Ergo Proxy — Review And Explained
Ergo Proxy is a dystopian cyberpunk anime (2006) that blends philosophy, psychology, and mystery into a slow-burn narrative. It’s set in a domed city called Romdeau, where humans coexist with AutoReivs (androids), and “Proxies” — mysterious, godlike beings — hidden in the shadows. The story follows inspector Re-l Mayer, immigrant Vincent Law, and child companion Pino as they journey to uncover the truth behind the Proxies and humanity’s fate.
The anime stands out for its heavy atmosphere, gothic art style, and existential themes. It isn’t action-packed in the traditional sense, but rewards patience with deep symbolism and a haunting mood. Think Blade Runner meets Ghost in the Shell with a darker, more abstract twist.
Verdict: A must-watch if you love cyberpunk philosophy and don’t mind a nonlinear, cryptic narrative. Not recommended if you prefer straightforward storytelling.
Explanations of Complicated Elements
- Proxies → They’re essentially godlike beings created by humanity’s “original” creators to watch over humanity in Earth’s post-apocalyptic wasteland. Each Proxy is tied to a city and acts as a guardian. However, they’re also cursed — when humans can survive without them, Proxies become obsolete and self-destruct.
- Proxy One & Vincent Law → Vincent is actually a Proxy (Ergo Proxy), but his human persona “Vincent Law” suppresses this truth due to guilt and self-denial. Proxy One is essentially his true self — the original Ergo Proxy. Their conflict is more about self-acceptance and identity than physical battle.
- Domed Cities (like Romdeau) → Humanity lives inside domes because the outside world is nearly uninhabitable after ecological collapse. Each dome has its own Proxy. The destruction of a Proxy often signals the downfall of its city.
- AutoReivs → Android companions created to serve humans in the domed cities. They come in two main types: Companion AutoReivs (like Pino) designed for emotional support or childcare and Entourage AutoReivs who act as personal assistants to citizens (Re-l has one named Iggy).
- Cogito Virus → A virus that gives AutoReivs self-awareness (“I think, therefore I am”). This parallels Descartes’ philosophy and symbolizes the birth of individuality in a controlled, artificial society.
- Themes of Identity & Existence → The series repeatedly questions what it means to be human: is it memory, consciousness, or survival instinct? Re-l represents rationality, Vincent represents identity struggle, and Pino (an AutoReiv child) represents innocence and freedom.
Image credit Manglobe
