We’re all familiar with the mecha. Most notably, the “Gundam” series. Humans piloting a giant robot participating in a battle between space colonies. First time I saw an anime series about mecha was “Gundam Wing” on Toonami, during Cartoon Network’s golden years. “Neon Genesis Evangelion” takes the mecha genre to a different level. The lead character goes through emotional trauma filled with angst. One mecha related anime series goes on the romantic boy meets girl route. What do you get when you combine romance with giant robots surfing like Silver Surfer? You get “Eureka Seven.”
Eureka Seven officially aired in 2006 (same year The Prestige came out) on Adult Swim and later re-broadcast in 2012 on Toonami. It earned positive reviews from critics and viewers alike. The show spawned toys, video games, a follow up, “Eureka Seven: AO, a movie “Good Night Sleep Tight Young Lovers” and a trilogy “High-Evolution.” Anime production company, Bones is working on My Hero Academia’s seventh season and fourth movie. As a fan of the series, I wanna share my thoughts on Eureka Seven. Which anime series should I review next? Please leave a comment and I’ll reply back.
This review contains no SPOILERS. Keep in mind, I won’t cover every single episode. 50’s too much for one entire season. I’ll do my best to remember as much as possible.
Positive & Negative Aspects
Positive: Johnny Yong Bosch, Stephanie Sheh, (my all-time favorite voice actress) Crispin Freeman, Kari Wahlgren and the rest of the Cast all did a superb job for their respective voiceover performances.
Animation looks gorgeous bringing a few things to life including character models, lighting, fluid movement and environmental locations.
Action Sequences are awesome. Seeing mecha against mecha in the air.
Mecha Designs look sleek and less mechanical than Gundam.
Holland Novak is my favorite character besides Eureka. He has a fascinating backstory. Holland used to look up to his older brother, Dewey. He left him upon realizing his sibling’s a mass murdering psychopath. Holland’s haunted by the horrific acts he served in the United Federation.
Renton’s interactions with Eureka, Holland and the Gekkostate crew serves as the main highlight. His bond with Eureka takes a slow and steady approach. Rather than a “shove in your face” kinda way.
Besides Renton & Eureka, we also focus on Dominic & Anemone. The former works for Dewey. The latter’s a crazy version of Eureka who pilots her own giant robot.
Character Development involving the main leads. Especially Holland, he treats Renton respect after treating him like Chris Brown beating the crap out of Rihanna, becomes less overprotective to Eureka, acts as noble leader to his crew and letting go of his troubled past. Once you witness Holland’s backstory on why he’s such a jerk, you’ll forgive him as I did. He has redeeming qualities including his relationship with Talho.
There’s a few Funny Moments. One joke that got me laughing pretty hard is when Eureka puts a ton of makeup to impress Renton.
Renton’s father Adrock, is named after Ad-Rock from Beastie Boys.
Coralians are a type of alien linked to the Scub Coral. The species is further explored as the show delves deeper into its lore.
Despite a good amount of Humor, the Tone shifts to dramatic territory filled with serious themes like Genocide, Racism, Tyranny, Religion, Trauma, Human Bonding & Maturity.
Eureka’s adoptive kids, Maurice, Linck & Maeter have a troubled past too. It’s pretty messed up.
Instrumental Soundtrack reminds me of “Platoon.”
Each episode is named after a song or album. “Cowboy Bebop” also named every single episode after songs too.
Although I don’t speak Japanese, the Opening Theme Songs are catchy as heck. My favorite is “FLOW” by Days. Ending Themes Songs are pretty good. My favorite is “Tip Taps Tip” by Halcali.
If you have a sensitive side, several sad scenes will make you cry.
Negative: My least favorite episode is the soccer game. I don’t find it as a breather. Why? Because countless lives are in peril from Dewey’s plan to kill the Scub Coral.
I know the first half the show has Holland and his crew treating Renton like crap. I’ll let this con slide. They get better in the second half. It’s all part of Character Development.
The Final Verdict: A-
Eureka Seven is a near-perfect anime series. Had the soccer episode didn’t interfere, I could’ve given it my highest grade, an A, FOR APEX! If you’re a fan of mecha anime shows, give this one a shot.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 