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Oct 4, 2021 10:00 AM
#1

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Nov 2011
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THIS IS AN ANIME ONLY DISCUSSION POST. DO NOT DISCUSS THE MANGA BEYOND THIS EPISODE.
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Not bad for the OP song, kinda what you'd expect from a mech series.

Amou seems like a tolerable guy to be around with. At least he seems to have a independent personality and isn't afraid to take risks. There's military themes although nothing too outlandish thrown into the first episode yet. Felt bad for the ordinary people getting bullied already by the military though. Amou taking control of that mech is a highlight from this episode. I think this has potential, especially if the plot improves.
Oct 4, 2021 10:01 AM
#2

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Jul 2017
14648
Man, those mech designs look great, because it's from Gundam designer Kanetake Ebikawa. And also, director Nobuyoshi Habara is back from Soukyuu no Fafner, so I'm expecting at least a decent showing, but it's Sunrise Beyond (a subsidiary of Sunrise), so I'm keeping expectations low.

A dystopian world where conflict pretty much riddled a nation like Japan, where ordinary citizens are marginalized for everything they do in the eyes of the military. And that's also the case for MC Amou Shiiba and his group of friends who went scouraging for AMAIM mech parts from the Boundary War.

Getting used to this plot like any mecha series is a given from Amou Shiiba's view, the boy who loves machines, meeting Gai, an autonomous thinking A.I. in his own special dumping ground. This is pretty much like Spring's Vivy in the same sense, but in a total mech world where fighting against mercenaries protecting them against "extraterrestrials" only bounds them to death.

And this is why the partnership between Amou and Gai will be the lone source going forward for now, and he'll meet similar comrades along the way (as shown in the OP). Finding a scapegoat for the militia to regard ordinary citizens as terrorists, and it's survival with wit. Only the AMAIM Kenbu that Gai has put together for Amou guarantees his survival to protect his friends and those maligned.

Decent OST to boot. Guilty until proven innocent.

A decent start, but since this is mecha heavy duty, guess I'm thankful to have a mecha show in this season.
KANLen09Oct 4, 2021 11:02 AM
Oct 4, 2021 10:04 AM
#3

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Jun 2019
6583
Ah yes... the return of the Mecha genre since this season has tons and tons of Mecha shows which can obviously make a fan pumped up for what's to come in this season and more of what to look for in this show. The story takes place in 2061 Japan so yes, Mecha shit. Oh, how I wish if someday someone actually becomes able to drive one of these things.

The military is a big problem in this future Japan. Definitely, something that's gonna be kept in mind moving forward in this show. The characters seem decent enough especially Amou but definitely will take a bit to get to know them more. An alright start I would say. But, the show has potential, that's for sure. The OP is fine as well.
Oct 4, 2021 11:05 AM
#4

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Apr 2016
18755
I like how it is always in these kinds of stories all those foreign countries invading Japan ... you know, because Japan is that well known for having those unending mountains of gold in their backyard or something :D. Now im watching this mainly because of the mecha designs (which are cool btw), but seeing this first episode, it felt like i watched/read/heard this story somewhere else already.

But i'll stick with it, the production seems high as well.
Oct 4, 2021 11:26 AM
#5
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Sep 2015
6589
Sunrise find a middle ground between a normal Gundam which is too brutal for me and Gundam Build which is too childish (but still watchable) for me. The end result is quite similar to a real-size version of Danball Senki, and that is OK.

In the first few minute I'm quite concern how the setting is very nationalism and xenophobia. But I'll have to see it til the end if the message is justified. I hope it's not as shallow as the first impression.

Gundam series (excluding Build) always has nice character design, especially boys and men! But since at least half of them end up dead, I haven't paying any attention to it. So Kyoukai Senki is a breath of fresh air. It has a virtualized AI but I don't think it's similar to Digimon. If it's done right, I might buy a figure or two, no, not a robot figure, but Amou figure LOL
Oct 4, 2021 11:27 AM
#6

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1327
Honestly alright start so far, while I'm not hooked on it yet, but we'll see. I am interested to see where it goes from here though, so that is a plus.
Oct 4, 2021 11:32 AM
#7
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Where can I watch?
Didn't see on gundam . info

Edit. Saw, and I liked. Buuuuuuuuuuuut,
GuthemOct 4, 2021 8:08 PM
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Oct 4, 2021 11:34 AM
#8

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Seems like this is gonna be at least a fun watch.


Swagernator said:
I like how it is always in these kinds of stories all those foreign countries invading Japan ... you know, because Japan is that well known for having those unending mountains of gold in their backyard or something :D. Now im watching this mainly because of the mecha designs (which are cool btw), but seeing this first episode, it felt like i watched/read/heard this story somewhere else already.

But i'll stick with it, the production seems high as well.


Pre opening scene was basically Code Geass. There are many more vague similarities.

One Piece episode 914 & 915 & 1027 were a mistake and 957 brought the salvation - FMmatron


Oct 4, 2021 11:35 AM
#9

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Nov 2008
27803
I can see the vast amount of influences from mecha, both from Gundam and non-Gundam IBO. There are influences from GBF, and Gundam Breaker in the Kenbu to even Armored Core in the design of the Bunyip Boomerang, they are the closest thing to Muscle Tracers I've seen in anime. It all blends well, the other vehicles look so good as well. Also, is it me or is this story quite relevant to our time, that story basically my worst fears for Japan taken up to 11.


Oct 4, 2021 11:35 AM

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Apr 2014
3495
The concept of divided Japan looks very interesting. Watching mecha anime once in a while is not that bad.
Those corrupted armies seem to be real terrorists themselves more than the ones that they proclaimed terrorists.
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Oct 4, 2021 11:43 AM

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Jan 2015
15106
It was a nice first episode. I hope it goes for a darker turn in the later episodes. Also, quality seems indeed good. It’s rare to find mechas still drawn and not in CG.

Not getting my hopes up as this seems very PG friendly and I’m not a fan of childish stories, so hopefully this will subvert my expectations.
Oct 4, 2021 12:06 PM

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May 2019
754
Guthem said:
Where can I watch?
Didn't see on gundam . info


This isn't a Gundam series and it's a TV anime so it's not going to be on the Gundaminfo YouTube channel. If you want to watch the show from an official source you'll have to watch through Funimation, they've licensed it for the west and are simulcasting it.
Oct 4, 2021 12:35 PM

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May 2021
1335
OP is nice. Seems good so far. Was looking forward to watching a new mecha series. Designs also look very nice for the mechs. Looking forward to the next episode.
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Oct 4, 2021 12:38 PM

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May 2018
11242
Xebec - the true lords of kitsch mecha are back!
I wonder if Surise are already regretting all the money they have spent on saving those guys.
Oct 4, 2021 12:46 PM

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Feb 2014
7816
Well, standard "japanese are oppressed" mecha show.
Hopefully it won't take long for the other kids to join.
Oct 4, 2021 1:35 PM

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Nov 2012
4710
Idk about anyone else, but this is my most anticipated show from this season.

The first original mecha IP from Sunrise in 7 years. It has Nobuyoshi Habara directing it who is director of the entire Soukyuu no Fafner's franchise excluding currently ongoing The Beyond OVAs since he's directing this. It's also animated by Sunrise Beyond who were formerly Xebec who worked on alot of renowned mecha anime in the past. It also has a premise that seems reminiscent of Kamen Rider Build with Japan being divided into fractions.

I liked the first episode, it showed alot of potential and promise. I wonder what direction they'll take this? It seems on the more family friendly side, but at the same time this episode had a few dark undertones like discrimination against the Japanese(overdone trope at this point admittedly), corruption in the military forces and terrorism. Either way whatever route they decide to take both appeal to me so I'm quite excited for this regardless. I hope the series is 2 cour, cause 1 cour would severely limit it's potential.
VarendantsOct 4, 2021 2:01 PM
Oct 4, 2021 2:00 PM

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Feb 2012
3960
Ah welcome to Full Metal Iron-Blooded Geass

Best part about this series is without a doubt the detailing in the mecha and fight animation

I don't think the character designs really work with the setting they try to give it. At first I felt was this is going to be Gundam AGE all over again. For me, Build Fighters worked because it didn't have that dissonance between aesthetic and story that AGE had. The AI partner thing isn't terrible, but I would prefer more minimalist design like Haro in 00 or Georg in E7 AO. Gai should stay in that glowing prism form attached to the Kenbu (i.e. just have Kenbu be sentient like Arbalest in FMP!). Nonetheless, the AI itself seems be somewhat of a mecha otaku himself (Amou was savvy to the serious real robot setting and was in utter disbelief when Gai told him he had a voice-activated secret move).

If they do keep the comedic edge like the conversation between Gai and Amou, it could end up being like Nadesico or FMP! (Sunrise's Beyond's predecessor studio XEBEC animated those series which do the mix of comedy and political war story).

Also, the Oceanian Military's mecha having a name that's a mashup or two Australian words "Bunyip Boomerang" made me laugh hard.
Fortress_MaximusOct 6, 2021 2:19 PM

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Oct 4, 2021 2:14 PM

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5195
It feels kinda jarring having the mc talk about how bad of a position japan is in while he is using all his futuristic gadgets, I'm kinda getting mixed messages from this scene and since it is only 5 mins in that isn't really a great sign

Anyway pretty mid episode

Also, to everyone saying this is sunrise it isn't it is sunrise beyond (what used to be known as xebec) there are owned by sunrise so might share some staff members but are technically different studio's
AtlosOct 5, 2021 9:25 AM
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Oct 4, 2021 2:29 PM

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Jun 2021
108
Real world Japan, but invaded by fictional countries. I guess they want to protect the international markets.

Although, here in the US, I can't say too many people would be surprised if our government invaded another country in the name of "protecting" them, lol.
Oct 4, 2021 2:34 PM
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Jul 2013
43
Woooo, a mecha with mechs that don't look retarded? Let's fucking goo!
Oct 4, 2021 4:24 PM

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Nov 2012
2347
OP was pretty good, but the ending seemed to be on the wrong title.

Good start
Oct 4, 2021 6:39 PM
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Jul 2018
564084
I have to give a point for he hasn't used 3D us robots.
I'm happy with that, but this anime has some things that are cool with mc Being a nice guy, that's a huge thing Happiness about it.

A nice start for this anime fit well for this plot.
Oct 4, 2021 7:15 PM
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Jun 2017
2887
As a mecha fan, i am going to watch this one... that robot design is just like a gundam one... looking forward to next episode
Oct 4, 2021 7:50 PM
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Dec 2019
1
I thought it's gonne be like Code geass .. since it's about revolution fight. But the MC is a bit.. "young"
Oct 4, 2021 8:21 PM

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Jan 2020
3408
For a first episode, it's not bad at all. It does feel like the kids anime I watched when I was younger, but that's not an issue. The mecha fighting scenes are so and so. Even though these scenes are 2D, the fights are nothing exceptional. It's only the start, so I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.
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Oct 4, 2021 8:46 PM

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Dec 2014
7045
Wasn't particularly impressed but it could turn out to be something good, I guess I'll have to stick around and see what this amounts too.

The mecha design is pretty nice.

I'm curious why all these countries wanted a piece of Japan if all they went in for was to help a country that was on the verge of collapse. Is there something special that they are trying to get?
Oct 4, 2021 9:45 PM

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Apr 2014
691
I enjoyed that. I'm not expecting the series to be mind-blowing, but it seems like it will at least be fun. I like how it mixes a gritty setting (themes of fascism and racism) with a bit of a kids show vibe (with the bright colors, character designs, and mascot-like AI).

Looking forward to more.
Oct 4, 2021 10:20 PM

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Oct 2016
4494
That was a pretty good start! It feels like your standard mecha anime, but it's gonna be enjoyable. I like Gai, really entertaining AI while Shiiba is just ok so far.
Oct 5, 2021 12:38 AM
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Apr 2008
3
Too many good things in this anime

Main robot looks like Zeta Gundam without waverider
Occupied Japan story sounds like Code Geass
The flying robots in opening look like enact/flag
Very first scene resembles Banagher launch sequence in Gundam Unicorn
The machine human interface system looks like the ones in fafner
Cockpit system is Obvious reference to mobile trace system in G Gundam
The knife on knuckles resembles Armor Schneider in Gundam Seed
We got amuro correction Amou
We have amuro's pet A.I. Haro alias Gai
Oct 5, 2021 1:16 AM

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Jul 2017
150
didn't expect this to have a build fighter/diver vibe in it. which is not a bad thing but it's not what I expect. but I'm hooked already with the anime

I like the design of the mecha it's so cool and refreshing. The head especially. the battle scene is also astounding.

But man idk that avatar AI thingy. Gai is so loud and annoying IMO :(

Can't wait for the next ep
Oct 5, 2021 2:09 AM

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Oct 2017
3966
I really like the little robot.
Oct 5, 2021 2:55 AM
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Apr 2021
932
the animation is really good. I like how they're only using 2d here for all the fights. You can tell it's being made by mecha fans who really like the genre.

that said the story and characters are as generic as you can get. I would have much preferred to see this war that they briefly glossed over in the introduction
Oct 5, 2021 3:59 AM

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Jul 2021
1003
Really liked this first episode, loved the animation and like the person above said I'm so glad they stuck to 2d for the fights cause it just looks so much better than the ones I've seen that switch it to 3d.

As for the story, whilst it might be generic and typical I actually found it quite interesting and can't wait to see more of the anime.

Also the backing music used in that part where the military was looking for him was great, definitely helped convey the suspenseful feeling of the scene
Oct 5, 2021 4:34 AM

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Feb 2019
2410
Why did he have 3 toothbrushes? We never saw any roommates, and it's doubtful he'll be returning back home to meet any now that he's a public enemy. Just stands out as weird detail.

That aside, nice Gundam-lite. Very much appreciate going into detail on how the AMAIM is operated, rather than the old just-hold-the-handles route most Mecha take.

The various Japanese elements in the ED likewise stand out, I'm assuming the show will have some focus on reclaiming heritage? Could get into concerning territory, but still an interesting idea.
Well I for one already loved Lain.
Oct 5, 2021 6:36 AM

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799
When asked why he's out scavenging with the others, main character be like https://youtu.be/CMNry4PE93Y
SokahOct 5, 2021 6:41 AM
Oct 5, 2021 7:00 AM

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Aug 2020
434
The handling for the technical parts of the mechas i think was done well , gave a proper explanation as to what functions as what without being overly boring . the mecha drawing looked very nice as well , seems like ages since we have had full 2d mechas.

But other than that , nothing else stood out . The set up of the MC was alright and all , but the trite monologues really took the immersion out of it and felt very amatuerish . Its saddening since i am big BIG fan of monolgues , i think every anime should start doing it in order for them to sell their characters , but it can only be good when its done well . And the side characters and the "enemies" felt very very prosaic .

I sort of like the AI tho . Seems like a very fun voice to listen to , without being overly cringey and eyerolling .
TweedleDaneOct 9, 2021 6:47 AM
Oct 5, 2021 7:27 AM
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Oct 2021
1
Excellent graphics and down to earth historical story
Oct 5, 2021 8:36 AM
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Nov 2019
16
I like those mechs design. And so many good things about this 1st episode. Totally like it!
Oct 5, 2021 9:23 AM
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Oct 2018
31
Reruzaa said:
didn't expect this to have a build fighter/diver vibe in it. which is not a bad thing but it's not what I expect. but I'm hooked already with the anime

I like the design of the mecha it's so cool and refreshing. The head especially. the battle scene is also astounding.

But man idk that avatar AI thingy. Gai is so loud and annoying IMO :(

Can't wait for the next ep

It is Sunrise Beyond.
Oct 5, 2021 10:58 AM

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4710
gspbeetle said:
Reruzaa said:
didn't expect this to have a build fighter/diver vibe in it. which is not a bad thing but it's not what I expect. but I'm hooked already with the anime
It is Sunrise Beyond.
Not only that, it quite literally has the same script writer/series composition of Gundam Build Divers.
https://myanimelist.net/people/2415/Noboru_Kimura
Oct 5, 2021 11:02 AM
Shingster

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Jun 2015
4397
Kudo's for using real world relatable events to explain how Japan fell though. Especially when so called friends come by and slowly occupy territory as well. In the aftermath of such a war there's bound to be weapons and equipment scattered throughout the land which is perfect for scavengers. The first encounter with Gai though was pretty funny. The reactions of those two soldiers on finding nothing though was priceless. If anything that depot sure is a good place for a hideout. The enemies brash attempt to flush them out though sure served as the perfect opportunity to activate Kenbu. Overall an excellent opening ep that did well to introduce the world and the state of play within Japan at the moment. While the Amaim are not gundams the resemblance certainly is there. The mc though is pretty relatable and im loving the dynamic that he has with Gai. Not to mention its pretty satisfying seeing the people show resistance to the invaders.
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Oct 5, 2021 12:19 PM

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Feb 2019
9389
This was actually a really solid first episode. Interesting premise, I hope it ends up being better than back arrow which started strong and then went off the rails. Love the OST so far.
Oct 5, 2021 1:16 PM

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Sep 2008
4264
what was the big idea?
he beat the unmanned mechas while his friends were held hostage.
good job.
now what's keeping the military guy from threatening him with shooting the hostages?
and actually shooting one of them if he still plays hot shit?
in any scenario he'd be forced out of the cockpit or watch his friends die.
let me guess the hairball will come up with some amazing tactics.
or he'll find a gun he can instantly use with utmost precision, blow up the vehicles and tell the bad guys to run.
haha what a show, I'm clapping.
ι¦¬ιΉΏγ’γŸε€«η†γ€€ε…¨ιƒ¨γ‚¬γƒ©γ‚―γ‚Ώγ§
Oct 5, 2021 3:37 PM
Ero Ojisan

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Jun 2019
5239
This was one of the shows I was looking forward to the most and so far it has exceeded my expectations as a mecha fan. Based on first impressions is looks like a lighter version of Code Geass in a sense that this series takes place in a non distant future where Japan is being controlled by three fictional nations due their society not being able to sustain after years of failed economic policies and low birth rates. From there the MC Amou Shiiba, who loves machines and spends his day salvaging parts from fallen AMAIM machines. I'm curious to know where this autonomous AI Gai came from why was it stuck in the middle of nowhere? None of the occupational forces seems to know about Gai's existence or made an attempt to retrieve him. Having a rouge autonomous AI out in the open can be very dangerous.
Oct 5, 2021 4:32 PM

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Jul 2016
3126
Xenocrisi said:
It was a nice first episode. I hope it goes for a darker turn in the later episodes. Also, quality seems indeed good. It’s rare to find mechas still drawn and not in CG.

Not getting my hopes up as this seems very PG friendly and I’m not a fan of childish stories, so hopefully this will subvert my expectations.


Bets part about it was the non-cgi
Oct 5, 2021 4:43 PM

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Jun 2021
453
Mecha anime by Surnise? Sign me up!

In episode 1, we learn that foreign countries are taking over Japan (I don't know why they would want Japan, it's not like you can dig oil out of that country) and a boy with dead parents is standing up to fight the oppression.

Hmm, this story sounds awfully familiar. Didn't Sunrise do a similar anime like 15 years ago?

Anyways, episode 1 wasn't bad. Good introductory episode, especially considering that it's a 2 cour show. Will continue to watch.
Oct 5, 2021 6:27 PM

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Apr 2008
616
ChangeLeopardon said:
I enjoyed that. I'm not expecting the series to be mind-blowing, but it seems like it will at least be fun. I like how it mixes a gritty setting (themes of fascism and racism) with a bit of a kids show vibe (with the bright colors, character designs, and mascot-like AI).

The mix definitely stuck out to me. It's sort of bizarre. Are Japanese kids just cool with seeing their home oppressed and war torn? Or is it a hint that our cutesy mascot is a mask on something darker?

I did enjoy the excuse to make him yell out his attack.
Oct 5, 2021 7:08 PM

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Jan 2011
6536
it's our sunrise gundam not gundam of the year ,see their using the build dive designs ,im just here for cool mech fights, but this "Japan is oppressed" by foreign countries get's a side eye from me you can't just follow up with that after using re life issues lol i don't wanna read too much into it but it's a questionable viewpoint of fearing foreign aide


still in for mecha lol
Oct 5, 2021 9:06 PM

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Oct 2019
10
I get that the premise for the show is a bit lacking, but you gotta do some setup so you can get to the important stuff that's gonna come later.

I've read about the premise being similar to that of Code Geass in regards to Japan being occupied. To add to the Code Geass comparison, the Amaims are very similar to Knightmare Frames as well (i.e. relatively small machines with the cockpit protruding out the back.) The Kenbu looks to me looks like a cross between the Lancelot and the Arhan from Expelled Form Paradise.

I really like the double jointed hind legs. I look forward to seeing the other Amaims form the promotional images in the future. I'm also ecstatic to not see the robots animated with CGI(yet). The movements are smooth, well drawn, and impactful. I was worried that the 2D animation was going to look awkward but I'm glad I was wrong.
GundamojoOct 7, 2021 8:47 PM
Oct 5, 2021 10:38 PM

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Oct 2008
13718
now this is more like it! a very solid 1st episode by SUNRISE!!!
5/5.


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