[Gladly]

You open up Crunchyroll. You check out what's airing. For the 15th week in a row,
nothing catches your eye. Need something new on your watch schedule?
Perhaps something short? Well, look no further, because you've just found a keeper.

air date: Oct 7, 1988

Synopsis:

In the very near future, a race of huge, insect-like aliens is discovered traveling the galaxy. These aliens seem dedicated to the eradication of the human species as it takes its first steps away from the solar system, and they are getting closer and closer to Earth. Humanity has responded by developing space-going battleships and giant fighting robots. These robots are piloted by the best and brightest of Earth's youth, picked from training schools around the world.

The story begins in the year 2023, not long after the first battles with the aliens, and centers on young Noriko Takaya. Although Noriko's father was a famous captain in the space fleet who was killed during one of the first battles of the war, her own talents as a pilot are questionable. Nonetheless, she has entered a training school. Through the series Noriko, joined by the beautiful and talented Kazumi Amano, will fight to overcome the trauma of war, the doubts of her peers, and her own lack of confidence. [source]

Now let's get down to it: Why the heck should I watch this?

1.) The animation

This series' animation is really something to marvel at. Honestly, the animation stands against shows that came out decades later. Bonus points for being good ol' CEL shading. Seriously, besides the 80's tropes and Top Gun references, you'd never tell this was made in 88.

2.) The characters

Every character, minor or major, feels real in a way throughout the series. Whether it be Kazumi's emotional struggle, or Noriko's problems, the characters have some traits that are pretty realistic.

3.) The Action

With mecha being a fairly new concept when this show was created, it was one of the first of its time. Regardless, the fight scenes are fantastic, although the premeditated "shout my move before I do it 80's thing" is inevitable.

4.) The "Feels":

Let's be real here. Gunbuster will make you sympathize for its characters. They each go through circumstances in their own ways, and the show has a pretty good, yet tragic story element to it. I won't go into details due to spoilers, I'll just let you discover this one on your own.

5.) Length:

Being an OVA, Gunbuster is relatively short. It's actually only 6 episodes long, so even if you need a quick "pick me up" in between airing shows, you can easily get through this in a week. I'd say Gunbuster is short and sweet - it needs no more added to it, it's all there.

Some other neat Gunbuster deets

- This show was the debut of Hideki Anno's directing career, who went on to make Neon Genesis Evangelion
- Show originally aired in 1988
- Like Evangelion, they originally ran out of funding, so the last episode was shot in black and white for the majority.
- Show is completely uncensored, and even has a Blu-Ray release

Thanks for reading, if I got you to watch a new show, awesome. If not, welp go back to watching your generic crap /s

[Duyere]

Excellent review! I believe I will be checking this one out in the next couple days.

[Deadly..]

Sure why not you convinced me. Seems like it could be an okay watch.

[Angеl]

Joke's on you, I've already seen it

Come at me when you finally watch the sequel

[Deany]

i remember when you rec'd me this
pretty GOAT show

[Lyralei]

watched this before and it was good lol