If there is one mecha that truly deserves the title of Underrated and Underappreciated it is Da Garn. Even though I don’t spoil anything in this review, I highly recommend just watching the show with zero expectations as it makes for a better experience. But if you need more convincing then you can continue reading.

The Brave series will always be the best iteration of the classic super robot formula. However, among these shows one stands out among the rest and that is Da Garn. It is the only Brave to not completely follow the monster of the week formula and instead a more overarching plot. This also has some of the best character development and plot progression while still keeping the traits that make super robot anime great.

Da Garn follows a rather simple story, aliens invade the planet and the Brave mechs must fight back against them. Compared to other Brave series shows, there is a lot more focus placed on our main character Seiji. He is given the responsibility to not only find the Brave mechs scattered around the world, but to also lead them. This is where the more connected story comes into play as there is a constant sense of progression as Seiji gathers more allies, becomes a more competent leader and the conflict continuously escalates. The serialized plot makes the show a lot more engaging and the development much more tangible. There are some genuinely great plot points and story arcs that happen over the course of this story. It may seem like a generic story to fight back against an alien invasion, but as it progresses, the more depth is added to the plot and the characters. The latter parts of the show are filled with many twists, turns and dramatic moments that would only come from a more grand narrative.

Da Garn’s characters are its strongest element. The development of Seiji becoming a true hero, learning to grow and accept the responsibilities thrusted upon him is very well told and tangible. He will have to make increasingly harder decisions as the battles always grow in intensity and the antagonists become more formidable.The villains and side characters are also handled with a lot of care. As the story progresses they receive a lot of development and change a lot from the generic archetypes they seem at first. While both the humans and villains are given a lot of depth and care, the Brave mechs themselves aren’t as fleshed out as other entries in the series. Aside from Da Garn himself, most of the Braves don’t have much character to them. Though they still carry the usual Brave traits of great mecha designs and the trademark transformation and combination sequences.

It is also one of the darkest series among the Braves. While it is not on the same level as Gundam or a Tomino directed anime, the show is a lot more mature than other kids shows. The plot progression is fantastic as the stakes continuously grow and the story becomes more complex. This series also has strong themes of protecting the world and environment. It teaches the values of life on this planet and why Seiji and the Braves must continue to fight. Da Garn is one the best super robot anime out there. It not only has the traits that make real robots great (the more serialized story, more serious moments and great character development) it is just a great show in general. The show is an epic tale that needs more attention and recognition.