Shopping Guide
Picking a new anime to watch can be a bit overwhelming with so many available out there. If you’re looking to get into a genre as prolific as mecha anime, it definitely feels like there’s just too much to choose from. The Gundam series and Neon Genesis Evangelion are instant recommendations for anime newbies, but we’ve got a few more for you to check out!
Director Tadao Nagahama’s Robot Romance Trilogy refers to three different, unrelated mecha anime: Combattler V, Chōdenji Machine Voltes V, and Tōshō Daimos. These three helped establish more character-driven narratives and pushed what storytelling could be in the mecha genre.
Long-time anime fans outside Japan might know Beast King GoLion by another name: Voltron. While it wasn’t extremely popular in Japan, it became one of the biggest gateway anime for overseas viewers in its time.
Gundam creator Yoshiyuki Tomino had several other mecha series outside of the Gundam franchise. Aura Battler Dunbine was his first to feature organic mecha, and it’s often lauded as the first isekai anime.
Speaking of gateway anime, Robotech was one of the early anime series that introduced mecha and anime in general to Western audiences. But it’s actually adapted from three different Japanese series: Super Dimension Fortress Macross, Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross, and Genesis Climber Mospeada.
A lot of mecha anime from the ‘80s came out as original video animation (OVA) with Megazone 23 and Bubblegum Crisis being popular titles that mixed cyberpunk elements with mecha-type exoskeleton suits. The latter also inspired the 1992 anime Tenchi Muyo!
While many early mecha anime used robots for large-scale action and stories, the Patlabor franchise added a more real-life aspect to the use of robots. A number of Patlabor shows and films have been released since it began with Patlabor: The Early Days, and the first installment of the new show Patlabor EZY is set to come out this year.
Clamp’s Magic Knight Rayearth series took the mecha and magical girl genres and fused them together in a fantasy isekai story. To celebrate its 30th anniversary, a new anime remake will launch later this year.
The Vision of Escaflowne is another series that merged mecha action with fantasy elements. It performed really well overseas and was the starting point for composer Yoko Kanno’s collaborative work with voice actress Maaya Sakamoto.
Brain Powerd is another series where Tomino delves into biomechanical mecha. Although the show has garnered mixed reviews, fans of Tomino’s works say this series marks a major transition between his earlier works to later ones. And with Yoko Kanno on the soundtrack, Brain Powerd is packed with great background music.
Mecha fans have lauded mecha designer Kanetake Ebikawa’s technical work on Full Metal Panic!. However, viewers who are just getting into the mecha genre might enjoy the show for its high school romcom elements and more grounded approach to sci-fi.
One of the most highly praised anime of all time, Code Geass is a fantasy-mecha anime that takes on some pretty serious themes. Director Gorō Taniguchi’s storytelling and Clamp’s distinct character design really make Code Geass a uniquely original anime.
Although Gurren Lagann and Code Geass were on air around the same time, these two shows handled the mecha genre very differently. Gurren Lagann had a very different approach with director Hiroyuki Imaishi’s notable animation style. It will appeal to viewers who prefer lighthearted adventures but still gives a compelling story with serious and heartbreaking moments.
Finally, viewers who prefer drama and heavier themes can get behind the story 86 -Eighty Six- has to offer. The mecha designs are also quite unique compared to the more common humanoid types found in other anime within the genre.
With so many different types of mecha anime that cover all kinds of stories, there’s really no right or wrong way to become a mecha anime fan. Have a go at some of these titles and share your other favorite mecha anime with us!
Written by Alon Bramble for TOM News
