Sidonia no Kishi

KNIGHTS OF SIDONIA (2014-2015) is a anime based on the original manga series written by Tsutomu Nihei.

This anime series is a really interesting science fiction mech-space opera. While it is sci-fi genre, there is definitely some junk science throughout. Even still, the series is still pretty cool, interesting characters, art, music and story, abd the graphics are really great.

"A thousand years after the destruction of Earth by gigantic aliens called Gauna, mankind is living on massive spaceships. One of these space ships is Sidonia, which is protected by large pilot controlled exosuits called Gardes."

Overall, thia anime is really cool and definitely worth a watch. Highly recommended for anime / manga fans, science fiction fans or even fans of mangaka / author Nihei's amazing story and illustrations.

Knights of Sidonia has some good stuff going for it, but I find the animation distracting from the story at times. Sometimes it's incredible, even beautiful; other times you can tell that this a 'three-dimensional imitation' of traditional cel-animation and the look still hasn't grown on me yet. It's difficult to describe how exactly I feel about the animation style: the fight sequences look great, but everything outside of that still feels oddly alien to me (the jerky CGI at play here is not a substitute for that traditional animation look). With that said, there is stuff to enjoy here. It's a legit space-opera with some good music and stories to tell, but it's far from perfect.

'Knights' gets 3.5/5 stars.

I have watched some mecha anime and although I'm not a guru in this field, I've come across this plot of "humanity is under threat from some creatures" in anime so many times. Going into Sidonia no kishi, I had no expectations but the anime proved me wrong. Season 1 was pure gold. There is weight behind the series as your favourite character can die anytime soon. The drama among the humans was so good as equally as the action against the monsters. Like all series, there are flaws. For instance, the main character might come off as the generic shy guy but by a little into the series, he gains a 3 dimensional growth.

Season 1 was a good introduction to the series but Season 2 was just unacceptable. First of all, they exchanged the beautiful serious plot for a lighthearted harem like fan service. I'm not a fan of harem or fan service but that is not the reason alone why I did not like the second season. The first season was dark, mature, psychological and sad. As a result, the transition into this bright romance like harem sequel was just weird and executed wrongly. Imagine an alternate Attack on Titan season 2 turning from a seinen into an anime where Sasha, Mikasa and Historia are after Eren. Silly right after that beautiful and serious first season? In knights of Sidonia, the second season did not further the entire story anywhere. It became repetitive and dull. I just hope the 3rd season will be far better than what we have now.

Growing up on Robotech (Macross) and the Gundam franchise, I have a tender spot in my core for mech anime. If you grew up on said anime, then you have to immediately view this series. It's not for you that I need to make the case. You'll already be willing to finish the series in one sitting.

For those of you, maybe a younger generation, without the mech background, give this a chance. My girlfriend is of the Hunter x Hunter, Kill la Kill, Blue Exorcist generation. But, Knights of Sidonia has your emotional character development, cutesy facial expression (heavy blushing) and the artwork will hold the new generation. I've tried in vain to get my girlfriend to watch many of the late 80's early 90's classics. She loved Ninja Scroll and Armitage, but still admits to not watching older anime for the dated animation. Knights of Sidonia is the perfect oldschool mech vs alien anime with an updated appearance.

A joy to see. Some battle sequences a bit to long for me but even so still totally recommendable. The characters are rich and interesting. You get attached to them and want to know more about them The quality of the graphics stunning.

Can't wait for the next season.