Summary
The anime industry is highly saturated with overused narratives and character designs, making similarities between series a relatively common phenomenon. However,Edens ZeroandFairy Tailare two series that share an uncanny number of similarities. This can largely be attributed to the fact that both series have beencreated by Hiro Mashima, an author known for recycling character designs and characterizations in his works.
While mostEdens Zerocharacters can trace their inspiration back toFairy Tail, Elsie Crimson seems to be a carbon-copy of the Erza Scarlet, with little to no deviations. Their character designs and powers are uncannily similar, though their roles in the series may have slight variations. Mashima’s goal of using old designs to add a nostalgic touch toEdens Zeromay have been successful, yet Elsie’s character remains overshadowed by herFairy Tailcounterpart.
RELATED:Edens Zero: The Striking Similarities Between Rebecca and Fairy Tail’s Lucy
Appearance and Design
The most similar element between the two series are the almost-identical character designs and appearances. While viewers might be able to discern a few familiar faces occasionally, Elsie’s appearance stands out the most as her design is an almost carbon-copy of Erza Scarlet. Fromher iconic red hairto the indistinguishable facial structure, Erza’s distinct features are ever-present in Elsie’s design.
Despite the apparent similarities, the two still bear a few distinct elements. Instead of a plain armor as an outfit, Elsie rocks a skin-tight suit with a cape draping off her back. Aneye-patch on her right eyealso takes away some of her similitude with Erza, though it also serves as a callback to Erza’s artificial eye made for her by Porlyusica, after she lost an eye while escaping the Tower of Heaven. Even with these changes, however, viewers have a hard time seeing Elsie as her own character.
Personality and Characterization
Another similarity that runs parallel between the two characters are their personalities. Both characters boast tenacious personalities with wits in battle, and a titan-like will that remains undefeated. Since Elsie’s screen time is significantly less than the rest ofEdens Zero’scharacter roster, viewers still haven’t been fully acquainted with the true Elsie Crimson.
However, the bits and pieces revealed about her personality showclear parallels with Erza Scarlet. Despite the battle-hardy exterior, the two still bear a soft spot for those close to them. However, Elsie seems to bear a more easygoing and rebellious personality, slightly differing from Erza’s mature and responsible side.
Hiro Mashima has made an effort to create new characterizations forEdens Zerocharacters, evident from Shiki and Rebecca’s differing personalities from theirFairy Tailcounterparts. Elsie, on the other hand, has barely received any screen time, making it difficult to discern her true character or decipher her novel qualities that differentiate her from Erza.
Powers and Abilities
The maincast ofEdens ZeroandFairy Tailmay share many resemblances in appearances and personalities, yet their powers are truly novel and distinct. In Elsie’s case, however, even her abilities seem to be a recycled version of Erza’s. Her Star Drain Ether Gear allows her to absorb the Ether of the planet she is on, using it to conjure elemental armors.
RELATED:Edens Zero: Strongest Characters, Ranked
Her powers are all too similar toErza’s Requip Magic, which essentially allows her to equip magical armor and mythical weapons instantly. The similarities don’t stop at their abilities as even the process of re-equipping remains the same. However, some of Elsie’s powers differ as she can utilize the very same Ether to perform targeted energy attacks. This ability is akin to Heavenly Body Magic, a form of unique magic power used by Jellal Fernandes inFairy Tail.
An Adversary From the Past
A recurring theme in Hiro Mashima’s series is a male adversary from the past, one that has history that goes way back with one of the protagonists. Despite being on the opposing sides, feelings of love also seem to be at the forefront, possibly driving the anguish. In Erza’s case, Jellal Fernandes was his long-time friend who had become corrupted and evil, though he eventually redeems himself andbecomes allies with Erzaonce more. Their feelings for each other were also explored, with Fairy Tail clearly implying that sentiments of love exist between the two.
Jellal’s equivalent in Edens Zero is Justice, a member of the Oracion Seis Interstellar and anagent of the Cosmic Government. Similar to his Fairy Tail counterpart, Justice seeks revenge on Elsie and vows to kill her with his own hands. However, it’s evident that the two share a history, one that is yet to be explored. However, one member of the Oracion Seis Interstellar teases Justice that he is still in love with Elsie, clearly implying that the two shared an emotional bond. Being an exact replication of Erza and Jellal’s story, Elsie and Justice are on the same path as their counterparts, making this another one of Mashima’s reused aspects inEdens Zero.
MORE:Best Anime To Watch If You Love Edens Zero
