Based on Avex Pictures and GCREST’s mixed media project, Paradox Live, the new animated series by the same name recently premiered on October 3rd. Los Angeles fans were treated to a special screening that included a first look at the second episode on October 7th, a few days before the episode officially premieres.
Fans showed up to the screening decked out in full cosplay, ready to cheer on their favorite characters and groups as they watched the animated series on the big screen. As the show is centered around four music groups, the event was also prepared with the concept of these fandoms in mind, as official towel slogans for each group in the anime were distributed, and fans prepared and passed out pickets, stickers, and photocards of their favorite members.
Paradox Live takes place in a futuristic world, where hip-hop culture has become the most popular and common genre, and it has stimulated the rise of a new movement known as the Phantom Live. With metal accessories known as “phantometals” that sync up to the user’s DNA, musical artists are able to project images and graphics, linked to their own emotions, that pair with their music while they perform. Although this special effect creates a unique performance for audiences and the artists themselves, it does not come without consequence. Each time an artist uses their phantometal during a performance, they experience a “trap response,” which triggers memories of the artist’s most traumatic moment in life, and has them relive it over and over. Every person’s trap response varies in terms of how soon it comes after a performance, what they experience and see, and how long it lasts, but they all experience them nonetheless.
The animated series follows four musical acts that each have their own reasons for joining a competition hosted by the legendary CLUB paradox, where legendary rap group BURAIKAN started. BAE competes for the chance to share their music and for their love of music, while The Cat’s Whiskers, cozmez, and Akanyatsura are motivated by the ten billion yen monetary prize, but for different reasons. The Cat’s Whiskers hope to keep their bar with the money, cozmez hopes to be able to afford a surgery, and Akanyatsura are hoping to revive the legacy of their Yakuza-backed family. Despite each group having different goals, they work their hardest to win against one another for the ten billion yen and a chance to battle BURAIKAN.
While episode one focused on introducing the concept of phantometals and the group BAE to viewers, episode two dove into a newfound rivalry between BAE and cozmez. With their one-on-one battle quickly approaching, lines become blurred as petty actions are brought to light and unexpected friendships began to forge. Tensions rise as self confidence falls, and each group is left to question their own motivations as they begin feeling insecure in their own talents.
Paradox Live will continue to broadcast and stream online following the release of episode two on October 11th.
