Character discussion - Maximilian
 

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Nice, a topic devoted to Lelou- er, I mean, Maximilian.

And so far, I like how the anime is treating him. Really badass prince. Same as our dear Zero.:D

Please remember people. Just because his Japanese VA is Jun Fukuyama, it doesn't mean Maxmillian will act like that Flamboyant bastard Lelouch. He's more tough and smart Commander than a flamboyant showoff weakling. His English VA on the other hand, is very manly & fierce since, Matthew Yang King also voiced the Demon Night Elf, Illdian Stromrage of the Warcraft series.

Truth be told I found his English VA far far more regal and intimidating than Fukuyama's. I think it suits him more.

Checked up on Matthew. He's Asian-American, which strikes me as very interesting. He's able to do his role perfectly. XP

Fukuyama is doing Max as Lelouch with practically 0 compassion. No laughs, no games. He drives hard bargains, and everyone knows it, even Gregor.

P.S. Look at where Illidan ended up. Not a good place, if you ask me.

He's been able to defend himself very well against the hired assassins in the 9th episode. Looks like he's gonna be awesome...

Hmm, I don't think the anime mentioned Max being anywhere close to a military genius. If it did, I think I missed it. In the game, Max was described as ambitious, but not a genius. Despite his chief of staff being composed of intelligent individuals, they were not united in thought nor action and all had their own agenda. It was also implied that the Empire initially did not pay much heed to the Gallia campaign, at all. Yeah, whatever campaign Max was trying to run, it had a low success rate from the very start.

Although it must be noted that the game's momentum did accelerate right after the Federation kidnap attempt, and prompted a new wave of offensives by the Empire.

Although it should be noted that Max did what he did mainly out of vengeance not because he cared much about his Imperial lineage or the Empire itself.

- Tak

On the contrary, I believed that he pursued the Gallian campaign to prove that he is a force to be reckoned with in the Imperial court. If he succeeds, he becomes a war hero, and his standing in the court would be greatly enhanced. That is his main goal.

Well, yes, exactly. But at the end, its all about him, isn't it? From the few flashbacks that we were able to muster about Max, its strongly implied that he perhaps even despised the current reigning dynasty. Its not as if he cared for his family at all, his siblings or the current reigning dynasty. Rather, everything that transpired in Gallia originated from his ambition.

After all, I highly doubt the proposal he offered near the end of the game was part of the Imperial agenda for Gallia.

- Tak

Well, he probably wants to become Emperor himself. First step is to raise his standing. If all goes well, the end game would be him sweeping the old court out and him becoming the new status quo. It's more palatable to the people if a war hero launches a coup.

It's dangerous for a man with such ambition not to have some brains. Whether Max has enough, is another question.

Again, you are saying what I am saying. Yes, he wants to be Emperor, I think that part is more than obvious. But, once again, his ambition to become Emperor does not necessarily include the well-being of the current reigning dynasty.

Then we should look at what Max got for assistance. His general staff isn't exactly what you would call top-notch. He got a childhood housemaid, who relies on individual brute strength over actual tactical planning. He got a minority, who cares not for the Empire but the independence of his own homeland. Then he acquired an obvious outcast, who is probably the least popular individual amongst his colleagues and no wonder he was sent to Max because people just wanted to get rid of him. With those three at hand, what are the chances of success, realistically speaking? Not very much.

- Tak

Well, I guess he might rename the era once he comes to power. As you said, the well-being of the current dynasty isn't his worry, but the conditions of the Empire itself is his worry.

1) When "individual brute strength" involves crushing companies without breaking a sweat, I go for tactics becoming secondary.

2) Having a mercenary doesn't mean failure by default. As you said, since Max isn't caring much about the dynasty, hiring a person who isn't that loyal to the Empire is logical.

3) Having a brutal commander is a double-edged sword. Terror can either break the spirit of the defenders or spur them to greater resistance.

To Max, his chance of success must be pretty high for him to even make the move. Last I heard, "making the impossible possible" wasn't his line.

Now that you've said that yezhanquan someone needs to shop Kamina's sunglasses onto Max and Yoko's outfit onto Selvaria. XD

....No. Max as Kamina screams "fail", although I'm not so sure of Selvaria as Yoko.

Oddly, despite a whole chapter on Imperials and a few little scenes, felt the game gave more coverage to His Grace then the show has so far. His (English) voice in the game carried arrogance, could deliver both a little bit of charisma and could be chilling. Don't recall seeing him that much outside of tank or war room but he seemed to get more chance to stamp his mark, ruthless, fairly intelligent, even moment of honour

Despite seeing him more outside tank/war room in the show, he seems to take a backseat to the other generals and be a little bland so far, don't think they have quite got him right so far. Getting better in last two episodes though

I'm surprised he's only 29 years old and that he's only 7 years older than Selvaria o.O, thought he was older.

He doesn't look that old. :heh:

But, if you look at it, 29 years old, and nothing impressive on record....

No wonder he's desperate.

and max got his taller version of CC... ah i mean selvaria to be his shield :heh: