Summer 2014 - Aldnoah Zero

First up on the anime review block is Aldnoah Zero.  Taking place in a world where some portion of humanity has migrated to Mars, Aldnoah Zero is a mecha anime focused on the tension between the Vers empire of Mars and the inhabitants of Earth. At the beginning of the episode you're introduced to the crown princess of the Vers empire, princess Asseylum, her name most likely not coincidentally sounding like asylum.  In any case, Asseylum is convinced that there can be peace between the Martians and the humans of Earth.  To that end she decides to make a trip down to the surface of Earth as a sign that she sincerely wants peace.

At this point we switch away from the elegant princess to Earth where we learn that 15 years ago the Martians destroyed the moon in some crazy war.  We also learn that, at least in Japan, teenagers are being taught how to operate mechas to defend against the potential of another Martian/Earth human war.


Fast forwarding past all the expository stuffs, we get to the princess's procession where shocker it was a set up.  Apparently someone really wants the princess dead, like enough to shoot a bunch of missiles at her convoy.  And then finish it off with a missile just for her.

Why'd I pick that picture?  Well unfortunately, the majority of the first episode really is mostly talking and exposition.  But going on, obviously the Martians are super pissed that their princess has been killed and so decide it's time to wipe out the humans.  The episode ends with the Martian army leaders sending down their ships which crash land on Earth causing nuclear style explosions, knocking out communications.

But enough about the episode summary, what do I think about it?  Personally I found the first episode a bit dry with less action than I expected.  However I did like the production and animation and am looking forward to actual mecha battles.  While the idea and plot formulation are quite standard, I think that this could be a really good anime overall and will continue watching.  Also, who really thinks the princess is dead?  Not this guy.  That'd be too easy.

For a first episode I'd give this maybe a 7/10.  It gives a lot of detail in a relatively entertaining matter and sets up the premise of the rest of the anime well.  However, it does feel a bit lacking as an actual episode.  However, I'm a sucker for good mecha battles which this seems like it'll deliver on.  And with that, until next time.

--CsMiREK