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Martian Successor Nadesico
Review
by: Matt
McConnel 
 At
first glance this seems to be a hail back to the days of Macross
and Gunbuster. To be blunt it is. Mind you there are
improvements on the original concept, but the fact remains
that Nadesico is merely a chip off the old block. Within
the genre however, it provides innovation a-plenty. It is
necessary to note the energy. One of the strengths of the
show is that it has an absolutely frenetic pace. Non stop
and hardly lets up the trigger finger, sometimes literally.
With the flash of color across the screen, a lot of the weaknesses
of the piece are lost. This then is one of its greatest strengths.
While it lacks the depth of many genre pieces, it takes the
humor, pace, and animation over the top.
Most notable
among the improvements is the animation. The colors are sharp,
clear, and well defined. The movements are smooth, refined
and while still not human are nonetheless the top of what
is currently offered in conventional Japanese animation. Both
the character and mecha designs are quite original while still
paying homage to the founders of the genre. Possibly one of
the most interesting aspects of the mecha in Nadesico.
Unlike most shows they are not multi-purpose; there are different
giant robots for space, ground, air, etc. Oh sure, the characters
have their favorites, and the ones they usually pilot, but
they have to pilot quite a variety of robots.
Possibly
one of the most interesting aspects is how much Anime itself
enters into the picture. One of the pilots is himself the
creator of a hugely popular animated television series. He
sees himself as his own protagonist, down to naming his favorite
suit after the one he drew for the series. As for the other
characters, they all have their quirks. The captain is a flake
of a woman who has the hots for one of the crack pilots but
remains a formidable commander in the face of battle. The
science officer is apparently an artificially created human
who has little memory of her life past the previous seven
years. The list rounds out with such entities as the main
mechanic, the cook, the doctor, and utter twit who is the
admiral of the operation. All are rounded and have a depth
to them that is lacking in many other series of this type,
even the classics. The creators have obviously gone into this
with a very clear idea of what is to be accomplished, and
it shows to a degree that is often glossed over in much of
Anime.
Nadesico
is very clearly part homage, part well thought out genre piece,
and all in all thoroughly enjoyable. Despite some weak moments
and aspects the show provides enjoyment for the sheer pleasure
of it, which is after all, all that is being asked after all.
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