Zorthy Kanai
CharacterZorthy Kanai joins Team Dai-Gurren at the close of Episode 7 and stays with the brigade through both of its great wars. A cigarette rarely leaves his mouth, a habit almost nobody else in the series shares. He pilots the Sawzorthn and gives his life in the opening deep space clash with the Anti-Spiral.
Appearance
Smoke curling from his lips is the one constant in how Zorthy is drawn. His look otherwise shifts with the eras of the story: one design for the Beastmen War, an older post-timeskip appearance, and the Super Galaxy Team Dai-Gurren uniform he wears when taking the Sawzorthn into space.
Personality
The series spells out little of Zorthy's inner life. What defines him instead is the ever-present smoking, a quirk that sets him apart from the entire cast; only Leyte is ever seen sharing it. His years of unbroken service, from the surface campaign to the last push beyond the planet, are left to speak for the rest.
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History
Zorthy comes aboard as a fresh recruit in the closing moments of Episode 7 and fights through the Beastmen War at the controls of the Sawzorthn. After the timeskip he holds a government post in the new order, then returns to combat when the Anti-Spiral threat emerges, his machine eventually manifesting as the Tengen Toppa Sawzorthn.
He dies in the first battle fought in deep space against the Anti-Spiral. The epilogue shows a sword-shaped memorial raised in his honor, standing beside Kamina's and those of the other fallen members of Team Dai-Gurren.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Zorthy Kanai join Team Dai-Gurren?
Zorthy Kanai joins Team Dai-Gurren in the closing moments of Episode 7 and fights through the Beastmen War piloting the Sawzorthn.
What is Zorthy Kanai's defining trait?
Zorthy Kanai is almost always drawn with a cigarette in his mouth, a habit that sets him apart from nearly the entire cast of Gurren Lagann. Only Leyte Jokin is ever seen sharing the habit with him.
How does Zorthy Kanai die?
Zorthy Kanai dies in the first battle fought in deep space against the Anti-Spiral, piloting his mech after it manifests as the Tengen Toppa Sawzorthn.
What Gunmen does Zorthy Kanai pilot?
Zorthy Kanai pilots the Sawzorthn throughout the Beastmen War, and the same machine later manifests as the Tengen Toppa Sawzorthn when he returns to fight the Anti-Spiral.
How is Zorthy Kanai honored after his death?
After Zorthy Kanai dies, the series epilogue shows a sword-shaped memorial raised in his honor, standing beside Kamina's and those of the other fallen members of Team Dai-Gurren.
Sources & Information
Looking for more on Zorthy Kanai? The Gurren Lagann Wiki on Fandom has a dedicated page with community notes.
View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Gurren Lagann anime series, manga, and official materials. Gurren Lagann was created by Gainax, published by Kadokawa, and animated by Gainax and Trigger. All rights to Gurren Lagann and its characters belong to their respective owners. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Rights holders
- Created byGainax
- Published byKadokawa
- Animated byGainax
- Animated byTrigger
All rights belong to their respective owners.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
- Movie pages: theatrical posters and key visuals, credited to Gainax, Trigger and Kadokawa.
- Game pages: official box art, credited to the game's respective publishers.
- Manga chapter pages: volume covers, credited to Kadokawa and Gainax.
Official resources:
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