Quick Series Review: Gunparade March

Series Name: Gunparade March(ガンパレード・マーチ -新たなる行軍歌-)

Episodes: 12

Plot:
"During WW2 a strange new alien, the Genjuu (幻獣), appeared who's sole purpose is to kill off Humanity. Whenever they appear the Genjuu give off a strange odor that is acid to a human and killed off a lot of the warriors sent to fight it. Flash foward 50 years. Hayami Atsushi is a pilot of the 5121. The number of adults killed off in the war has forced the government to form the High School Defense force, where children of a certain age and skill are fostered in dorms to fight off the aliens. They use new mecha (HWTs) and special anti alien suits made by the Shibamura group. One day they get a new transfer student. A hot shot mecha pilot who seems to be made out of ice and is a pro at killing the Genjuu. She introduces herself as Mai Shibamura."



Gunparade March, originally a PS2 game, tells the story of Unit 5121. Unit 5121 fights monsters called "Genju", who release poisonous gas and threaten human life on appearing. The real strength of the show is when it highlights the soldiers who make up that unit, most still in high school. Aside from being based on a game and only being twelve episodes, Gunparade March has solid characterization. The series excels in an area that takes most series 26 episodes.

The early part of the series is where it shines. We're introduced to a newcomer, Mai Shibamura, who at first seems out-of-place in the unit. Battles are fought, and yes, people actually die. Not just side characters, but main characters the show spends time developing. Even with this promising start, the entire tone of the series changes after an episode where Hayami and Mai spend time together. After this episode, Nonomi's comedic interruptions become more frequent, and the series starts to change into an angst filled high school romance.

The battles and fights of the first half are all relegated to side stories as the focus is instead laid on Hayami and Mai. What follows is what happens when you have an incredibly shy guy and an incredibly stubborn girl. The romance itself is believable, and while it ends up working, is incredibly drawn out. Aside from this second half stalemate, the show is enjoyable if not for the cast of characters.

Series Score: 3 out of 5