Mecha anime is not exactly the most accessible genre, especially when it comes to audiences used to more low-key storylines. After all, the genre typically involves grandiose stakes and narrative crossovers with space opera stories and elements. Thankfully for those seeking the best of both worlds, a forgotten 2003 classic provided such a combination.

Stellvia of the Universe might not be remembered much nowadays, but it remains unique in the mecha genre. Focusing on slice-of-life elements and character moments, it foreshadowed the future of anime as a whole -- namely one major mecha franchise. This made the now 20-year-old series into the perfect template for combining genres and spotlighting the everyday people dealing with extraordinary circumstances.

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A mecha in the anime Stellvia of the Universe.

Airing in 2003, Stellvia was directed by comedic mecha veteran Tatsuo Sato. He had previously worked on Martian Successor Nadesico, which was something of a parody of elements seen in Hideaki Anno's deconstructive Neon Genesis Evangelion. The story involves a unified humanity picking up the pieces nearly two centuries after an electromagnetic shockwave sent worldwide society into widespread chaos and death.

Seeking to prevent the same thing from happening again, humanity's survivors have begun surveying activity in outer space through colonies and satellites. Chief among these ventures is the foundation Stellvia, which conducts a space academy to see who will defend Earth via giant mechs in the event of similar catastrophes.

The protagonist is Shima Katase, one of several students in the space academy. Along with the exploits of these young characters and their daily lives together, there's also the impending doom of a second cosmic event and the ways in which humanity might defend itself against them. It's quite different from many mecha anime in which battles are the bigger priority, with more mundane story elements typically glossed over. Given how much the characters' school days are highlighted, it sounds on paper like a fairly boring mix. Nevertheless, Stellvia makes it work wonders, showing the two genres aren't quite as divergent as they'd seem.

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Stellvia of the Universe was a 2003 mecha anime

By going so hard with the characters' school lives, Stellvia presents a clear way for audiences to relate to their circumstances. "Special schools" are among the most common tropes in modern fiction, with the Harry Potter franchise's success making the idea truly mainstream. Shima and her colleagues feel like fully fleshed out characters with their own stories and inner tragedy, never falling into cheap tropes or stereotypes for the sake of a joke.

Their development is also strong and organic, with Shima in particular coming off as a realistic young girl. Waxing and waning from overconfident to full of self-doubt, her growth throughout the series never feels rushed or forced, instead having her change in a way that fits the narrative. The teachers and adults are also a frequent part of the story, which is definitely a plus given these sorts of mentor characters are often reduced to plot devices.

Stellvia's school and slice-of-life scope somewhat foreshadowed Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury. This series also had a more academic focus than its predecessor, and it's gained anime fans who might not usually look in the direction of a mecha show. Slice-of-life anime as a whole have become increasingly popular, largely due to how relatable and grounded they are. Stellvia did all this two decades ago, with a large cast that was also relatable and sympathetic in their own ways. It didn't detract from the story's epic and almost apocalyptic nature, however, with the focus on characterization actually improving this broader plot. It remains the perfect example of how to combine such elements, proving that genres can attract new viewers outside the usual suspects.

Stellvia of the Universe is streaming on Crunchyroll, Tubi TV and The Roku Channel.