Eden Zero and Fairy Tail are two popular manga and anime series created by Hiro Mashima. Both of them feature colorful characters, thrilling adventures, and a strong emphasis on friendship. But are they connected in any way, or are they just very similar projects? Here’s what you need to know.
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The Creator: Hiro Mashima
The most obvious reason why Eden Zero and Fairy Tail look alike is that they were both created by the same person: Hiro Mashima. Mashima is a prolific manga artist who started his career in 1998 with Rave Master, another fantasy series that has some connections to Fairy Tail. Mashima has a distinctive style of drawing characters, especially their faces and hair, which makes them easily recognizable across his works.
Mashima has also stated that he likes to reuse some of his favorite character designs and names in his new projects, as a way of paying homage to his previous works and giving fans some Easter eggs to spot. For example, Happy, the blue cat who accompanies Natsu in Fairy Tail, also appears in Eden Zero as Rebecca’s robotic companion. However, this does not mean that they are the same character or that they exist in the same universe.
The Genre: Sci-Fi vs Fantasy
One of the main differences between Eden Zero and Fairy Tail is their genre. While Fairy Tail is a fantasy series set in a world where magic is common and guilds of mages take on various missions, Eden Zero is a sci-fi series set in a futuristic universe where humans have colonized different planets and use advanced technology such as spaceships and robots.
However, both series also have some elements that blur the lines between sci-fi and fantasy. For example, Eden Zero features a pseudo-magic system called Ether Gear, which allows certain individuals to manipulate ether, a form of energy that exists in all things. Ether Gear users can perform feats similar to magic, such as manipulating gravity, fire, or wind. On the other hand, Fairy Tail also has some sci-fi aspects, such as the existence of parallel worlds, time travel, and artificial beings.
The Theme: Friendship
One of the most prominent themes in both Eden Zero and Fairy Tail is friendship. Both series follow the adventures of a group of friends who share a strong bond and support each other through thick and thin. They also face various enemies and challenges that test their loyalty, courage, and determination.
In Eden Zero, the main protagonist is Shiki Granbell, a boy who was raised by robots on an abandoned amusement park planet. He dreams of finding Mother, a mythical goddess who is said to grant any wish. He meets Rebecca Bluegarden, a B-Cuber (a video blogger) who travels across the cosmos with her robo-cat Happy. They become friends and join forces with other allies to explore the universe and search for Mother.
In Fairy Tail, the main protagonist is Lucy Heartfilia, a young mage who wants to join the famous Fairy Tail guild. She meets Natsu Dragneel, a fire mage who is looking for his foster father Igneel, a dragon who disappeared seven years ago. He invites her to join Fairy Tail, where she meets other members such as Gray Fullbuster, Erza Scarlet, Wendy Marvell, and Happy. They become friends and take on various missions and enemies together.
The Plot: Standalone vs Arc-Based
Another difference between Eden Zero and Fairy Tail is their plot structure. While both series have an overarching goal for their main characters (finding Mother for Shiki and finding Igneel for Natsu), they also have different ways of telling their stories.
Eden Zero is more of a standalone series, where each chapter or episode focuses on a different planet or adventure that Shiki and his friends encounter. There is not much continuity or connection between the different episodes, except for some recurring characters and plot points. Each episode has its own theme, tone, and genre, ranging from comedy to horror to mystery.
Fairy Tail is more of an arc-based series, where each arc consists of several chapters or episodes that follow a specific storyline or conflict that involves Fairy Tail or its allies. There is more continuity and connection between the different arcs, as they build up to a larger plot or reveal more about the characters’ backgrounds and motivations. Each arc has its own villain, stakes, and climax.
The Conclusion: No Direct Connection
Based on the information above, it can be concluded that Eden Zero and Fairy Tail are not directly connected in terms of lore or canon. They are separate series that have their own settings, characters, and stories. However, they do share some similarities in terms of style, themes, and elements that reflect Mashima’s preferences and influences as a creator.
Therefore, fans of either series can enjoy both without worrying about missing out on any details or references. They can also appreciate the differences and uniqueness of each series, as well as the similarities and homages that Mashima has included. Eden Zero and Fairy Tail are both entertaining and inspiring series that celebrate the power of friendship and adventure.
