Neither graphics, sound or story are top notch but they work so well together and are so skillfully merged and directed, that you won't notice it in the rampage of epicness. It's actually hard not to see it as a parody of epic mecha action, at least on some level, but is works well on it's own merits.
I was surprised at how deep the backstory was. It's certainly no Evangelion, but at it's core there are interesting philosophical questions about human nature and ambition. The more surfacebound storyline is a beast that builds and builds, and I'm blown away by how Gainax managed to fit it all in 27 episodes, together with all the action and character development (yes, there is even some of that).
All in all, a very good anime. Over the top and über-epic, but quite intelligent, and very funny to boot.
