Cross Ange: Rondo of Angels and Dragons
Humanity has advanced to great heights since it obtained the information technology known as "Mana." With that nearly magical power, problems like war, food shortages, and pollution have been eliminated. In this age of peace and freedom, First Princess Angelise Ikaruga Misurugi of the Misurugi Empire is a privileged girl with no disabilities. She learns, however, that she is a "Norma," a kind of human who cannot use Mana and are outcasts of society. Having lost everything, she is sent to an isolated island. There she meets other Normas who ride in humanoid weapons called Para-mails, protecting the world from dragon invaders from another dimension.
Insights
Plot Summary
Princess Angelise Ikaruga Witenberg of the Misurugi Empire discovers she is a Norma, a being unable to use magic, and is exiled to a remote island. Stripped of her title and name, she is forced to pilot a "Dragoon" – a highly advanced mecha used to fight dragons. Angelise, now known as Ange, must confront her past and fight for survival alongside a group of other exiled Normas, who are treated as outcasts and criminals.
Critical Reception
Cross Ange received a mixed to positive reception. While praised for its action sequences, character development, and unique premise, it was also criticized for its sometimes gratuitous fan service, inconsistent tone, and controversial themes. The series gained a dedicated following for its melodrama and surprisingly deep exploration of its characters' struggles.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its exhilarating mecha battles and compelling character arcs, especially Ange's transformation.
- Criticized by some for its heavy reliance on fan service and occasionally jarring tonal shifts.
- Appreciated for its ambitious storytelling that blends political intrigue with supernatural elements.
Google audience: Audiences generally enjoyed the unique blend of mecha action, political drama, and character-driven narrative. Many viewers found the show to be surprisingly engaging and emotionally resonant, though some noted that the fan service could be excessive.
Fun Fact
The series was conceived by Yoshiyuki Tomino, the creator of the original Mobile Suit Gundam series, who aimed to create a story that subverted typical magical girl tropes while exploring themes of discrimination and war.
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