This science fiction adventure from the creator of the hugely popular Gunsmith Cats
is a hard-edged take on the aliens-and-robots genre of manga. Haichi Kano is a brash high school student living under somewhat normal conditions, 10 years after an alien race called the Riofaldians have landed on Earth for a lengthy cultural exchange. Then the Riofaldians wipe out the U.S. military and announce their imminent conquest of the world. Simultaneously, Haichi's grandfather emerges after years of seclusion to present Haichi with a buxom robot helper and a super-fighting suit. What follows is standard hero-making stuff, as Haichi must make quick decisions about his new power while he uncovers more information about both the alien invasion and his increasingly mysterious grandfather. Sonoda's strong storytelling and appealing art separate this series from the pack. He renders figures and backgrounds in a crisp outline, and his action sequences are clear and focused. The character designs are excellent, and the sleek, nearly art deco spaceships and robots are exciting to look at and well used in the plot. The action never lets up, as Sonoda always sustains suspense through precarious situations and his characters' inner turmoil. While the giant robots and startling proportions on the female characters will appeal to adolescent male fantasies, Sonoda's unusual attention to the human cost of the devastation wrought by the aliens adds an extra dimension. Haichi's youthful insecurities combined with his arrogance make him a compelling protagonist. All of this adds up to an exciting story and a well-rounded, action-packed series. (June)
