Star Driver

Star Driver is a fascinating mecha anime series produced by Aniplex that was broadcasted from 2010 to 2011. The show blends elements of high school drama, comedy, coming-of-age trials, and science-fiction-infused action to spin a tale of heroism, friendship, and facing one's destiny. Given its stylish execution, strong characterization, and John Hughes-esque high school setting, the series has etched a unique place in the heart of many viewers.

Star Driver is set in the mystical Southern Cross Isle where a high school student named Takuto Tsunashi washes ashore one day, and his life takes an exciting turn after discovering several intertwining mysteries of the island. The island carries a strange aura where various secrets are hidden, including a maiden who has been sleeping for ages and giant robots known as Cybodies that can only be controlled by selected few known as Star Drivers. Unbeknownst to the island's inhabitants, they are caught in a cosmic stage where an ancient interstellar war is set to resume.

Takuto Tsunashi, a youthful, energetic protagonist, discovers he is one of these Star Drivers and has a Cybody of his own named Tauburn. He's encapsulated as the ‘Ginga Bishounen’ or the ‘Galactic Pretty Boy.’ His arrival disrupts the operations of a secretive organization known as the Glittering Crux Brigade, which has been secretly excavating these Cybodies to use in their world conquest mission. With his atypical charisma and motivations, Takuto becomes the spearhead against the Glittering Crux Brigade's schemes.

But Star Driver isn't just about the mech combats. In fact, the human element plays a significant role in the narrative with the school life of Takuto and his friends serving as a backbone. The Southern Cross High School is full of vibrant, interesting characters, each with their own secrets and motivations that are fun to discover. The somewhat-divergent paths of high school life and cosmic warrior are expertly weaved together, forming the substance that keeps viewers engaged.

This show is renowned for its distinct and vibrant animation style. The character designs by Yoshiyuki Ito and Hiroka and Misa Mizuya are delightfully unique, infusing each character with a vibrant personality that matches their distinct roles. The action scenes involving Cybodies are dynamic and thrilling, filled with fluid animation and adorned with striking color palettes. The blend of traditional animation and CGI renders some visually stunning moments, representing one of the best features of the series that is a delight to witness.

Yoji Enokido, the scriptwriter, is particularly adept at blending humor, action, drama, and some romantic ambitions, delivering a finished product that is both gratifying and engaging. The soundtrack by Satoru Kousaki creates the perfect ambiance for the series, ranging from high-energy battle anthems to soft tunes for the more emotional moments.

Furthermore, the series marks one of the early successes of the acclaimed studio Bones, known for their work on classics like Fullmetal Alchemist and My Hero Academia. This also means that Star Driver thrives with all the quality hallmarks of Bones—solid storytelling, eye-catching character designs, well-choreographed action sequences, and that precious emotional resonance that Bones uniquely brings to the table—the vibrant evolution of characters, friendships made and tested, first loves, heartbreaks, and the ultimate heroism of standing up for what is right.

In simpler terms, Star Driver is much more than what may initially meet the eye. Sure, on the surface, it's about high school students piloting massive mecha and combating for the fate of the island and the world. However, it's also about youth, friendship, identity, raw emotions, and challenges of coming of age. The complexity of human relations, their dreams, and the battles they fight (both literally and metaphorically), create an anime that resonates on a more personal level for many viewers.

To sum up, Star Driver delivers an exhilarating and emotionally charged story, backed by a solid balance of high-energy mech fights and light-hearted school life moments. Its charming characters, powerful relationships, a captivating story that smoothly mixes various genres, stunning visuals, immersive soundtracks, and thoughtful exploration of themes make it a remarkable anime that has resurfaced from 2010 as a timeless classic. If you are a mecha fan, adore high school dramas or love shows offering a thoughtful exploration of human relationships, then Star Driver is a gem worthy of your time.