On the surface, the lighthearted fanservice and Nono seem overwhelming. But as a companion piece to "Gunbuster", it completes the powerful theme of effort and guts overcoming fear. The Topless were given their power through no effort of their own, and so act like spoiled children. But, if watched after Gunbuster, it soon becomes apparent that all of humanity is as childish as the Topless for reasons no one can remember. Nono isn't the hero — she's a guide and hope for the world, and helps Lal'C overcome her fears and become a true hero.
To say nothing of the fights. If the fanservice turns you away, if interesting character interaction isn't your thing, then at least stay for the most epic fights in mecha history. This is the big sister series of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, and it shows. The sheer scale is so overwhelmingly vast that it can scarcely be believed. It truly feels as if the fate of the universe is at stake. They may be short, but they are some of the most memorable sequences in anime.
Overall, Gunbuster seems to be the more beloved series for its direct, well-executed message, and Nono's surprise strength does feel at odds with her message at times. But Die Buster shows incredible subtlety with its themes, and is a well crafted coming of age storyspace opera. "Die Buster" is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you laughing, cheering, and crying like a baby.
A Superb Mecha Classic
On the surface, the lighthearted fanservice and Nono seem overwhelming. But as a companion piece to "Gunbuster", it completes the powerful theme of effort and guts overcoming fear. The Topless were given their power through no effort of their own, and so act like spoiled children. But, if watched after Gunbuster, it soon becomes apparent that all of humanity is as childish as the Topless for reasons no one can remember. Nono isn't the hero — she's a guide and hope for the world, and helps Lal'C overcome her fears and become a true hero.
To say nothing of the fights. If the fanservice turns you away, if interesting character interaction isn't your thing, then at least stay for the most epic fights in mecha history. This is the big sister series of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, and it shows. The sheer scale is so overwhelmingly vast that it can scarcely be believed. It truly feels as if the fate of the universe is at stake. They may be short, but they are some of the most memorable sequences in anime.
Overall, Gunbuster seems to be the more beloved series for its direct, well-executed message, and Nono's surprise strength does feel at odds with her message at times. But Die Buster shows incredible subtlety with its themes, and is a well crafted coming of age story space opera. "Die Buster" is an emotional rollercoaster that will leave you laughing, cheering, and crying like a baby.
With a little fanservice for some fun.