DARLING in the FRANXX is the new coming of Neon Genesis Evangelion paired with Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann and hints of Kill La Kill. In this wonderful mix of styles we get to experience a marvelous story that takes us into the chaotic and emotional mess that is childhood & puberty.
It gets its mecha and teenage drama from Evangelion, the style and cartoonishness from Gurren Lagann, and the Ecchi seems mostly to like that of Kill La Kill.
Contrary to popular belief, this show is not about surviving in a post-apocalyptic world fighting giant monsters with mechas, oh no no. Rather, it's a metaphor for the emotional turmoil our main characters are going through. They're thrusted into a cold and callous world in which they're abused and restricted and they have to deal with it.
If you can get emotionally invested in characters then this might be a show for you. You will experience sadness and hope and many other emotions. The show accomplishes this remarkably well and, in addition to this, is able to hold my attention. It's well-paced and the characters are relatable and likable. There's no real edginess or pretentiousness to the characters.
I'll update this once the show is done.
