Watch ALDNOAH.ZERO

ALDNOAH.ZERO is an anime series that premiered in 2014, produced by Aniplex and animated by A-1 Pictures and TROYCA. The series follows the story of a war between Mars and Earth set in 2014. The show has a vast cast of characters, featuring several up-and-coming voice actors like Erika Harlacher, Cristina Vee, Kensho Ono, Natsuki Hanae, Sachika Misawa, Erica Mendez, Sora Amamiya, Mikako Komatsu, Ai Kakuma, Yoshitaka Yamaya, Sayaka Ohara, Taishi Murata, Kohsuke Toriumi, Kazuya Nakai, Ai Kayano, and Kosuke Toriumi.

In ALDNOAH.ZERO, Mars is a colonized planet that takes advantage of the ancient technology called "Aldnoah," which grants them immense power. The series begins when the princess of Mars, Asseylum Vers Allusia, visits Earth to announce an alliance between the two planets. However, her arrival turns violent when terrorists attack her motorcade, leading to her apparent death. Her death prompts the Martian emperor to declare war on Earth, setting in motion a long and brutal conflict.

The series' protagonist is Inaho Kaizuka, a high school student from Earth who finds himself thrust into the middle of the war. Inaho is a genius tactician who remains calm and collected in the face of danger, able to assess a situation quickly and take decisive action. He lacks emotional expression, causing some of his peers to describe him as cold and detached. Despite this, he shows tremendous bravery and resourcefulness in battle, determined to protect those he cares about from harm.

Inaho's skills come to the forefront when he encounters a Martian prince named Slaine Troyard. Slaine was a former friend and romantic interest of Asseylum, and initially, Inaho sees him as an enemy. However, as the story progresses, the two develop a complicated relationship, each seeing the other as both a friend and a foe. Slaine's arc is one of the most interesting in the show, as he struggles to reconcile his loyalty to Mars with his feelings for Asseylum and his growing friendship with Inaho.

The show follows a general battle royale formula, with mecha suits and advanced technology as their weapons. However, what sets ALDNOAH.ZERO apart from other anime series in the genre is its focus on the complexity of characters and the intricate relationships between them. Besides Inaho and Slaine, the show also features a diverse cast of characters, including Asseylum's bodyguard, Inaho's friends, and various Martian and Earth military personnel. Each character has their own backstory and personality, making them feel like fully-realized people rather than mere plot devices.

The animation in the series is commendable, featuring excellent fight scenes with fluid actions and dynamic shots. The mecha designs are also noteworthy, with each of them having their unique features and abilities. The backgrounds and setting are also beautifully crafted, providing an immersive experience for the audience.

One of the show's strengths is its ability to create suspenseful and emotional moments that leave the audience on edge. The series has several plot twists that subvert expectations, leaving the viewer gripping their seats with bated breath. The series also deals with themes of war, diplomacy, and the impact of technology on society, making it a thought-provoking anime.

In conclusion, ALDNOAH.ZERO is an excellent anime series that surpasses the conventions of the mecha and sci-fi genre. It features well-rounded characters, excellent animation, and a captivating plot that will leave the viewer enthralled. The series captivates through its fantastic dualities of character relationships, its ethical investigation, and its thematic diversions. It’s a must-watch for fans of sci-fi, mecha, anime or those who want to experience a thrilling and emotionally complex show.

ALDNOAH.ZERO is a series that is currently running and has 2 seasons (41 episodes). The series first aired on July 4, 2014.