Code Geass

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) is a tv series produced by Sunrise with character designs by CLAMP. It follows the trials of Lelouch, an ambitious teenager who receives mysterious powers and uses them to overthrow a royal empire that has been oppressing his country.

Ava says: If you like the late-2000s era of action anime, where everything is bright and flashy, Code Geass is a good fit for you. If you prefer older, darker anime, this won't be enough. The mecha designs are indeed innovative. However, this is more of a school/shounen series with the mechs playing a dispensible role.

Escaflowne

Vision of Escaflowne (1996) is a tv series by the same creator as Macross, with a very different twist. The story follows a young girl named Hitomi who is magically transported to a feudal world where kingdoms fight with ancient mechs and dragons roam the lands. She uses her divination powers to aid the princes who she travels with.

Ava Says: This is a great rec for fans of fantasy and adventure. If you're looking for sci-fi, there's nothing for you here. But if you like ideas of fate and mysticism coupled with robots, Escaflowne is well-done in regards to story, romance, and action - making it enjoyable for men and women.

Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) is a tv series by Hideki Anno and produced by Gainax. In a post-Apocalyptic earth, civilization has rebuilt itself to normalcy - except for the giant alien monsters that occasionally descend to cause havoc. Organic mecha pilot Shinji struggles with the job a shady government defense agency has given him, as well as with his fractured personal relationships.

Ava Says: This is the legendary psychological mecha anime that deserves my highest recommendation. If you saw some of it eariler, rewatch it. If you're new to the franchise though, save yourself the mindfuck trip and watch the "Rebuild of Evangelion" - a set of 4 movies that cut out the extraneous, depressing material while keeping everything that made the original great.

Gundam Series

Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) is a huge metaseries of mecha titles by Sunrise. There are multiple universes, but the story generally revolves about capturing a realistic depiction of war in a sci-fi world where humans have colonized space. There is a hint of psychic abilities, but aspects of politics and soldier/civilian experiences are emphasized most.

Ava Says: Whether you want horrific realism, fluffy acion/drama, or silly fighting stories, the Gundam franchise has so many titles that there's something perfect for every mecha fan. Mech designs are top tier caliber. The trouble is finding the right series for you. But once you do, you are golden.

Macross Series

Super Dimension Fortress Macross (1982) is another huge metaseries of mecha titles. The franchise's theme revolves about sci-fi war against alien races, with a large emphasis on music and love triangles. An localized revision of one Macross series, Robotech, became quite popular internationally.

Ava Says: Same comments as with Gundam. An old and excellent franchise with something for everyone. Take note that while Gundam is more gritty and political, Macross titles are always more personal and idealistic.

Nadesico

Martian Successor Nadesico (1996) is a tv series of the sci-fi comedy genre. Earth is at war with an alien race that has invaded our Martian colonies. Akito is a reluctant pilot on board a large battle ship with a wacky crew.

Ava Says: This is parody of conventional mecha that straddles the line between comedy and tension so often that you can forget it's a parody. While not an epic classic, it is still a personal favorite that I would recomend for its endearing cheekiness and likeable characters.

Rayearth

Magic Knight Rayearth (1995) is a tv series by CLAMP. Three color-coded schoolgirls of varying personalities and backgrounds are taken to a magical land. They become mystical knights that must save a princess and the world from disaster, or so they believe.

Ava Says: Great for shoujo and magical girl fans. Not for diehard mecha fans. Nevertheless, it embodies the quintessential qualities of the magical girl genre well.

Tekkaman Series

Tekkaman Blade (1992) is a tv series set in a world where aliens are invading Earth. To combat them, the military uses Tekkamen - humans who have been biologically altered by the alien technology and can transform into super-powered, armored soldiers.

Ava Says: I've only seen Tekkaman Blade II, the sequel, and that was pretty good already. The original is supposed to be even better and I believe it. The concept of transforming into mecha, rather than putting on a suit or piloting one, is executed nicely. If you like old Gundam and Macross titles, you'll like Tekkaman.