Diebuster, aka Gunbuster 2, aka Aim for the Top! 2

 Anime Review by ShonenPunk

Nono is a girl with dreams: She wants to be a space pilot! Not just any pilot, but a pilot that can rival the great “Nonoriri”, a supposedly legendary pilot that Nono strives to surpass. To accomplish her dreams, Nono runs from her snowy home to the city, where she hopes to begin training to be a pilot. Unfortunately, she’s having enough trouble trying to do her get by, let alone begin training as a pilot. However, things change when she meets Lal’C – one of the “Topless”, the very best space pilots, who fly the legendary Buster Machines – and has an unexpected run-in with the scourge of the solar system: the Space Monsters.

Diebuster has the basics of any good Mecha show: an “I wanna be a pilot!” main character, giant robots more-or-less run by government agencies, and plenty of space monsters vs. robot combat. And you know what? It works! Director Tsurumaki Kazuya (FLCL) manages to keep a good balance between character interaction and all-out mecha war, resulting in a fun ride. However, a lot of the “science” in the show is either unexplained or left very murky, which is does make it somewhat confusing, but really not that big of a problem. A couple of plot twists towards the end—some are nice, if predictable, the others ridiculously absurd and incredibly fun—keep it all together. For 6 episodes, it might feel a little rushed, but if you can get used to it, then it’s a fun ride all around. Note though: Some plot events will only make sense if the viewer is familiar with the first Gunbuster, though the majority of the plot is a stand-alone story. Overall, it shouldn’t be a problem to have seen Diebuster first, but for the full effect, make sure to check out Gunbuster.


All the characters are entertaining, and some side characters have truly great moments, but make no mistake: the focus of the show is the unique relationship between Nono and Lal’C. They easily stand out as very complex and entertaining, and are the driving force behind most of the major plot events. Bottom line, they’re fun to watch and are essential to the show’s flow, and that allows them to stand out as truly great characters. Throw in the side characters who help spice the show up at needed points, and this is one area where Diebuster shines.

Short OVA’s like Diebuster and FLCL can usually be expected to have good art and animation, and Diebuster certainly doesn’t disappoint. The character designs are well done, and animation is top-notch, especially during the brilliant mecha battle scenes, where brilliantly thought out fights make it a true feast for the senses. We’ve come to expect great art and animation from GAINAX, and they’ve proved why yet again in this one.

The music does what it should do: stay in the back and not get in the way of the story or animation. It doesn’t really stand out, but it certainly doesn’t detract from the show as a whole. The OP, “Groovin’ Magic”, is a quirky little song that will definitely stay with you, and the ED, "Hoshikuzu Namida" (Stardust Tears), takes you out on a high note. Outside of that, there’s nothing truly memorable, but it adds together for a nice little package.

GAINAX has consistently provided quality entertainment in their anime, especially mecha like Evangelion, Gunbuster and FLCL, and Diebuster is no exception. With a nice plot, brilliant characters and at times breathtaking animation and action, it’s easily one of the best mecha series of the last 10 years, and will keep you entertained throughout. Even if you don’t like mecha shows, at only 6 episodes, Diebuster is worth the watch. It might just make you a believer.