Watch Gunbuster

In 1988, Hideaki Anno directed a six-episode OVA series called Gunbuster (also known as Aim for the Top!) that took the mecha genre and turned it on its head. Set in the future, humanity has discovered an alien race called the Space Monsters who are intent on destroying Earth. In response, the military has developed a new weapon: giant mecha robots piloted by young women.

The series follows the story of Noriko Takaya, a young girl who has always dreamed of becoming a pilot like her father before she lost him in the fight against the Space Monsters. Despite her lack of experience, Noriko is determined to join the fight against the aliens and pilots the titular robot Gunbuster.

Along the way, Noriko is mentored by the fiercely independent Kazumi Amano, who becomes her best friend and confidant. Together, the two girls form an unbreakable bond as they navigate the dangerous world of space combat and struggle against their own personal demons.

Despite its relatively short length, Gunbuster packs a lot of story into each episode. The show explores complex themes such as the nature of mortality and the dangers of fanaticism. The characters are multi-dimensional, with their own hopes, fears, and motivations that drive the plot forward.

One of the most remarkable things about Gunbuster is its animation. Hideaki Anno, who would later go on to direct the seminal anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, was heavily involved in the design of the show's animation. The result is a series that is visually stunning, with beautifully detailed character designs and fluid, dynamic fight scenes.

The show is also notable for its use of time dilation, a concept borrowed from Einstein's theory of relativity. As Noriko and her friends travel into space to fight the Space Monsters, they experience time differently than those on Earth. This leads to some interesting plot twists and a stunning finale that will leave viewers breathless.

Gunbuster was followed up in 2004 by a sequel series called Diebuster (or Gunbuster 2). While Diebuster is a separate story that takes place in the same universe as the original, it features many of the same themes and stylistic elements as its predecessor.

Between the incredible animation, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, Gunbuster is a must-see for fans of mecha anime and science fiction. Despite being over 30 years old, it remains a timeless classic that continues to inspire new generations of anime fans.