The Most Popular Mechs in Anime History
Humans have always been fascinated by robots, and this has been depicted in anime over the decades. We love the idea of having mechanical humanoid devices that we can control however we want. They don't have to be any particular size or shape as long as we can make them do our bidding. The bigger, the better, but a small, smart one also does the trick. Should we call Leonardo Da Vinci’s armoured Germanic knight automaton drawing and design our introduction to the world of mechs? Most probably, yes.
Japanese audiences have always been more receptive to the mech genre. This may be due to the prevalent religion of Shinto, whose central tenet is the notion that both objects and people have spirits. The Japanese creators have done justice to the mech genre due to their inherent belief system. Thanks to awesome mech manga and anime, we can now see the thought processes of legendary philosophers and ancient Japanese beliefs on our TV and mobile screens.
Throughout the history of the mech genre, we have seen many great series and movies. These masterpieces have done justice to the majesty of the gigantic robots and armoured humanoid mechanical machines with artificial intelligence so complex that they are borderline sentient beings. In this post, let's look at some of the most memorable mechs in anime history. These mechs are still revered despite their age and invoke feelings of awe every time we see them in action.
The Knightmare Frames from Code Geass (2006)
Knightmare Frames are an integral part of the Code Geass universe, serving as both a means of warfare and a symbol of power and oppression in the ongoing struggle between various factions. The unique designs and capabilities of these mechs contribute to the series' action-packed and politically charged storyline.
In this dystopian world, Japan is under the oppressive rule of the Britannian Empire, which exploits its resources and subjugates its people. The story follows LelouchLamperouge, a young and intelligent former Britannian prince who forms a group called the "Black Knights" and uses his tactical genius, the power of Geass, and a stolen experimental Knightmare Frame (a giant mech) called the Gawain to wage a guerrilla war against Britannia. His ultimate goal is to destroy the Britannian Empire and create a world where equality for all is guaranteed.
Knightmare Frame mechs are large, agile, and bipedal machines that resemble humanoids in armour. They are piloted by humans and typically equipped with various weapons, including swords, rifles, and energy-based weaponry. The design of each Knightmare Frame can vary significantly, with different factions and characters having their own unique models. The effectiveness of a Knightmare Frame in battle often depends on the skill and experience of its pilot.
The main character, LelouchLamperouge, leads the resistance group Black Knights and pilots Shinkiro and later, its advanced prototype Knightmare Frame called the Mahoroba. These mechs served their pilots impressive victories in battles against formidable foes.
The Patlabors from Patlabor (Since 1989)
Based on a futuristic Japanese society using giant robots for law enforcement and other practical labour purposes, this old anime still has a solid fanbase. Patlabor is a distinctive and thought-provoking anime that offers a fresh perspective on the mecha genre by focusing on the everyday uses of giant robots and the challenges they bring to modern society.
The anime term "Patlabor" is derived from the words "patrol" and "labor." It focuses on the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's Special Vehicles Section 2 (SV2). The unit is responsible for labor-related crimes and accidents, and the team members pilot Patlabors as an impressive law enforcement tool.
The SV2 department uses Patlabors equipped with non-lethal weaponry to maintain order and still overcome the challenges of regulating and policing advanced technology. The series often also explores the complex ethical implications of using giant robots for both practical and potentially dangerous purposes.
The Fool from Nobunaga the Fool (2014)
Some might frown upon seeing Nobunaga the Fool on this list, but there is no denying its impact and unique blend of historical and science fiction elements, rarely seen in animes. Nobunaga the Fool story features complex world-building and character relationships that many find challenging to follow; others find creative liberties with historical figures quite hard to swallow. However, putting aside these creative differences, the series offers strikingly ambitious concepts and visuals that have die-hard fans raving.
The story is set in a fictional universe where two planets—the Western Star, a futuristic, advanced world, and the Eastern Star, a more mediaeval and historical world—are on a collision course. This impending clash threatens the existence of both worlds. In this universe, historical figures from Earth's history are reborn with their personalities and roles intact but adapted to fit the story's unique setting. We meet Joan Kaguyad'Arc, King Arthur, Gaius Julius Caesar, Cesare Borgia, and, of course, Nobunaga Oda.
Despite being littered with impressive names from world history, mechs called Regalia play an even more vital role in the overall narrative of Nobunaga the Fool. The mechs in Nobunaga the Fool are not just tools of war but integral elements of the series' plot, symbolism, and character development. They are associated with the destinies of the chosen Saviour-Kings and Saviour-Princesses and play a crucial role in the unfolding narrative. The Fool is the most striking Regalia in the series. It is not just a war robot but possesses unconventional powers and abilities that make it destined to be used by the Saviour King of prophecy.
The EVA Units from Neon Genesis Evangelion (Since 1995)
Neon Genesis Evangelion, a Japanese apocalyptic mecha anime series created by Hideaki Anno, is revered as one of his most critically acclaimed works. After gaining unprecedented popularity as a manga in 1994, the accompanying anime series captivated viewers of all backgrounds, swiftly becoming a widespread sensation.
Looking for a minor existential crisis with a side of impressive mechs? Look no further than Neon Genesis Evangelion! This classic anime series is sure to leave you feeling both entertained and disturbed.
Neon Genesis follows the lives of young pilots specifically recruited to operate powerful mechs called Evas. These Eva pilots must master their giant robots and protect humanity from the newest threat intent on bringing definitive human extinction, called the “Angels.” However, piloting these immense mechs is no simple feat; it goes beyond conventional training.
Eva units and their pilots share a unique connection known as "synchronization." When a pilot synchronises with their Eva, they are mentally and emotionally linked to the Eva, allowing them to control it effectively. The process involves delving deep into the pilots' emotional and psychological states, often causing intense stress and trauma. The series explores the emotional toll this takes on the young pilots. Neon Genesis Evangelion effectively deconstructs the traditional mech genre prototypes. It not only presents how mechs amplify the powers of trained pilots but also the psychological effects of operating mechs so intimately connected to human consciousness that even personal dilemmas affect this symbiotic relationship. The Eva Units represent the evolution of mech bordering on sentient beings.
RX-78-2 Gundam from Mobile Suit Gundam (Since 1979)
The Japanese anime Mobile Suit Gundam can be considered the true birthplace of giant anime robots fighting the good fight against forces of evil. Mobile Suit Gundam began its long-running influential run as a franchise in 1979, and we are still blessed with badass gigantic Mobile Suits mech action sequences every once in a while. This was the first series to give mechs the glory they deserve as a showstopper, and Mobile Suits are depicted as playing a vital role in both military and civilian applications.
The original Gundam series may seem like too much of everything for new mech fans, who go back to visit this old classic after watching modern mecha genre shows like Neon Genesis and Darling in the Franxx. Too large robots with much too powerful fighting capacities. However, the series nonetheless leaves a mark, and it had a significant impact on the anime industry, inspiring countless imitators and influencing the design of mecha in various media.
The Universal Century (UC) timeline was the original setting of the Mobile Suits Gundam. It was a timeline filled with political conflicts, war, and the ongoing struggle between the Earth Federation and various factions, including the Principality of Zeon. The Mobile Suits were humanity’s hope to overcome these difficult circumstances. And RX-78-2 Gundam was the best of the best valiant fighters. RX-78-2 Gundam can be rightfully called the iconic symbol of the franchise, still inspiring creators to come up with mech designs and storylines worthy of matching his majesty.
Piloted by Amuro Ray, the RX-78-2 Gundam is a prototype Mobile Suit developed by the Earth Federation. His main objective was to counter the threat posed by the Zeon forces and their highly advanced Mobile Suits. It represented a significant technological advancement compared to its predecessors and was one of the first Mobile Suits equipped with a powerful beam rifle. RX-78-2 Gundam’s super mech capabilities, along with Amuro's piloting skills, make it a symbol of hope for the Earth Federation forces.
Since RX-78-2 Gundam’s first appearance on Japanese TV screens, the Gundam anime universe has delved into many impressive alternate universes and spin-offs, each with its own continuity and interpretation of the Mobile Suit concept. But the majesty of the OG Gundam Super Mech still reigns supreme.
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