Our story begins with the Main character, 14 year old Renton Thurston, son of the world's Hero, Adroc Thurston who died in an event that saved the world (and his sister disappeared on him as well). Renton is pretty much a stereotypical brat in his rebellious phase. There is this activity called "Lifting" in which people literally surf on air (technically they surf on these energy waves called Trapars). He enjoys lifting and wants to become a pro, but his grandfather who is his current guardian, is set against it and preaches to him to become a mechanic just like him. As such, Renton looks up to one of the best lifters in the world, named Holland. Holland operates a mercenary group called Gekkostate. One day, a giant robot crashes onto Renton's house and who comes out of the cockpit? None other than the girl named Eureka. Eureka offers to take him into Gekkostate as a member. Through conversation and contemplating, Renton decides that he wants to do something with his life besides becoming a mechanic, and joins.
Long story short, it's about Renton's time on the Gekko (the aircraft they fly named for its green underbelly). The story gets much much deeper than daily-life stories, and goes far beyond what I can say without spoiling any of it.
So let's start off with the art. For being produced and animated in 2005, the animation (done by BONES) is spectacular. I was fairly astonished that animation of that caliber aired in 2005. The sequences are smooth and the camera angles really make the battles engaging. I was very impressed, thus giving it a 10.
For sound, If we're talking about the OST, I absolutely love it! It's a mix of military-style music (marching bands, drummers, etc) and blasting techno music. The techno music really gets my blood going for a battle! You'll start to recognize when the music sounds, what kind of scene it will be, whether it be an action scene or not. While a fair portion of the music is techno, there is also quite a bit of ballads, J-pop, and soft music. When the music sounds, it does so at the perfect times and you will know what's coming up (like a kickass action sequence or a personal/emotional moment). One of my favorite OST's by far. The sound of the Mechas are really well-done as well.
The characters were all very unique. If you expected a character to be a certain way at first, they most likely change throughout the series. Eureka 7 has some of the most unique character designs I've seen in some time. You can tell, just from the style, that these characters are from Eureka 7. Most of the costumes combine an edgy element, combined with modern styles, mixed with sci-fi garments. Every character has completely different personalities and you'll know who's who by episode 5 (that's really fast). Some of the characters (specifically Holland) have dark pasts and many secrets. Surely Renton and Eureka are the main characters, but Holland and Talho (the female opposite of Holland and the pilot of the ship) also have very deep stories. Personally Holland was my favorite just because he's the one who changes the most in my opinion. He fights enemies while he also constantly fights with his past. He starts out as a man who seems like a drunkard, non-caring, abusive boss...but he changes so much due to many events. Eureka and Renton...let me just say that I dislike both of them halfway through the series. though after certain events take place, they really start becoming strong personalities and completely different people (which is awesome!). Eureka was selfish, and made trouble for everyone while Renton was a spoiled brat; though after certain events take place, they really start becoming stronger and completely different people (which is great thing to watch).. The only characters I honestly dislike are the kids Maeter, Link and Maurice. Not only are they an annoyance, but they seem forced to do certain things to progress or regress Renton and Eureka's relationship. I personally hated them for the most part, but I can't deny that they had an important role to play in the plot and the character development. Trust me when I say YOU WILL CARE FOR THESE CHARACTERS!! I swear, you will love some aspect of every character (besides the kids) and you will root for them every time; You won't want any of them to die at all. Some of the most colorful group of people I've seen in quite a long time.
The animation was beautiful, the mech battles were awesome and unique (considering that the mechs also battle while lifting as well). All the characters are likeable in some way, and the story is a very deep and engaging one. It really is not hard to find enjoyment in this show. Even if you don't like mechs, even if you don't like spoiled-brat characters, even if you don't like air battles, whatever you don't like about it will easily be overshadowed the the parts you DO like about it. All I can say is, don't judge a book by its cover. I did that at first, watched it, and found it amazingly great.
The story can get a little confusing at times, but as long as you see the big picture, everything should be fine. You'll also have to bear with Eureka and Renton in the first half which gets pretty annoying the way they get (if you've seen it, you'll know what I'm talking about). But after a certain event happens, everything changes and it goes from being good, to being amazing.
I think Eureka 7 is equal parts mecha battles and character development/relationships. As much time is spent on the crazy aerial battles, it is also spent on the characters contemplating about themselves and others. The rest of the cast who have no deep story, give a gigantic push for Eureka and Renton's relationship and have a huge hand in their development, because on their own, they wouldn't change much.
It's got action, romance, comedy, and all of the above. I highly recommend anyone and everyone to watch it. The ending was one of the best ones I've seen in any anime, and leaves you with tears of sadness and joy.
I think the underlying message of the show is: Love transcends borders (and you'll have to watch to know what I'm talking about)...and to me, that's simply beautiful.
