ALDNOAH.ZERO We are the Martians
released 30 May 2014 | 15 | Blu-ray/dVd Director ei aoki Cast Natsuki Hanae, sora aramiya, Kensho Ono, ai Kayano
SF anime has a tradition of depicting wars between Earth and humans who’ve gone to space, rooted in 1979’s Gundam, but Aldnoah.Zero is an interesting tweak on the idea.
It’s set in an alternative present where the discovery of alien tech allowed some people to build an empire on Mars; the show starts with an attack on Earth. In effect, it’s a War Of The Worlds remake where the machines are piloted by other humans who consider themselves a new species.
The Earthlings, though, have giant robot suits themselves. We follow a team fighting back, led by an unnaturally calm teenage boy. The more romantic hero is a boy on the Martian side, obsessed with a lovely princess. Such character contrasts, as well as attractive visuals and some very energetic early episodes, lift the show above most action-SF anime. Later episodes are more generic and sometimes disappointing (not to say silly), but overall Aldnoah.Zero is decently exciting and engaging.
Extras Clean opening and closing titles; a preview featurette. The Collector’s Edition Blu-ray comes with a 72-page booklet full of design images. Andrew Osmond
At the end of part three, there’s a rather important scene after the closing credits, so don’t miss it!
Eyes: may be bigger than actual size.