Shinseikiden Mars
Synopsis
While reporting on a recently formed volcanic island, journalist Iwakura finds a stranded young man with no memories. News of the incident catches the attention of a mysterious person called Rush, who tracks down the amnesiac and explains to him the truth about his identity. The young man is named Mars and, like Rush, he is not originally from Earth. Mars was dispatched with one mission: to command a tremendously powerful robot named Gaia to destroy Earth when it becomes clear that humans are attempting to extend their influence into outer space. As a precaution, Gaia is programmed to self-destruct, taking the planet along with it, in the event that Mars dies. In light of Mars' amnesia, Rush agrees to give him 10 days to study Earth's history and decide his course of action. Mars must now choose whether to follow through with his duty or fight to save humanity. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Audience reception is mixed, with some appreciating the anime as a faithful adaptation of a classic manga and others finding it dated and uninspired. Nostalgia plays a significant role in the enjoyment of the series, particularly for those familiar with Mitsuteru Yokoyama's other works. The anime's simplistic plot and animation are seen as drawbacks compared to modern shows.
Strengths
- Faithful adaptation of the original manga for the most part
- Explores themes of self-discovery and moral dilemmas
- Appeals to fans of Mitsuteru Yokoyama's other works, like Giant Robo
Weaknesses
- Animation hasn't aged well.
- Predictable plot points and simple narratives compared to modern anime.
- May not be enjoyable without prior knowledge of Yokoyama's works.