Aaron H. Bynum · From fps #4 · September 1, 2005 | In the world of Fafner, Japan was pretty much destroyed about thirty years ago thanks to a war with the horribly destructive alien race known as Festum. Descending, godlike, onto planet Earth and towering in the heavens above like titans, Festum are vicious giants, swathed in gold. There is very little that humankind can do to fight against these extraterrestrial demons. However, Tatsumiya Island has found a way to keep their land mass exempt from the aliens' path as well as keep from the prying eyes of international militaries on the lookout for Festum. And just how do the inhabitants of Tatsumiya Island maintain their peaceful paradise? They hide.

Fafner Vol. 1: Arcadian Project Directed by Nobuyoshi Habara Xebec/Geneon Entertainment, 2005 Originally broadcast in Japan in 2004 100 minutes Shop for Fafner DVDs and more: Amazon.ca Amazon.com

The island itself uses a camouflage that hides the entire island from the outside world. The technological advancements of this island are one thing; however, the islanders' motives for having the technology are another. In a move to keep the as yet unharmed populace free from military conflict, those of Tatsumiya Island have hid themselves from the public eye. But as Festum's invasion spreads to the island's region, it becomes abundantly clear that select residents of this island must take up arms. These people must now balance the safety of their entire island against their exposure to a war-torn world.

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You'll find it and many other articles in the September 2005 issue of fps, available as a free download.