Geneshaft

Geneshaft
Cover for the first DVD of Geneshaft
ジーンシャフト (Jīn Shafuto)
Genre	Adventure, Mecha, Biopunk
Anime television series
Directed by	Kazuki Akane
Music by	Akira Takasaki
Studio	Satelight, Studio Gazelle
Licensed by	AUS: Madman Entertainment NA: Bandai Entertainment
Original network	WOWOW
English network	NA: TechTV/G4techTV SEA: Animax Asia
Original run	April 5, 2001 – June 28, 2001
Episodes	13
Manga
Volumes	2

Geneshaft (Japanese: ジーンシャフト, Hepburn: Jīn Shafuto) is a Japanese science fiction anime television series set in space, produced by Bandai Visual in 2001, and directed by Kazuki Akane (of Escaflowne fame). It was broadcast on the WOWOW network and was translated and dubbed into English by the anime television network Animax, who broadcast it from within its respective networks in Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent and around the world. Tubi TV later added the series.^[1]

The story revolves around the voyages of the Bilkis spaceship across the Solar System, and its crew of genetically engineered humans, as they attempt to uncover the mysteries of an alien technology threatening to destroy the Earth, and whose nature may reveal the true origins and destiny of humanity in the late 23rd century.

The series is characterized by its exploration of the theme of genetic engineering, and the possible consequences of this technology dominating and defining future human society. It also contains a distinctive metal soundtrack with electronica elements (composed by Akira Takasaki), often featuring electric guitar solos at dramatic moments.

Featured as a central plot element is the 'Shaft', a Mecha with a peculiar appearance. Made entirely using CGI, this humanoid robot's design appears to resemble gray mechanical cranes, lacking appealing characteristics common to other Mecha, such as bright colors or even a 'head'.