ÉX-Driver

ÉX-Driver
Anime
Directed by	Jun Kawagoe
Studio	XEBEC

éX-Driver is an anime series created in 2000 by Fujishima Kosuke, published by Bandai Visual. It has 6 episodes, although two spin-off movies were also produced.

Overview

In the distant future people no longer drive cars themselves, instead relying on AI (artificial intelligence) computers to drive their cars for them. But when these AI systems start losing control and running wild somebody has to stop them. éX-Drivers are the people who are able to operate the older mechanical non-AI dependent cars who chase down the AI cars and stop them.

Anybody regardless of age can be an éX-Driver as long as they posses the required skills. This would explain why one of the main characters can be only 13 years old and drive. Also there is no longer any left-hand-drive or right-hand-drive law which would explain why both types of car can be seen.

The premise of the show is that there are éX-Drivers all over the world but the focus is on the team operating in Japan.

Cars used by éX-Drivers are marked with an éX-D decal. Typically an éX-Driver car would be an older mechanical type car and almost always would be rear-wheel drive with the exception of the four wheel drive Impreza WRC since éX-Drivers usually employ techniques, such as drifting when bringing down run away cars, which is not possible with front wheel drive cars and is hard to do in an all wheel drive car.

Characters

• Lorna Endou (Rona Endou in the original Japanese series), the girl next door type, who drives a Lotus Europa Special.

• Lisa Sakakino (Risa Sakakino in the original Japanese series), the fiery brunette who drove a Subaru Impreza WRC in the first episode which was wrecked had to be replaced with a Lancia Stratos HF Group 4 from the second episode onwards.

• Souichi Sugano, the 13 year old prodigy who drives a Caterham Super Seven JPE and a modified Daihatsu Midget (second episode only)

Lorna and Lisa would be your stereotypical ‘different as night and day’ partners who despite their completely different personalities still manage to be the best of friends and get along very well. This was mentioned by Lorna is episode #3.

There is a good amount of rivalry between Lisa and Souichi throughout the series mainly because Lisa feels threatened by the kid being a better driver then her. This little rivalry was highlighted in episode #2.

It would be interesting to note that there are some similarities in the personalities of the characters in éX-Driver to the characters in another Kosuke Fujishima work; Your Under Arrest. Lorna and Miyuki, Lisa and Natsumi, Souichi and Nakajima, also to some extent the Chief and the staff.

Episode list

1. AI vs RECIPRO
2. On And On
3. No Problem
4. Regulations of Love (éX-Rider)
5. Crossroads
6. The Last Mile

Technology

A good amount of future or near future technology was featured throughout the series such as automated highway systems and A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) technology.

Automated highway systems have been proposed as a solution to the traffic congestion problems. A.I. computers 'drive' the cars instead of people.

Spin-offs

There were two spin-off movies and three bonus short stories produced.

éX-Driver - Nina & Rei Danger Zone

This is a prequel to the series and centers on two former éX-Drivers, Nina and Rei.

éX-Driver The Movie

Plays in Los Angeles, as Lisa, Lorna and Souichi compete in a race competition held there.

éX-Driver The Movie - bonus animation

3 short bonus movies featuring the voice talent cast of Lisa, Lorna and Souichi in events set just before where the movie takes off. They are done in comedy style, mainly with camera pans and zooms on still images:

1. Onsen -- set in a hot spring
2. Race Queen -- set in the éX-Driver Base
3. Airport -- set in the Airport on their way to L.A.