Darling in the Franxx - Merchandise
Darling in the Franxx is an anime series that aired in 2018 in Japan and was simulcasted worldwide by anime streaming services like Crunchyroll. It aired from January 13th to July 7th and had a total of 24 episodes. Darling in the Franxx is a mecha anime with elements of romance and drama. The show was popular upon release in Japan and proved to be just as successful outside of Japan, being praised both for art and writing. It won the 2018 Newtype Anime Awards for “Best Mechanical Design” and was nominated for several other categories. A manga adaptation of the anime was serialized in 2018. The following is a selection of popular merchandise based on the Darling in the Franxx series: Darling in the Franxx Acrylic Keychain Charm Collection, Darling in the Franxx Clear File Set, and Darling in the Franxx Acrylic Plate Collection.
Darling in the Franxx Acrylic Keychain Charm Collection
These keychains come in six different models, each with a different colored background corresponding to the character depicted: Hiro, Zero Two, Ichigo, Miku, Kokoro, or Ikuno. Each keychain features a portrait of the respective character with a standard expression. Each comes with a convenient rubber strap to attach easily to keychains, cellphones, and other such things. These keychain charms are sold separately, not as a set.
- Release Date: 2018
- Manufacturer: Movic
Darling in the Franxx Clear File Set
This set features two clear files with different designs on them. The first shows Hiro and Zero Two against a setting sun background with their Franxx, Strelizia. They are mid-air, reaching out happily for each other. The second file features Zero Two in her battle suit, with a sad expression against a dark mecha background. Clear files come in two different colors: Red (Hiro and Zero Two) and blue. This set includes both clear files, which are A4 sized (8.3 x 11.7 inches).
- Release Date: 2018
- Manufacturer: Movic
- Specifications: Set of 2 full-color clear files
- Size: A4
- Material: Polypropylene
Darling in the Franxx Acrylic Plate Collection
This collection includes three different acrylic plates that are 10.2 inches long and 7.9 inches wide. The first plate features Zero Two looking provocative in her common military attire. The second plate features Hiro and Zero Two happily reaching for each other with their Franxx (Strelitzia) in the background. The third plate features Zero Two in her battle attire with a worried expression.
- Manufacturer: Movic
- Specifications: Acrylic plate with 2 stands
- Dimensions (approx.): 26 x 20 cm | 10.2" x 7.9"
About Darling in the Franxx
In a post-apocalyptic world, humans have abandoned the surface of the earth, retreating into highly sophisticated cities that are under constant siege from gigantic monsters called Klaxosaurs (Kyoryuu in Japanese). Having reached immortality, human civilization has lost the ability to reproduce and is rapidly decreasing in numbers due to the attacks of these mysterious beings.
In order to protect themselves from the Klaxosaurs, gigantic machines (mecha) called FranXX are created. FranXX are best piloted in male-female pairs. Artificially created children called Parasites are made specifically for this purpose. These people are left mortal and retain their social and sexual drive, as it is believed to improve the bonds of the pilots.
The anime, a collaboration between studios CloverWorks and Trigger, was one of the most popular anime of the year (2018) and went on to be nominated for a myriad of awards. The story, written by Atsushi Nishigori and Naotaka Hayashi, has been widely acclaimed for its use of existing elements in action anime and mixing them with complex character development and the interpersonal relationships of the show’s characters. A manga adaptation was serialized by Shonen Jump+ in 2018. As of January 2020, it has sold 400,000 copies worldwide.
Reception
While the anime ran without much controversy in Japan, fans around the world continuously argued on social media over who the main character, Hiro, would end up with. At one point, this prompted anonymous death threats during its original airing in response to an apparent Hiro and Ichigo pairing, the series sparked controversy abroad.
The series takes place in a dystopian future where humanity has grown past the need for reproduction, as they have achieved immortality. The main cast of the series, however, are left with their mortality - along with their libido.
The show focuses significantly on coming-of-age and how teenagers handle the onset of sexuality in their lives. Sexual elements in the series were criticized abroad in some cases, although the series is aimed at teenagers and does not show explicit or adult content. The show spawned a divided fandom, with one group in favor of the Hiro and Zero Two pairing and the other advocating for Hiro and Ichigo.
Links
Darling in the Franxx Acrylic Keychain Charm Collection
Darling in the Franxx Clear File Set
Darling in the Franxx Acrylic Plate Collection
Darling in the Franxx Label
Zero Two Label
Ichigo Label