Black Knights Formation

Lore & Background

The origins of the Black Knights lie in the desperation of the Japanese people under imperial rule. Before their formal organization, resistance was fragmented and easily suppressed by Britannian forces. The emergence of Zero provided a focal point for these disparate groups, offering not just leadership but a symbol of hope. Lelouch, as Zero, created the Black Knights from the members of the Japanese Resistance, forming a military force dedicated to destroying the Holy Britannian Empire, a superpower that controls one third of the world and has recently conquered Japan. Zero's tactical genius during the early battles proved that victory was possible against overwhelming odds. This success allowed him to demand loyalty in exchange for protection and resources. As the ranks swelled, the identity of the Black Knights became synonymous with Zero himself, creating a cult-like devotion among the soldiers who fought under his command.

In Their Own Story

The underground bunker hummed with the low vibration of generators. Dust motes danced in the harsh light of a single overhead bulb as figures in dark armor gathered around a holographic map. Zero stood at the head, his cape pooling on the concrete floor like spilled ink. He did not speak with anger, but with a calm certainty that silenced the room. "Tonight," he said, his voice echoing slightly, "we stop hiding. We become the storm they cannot weather." The soldiers looked to each other, seeing resolve hardening in their eyes. For the first time, they were not just survivors; they were an army. A single black flag was raised in the corner, marking the birth of a legend that would shake an empire.

Reader's Guide

The formation begins amidst chaos in Area 11 following the initial uprising. Scattered resistance cells lacked coordination until a mysterious figure emerged. This leader, known only as Zero, demonstrated tactical brilliance during the early battles. Impressed by his results, various factions agreed to unite under a single banner. The group adopted the name Black Knights to signify their dark opposition to imperial light. Leadership was consolidated through strategic victories and political maneuvering within the ranks. Kallen Kouzuki became a key commander, bridging the gap between Zero's strategy and field operations. She is the group's most talented pilot and on par with the Knights of the Round. This unification transformed a loose rebellion into a standing army capable of challenging Knightmares directly. The impact shifted the war from guerrilla skirmishes to conventional warfare. Britannia was forced to treat them as a legitimate threat rather than terrorists. Internal conflicts arose regarding ideology versus pragmatism. Some members sought liberation while others wanted revenge. Zero managed these tensions through the promise of a new world order. The base of operations moved frequently to avoid detection by Britannian forces. This period established the chain of command that would define their later campaigns. Ultimately, this formation marked the beginning of the end for the Empire's unchecked rule in Japan.

Did You Know?

• The Black Knights were formed from members of a group originally known as the Japanese Resistance.
• Kallen Kouzuki is the Black Knights' most talented pilot and is on par with the Knights of the Round.
• Lelouch created the Black Knights under his masked alter-ego, Zero, to pursue the destruction of Britannia.
• The series was directed by Gorō Taniguchi and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, produced by Sunrise.
• Clamp designed the characters for Code Geass, marking the first time they were asked to design characters for an anime series.

Origins and Creative Collaboration

The genesis of the Code Geass universe stems from a unique partnership between Sunrise studio and the renowned manga collective Clamp. During the series' early conceptualization, director Gorō Taniguchi made history by becoming the first to invite Clamp to design characters for an anime project. This collaboration proved pivotal, as Clamp not only provided character visuals but also contributed significantly to the narrative setting and world-building. The finalized original designs were crafted by lead artist Mokona before being adapted for animation by Takahiro Kimura of Sunrise. Kimura had previously studied Clamp's extensive art books and manga works daily, dedicating his efforts to translating their distinct style into animatable forms without losing the essence of the original artwork. This meticulous process ensured that the visual identity remained consistent with Clamp's vision while remaining practical for the animation team.

The Protagonist and His Secret Identity

Lelouch Lamperouge serves as the central figure, originally born as Lelouch vi Britannia, the eleventh prince of the Holy Britannian Empire. Following his mother's assassination and his sister Nunnally's disablement, he was exiled to Japan with her, where they formed a deep bond with Suzaku Kururugi before the empire conquered their host nation. Years later, Lelouch encounters C.C., who grants him the Geass power of absolute command. Driven by a desire to create a peaceful world for his sister and uncover the truth behind his mother's death, he adopts the masked persona of Zero. Under this guise, he orchestrates a revolution against the oppressive Britannian Empire, which controls one-third of the globe. To lead this charge, he transforms the Japanese Resistance into a formidable military force known as the Black Knights, utilizing his strategic genius and supernatural ability to dismantle the empire from within.

The Rivalry Between Ideals

Suzaku Kururugi represents a complex foil to Lelouch, serving as both his childhood friend and ideological antagonist. As the son of Japan's last prime minister, Suzaku carries the trauma of murdering his own father in a misguided attempt to end the war, an act that ultimately facilitated Britannia's conquest. Unlike Lelouch, who seeks destruction from the outside, Suzaku believes in reforming the empire from within through legal and honorable means, rejecting illegal methods as meaningless. He joins the Britannian military, eventually piloting the experimental Lancelot Knightmare Frame and earning a seat among the Knights of the Round. However, his pursuit of justice masks a deeper desire for atonement through death. Over time, Suzaku's rigid adherence to the system turns hypocritical as he resorts to torture and murder to expose Zero, though he eventually realizes his errors and joins Lelouch in the Zero Requiem.

The Immortal Guide and Hidden Allies

C.C., an immortal witch, acts as the catalyst for Lelouch's rebellion by bestowing upon him the Geass power. Their relationship is bound by a contract where she demands her greatest wish be granted: to have someone kill her. She serves as Lelouch's constant advisor and protector, often intervening when his identity as Zero is threatened. Despite their close bond, C.C. frequently annoys Lelouch with her eccentric behavior, such as sneaking out or ordering Pizza Hut on his credit card, a nod to the show's Japanese sponsor. Meanwhile, Kallen Kouzuki operates as a double agent within Ashford Academy, hiding her true identity as a half-Britannian, half-Japanese resistance fighter behind a facade of illness. As an outstanding student and council member, she secretly fights for the Black Knights, leveraging her prestigious Stadtfeld heritage to aid Lelouch's cause while maintaining her cover among Britannian elites.