Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion - Series Profile

The Story:

After Japan is invaded by the Britannia Empire, its rights and honor are stripped away. Renamed "Area 11," the land is ruled by Britannia's military using robot weapons called "Knightmares."

A young Britannian, Lelouch, has seen enough destruction and vows to take revenge on the Britannian Empire with the help of a magical power called the "Geass."

The History:

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion was created by Ichiro Okouchi and Goro Taniguchi and first premiered on the Mainichi Broadcasting System in Japan on October 5, 2006. It was then picked up by Animax and shown via satellite television on November 7, 2006. Bandai acquired the North American rights in 2007, and Code Geass premiered in the U.S. on Adult Swim on April 27, 2008. Code Geass features character designs by CLAMP and won Best Anime TV Series at the 6th Annual Tokyo Anime Awards.

Manga vs. Anime:

The Code Geass anime was adapted into four separate manga issues, each with alternate storylines focusing on a single primary character. The first three adaptations have been licensed by Bandai Entertainment for a North American release.

How to Watch:

Code Geass premiered as part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming on April 27, 2008. It was released on DVD in the U.S. on August 8, 2008.

Check out Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion DVDs

Genres:

Mecha, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Action/Adventure

Learn more about anime genres and themes

Distributor:

Bandai Entertainment

Rating:

T13+ - Learn more about anime age ratings

The Plot:

Code Geass is a sci-fi, supernatural thriller that takes us into a futuristic and fictional Japan after its defeat by the Britannia Empire. The Empire used powerful robot weapons known as "knightmares" to overthrow Japan and then stripped it and its people of their identity.

Japan is now "Area 11" and its inhabitants are known as the Elevens. Lelouch is a native Britannian, but is outraged by the destruction he sees. When he stumbles across a battle between military forces and resurgent Elevens, he meets his old friend Suzaku, an Eleven who has joined the Britannia military. Suzaku is shot for disobeying orders as he tried to protect Lelouch and a mysterious girl. Lelouch is devastated at the loss of his friend but receives a mysterious power from the girl - the "Geass" - a power that allows Lelouch to command any person to follow any order.