Martian Successor Nadesico

Warning: Spoilers follow

Martian Successor Nadesico (Kidô senkan Nadeshiko 1996) is an anime and a manga series that was written by Kia Asamiya. The series takes place in the year 2196.

Table of contents

1 Plot overview 2 Review 3 Major Characters: 4 Theme Songs 5 Links

Plot overview

When Earth's colonies on Mars are suddenly attacked by alien invaders known as the Jovian Lizards, civilian contractor Nergal decides to come to the Earth's aid by constructing powerful space battleships, the first of which is known as the ND-001 Nadesico (hence the series' name). Unfortunately, the crew they choose are a little unorthodox, although they are good at their jobs.

The main character, Akito Tenkawa, only wants to be a cook, however, he is constantly called on to be a pilot of one of the Nadesico's Aestevalis combat robots. While on board the Nadesico, Akito has more problems to deal with than just the Jovians. Pretty much all the female members of the crew seem to be head over heels on love with Akito, and all he wants to do is cook and watch Gekigangar III.

Review

While Nadesico is definitely a good series, it lacks the serious air of more popular anime such as Neon Genesis Evangelion and Gundam Wing. Although, it tends to be a little more light hearted, this ties in well with some of the major plot developments.

The series pokes fun at anime in general and mecha anime in particular. In addition to Gekigangar III, the anime in an anime, there are many other anime refrences. One of the characters is a hentai and magical girl seiyuu before joining the crew, another is a fangirl who likes to draw her own lemon shounen-ai manga doujinshi, while a third is an otaku who bases his entire life on Gekigangar III. In one episode the ship holds an anime convention, complete with a viewing marathon of Gekigangar, people engaged in cosplay, and tie-in merchandising.

The TV series ran for 26 episodes. A Gekigangar III compilation OVA was also released, as well as a sequel movie called Martian Successor Nadesico: The Prince of Darkness that takes place several years after the main series.

Major Characters:

• Yurika Misumaru - Captain of the Nadesico, smitten with Akito.
• Akito Tenkawa - Cook, Aestevalis pilot, the main hero. A fan of the anime series Gekigangar III.
• Ruri Hoshino - "Electronic Fairy", she keeps the ship computer (Omoikane) running.
• Gai Daigoji - Born as Jiro Yamada. Aestevalis pilot.
• Megumi Raynard - Voice actress, communications officer of the Nadesico, Akito's girlfriend.
• Jun Aoi - First officer of the Nadesico.
• Inez Fressage - Developed the Nadesico's engines for Nergal, was rescued from Mars. She hosts the "Naze Nani Nadesico" segment.
  • P.S. you'll love it when you find out who she really is.
• Nagare Akatsuki - Aestevalis pilot. Joins after they return from Mars. (See if you can guess who he is really)

ADV Films

Nadesico Thumbnail Theatre - Watch for spoilers.

IMDb's MSN page