Gunbuster

Synopsis

In the not-too-distant future, humanity discovers a swarm of enormous, insectoid aliens traversing the galaxy. These extraterrestrials appear bent on wiping out the human race as it begins to venture beyond the solar system, and they draw steadily nearer to Earth. In response, mankind constructs interstellar warships and colossal mecha. These machines are operated by the most talented and promising young people on Earth, selected from training academies across the globe. The narrative starts in 2023, shortly after the initial skirmishes with the aliens, and focuses on the young Noriko Takaya. Though her father—a renowned space fleet captain—was killed in one of the war's early battles, Noriko's own piloting abilities are far from certain. Nevertheless, she enrolls in a training school. Throughout the series, Noriko, alongside the skilled and beautiful Kazumi Amano, strives to overcome the scars of conflict, the skepticism of her classmates, and her own deep-seated insecurities.

Background

Winner of the 1990 Seiun Award for Best Dramatic Presentation.