Anime Review – Darling in the FranXX

October 10, 2023
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Japanese: ダーリン・イン・ザ・フランキス
Type: TV Series
Aired: Jan 13, 2018 to Jul 7, 2018
Studios: A-1 Pictures, Trigger, CloverWorks
Genre: Action, Sci-Fi, Romance
Theme: Mecha
Duration: 24 min. per ep.
Rating: PG-13 – Teens 13 or older
Add to list on MAL
MY RATING: 8 out of 10

In the distant future, humanity has been driven to near-extinction by giant beasts known as Klaxosaurs, forcing the surviving humans to take refuge in massive fortress cities called Plantations. Children raised here are trained to pilot giant mechas known as FranXX—the only weapons known to be effective against the Klaxosaurs—in boy-girl pairs. Bred for the sole purpose of piloting these machines, these children know nothing of the outside world and are only able to prove their existence by defending their race.

Hiro, an aspiring FranXX pilot, has lost his motivation and self-confidence after failing an aptitude test. Skipping out on his class’ graduation ceremony, Hiro retreats to a forest lake, where he encounters a mysterious girl with two horns growing out of her head. She introduces herself by her codename Zero Two, which is known to belong to an infamous FranXX pilot known as the “Partner Killer.” Before Hiro can digest the encounter, the Plantation is rocked by a sudden Klaxosaur attack. Zero Two engages the creature in her FranXX, but it is heavily damaged in the skirmish and crashes near Hiro. Finding her partner dead, Zero Two invites Hiro to pilot the mecha with her, and the duo easily defeats the Klaxosaur in the ensuing fight. With a new partner by his side, Hiro has been given a chance at redemption for his past failures, but at what cost?
via MAL

Review

**I actually had this review last 2021 (while I was still in hiatus), and just realized I haven’t posted it here yet, so here it goes.

I’m not a fan of Mecha (although I LOVE Code Geass and enjoyed Voltes V when I was a kid) so I wasn’t really expecting that I will enjoy this anime so much.

When I started the first episode, I was like “Ok, so this is all the hype was all about?”. Even if I wasn’t expecting something great, I would be lying if I say I wasn’t disappointed at all. But heck, I’m so glad I continued watching this anime because all of those revelations and scenes were really remarkable, I’ll tell you about it later, *wink. The first 15 episodes were about setting the groundwork about what this anime is about and for us to know each character.

I know it’s bad to compare but watching this anime is like watching Code Geass all over again. Don’t get me wrong, the only similarity these two anime have is that they are both mecha. It felt that way to me because I was also skeptical about Code Geass when I decided to watch it, and look at me now, I’ve been singing praises about it ever since, lol.

Darling in the Franxx sent me into a roller coaster ride of emotion. A lot of things happened and a lot of revelations were presented that really shocked and moved me. Although the first half is important, I have to say that I love the 2nd half of this anime even more.

This anime showcased a lot of things. Actually, I wasn’t a big fan of the fight parts (because as I’ve said, I’m not into mecha), so I’m really happy that this anime didn’t just center on that part. It also showcased love, not just romantically but also towards family and friends. And speaking romantically, I love Hiro and Zero Two but I also love Mitsuru and Kokoro’s story. That baby part was just too much for my heart….. (sorry for the spoiler hahahahaha)

And lastly, that ending is just so beautiful that thinking about that dreadful episode 14 doesn’t hurt that much anymore. Like really, that episode was just sooooo hateful it’s hard to forget. Back to the ending, I definitely want more!!!!

I’m not the right person to ask or judge about it but I definitely don’t have any complaints with the graphics and animation. Speaking of graphics, I really love Strelitzia’s True Apus form, considering I’m not really into robots and such, that definitely speaks a lot eh? hahaha.

And ofcourse, I think it goes without saying, the story line is really good. Although I am giving this anime an 8 out of 10 rating, it was mostly because of what happened at episode 14, lol. So if you are curious, do check it out *wink.

Overall, whether you love mecha anime or not, I’m sure this one will never disappoint, *wink.