 2004
 | title = RahXephon Complete
 | publisher = [[Media Factory]]
 | isbn = 4-8401-1019-0
 | pages=81–86
 | language=ja
}}</ref> It is also a reference to the first three notes in the C major scale, "[[Solfège|Do-Re-Mi]]", and the Italian word "[[Wiktionary:en:dolere|dolere]]", meaning "to ache".

In ''RahXephon'' Dolems are designated by TERRA as ''D1''. The smaller fighters ''Dotem'' (with ''T'' instead of ''L'') are designated as ''D2''.

Dolems are made of clay, like golems, but are animated by a quasi-mystical force connected to music, as most of the controlling Mulians appear to be singing. A Dolem attacks while singing, and sometimes the attack is the song itself. Each D1 Dolem is bound to a Mulian who controls it. Some Dolems are also bound to human hosts called "sub-Mulians" or "Dolem hosts" who anchor to the Dolems in the human dimension, making it possible for the Mulian controller to take over the body of the host. These bonds are so strong that destroying a Dolem can kill both the Mulian controlling it and the human host. When destroyed, a Dolem disintegrates into blue blood and clay.

===List of Dolems===
*Allegretto
*Fortissimo
*Grave
*Ritardando
*Forzando
*Sforzando
*Larghetto
*Vivace
*Falsetto
*Arpeggio
*Alternate
*Vibrato
*Obbligato and Brillante
*Largo

===Lesser Dolems===
*Metronomes and Metronomilies
*Dotems
*Mezzofortes
*Staccato

==Production and media==
''RahXephon'' was initially produced as a TV series. A manga version, novels, soundtracks and an audio drama were published during the original broadcast. A movie, an OVA episode, art books, and guide books were also created. Characters, mecha and story from ''RahXephon'' were featured in three video games.
{{Further|List of RahXephon media}}

===TV series===
{{Further-text|See [[List of RahXephon episodes]] for '''episode list''' and [[List of RahXephon media]] for music releases.}}

[[Yutaka Izubuchi]] was a successful anime supervisor and designer focusing on [[costume]], character and mechanical design, notably in the ''[[Gundam]]'' and ''[[Patlabor]]'' series. His friend and former [[Sunrise (company)|Sunrise]] colleague [[Masahiko Minami]], producer and president of [[Bones (studio)|Bones]], had suggested Izubuchi to direct something.<ref name="ntusarah">{{cite journal 
 |date=February 2003
 | title = RahXephon cover feature
 | journal = [[Newtype USA]]
 | volume = 2
 | issue = 2
 | pages = 6–13
 | issn = 1541-4817
 }}</ref>
{{listen
|pos=left
 | filename     = RahXephon_Yume_No_Tamago.ogg
 | title        = "Yume no Tamago"
 | description  = Sample from [[RahXephon O.S.T. 1|Hashimoto's ending theme]], featuring synthesiser ambients and vocals
 | format       = [[Ogg]]
 | filename2    = RahXephon_Huge_Suites.ogg
 | title2       = "Huge Suites"
 | description2 = Sample from near the beginning of "[[RahXephon O.S.T. 2|Huge Suites]]", one of Hashimoto's classically scored compositions
 | format2      = [[Ogg]]
 | filename3    = RahXephon_Runnin.ogg
 | title3       = "Runnin'"
 | description3 = Hashimoto's jazz compositions range from experimental to the more mainstream, like "[[RahXephon O.S.T. 2|Runnin']]".
 | format3      = [[Ogg]]
}}
Izubuchi finally agreed and ''RahXephon'' became his first directing job. Izubuchi returned to the classic mecha shows of the 1970s and 1980s and wanted to make a show of that type updated with advances in anime production as well as adding his own personal ideas. He wanted to "set a new standard in the field" of mecha anime<ref name="ntusarah"/> to show his "own standard" and capabilities as a [[Show runner|creator-showrunner]].<ref name="ntusabuchi">{{cite journal
 | last = Wong
 | first = Amos
 | date = February 2003
 | title = Interview with Yutaka Izubuchi
 | journal = [[Newtype USA]]
 | volume = 2
 | issue = 2
 | pages = 14–15
 | url = http://eva.onegeek.org/pipermail/evangelion/2011-October/007087.html
 | issn = 1541-4817
 | access-date = October 2, 2011
 | archive-date = January 30, 2019
 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190130222806/https://eva.onegeek.org/pipermail/evangelion/2011-October/007087.html
 | url-status = dead
 }}</ref>
[[Media Factory]], Fuji TV. and [[Victor Entertainment]] joined Bones as production partners. After planning the story and designing characters and locations, a core group was expanded to a full production staff that completed the show, primarily working together &mdash; a departure from the trend of outsourcing anime production.<ref name="makingofrah">''Making of RahXephon'' special feature. DVD Orchestration 7</ref>

The original music, except for the opening theme, is composed by [[Ichiko Hashimoto (musician)|Ichiko Hashimoto]]; she was initially approached to compose some of the [[Film score|score]] and replied that she wanted to compose all of it.<ref name="makingofrah"/> She also plays Maya and performs the closing theme together with her sister Mayumi. The opening theme "[[Hemisphere (song)|Hemisphere]]" is composed by [[Yoko Kanno]] and sung by [[Maaya Sakamoto]], who plays Reika.<ref name="rahbiblemusic">{{cite book
 | author = Izubuchi Yutaka
 | author-link = Yutaka Izubuchi
 | year = 2003
 | title = RahXephon Bible
 | pages = 78–80
 | publisher = [[ADV Manga]]
 | location = [[Houston]], [[Texas]]
 | isbn = 1-4139-0026-7
}}</ref> Hashimoto's compositions range from [[piano sonata]]s and acoustic [[chamber music]] to experimental [[jazz]], [[hard rock]], and [[ambient music|ambience]] that crosses the border into [[sound design]]. She also includes more mainstream jazz and orchestral music played with both [[acoustic instrument|acoustic]] and electronic instruments.<ref name="rahbiblemusic"/>

===Movie===
A [[television movie]] version of ''RahXephon'' called ''[[Pluralitas Concentio]]'' was directed by [[Tomoki Kyoda]], who had directed three episodes of the TV series and acted as assistant director with Soichi Masui. Izubuchi acted as Chief Director on this movie, but was not heavily involved in its production. Most of the staff members involved with the TV series worked on the movie, and it was distributed by [[Shochiku]]. The producers were Masahiko Minami, Shiro Sasaki, Maki Horiuchi, Kenji Shimizu, and Tatsuji Yamazaki.
[[File:Rah manga panties.jpg|thumb|310px|right|In the manga, characters differ from their anime counterparts in both visual design and [[characterization]].]]
The movie quickly reveals mysteries that were developed slowly in the TV series<ref name="beveridgemovie">{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3178.php |title=RahXephon: The Movie (also w/box) (of 1) |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Beveridge |first=Chris |date=2004-07-27 |work=Anime on DVD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101184531/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3178.php |archive-date=2006-11-01 }}</ref> and makes changes to the plot. It begins with a [[prologue]] showing previously unseen events, followed by a couple of [[Exposition (plot device)|expository scenes]]. The final 30 minutes contain the most plot changes and new scenes, ending with a new [[epilogue]]. The rest of the movie consists mainly of abridged scenes from the original series, sometimes with characters replaced or with different motivations and dialogue. The link between the Kamina and Mishima families and other storylines that were prominent in the original TV series were reduced or removed. One prominent distributor promoted the movie as an "[[encore (concert)|encore]]"—an extra performance at the end of the series, rather than as a replacement.<ref>[[A.D. Vision]] (2003) ''RahXephon:Pluralitas Concentio'' DVD cover: "Encore. Return to the world of RahXephon..."</ref>

===Manga===<!--This section is linked from [[List of RahXephon media]]-->
{{Further|List of RahXephon media#Manga volumes}}

{{See also|#Book reviews}}
The [[manga]] was illustrated and written by [[Takeaki Momose]].<ref name="ntusabuchi"/> Momose was one of the candidates for character designer on the series,<ref name="rahmanga1">{{cite book |author=Momose Takeaki |author-link=Takeaki Momose |author2=Izubuchi Yutaka |editor=Kit Fox |others=trans. Joe Yamazaki |title=RahXephon Vol. 1 |year=2004 |publisher=[[VIZ Media]] |location=San Francisco, CA |isbn=1-59116-407-9 }}</ref> but Izubuchi wanted [[Akihiro Yamada]] to do the original designs,<ref name="izubuchifocus1">{{cite web|last = Broestl| first = Sean| year = 2006| url = http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/convention.php?id=336| title = Anime Expo 2006 - Yutaka Izubuchi Focus Panel| publisher = [[Anime News Network]]| access-date = 2006-07-11}}</ref> and [[Hiroki Kanno]] got the job of adapting them for animation. With the manga Momose got the opportunity to re-design the characters into his own style and make changes in [[characterization]] and story,<ref name="rahmanga1"/> as well as adding "[[fan service]]".<ref name="rah_chavez1">{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=77 |title=RahXephon Vol. #01 of 3 |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Chavez |first=Eduardo M. |date=2004-05-22 |work=Anime on DVD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155310/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=77 |archive-date=2007-09-30 }}</ref> It was serialized in [[Shogakukan]]'s [[Seinen manga|''seinen'' manga]] magazine ''[[Monthly Sunday Gene-X]]'' from August 18, 2001,<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:月刊 サンデーＧＸ 2001年9月号 |url=http://websunday.net/gx/index.html |website=Web Sunday GX |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010813093344/http://websunday.net/gx/index.html |archive-date=August 13, 2001 |language=ja}}</ref> to November 19, 2002.<ref>{{cite web |script-title=ja:月刊 サンデーＧＸ 2002年12月号 |url=http://www.s-book.com/plsql/sbc_mag2k_code?sho=034212&sha=1&type=c |website=s-book.com |publisher=[[Shogakukan]] |access-date=April 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201065920/http://www.s-book.com/plsql/sbc_mag2k_code?sho=034212&sha=1&type=c |archive-date=February 1, 2003 |language=ja}}</ref>

The scenario of the manga adaptation is similar to ''RahXephon'' series with some minor and major differences. In the anime series, Reika is a mysterious and distant figure; in the manga Reika is a more comical figure who grew up as Ayato's adoptive sister with a darker origin. The anime series shows Megumi competing with Haruka for Ayato's affections, while this role is taken by Reika in the manga. The rate of time dilation is also different in the manga version, as the year outside Tokyo is 2033 instead of 2027.

==Reception==
The anime series originally aired on stations in the [[Fuji Television]] network and its affiliates, except in the [[Kansai region]] where [[Japanese Association of Independent Television Stations|independent UHF stations]] aired it instead.<ref name="vdata">{{cite web|title=Animation Data ラーゼフォン|url=http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/m-serve/-/Animedata/L1197.html|access-date=2007-10-12|work=Victor Animation Network |publisher=[[Victor Entertainment]]|language=ja}}</ref> Starting with episode 10, some stations moved the series from the afternoon to after midnight, but other stations moved it from late night to afternoon.<ref>{{cite web
 |url          = http://tv.yahoo.co.jp/tvguide/vhf/tokyo/table/2002020416.html
 |script-title = ja:2月4日(月)の番組表 [東京／16時]
 |work         = Yahoo!テレビ
 |publisher    = Internet TV Guide, Yahoo Japan Corporation
 |language     = ja
 |archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20020203225638/http://tv.yahoo.co.jp/tvguide/vhf/tokyo/table/2002020416.html
 |archive-date  = 2002-02-03
 |url-status      = dead
}}</ref><ref name="fujitvrah">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070329093347/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/jp/b_hp/rahxe/|archive-date=March 29, 2007|url=http://www.fujitv.co.jp/jp/b_hp/rahxe/|title=RahXephon|publisher=[[Fuji Television|Fuji TV]]|language=ja|access-date=2015-11-15}}</ref><ref>[[Tōkai Television Broadcasting]] stations: Late night: {{cite web
 |url          = http://www.tokai-tv.com/timetable/0215.html
 |script-title = ja:2002年 2月15日(金
 |work         = 番組表
 |language     = ja
 |archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20020220055055/http://www.tokai-tv.com/timetable/0215.html
 |archive-date  = 2002-02-20
 |url-status      = dead
}}
Afternoon: {{cite web
 |url          = http://www.tokai-tv.com/timetable/0808.html
 |script-title = ja:2002年 8月 8日(木)
 |work         = 番組表
 |language     = ja
 |archive-url   = https://web.archive.org/web/20020806183336/http://www.tokai-tv.com/timetable/0808.html
 |archive-date  = 2002-08-06
}}</ref> ''RahXephon'' thus remained both a "[[late night anime]]" and afternoon anime throughout its original run.

According to its distributor, the series "captivated millions in Japan" and "[drew] in viewers by the tens of thousands."<ref>{{cite web
| date = 2003-03-20
| url = http://www.advfilms.com/Films_UpdateDetails.asp?ID=1022
| title = Anticipation continues to build for release of RahXephon 1: Threshold
| publisher = ADV Films
| access-date = 2006-08-07
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060325232311/http://www.advfilms.com/Films_UpdateDetails.asp?ID=1022 |archive-date = March 25, 2006}}</ref> The series won the award for best anime television series at the 7th [[Animation Kobe]] fair.<ref>{{cite web
|date= November 2002| url =http://www.xebec.co.jp/anime-kobe/archive/2002/
| title = 7th Animation Kobe
| publisher = Animation Kobe Committee, [[Kobe]] City and Xebec Corporation
| access-date = 2006-10-17
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20061009091304/http://www.xebec.co.jp/anime-kobe/archive/2002/ |archive-date = October 9, 2006}}</ref> It was considered popular enough that a TV movie version was commissioned and aired.

Internationally, the series was translated and released on [[DVD-Video|DVD]]. It was purchased for airing by television stations and made available on [[video on demand]] services in several countries. In the United States, the DVDs were released around the theatrical release of another Bones production, ''[[Cowboy Bebop: The Movie]]''. The distributor claimed that ''RahXephon'' was met with "strong sales and extraordinary critical response in the U.S."<ref>{{cite web
| date = 2003-10-13
| url = http://www.advfilms.com/Films_UpdateDetails.asp?ID=372
| title = ADV announces release date for RahXephon-Orchestration 7: Crescendo
| publisher = ADV Films
| access-date = 2006-08-07
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060325233028/http://www.advfilms.com/Films_UpdateDetails.asp?ID=372 |archive-date = March 25, 2006}}</ref>

===TV series reviews===
The series was generally well received by English-language reviewers. While some reviewers only judged the show on its own merits, others compared it with varying favor against shows such as ''[[Brain Powerd]]'', ''[[Megazone 23]]'', and ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]''.

[[Protoculture Addicts]] editor [[Claude J. Pelletier]] chose ''RahXephon'' as one of the top 3 anime television series of 2002,<ref name="proto_2002_review">{{cite journal
|date=May 2003
| title = The Year 2002 in Review
| journal = [[Protoculture Addicts]]
| issue = 76
| pages = 50–51
| issn =0835-9563
}}</ref> and Miyako Matsuda agreed, noting mystery, technology, and romance.<ref name="proto_rah_overview">{{cite journal
| author = Matsuda, Miyako
|author2=Pelletier, Claude J.
|author2-link=Claude J. Pelletier
|date=May 2003
| title = RahXephon: Overview
| journal = [[Protoculture Addicts]]
| issue = 76
| page = 17
| issn =0835-9563
}}</ref> Christian Nutt of Anime Jump offered a contrary opinion: "RahXephon's characters fell flat and the grind of its scenario didn't inspire much curiosity, despite some initially awesome ideas".<ref name="rah_movie_nutt">{{cite web |url=http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=625 |title=Reviews: Rahxephon: The Motion Picture |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Nutt |first=Christian |date=2005-04-26 |work=Anime Jump |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20060510024638/http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=625 |archive-date = May 10, 2006}}</ref> En Hong, on the other hand, found the characters to be skilfully developed and believable as "self-conscious entities and not just parts to be filled for the story to progress",<ref name="damngophers">{{cite journal|url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/02.09/feature/4/index.php3 |title=Feature: Animefringe Coverage: RahXephon |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Hong |first=En |date=September 2002 |journal=Animefringe|issn=1705-3692 }}</ref> and Charles Solomon called them "engaging".<ref name="rah_solomon"><!--Staff interview, not Amazon user interview.-->{{cite web |url=https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000844JY/ |title=RahXephon - Threshold (Vol. 1): Editorial Reviews |access-date=2006-10-12 |last=Solomon |first=Charles |work=[[Amazon.com]]}} '''Note:''' Izubuchi did not actually direct or write ''[[Gasaraki]]'' but did provide designs for it.</ref>

Mike Toole of Anime Jump was impressed by the music, animation and character design;<ref name="jump382">{{cite web |url=http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=382 |title=Reviews: Rahxephon vol. 1 |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Toole |first=Mike |date=2003-10-18 |work=Anime Jump |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20050421201801/http://www.animejump.com/index.php?module=prodreviews&func=showcontent&id=382 |archive-date = April 21, 2005}}</ref> as was Protoculture's Martin Ouellette.<ref name="proto_rah_review">{{cite journal
| author = Ouellette, Martin
|date=May 2003
| title = Reviews: RahXephon, Vol. 1
| journal = [[Protoculture Addicts]]
| issue = 76
| page = 53
| issn =0835-9563
}}</ref> Solomon noted the "strikingly original mecha designs"<ref name="rah_solomon"/> and Anime Boredom's John Huxley noted the "unusual yet elegant" mecha and the "fluid computer-enhanced"—but not [[Computer-generated imagery|CGI]]-looking—animation.<ref name="rah_huxley_v7">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081207053906/http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/419 |archive-date=December 7, 2008 |url=http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/419 |title=RahXephon Anime Reviews : RahXephon Orchestration 7: Crescendo |access-date=2015-11-15 |last=Huxley |first=John |date=2004-10-11 |work=Anime Boredom }}</ref>

''RahXephon'''s "brief but not unwelcome" comic moments went over well with Huxley,<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718210035/http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/241/|archive-date=July 18, 2008|url=http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/241/ |title=RahXephon Anime Reviews : RahXephon Orchestration 1: Threshold |access-date=2015-11-15 |last=Huxley |first=John |date=2004-05-21 |work=Anime Boredom }}</ref> and he found the romance "a million miles away from the cheery antics of ''[[Love Hina]]'' or ''[[Ranma ½]]''" and "for the most part thoroughly believable".<ref name="rah_huxley_v7"/>

Chris Beveridge of Anime on DVD found the final episodes beautiful both in visual style and story, "with the raw emotions coming out of it, in both languages".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2597.php |title=RahXephon Vol. #7 (of 7) |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Beveridge |first=Chris |date=2004-01-16 |work=Anime on DVD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101191355/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/2597.php |archive-date=2006-11-01 }}</ref> Huxley also liked the conclusion: "Despite falling short of the mark in a few areas this is a satisfying conclusion to a good series."<ref name="rah_huxley_v7"/> On the plot resolution he wrote that ''RahXephon'' "keeps the audience guessing right up until the final credits and beyond" but that "the clues are all there" for the viewer to piece together.<ref name="rah_huxley_v7"/> [[Anime News Network]] columnist Zac Bertschy called ''RahXephon'' a "paragon of responsible storytelling (...) No loose strings are left; we see the conclusion of every character’s storyline." He added that the English voice work "raised the bar across the board."<ref name="rah_ann_7">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/reviews/display.php?id=566 |title=Review: RahXephon DVD 7: Crescendo |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Bertschy |first=Zac |date=2004-01-12| work= [[Anime News Network]]}}</ref>

===Movie reviews===
The TV movie had a more mixed reception than the TV series. Christian Nutt was not excited about the TV series but found the movie to be better: Despite "too much cutting and chopping", he wrote that "the creators have done the best they can with the material." He added: "the last scene is very touching. It's a big improvement over the TV show."<ref name="rah_movie_nutt"/> Efrain Diaz Jr. of [[IGN]] called the movie a "valiant effort", but preferred the TV series and asked "why even bother with the movie?"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dvd.ign.com/articles/562/562953p1.html |title=RahXephon: The Motion Picture. 26 episodes become a two-hour movie |access-date=2006-10-16 |last=Diaz |first=Efrain Jr.|date=2004-11-02 |work=[[IGN]]}}</ref>

Carlo Santos, writing for Anime News Network, recommended the movie both as an "endcap to a remarkable series" and as a sample for those yet to watch it.<ref name="santosmovie">{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/reviews/display.php?id=712 |title=Review: Rahxephon: Pluralitas Concentio DVD |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Santos |first=Carlo |date=2005-03-08|work=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> While Chris Beveridge also recommended the movie as an addition to the series, he did not recommend it as a sample for newcomers, "since some of the best revelations are given away so quickly..."<ref name="beveridgemovie"/>

Indeed, reviewers who were not familiar with the series complained about the movie's lack of coherence. Mitchell Hattaway of DVD Verdict "got lost about ten minutes in", considered the movie a waste of money for anybody but ''RahXephon'' completists and wrote that "Bones Animation Studio is guilty of contempt for its audience."<ref name="hattawaymovie">{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/rahxephon.php |title=Reviews:RahXephon: The Motion Picture |access-date=2006-10-12 |last=Hattaway |first=Mitchell |date=2004-09-02 |work=DVD Verdict |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019063058/http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/rahxephon.php |archive-date=2006-10-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Janet Crocker of Animefringe was confused by the plot as well, but was less confused on the second viewing and looked forward to watching the TV series. She called the movie "intellectually refreshing and visually beautiful" and recommended it "even to non-mecha people like me".<ref>{{cite journal |url=http://www.animefringe.com/magazine/2004/09/review/02.php |title=RahXephon: The Motion Picture |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Crocker |first=Janet |date= September 2004 |journal=Animefringe |issn=1705-3692 }}</ref>

===Book reviews===<!-- This section is linked from [[List of RahXephon media]] -->
Eduardo M. Chavez of Anime on DVD was not impressed by the first volume of the manga, especially when compared to the TV series; he rated it "C minus", though he said it could have worked as a "parody [[dōjinshi]]".<ref name="rah_chavez1"/> After the disappointment of volume one, Chavez was pleasantly surprised by the story in the following volumes,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=176 |title=RahXephon Vol. #02 of 3 |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Chavez |first=Eduardo M. |date=2004-07-28 |work=Anime on DVD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325120435/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=176 |archive-date=2006-03-25 }}</ref> and called it a "story that grew up with its characters", giving it a "B plus".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=894 |title=RahXephon Vol. #03 of 3 |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Chavez |first=Eduardo M. |date=2005-05-02 |work=Anime on DVD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325120205/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=894 |archive-date=2006-03-25 }}</ref>
<!--More manga reviews welcome for balance-->

The five-volume [[List of RahXephon media#Novelization|novelization]] was translated to English, but the [[List of RahXephon media#Other books|other novels]] were not. This translation was marred by a lack of [[copy editing]] in the first volume, which was rated "D" by Santos.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/rahxephon/novel-1 |title=RahXephon Novel 1|access-date=2007-01-09 |last=Santos |first=Carlo |date=2006-01-04|work=Anime News Network}}</ref> The situation was somewhat improved in the second volume, but reviewers did not recommend the novelization as an alternative to the animated versions &mdash; only as a source for learning more about the characters and their internal motivations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=928 |title=RahXephon (novel) Vol. #02 of 5 |access-date=2007-01-09 |last=Eries |first=Sakura |date=2006-04-15 |work=Anime on DVD |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200715/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/manga/manga.php?manga_view=928 |archive-date=2007-09-27 }}</ref>

==Comparisons with other anime==
Some reviewers and the director have compared ''RahXephon'' with other anime shows. Some of these shows also have staff common with ''RahXephon''.

===''Reideen the Brave''===
The director of ''RahXephon'' has said this series is meant to be a sort of modern-day ''[[Reideen The Brave|Reideen]]''.<ref name="ntusabuchi"/><ref name="izubuchifocus1"/> As such there are similarities between ''Raideen'' and ''RahXephon'', particularly in the titular "robots".
* The monsters in both shows are made from earth and rock which is brought to life.
* Akira Hibiki and Ayato Kamina both have mothers who are from a race called the "Mu". This in turn means that both Akira and Ayato have Mu blood.
* Akira and Ayato both "meld" into a surface in order to enter the cockpit of their respective robot. Akira enters via Reideen's forehead; Ayato can enter the RahXephon both directly and through a portal that is separate from the body of the RahXephon.
* The Raideen and the RahXephon both are portrayed as intelligent, sentient beings and possess similar general [[aesthetics]], particularly the human-like face that is covered on the sides. Both can [[sonic weaponry|attack with their voices]], and can form a bow with arrows as well as a sword that protrudes out of their right arms.

Both have appeared in the ''[[Super Robot Wars]]'' series, taking particular significance in ''[[Super Robot Wars MX]]'' where many characters note that ''Reideen'' and ''RahXephon'' are similar existences, and ''Reideen the Brave'' has since been remade into ''[[Reideen]]''. The two also appear together in ''Super Robot Wars: Scramble Commander the 2nd''.

===''Neon Genesis Evangelion''===
While some English-language reviewers did not mention the popular mecha anime ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]'' in their reviews of ''RahXephon'',<ref name="beveridgemovie"/><ref name="rah_solomon"/><ref name="jump382"/><ref name="santosmovie"/><ref name="hattawaymovie"/><ref name="rahhouston">{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=5851 |title=DVD Video Reviews - RahXephon - Crescendo (Vol. 7) |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Houston |first=Don |date=2004-01-21 |work=DVD Talk |archive-date=December 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061211010046/http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/read.php?ID=5851 |url-status=dead }}</ref> others compared the two explicitly. Some reviewers noted similarities between the series' protagonists and their style and execution of events.<ref name="damngophers"/><ref name="pinsky_rah1">{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/rahxephonvol1.php |title=DVD Verdict Review - RahXephon (Volume 1) |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Pinsky |first=Mike |date=2003-05-23|work=DVD Verdict}}</ref> John Huxley noted an episode with "soul searching" sequences reminiscent of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' with a "hint of ''[[Twin Peaks]]''".<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011061820/http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/243/|archive-date=October 11, 2008|url=http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/243/ |title=RahXephon Anime Reviews : RahXephon Orchestration 3: Harmonic Convergence |access-date=2015-11-15 |last=Huxley |first=John |date=2004-05-21 |work=Anime Boredom }}</ref>

After reviewing the first five episodes, Mike Pinsky of DVD Verdict wrote that much of ''RahXephon'' was "ripped off completely" from ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' and although finding it to be a good show, he ruled that "This ''Evangelion'' Lite tastes good enough, but is much less filling."<ref name="pinsky_rah1"/> Christian Nutt of Anime Jump had seen the entire show when he wrote that "One of my least favorite aspects of ''RahXephon'' is its aping of ''Evangelion''".<ref name="rah_movie_nutt"/> In [[Protoculture Addicts]] Miyako Matsuda agreed that the shows were similar, but compared the two in ''RahXephon's'' favor: "it is very similar to Evangelion, but in many ways more original and exotic."<ref name="proto_rah_overview"/> In the same magazine, Martin Ouellette went as far as calling ''RahXephon'' and ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' "imitation", but was so impressed that he exclaimed "the imitation has surpassed the original!"<ref name="proto_rah_review"/>

Some reviewers favoured ''RahXephon'' because of its more active protagonist<ref name="damngophers"/> and clearer ending: "Like ''Evangelion'', you have to bend and warp your brain around this thing, but unlike ''Evangelion'', if you think about it, it all makes sense" wrote Zac Bertschy.<ref name="rah_ann_7"/> Huxley praised ''RahXephon'' for including action sequences in the ending, providing "a more balanced experience".<ref name="rah_huxley_v7"/> ''RahXephon's'' story and complex relationships were planned and written early in the production cycle. In contrast, ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''{{'}}s director stated that he did not know how the show would end,<ref name="What-were-we-making">{{cite book
 | last = Anno
 | first = Hideaki
 | author-link = Hideaki Anno
 | others = translated by Mari Morimoto, English adaptation by Fred Burke
 | title = Neon Genesis Evangelion, Vol. 1
 |date=December 1998
 | orig-year = 1995
 | publisher = VIZ Media LLC
 | location = San Francisco
 | isbn = 1-56931-294-X
 | pages = 170–171
 | chapter = What were we trying to make here?
}}</ref> and production was influenced by the reactions that TV executives and viewers had to previous episodes.<ref>''Neon Genesis Evangelion''{{'}}s assistant director [[Kazuya Tsurumaki]] said it was "like a live performance." Source: [[Gainax]] ''[http://www.evaotaku.com/html/rcb-tsurumaki.html PROFILE Kazuya Tsurumaki]'', [[Red Cross Book]] (1997), Translated by Bochan_bird</ref> Although [[John Oppliger]] suggested stronger candidates for similarities than ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', he thought ''RahXephon'''s similarity to ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'' was intentional:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=549 |title=Is RahXephon an Evangelion Rip Off? |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Oppliger |first=John |author-link=John Oppliger |date=2002-08-20 |work=Ask John |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070114051622/http://www.animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=549 |archive-date=2007-01-14 }}</ref> {{cquote|''RahXephon'' actually borrows far more heavily from ''[[Megazone 23]]'' than it does ''Evangelion'', and even ''Evangelion'' could be said to be heavily influenced by ''Megazone 23''. I think that in its effort to be purely artistic entertainment, ''RahXephon'' knowingly pays homage to both ''Megazone 23'' and ''Evangelion'' in the same way ''Evangelion'' re-uses the concept of a boy piloting his father's giant robot that was used 20 years before in ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam]]'', which itself borrowed the idea from even older shows like ''[[Tetsujin 28]]'' and ''[[Mazinger]]''.}}

John Huxley found "several similarities" with ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', but wrote that there were "many, more significant differences",<ref name="huxley_242">{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011055449/http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/242/ |archive-date=October 11, 2008 |url=http://www.animeboredom.co.uk/anime-reviews/rahxephon/242/ |title=RahXephon Anime Reviews : RahXephon Orchestration 2: Tonal Pattern |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Huxley |first=John |date=2004-05-21 |work=Anime Boredom}}</ref> and concluded that ''RahXephon'' "deserves to be recognised outside of its comparisons to a certain [[Hideaki Anno]] animation."<ref name="rah_huxley_v7"/>

Some dialogue in the ''RahXephon'' anime series is reminiscent of ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''; for instance, protagonist Ayato's very first line in the show is "Everything is all right with the world", which closely resembles the line "All's right with the world" from [[Robert Browning]]'s ''[[Song from Pippa Passes]]'', which serves as the motto of ''Eva''<nowiki>'s</nowiki> secret organization Nerv.

===Production connections===
Anno and Izubuchi, the chief directors of each show, both designed mecha appearing in ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack]]'' (1988) and they worked together on the ''[[Cutie Honey (film)|Cutie Honey]]'' (2004) live action movie. Izubuchi had also made some design drafts of the Evangelion units, but did not make the final designs. They gave an interview for one of the ''RahXephon'' guide books, and have a relationship that can be described as being old drinking buddies.<ref name="annobuchi"/> [[Mitsuo Iso]], a writer and [[Key frame|key animator]] on ''Neon Genesis Evangelion'', wrote and directed the ''RahXephon'' episode "[[The Children's Night]]"; [[Yoji Enokido]] wrote the screenplay for ''RahXephon's'' "[[The Artisan's Battle|Interested Parties]]" and ''Neon Genesis Evangelion''{{'}}s "[[The Day Tokyo-3 Stood Still]]". [[Takeshi Honda (animator)|Takeshi Honda]] was also an animator on both shows. [[Gainax]] was one of many companies contracted for in-between animation work on episodes 6 and 26.<ref>Japanese end credits. In-between credits were removed from the ending in certain international releases to make room for voice and translation credits. Japanese credits available online:<!--These are convenience links-->{{cite web |url=http://www1.vecceed.ne.jp/~m-satomi/rahxephon.sub1.html |title=Credits episode 1-13 |access-date=2007-09-05 |author=Bones |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928050950/http://www1.vecceed.ne.jp/~m-satomi/rahxephon.sub1.html |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }} {{cite web |url=http://www1.vecceed.ne.jp/~m-satomi/rahxephon.sub2.html |title=Credits episode 14-26 |access-date=2007-09-05 |author=Bones |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070928051054/http://www1.vecceed.ne.jp/~m-satomi/rahxephon.sub2.html |archive-date=2007-09-28 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Although no Japanese voice actors from ''Evangelion'' voiced characters in the Japanese version of ''RahXephon'', both shows were [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|re-dubbed]] into English by [[ADV Films]], and both [[Allison Keith]] and [[Tiffany Grant]] voiced regular characters in both series.

===Other anime===
* [[AnimeNation]]'s John Oppliger noted influences from ''[[The Vision of Escaflowne|Escaflowne]]'', ''Evangelion'', ''[[Revolutionary Girl Utena]]'' and "especially ''[[Megazone 23]]''"<ref>{{cite web |url=http://animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=486 |title=What is RahXephon? |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Oppliger |first=John |author-link=John Oppliger |date=2002-05-02 |work=Ask John |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071124075542/http://animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=486 |archive-date=2007-11-24 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=579 |title=Can You Explain the Ending of RahXephon? |access-date=2006-10-13 |last=Oppliger |first=John |author-link=John Oppliger |date=2002-10-23 |work=Ask John |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061019080043/http://www.animenation.net/news/askjohn.php?id=579 |archive-date=2006-10-19 }}</ref>
* Charles Solomon compared the premise of ''RahXephon'' with that of ''[[Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure]]'', but found ''RahXephon'' to be "better plotted and executed".<ref name="rah_solomon"/>
* Huxley found the Dolems to be "the star of the show with their bizarre, slightly disturbing designs" reminiscent of ''[[Grey (manga)|Grey]]''.<ref name="huxley_242"/>
* Anime Jump reviewer Mike Toole compared ''RahXephon'' with ''[[Brain Powerd]]'' on account of the "excellent music", design and a "frustratingly large cast and Byzantine plot", but found ''RahXephon'' "more focused".<ref name="jump382"/> He thus disagreed with his colleague, Christian Nutt, who wrote that "[''Brain Powerd''] may not be as sexy, but it features a more heartfelt and original story".<ref name="rah_movie_nutt"/>

==Legacy==
After ''RahXephon'', Izubuchi went back to design work. His assistant director, [[Tomoki Kyoda]], became chief director on ''[[Eureka Seven]]''. [[Mitsuo Iso]] went on from his experience on ''RahXephon'' to become the chief director of ''[[Dennō Coil]]''. ''RahXephon'' has been referenced by at least one other anime series, which was also produced by Bones.<ref>{{cite episode|series=Ouran High School Host Club|series-link=Ouran High School Host Club|number=7|title=Jungle Pool SOS}} The character of Renge [[cosplay]]s as Quon. When asked who she is dressed as, she utters "La-la", Quon's standard expression; ''[[LaLa (magazine)|LaLa]]'' is also the name of the magazine where ''Ouran'' first appeared.</ref>

When asked whether robot anime following ''RahXephon'' had "lived up to the new era" Izubuchi answered "Partially yes and partially no" and regretted the focus being on financially safer [[remake]]s instead of on new creations.<ref name="izubuchifocus1"/>

==Notes and references==
<!--It is not necessary to reference general information from the TV show itself, but details should be cited with episodes. Interpretations, opinions, etc. must be explicitly referenced, preferably with inline citations. -->
{{Reflist|2}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Portal|Anime and manga}}
;Official sites
* {{in lang|ja}} [http://www.mediafactory.co.jp/anime/rahxephon/ Official website] by [[Media Factory]]
;Databases
* {{anime News Network|anime|849}}
* {{IMDb title|0364863}}
;Directory
* [http://www.anipike.com/index.php?env=-inlink/index:m1641-3-0-0-0&reset=1 ''RahXephon''] at the [[Anime Web Turnpike]]
* [http://www.pelleas.net/aniTOP/index.php?title=mitsuo_iso_interview "Bringing RahXephon Alive: The Digital Artistry of Mitsuo Iso"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606020344/http://www.pelleas.net/aniTOP/index.php?title=mitsuo_iso_interview |date=June 6, 2011 }}
* [http://www.theanimereview.com/reviews/rahxephon.html ''The Anime Review'']

{{RahXephon}}
{{Bones (studio)}}
{{Monthly Sunday Gene-X}}

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