The appeal and evaluation of "Aim for the Top 2!": A must-read review for anime fans

Aim for the Top 2! - A story of girls challenging the edge of the universe

"Aim for the Top 2!" is an OVA series produced by GAINAX, and is a sequel to "Aim for the Top!" released in 1988. A total of six episodes were released between 2004 and 2006, directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki and supervised by Hideaki Anno. This work tells the story of a group of boys and girls with supernatural powers called Topless who fight space monsters. The story depicts the growth of the main character, Nono, as she faces various challenges in her quest to become a space pilot.

story

"Aim for the Top 2!" is set in an era when boys and girls with psychic powers known as Topless pilot Buster Machines and fight space monsters. The main character, Nono, dreams of becoming a space pilot and runs away from home in her snowy mountain village. She meets the number one Topless, L'Arc, and begins calling her "Onee-sama." This encounter sets a great course for Nono's future. With hard work and determination, Nono develops her powers as a Topless, and together with her friends, she fights space monsters.

character

Nono is the main character of this work, a girl whose strengths are her energy and hard work. Her catchphrase, "I want to be Nonoriri!", symbolizes her dreams and hopes. L'Arc is the strongest topless, and has a high sense of pride, believing that effort and guts are unnecessary, but this changes when she meets Nono. Chico is the youngest topless who sees L'Arc as a rival, while Nicola is a senior who L'Arc looks up to and is the leader of the topless. Casio is a legendary topless who currently coaches L'Arc and the others. The Serpentine Sisters are mysterious characters who behave in an inexplicable manner.

Other topless characters with unique personalities include Luu Sun, Gurkha Kuksis, Pasica Pesca Persicum, Citron Limone, Nyan Nuoc Cham, Goya Reishi, Katofel Patata, and Roy Anyang. Each of them has a different background and fights against space monsters using Buster Machines.

Mechanic

In Aim for the Top 2, Buster Machines, large machine weapons used against space monsters, play an important role. Each machine can only be piloted by Topless and is equipped with special weapons. Dixneuf is the oldest machine piloted by L'Arc and is good at close-quarters combat. Vanset is a lightweight machine piloted by Nicolas and is good at close-quarters combat. Catof Vandis is a new machine designed with an emphasis on high mobility and hit-and-run combat. Carandou is a special warfare model machine piloted by the Serpentine sisters and can transform and combine. A variety of other Buster Machines also appear, including Vandu, Transys, Sanquant, Sanquant, Soix Saint, Soix An, Soix Sancis, Quatre Vanse, and Quatre Vannes.

Background

"Aim for the Top 2!" was produced as a sequel to "Aim for the Top!", which was produced by GAINAX. "Aim for the Top!" was Hideaki Anno's directorial debut, and was supported by many fans. "Aim for the Top 2!" was directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, with Hideaki Anno participating as supervisor. The screenplay was written by Yoji Enokido, the character designs were by Yoshiyuki Sadamoto, and the Buster Machine designs were by Yoshitsune Izuna. The music was composed by Kohei Tanaka, and the theme songs were "Groovin' Magic" by ROUND TABLE featuring Nino and "Hoshikuzu Namida" by ACKO.

Evaluation and impact

"Aim for the Top 2!" was highly praised as a work that showed new possibilities for science fiction anime. Fans loved many elements of it, including the story development, character growth, and mechanic design. The detailed drawings and direction, which made use of the OVA format, were also highly praised. This work is sure to continue to be loved by many fans as a work that symbolizes the history of GAINAX and the evolution of science fiction anime.

Related Titles

"Aim for the Top 2!" was produced as a sequel to "Aim for the Top!". In addition, "Aim for the Top! & Aim for the Top 2! Combined Movie" was also released, allowing you to enjoy the charms of both works at once. These works are indispensable when looking back on the history of GAINAX's science fiction anime.

Recommendation

"Aim for the Top 2!" is a must-watch for fans of science fiction anime and mechanical action. The story of the protagonist Nono's growth, the exploits of the unique characters, and the spectacular battle scenes with the Buster Machines are sure to draw viewers in. It is also recommended for those interested in the history of GAINAX and the evolution of science fiction anime. Experience the story of girls challenging the edge of the universe through this work.