The 2010s are considered a rough time for the mecha genre. While the era did see some big titles like Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans and the new Evangelion movies, very few new mecha shows were released. However, one of the best entries to the genre around that time, Eureka Seven, was unfairly forgotten, despite being brilliant.
First released in 2005, Eureka Seven (or Psalms of Planets Eureka Seven as it was known in Japan) was a series created by the animation studio Bones, most known for its work on the Soul Eater and My Hero Academia franchises. The series was broadcast on the Mainichi Broadcasting System and Tokyo Broadcasting System networks and while Bandai Visual USA distributed the show in the West at first, Funimation picked it up when Bandai Entertainment closed down. The show had a short run on Adult Swim in 2006 before being rerun in 2012 as part of the Toonami block.
Eureka Seven follows Renton Thurston whose father was a military scientist who died while saving the world, forcing his son to live with his grandfather at his garage. Renton isn't a fan of this quiet life and hopes that he can one day join the renegade group Gekkostate. This group takes part in a sport called reffing, which is basically surfing, but rather than water, you surf on Trapar, a substance that exists in the air.
One day Renton's hum-drum life is shattered when a mech suit, called the Nirvash type ZERO, along with its strange pilot, Eureka, crashlands in their garage. This mech attracts the attention of the military, who send their own army in to capture the Nirvash type ZERO. As Eureka tries to fight them off, Renton's grandfather gives Renton one of his father's inventions called the Amita Drive. This drive is said to massively increase the power of a mech, tapping into its true potential. In the heat of battle, Renton is able to get the drive to the Nirvash and install it, allowing Eureka to dispatch the military with ease. Gekkostate is impressed by this show of skill, and they allow Renton to join their crew.
However, Renton quickly finds out that their life isn't as cool as the media makes it out to be. In fact, Gekkostate mostly spends its time messing around and trying to pay the bills. However, Renton finds himself totally fascinated by Eureka, and the pair start a strange relationship as Renton develops a rivalry with Gekkostate's leader, Holland Novak.
The show had an interesting production history. Tomoki Kyoda, the show's director, wanted to do something different; something that reflected the music and subculture of his time while also being a love story. The most obvious result of this direction is the show's episode titles, most of which reference a song title, such as New Order's "Blue Monday" and Primal Scream's "Higher Than The Sun."
The show also has a very unique aesthetic that makes it stand out among other shows of its genre. The robots move in a very fluid manner, and the fight scenes are more acrobatic and graceful than other mecha anime from this era. While at first, the surfing concept may seem like a random gimmick, the show makes full use of it during the fight scenes, leading to some clever and stunning sequences. The characters are the highlight of the series, though. While Gekkostate is set up as a rebel faction, they feel more like a group of put-upon gig workers who are just trying to make ends meet while having some fun. In many ways, this part of Eureka Seven resembles a mecha anime version of Firefly.
Each member of the cast has a unique design and a unique personality. They're all very memorable, and you'll find yourself getting attached to their quirky personalities as the show progresses. Eureka herself is fantastically acted and is by far the most memorable character in the series due to her mysterious but warm nature that sets her apart from other love interests in the genre.
The show's world is also really fleshed out, making it much more than just a venue for mech fights. It has fascinating lore and a lot of very memorable locations that all feel like they have a unique purpose both in-universe and in the story.
Eureka Seven really deserves more love and attention. It has a unique take on the mecha genre that feels more relevant now than it did when it was originally released. It breaks from the genre's usual format in several areas, making it special while still retaining the core of a mecha show, and giving you all of the action, twist, and turns you would want from the genre.