Watch Gunbuster 2: Diebuster

Gunbuster 2: Diebuster is a 6 episode anime series produced by Gainax and directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki. It is a sequel to the beloved 1988 anime series Gunbuster. The show aired in 2004 and gained a strong following among anime enthusiasts. The series is set in a distant future where humanity is threatened by giant space monsters called Space Monsters that are capable of destroying planets. In order to fight back, humanity has developed giant mechs called Buster Machines. The show mainly follows a girl named Nono who dreams of becoming a pilot of one of these machines. Nono is a clumsy and scatterbrained girl who works at a diner in a city on Mars. Her life changes forever when she meets a pilot named Lal'C and decides to join the space pilot academy to become a pilot herself.

As Nono starts her training, she realizes that there is a lot more to being a space pilot than just driving a giant robot. The academy is full of other young pilots with their own dreams and desires, and Nono must learn to work together with them if she hopes to achieve her goals. At the same time, Nono and Lal'C also start to uncover secrets about their world and the true nature of the Space Monsters.

One of the most striking things about Gunbuster 2: Diebuster is its animation style. The show combines traditional 2D animation with 3D computer graphics, creating a unique look that is both retro and modern at the same time. The mechs are rendered in CGI, but the characters and backgrounds are done in a more traditional anime style. This gives the show a distinct visual flair that sets it apart from other anime of its time.

The series also has a strong focus on character development, particularly with Nono. She starts out as a somewhat aimless young girl with no real purpose in life, but as the series progresses, she becomes a more confident and self-assured individual. Her journey is both inspiring and heartwarming, and it's impossible not to root for her as she faces the challenges ahead of her.

The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each with their own unique personality and motivations. Lal'C, in particular, is an interesting character with a mysterious past that is slowly revealed over the course of the series. She serves as a mentor and role model to Nono, but she also has her own struggles and insecurities that she must overcome.

The show also has a strong sci-fi element, with the concept of time dilation playing a major role in the plot. As the pilots travel through space and fight the Space Monsters, time seems to pass differently for them than it does for those on Earth. This allows for some interesting storytelling opportunities and adds to the overall sense of wonder and adventure that permeates the show.

Overall, Gunbuster 2: Diebuster is a fantastic anime series that combines great storytelling with breathtaking animation. It's a worthy successor to the original Gunbuster and a must-watch for fans of the mecha and sci-fi genres.