Overview: Welcome to Mars#
Set in the year 2046, Armitage III is a gripping blend of science fiction, mystery, and action. The story follows Detective Ross Sylibus, who is transferred to Mars following the murder of a country singer. The case is complicated by the fact that the victim is a “Third”—a highly advanced robot designed to look and feel human.
Sylibus is paired with Armitage, a beautiful female police officer with a prickly personality. As they delve deeper into the murders of several women on Mars, they stumble upon a dangerous government conspiracy. The stakes become personal when it is revealed that Armitage is also a Third. If you enjoy stories about police procedurals set against a futuristic backdrop, you can watch the anime on Prime Video.
Is the Anime Really Finished?#
Whether Armitage III is “finished” depends on how much of the story you want to experience. The original series provides a central narrative focused on the conspiracy on Mars. However, the story does not end there.
If you are looking for a complete experience, you will find that there is a sequel titled Armitage: Dual-Matrix. While the initial series sets the stage, the sequel expands the universe. For those who want to see every detail of the world-building, there is also a manga adaptation. If you prefer reading the source material to ensure you haven’t missed any nuances, you can buy the Armitage III manga here.
Who Is This Anime For?#
Armitage III is best suited for fans of classic 90s sci-fi and cyberpunk aesthetics. Its appeal lies in its exploration of the blurred lines between humans and robots, utilizing themes such as:
- Androids and Cyborgs: The central conflict revolves around the “Thirds” and their place in society.
- Political Intrigue: The plot heavily features military and police elements, focusing on government conspiracies.
- Mystery: The overarching plot is a “whodunit” that evolves into a fight for survival.
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Recommended Watch Order#
Navigating the releases of Armitage III can be slightly confusing due to the existence of a compilation and a sequel. You can refer to the relationship tree below for a visual guide, but here are the best ways to experience the series:
Release Order#
For those who want to experience the series as it was originally delivered to the public:
- Armitage III (Original Series)
- Armitage III: Poly-Matrix (Compilation)
- Armitage: Dual-Matrix (Sequel)
Completionist Order#
If you want every piece of content available, we recommend integrating the manga into your experience:
- Armitage III (Manga)
- Armitage III (Anime)
- Armitage III: Poly-Matrix
- Armitage: Dual-Matrix
The “Fast Track” Order#
For viewers who don’t mind jumping straight to the core story and the sequel, you can skip the compilation (Poly-Matrix) and move directly from the original series to Armitage: Dual-Matrix.
Final Thoughts#
Armitage III is a staple of its genre, offering a moody, atmospheric look at a futuristic Mars. Whether you are here for the action or the philosophical questions regarding artificial intelligence, it is a journey worth taking. While you’re diving into the world of Thirds, don’t forget to check out some Armitage III merchandise to complete your collection!
Armitage III • anime • 1995-02-25 to 1995-11-25
└─(compilation)→ Armitage III: Poly-Matrix • anime • 1996-06-25
└─(sequel)→ Armitage: Dual-Matrix • anime • 2002-03-22
└─(adaptation)→ Armitage III • manga • 1994-12 to 1995-10 (serialized in Monthly Shonen Captain)
