Series Recommendation: Mars Daybreak
Mars, the planet named after the God of War – Ares, truly lives up to its name. Conflicts involving Mars is everywhere in Mecha. We got Gundam, Nadesico, Aldnoah Zero, etc… Mars Daybreak is no exception, with its events taking place primarily on Mars. But the red planet in this series isn’t a wasteland but something far more interesting and unique.
That’s right! The entire planet is covered in water. H2O is everywhere. But contrary to the abundance of resources, life on Mars is drying out. People are living in poverty and work is extremely hard to find. Our protag, Gram, scrapes by day by day taking care of young kids. However, life twists him around its fingers by involving him with a pirate band, as well as granting him the mysterious Round Buckler with seemingly enormous power. Gram embarks on his adventure with the his new mech, getting other people involved in his incredible story, that includes his childhood girl friend, the granddaughter of the Earth’s president, and many more.
+ Plot: Mars Daybreak make a really good impression because it’s not “unwilling child soldiers placed in giant robots forced to fight an unjust war”-type of story. The characters are grown-up and is conscious of what they are doing. They aren’t whiny, angsty children that complain about their situation, but actively accept the challenges and try to make the best of the situation. There are many twists and turns that will keep you on edge throughout the series, especially the relationship between Gram and Vess, his childhood friend. Other side-characters also have their own charm and unique personality, although their development is nowhere near Gram and Vess, they are still a fun bunch, just like the bridge bunnies in Macross, the Vandread’s crew or Nadesico’s crew. (P/s: They have a freaking whale in a powered suit)
+ Plot: Mars Daybreak make a really good impression because it’s not “unwilling child soldiers placed in giant robots forced to fight an unjust war”-type of story. The characters are grown-up and is conscious of what they are doing. They aren’t whiny, angsty children that complain about their situation, but actively accept the challenges and try to make the best of the situation. There are many twists and turns that will keep you on edge throughout the series, especially the relationship between Gram and Vess, his childhood friend. Other side-characters also have their own charm and unique personality, although their development is nowhere near Gram and Vess, they are still a fun bunch, just like the bridge bunnies in Macross, the Vandread’s crew or Nadesico’s crew. (P/s: They have a freaking whale in a powered suit)
+ Animation: Not bad but could be better. The unique point of Mars Daybreak is its combat are 90% underwater and the Round Bucklers (name of the mechs) have tethers to submarines and underwater ships. This lend a unique atmosphere to the combat due to water resistance and other mechanical conditions that we’re not used to see. The animators captured the “feel” of underwater combat quite well, which further makes this series unique. Aside from that, the animation is your typical 2000s style. The character designs are also not bad.
+ Mecha Design: The best aspect, or should I say, the most unique, of the series. As I mentioned before, the majority of the combat take place underwater and by mechs tethered to other submersibles. Due to that, the Round Buckler possess very rounded aesthetic to decrease resistance. Furthermore, they don’t have “feet” like land-based or space-based mechs that we are used to. Designer Yoshinori Sayama, who worked on Gundam Unicorn, VS Knight Ramune, etc,… has done a great job with the RB designs. While retaining the visually familiar bipedal style, he gave them unique defining features which set them apart from the other series, event the grunts. The main character mecha is basically a super prototype with some really distinctive features but not too crazy.
+ Mecha Design: The best aspect, or should I say, the most unique, of the series. As I mentioned before, the majority of the combat take place underwater and by mechs tethered to other submersibles. Due to that, the Round Buckler possess very rounded aesthetic to decrease resistance. Furthermore, they don’t have “feet” like land-based or space-based mechs that we are used to. Designer Yoshinori Sayama, who worked on Gundam Unicorn, VS Knight Ramune, etc,… has done a great job with the RB designs. While retaining the visually familiar bipedal style, he gave them unique defining features which set them apart from the other series, event the grunts. The main character mecha is basically a super prototype with some really distinctive features but not too crazy.
+ Music: The songs are nice and upbeat. The OST is quite intense during battle and gentle during relaxing scenes. Kaoru Wada, a prolific composer, did the music for the series. The songs aren’t super memorable or explosive like JAM Project or Gran Rodeo, but it is very nice to listen to and can become an earworm while you watch the series.
+ Conclusion: Overall, Mars Daybreak is a super unique series set in a familiar setting. A set of interesting characters along with very distinctive mecha combat helps set Mars Daybreak apart from other dystopian off-Earth series. The fact that the main characters is entirely different from the usual trope is a great hook for viewers where they will instantly like him from the start. He thinks for himself and others, take responsibilities for his action and do what he’s gotta do. That’s our dream protag right there with none of the angst and all of the kickass. Also if you watch it now, you might learn a thing or two about Mars once Elon recruit citizens for his Martian colony
+ Conclusion: Overall, Mars Daybreak is a super unique series set in a familiar setting. A set of interesting characters along with very distinctive mecha combat helps set Mars Daybreak apart from other dystopian off-Earth series. The fact that the main characters is entirely different from the usual trope is a great hook for viewers where they will instantly like him from the start. He thinks for himself and others, take responsibilities for his action and do what he’s gotta do. That’s our dream protag right there with none of the angst and all of the kickass. Also if you watch it now, you might learn a thing or two about Mars once Elon recruit citizens for his Martian colony
Check out more recommendations:
An apocalyptic tale of burning sand and monsters. A young man set out for vengeance, acquiring the usual hot chick and robot buddy on the way.
A refreshing tale about how the best of friends became sworn rivals. A vibrant, well animated movie where characters shine through their own merits, and bring a new wind to the franchise.
The fruit of collaboration with Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the air combat scenes of this anime is what set it apart
Despite often being overlooked by newer fans, After War Gundam X is a must watch for any Gundam lovers.
Passion makes satisfaction. A group of student show what they can accomplish with a mecha short film that leaves you desperately wanting more!
A seemingly impossible task of building Mazinger Z hangar in real life. A ragtag team of a planning company assembled the Fantasy Division to turn fiction into reality.
A light-hearted series that turned into intense space opera. The Girl Who Leapt Through Space leaps through many genre to deliver a unique experience and turn everyone’s expectation upside down.
A desolate planet now submerged in liquid. A totally unique and fresh mecha series where all the robots are underwater. Oh and there’s also a talking whale.
A love story that spans through 12000 years. The war between Angels and humans fueled by passionate emotions. Shoji Kawamori shows us why he’s the master of the sky.
What happens if we mix Mahou Shoujo, Mecha and Battle Royale into one? We get Granbelm – an emotional story about the lives of young girls entangled in an ancient war.
In the city of smoke and steam, a young kid works as a detective alongside his nurse and butler to protect the peace. An old classic for fans of the steampunk style.
The 2nd season of the lovely Mass-Produced Riko series. Join Riko and co as they embark on an all new venture, while drawing interesting lesson from building plastic models.
The long-awaited continuation of the mecha isekai of pain. Season 2 of Muv-Luv Alternative is definitely trying to woo you by slamming intense scenes at you – but is it worth it?
One of the most difficult to adapt Mecha series, Muv-Luv Alternative anime started off with a questionable season, but you should still check it out.
A remake of another Tatsunoko hero. The Space Knight returns with a completely new story, design and brings us on an emotional journey of a tragic hero.
The continuation of the hot-blooded saga, this time filled with emotional drama and even more badass action. A great video game adaptation but not without flaws.
The long awaited legend’s return that satisfy all mecha fan’s longing for a good game. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an experience you have to play to believe.
Universes collide as the cast of Gridman and Dynazenon is caught in a dimensional anomaly. But what’s more troubled is Yuuta – who has to become Gridman again with a troubled heart.
When you talk about the most badass mecha, you have to mention SRW OG and Masami Obari. And when these two combine, you get the best SRW anime of all time.
A unique series where the true pacifism versus justice. A bold premise and interesting gimmick make Planet With a very selective series in terms of audience – but it definitely deserves a chance.
From the studio that created Buddy Complex and Valvrave, Cross Ange is another Sunrise’s original that challenges the limit of its audience once more .
What will you do if you’re teleported to a time with giant grotesque monsters? For teenage student Daisuke Doujima, it’s a perfect chance for him to become a hero, and a saviour. But can he?
After 2 lukewarm series, Gundam Build rose to form again with Re:Rise. A story with deep characterization for a diverse and likeable cast and awesome Obari action.
Time to go digital! Build series is going full SAO and virtual with Build Divers – a light-hearted series and fun to enjoy without the need to complicate things.
Following GBF, Sunrise wanted to capture the magic with TRY. However, they fell just short of greatness but still create a series with amazing Gunpla battles.
A hobby turned combat sport. Sunrise’s effort to attract new fans turned into a compelling series with gorgeous battles featuring iconic MS from the franchise.
The first animated Build series, Beginning G opened up new venues and excitement for the hobby, with light-hearted yet intense traditional MS battle.
Do you want a Gundam series with a brighter tone but still has banger battles? Then Metal Armor Dragonar is a perfect series for you!
A series about building regular model kit, and using them to find inspiration in life. A very uplifting and chill series for mecha fans to change their perspective on their hobby.
The sequel to SEED – a series that brought Gundam on top of the radar. Destiny is a sequel that earned both the intense love and hate within the fandoms.
An anime adaptation of a sci-fi novel with the same name, Yakitori really stir up the scene with its unusual storytelling and animation style. However, the characters really hold the series up.
A Fafner novel written by Tow Ubutaka – the person who understand Fafner the most. Explore Kazuki’s POV and his relationship in a way you’ve never seen before.
A new Gundam for a new era. Gundam Seed is one of the most popular modern Gundam series that has fans all around the world. And it also received much love from Sunrise as well.
A love letter to commemorate the pioneer of the Mecha genre, Mazinger Z Infinity remind us of the conviction and justice that the Iron Castle had, is, and will stand for.
A badass and action-packed super robot series with an age-gap marriage between the two main characters. A hearth-throbbing and passionate tale about love and perseverance.
A new story of the boy who awoken a machine. Casshern Sins follow a conflicting young man in a world where life seems meaningless, yet everyone yearn for it anyway.
Just when things have calmed down, the Gear Users once again face an apocalyptic threat from a mysterious high order. This put Hibiki and her friends at risk once more.
New threats emerged to threaten the world. But new allies also appear to bring the Gear’s songs to a new level. A new battle await the girls!
Mahou Shoujo x Tokusatsu combined with plenty of mecha references, Symphogear bring us an audio and visual experience that is just the beginning. of a great franchise.
A new nation, a new story, a new battlefield. The reborn Eighty Six must choose between a life of peace or death. Will the Reaper be able to move on?
The depressing, gripping yet hopeful world of Eighty Six brought to life with A-1’s adaptation. The vision of Asato receives a depiction so emotional like no others.
A fun dogfight experience with some mecha combat thrown into the mix, Strike Suit Zero scratches some of that Macross action game that PC gamer has been wanting.
With his life completely smashed apart and turned upside down, teenage boy Ayato had to navigate a new world while being the key to control the winged giant RahXephon.
Not just your usual 70s Super Robot, Zambot 3 is more than just a battle between good and evil, but also about endurance, perseverance and the unyielding heart to do what’s right.
Expanding upon the original work of Yokoyama-sensei, GR: The Day The Earth Stood Still introduces a world where the supernatural and super-technology co-exist. And in the midst of that is a Giant Robo.
If you fancy beautiful girls cladded in sleek power armor fighting cyborg crimes, then Bubblegum Crisis is the choice for you, with amazing 90s cyberpunk dystopia atmosphere!
The Cyber Beast Force may have disbanded, but their burning hearts are still raging. Dancouga combines once again to fight an unexpected enemy. Is it human, or something else much more sinister?
Suit up! It’s time for some Oni hunting! An anime tribute to the Tokusatsu genre, Shikizakura show us the power of hope, willpower and compassion to overcome any darkness.
The bullet-train robot is back! Two young kids take on a new threat to protect the world. Shinkalion Z takes off after its predecessor and set itself apart from other Takara series.
A song that rings during the apocalypse. Vivy is a bold idea involving a century of fighting and yearning. Vivy will bring your visual and auditory sense to the max!