Sages of the anime/manga thread, I need mecha anime suggestions. Prefer UC if you offer the Gundam route and not interested in the Witch From Mercury. Incidentally, anyone know if they are going to finish Hathaway's Flash?
Space Runaway Ideon (would be a major influence on Evangelion and features aliens and exploration of extraterrestrial planets while retaining Tomino's style of both sides having compelling motives, plus the mech is really cool)
Top wo Nerae Gunbuster (wonderfully animated and has incredibly solid, intelligent sci-fi concepts and worldbuilding that perfectly drive the plot)
GR: Giant Robo, the 2007 version written by Chiaki J. Konaka (explores themes like propaganda and language and takes us across the globe to various locations, showing the global impact of the disasters)
King of Braves GaoGaiGar (beautifully animated, especially its sequel OVA, and highlights the coolness and fun of mecha without being too self-indulgent)
Brave Police J-Decker (a really fun, sweet mecha show with lovable characters and a focus on how sentient mecha interact with civilians and humans)
Giant Gorg (a Spielberg-esque adventure mecha show that has colourful characters and cool mysteries to unravel)
Martian Successor Nadesico (a parody of mecha and space opera that still manages to be a compelling, serious sci-fi series when it needs to. Its parody humour is intelligent and has good in-universe explanations)
Gekiganger III OVA (a parody and loving tribute to super robot shows, especially Getter Robo and Mazinger Z)
Betterman (a weird yet enjoyable mecha show that explores biological and evolutionary sci-fi ideas)
Sakura Wars (steampunk mecha and a rare video game adaptation that's actually good. Its
theme song is incredibly catchy. Watch the original OVA, as its 2000 TV adaptation has unnecessary filler)
Zegapain (I can't say I enjoyed this the most, but you may like its exploration of transhumanism and intelligence)
Mobile Police Patlabor (hard sci-fi that shows a highly probable future if we use mechs in everyday life)
Shippuu Iron Leaguer (sentient mecha playing sports -- just watch the 5-episode OVA)
Danguard Ace (Leiji Masumoto's mecha anime -- it contains his classic melancholic and pacifist themes and some space opera elements)
Starship Troopers OVA (the anime adaptation of Robert Heinlein's novel)
IGPX: Immortal Grand Prix (mecha roller derby with racing elements)
I recently watched Tenbatsu Angel Rabbie, and I found it to be quite an enjoyable one-shot short episode. It's a magical girl show that contains significant sci-fi and space elements, which is a really great fusion. The plot, while interesting, was very fast-paced, so I would like to have seen it developed more, but it's fun and interesting for what it is.
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