Sometimes when we consume pieces of media, we often forget the reasons why we do so in the first place. Among all the motives one could have for interacting with a story, there is a certain element that gets overshadowed the more media one consumes. That quality in question is pure entertainment. While those who have experienced a vast amount of stories rarely rate this aspect to the same degree as complexity or the quality of writing, it is still an extremely valuable part of any work of fiction. At the end of the day, a primary goal of any story should be to entertain the audience and it should always be taken into account when creating one. There are times when we aren’t in mood for a highly sophisticated narrative with rich characters and themes, instead we just want to have fun with a story. In the eternity of anime, there are few genres that can consistently evoke that level of excitement than Super Robots.
One of the most iconic tropes in the whole medium are these metal behemoths possessing crazy powers and exerting pure hot-blooded passion and joy. Since the beginning of anime itself these superheroes made of steel have been a source of entertainment for countless viewers. Of course that has traits of more elaborate and complex stories over the course of this genre’s history. Some of them even being among the most influential and highly regarded series in all of anime. However, the feeling of pure fun and excitement watching a giant perform over the top feats is the defining element of this genre. Among the many great works that have come under its umbrella, one stands as the shining example of what makes it so enjoyable and appealing. It is none other than the tribute to the whole lineage, the king of the Braves himself: GAOGAIGAR!!!!!
GGG proudly proclaims itself as the hallmark super robot incorporating many elements of its predecessors into one of the most fun rides in all of anime. It is not a show that concerns itself with having a deep storyline with complex characters and development, instead it is pure entertainment done right. A show made for kids, but has so much heart and passion that everyone of all ages can enjoy it. This series is the perfect introduction to all the classic elements of super robots and why these shows are such a treat to consume. It highlights all the key aspects of the genre and just provides such good popcorn entertainment. Sometimes a simple and very fun story is all you need and this series is perfect for that. In the spirit of the show, I shall not cover such boring elements in great detail as they aren’t the main focus here.
This show is the most mecha anime ever made for all the good reasons. It is a love letter to the whole genre as it takes so many iconic elements from countless titles. Mazinger Z’s most famous attack, the Rocket Punch, is GGG's BROKEN MAGNUM. A trait across all the Braves series are the combination sequences and drills being a prominent feature is present as ever here which are hommages to Getter Robo. An alien mech originating from space coming to Earth coming from Grendizer, and giving humanity the knowledge to build their own mechs in order to fight an invading force is a reference to the start of Macross. A hint of politics and later a space faring plot are emblematic of Gundam. A whole team outside the mechs supporting the Braves in various ways like in Gaiking. The writers saw Evangelion and decided to make the complete opposite show while still adding some nods to it. There are a lot of directorial choices that are quite similar to EVA but instead, this series can be seen as the alternate reality where it kept to its super robots the whole way through. All these alongside so many more serve to make Gaogaigar one of the most celebratory pieces in all of mecha. It is pure unapologetic fanservice to the genre and knowing how much inspired this series will deepen your appreciation. Unlike heavily derivative stories, this show uses these hommages to its advantage as they are used to effectively enhance the whole experience and strengthen the foundation that was already there.
On that note, Final Fusion is the absolute peak of mecha combination sequences:
GGG simultaneously goes back to the roots of classic super robots but adds many small touches to make it feel more cohesive. Showcasing that it is possible for a show of this nature to still be refined with newer elements. The first arc follows the typical monster of the week structure of classic series but tweaks in special ways. For one, there is constant development happening every episode despite its segmented structure. Be it large or small, some kind of progression is always happening making the plot flow much more smoothly than in a regular episodic anime. New characters, power-ups and other elements slowly get introduced overtime which allows for greater engagement. That being said, the traditional formula is still handled in a good and refined manner. Each new treat is unique and requires a different solution in order to defeat it. Every battle and enemy is unique and the different strategies being used allows for a larger variety of encounters.
They also have really good designs considering they are mostly to one per episode. There are very few super robots that have an equal of diversity and creativity when it comes to monster fights. The creators even went the extra mile of creating 2 unique eyecatch images for every single episode. Another factor contributing to the sheer of the series is the amazing OST. So many tracks that evoke the feeling of epicness and excitement. Having been at the tail end of the 90s GGG has some of the best classic cell animation for a TV show in mecha. It helps that it is the one show in the Brave series that has gained enough popularity to be well preserved. Most of its original quality has remained and its expressiveness can be put on full display. There even are some early uses of digital effects to help enhance some scenes. I do have to warn you that they went a bit too overboard with the use of effects in some scenes. This show may need an epilepsy warning for the intensity of flashing lights during certain sequences.
While characters and their development is not the strongest part of the show, they are still elements that help make it so fun. What the cast lacks in complexity makes up for in diversity, personality and charm. There is a wide range of likable and distinct characters in the whole world. Their simplicity on how they are written is almost an advantage as their individual characteristics get to shine a lot more. A good majority of the cast have straightforward but endearing traits and designs that still make them memorable even with not much depth. This extends past the human characters to the Brave mechs themselves. J-decker may have the best robot cast in the franchise, this entry is a close second with most of the Yusha shining in their own unique ways.
After the already great first arc, the show goes even further beyond with its later 2 storylines. Adopting a more serialized progression and amping up the intensity. The story may get dumber and more absurd overtime, what is getting better is just how enjoyable it is. Thinking is not what you want to do in the latter parts of the show, instead you sit back and have a good time being entertained by the sheer madness happening on screen. It is pure turn your brain off experience with just how ridiculous the story evolves into.
Gaogaigar is an excellent showcase of heart over mind. It is undoubtedly a kids show meant to advertise toys that the creators put all their passion into. Very few super robots are as hype, hot-blooded and highly entertaining to watch as this series. This one show pays tribute to the amazing genre with countless references and highlighting what makes these stories so fun and memorable. Sometimes, there comes a mood when all a story needs to do in order to make an impression, is to be the purest form of entertainment. All hail the King of Braves!!
