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Studios: A-1 Pictures, Trigger, CloverWorks
Genres: Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi
Streaming: Crunchyroll
DARLING in the FRANXX is an original anime series from January to July 2018. It captivated many people with its touching love story, especially the main female lead, the wild and charming Zero Two. Her popularity has grown so much that series fans often vote for her to be featured in their anime subscription boxes!
In DARLING in the FRANXX, humans live confined in fortress cities called Plantations to protect themselves from Klaxosaurs, giant vicious beasts. Children are raised with the sole purpose of piloting mechas to beat those monsters, the FRANXX.
To get a FRANXX to operate at its full potential, it takes a compatible male and female pilot. Hiro, code 016, who used to be considered a prodigy, failed to synchronize with his partner and struggled with an existential crisis. Zero Two, on the other hand, was nicknamed “Partner Killer” because whoever partnered with her would lose his life after the third ride.
Once they ride together, both see their lives changing and making sense like never before. Right after the anime premiered, two manga adaptations were also serialized.
DARLING in the FRANXX episode one does a great job presenting the show’s universe and the struggles of the main characters without being tedious or complex.
It begins with Zero Two narrating the tale of Jian, a mythical bird born with one eye and wing. To be able to fly, they must find a partner and become one. This already explains much of what the anime is about poetically.
Zero Two and her partner are being taken to Plantation 13, where an initiation ceremony for a new squad of pilots is about to occur. Zero Two is depicted as an unruly and somewhat primal teenager, while her partner, 081, seems to be way more serious with a strong sense of duty, in contrast.
At the Plantation, the new squad of boys and girls are getting ready for their welcoming ceremony the next day while Hiro is alone in the woods, questioning life. He also mentions the Jian tale but from a more pessimistic perspective.
The first encounter between the main characters occurs when Zero Two is swimming in a lake without her clothes. And more than the fanservice and comedy this scene offers, it reinforces the wild and instinctive aspects of Zero Two’s personality. Hiro stays respectful and righteous despite the situation.
The episode balances the emotional moments and explanations with action scenes when a Klaxosaur attacks the Plantation. There’s an intense fight between Strelizia, the FRANXX that Zero Two pilots, and the beast. In it, Strelizia awakens once Zero Two and Hiro synchronize and pilot the unit together.
For an anime with a complex universe and terminology, the producers did an excellent job on Darling in the FRANXX episode one. They kept it interesting and at a good pace even though there were many aspects to explain.
The art style and animation aren’t fancy but well done and pleasing to watch in every moment. The design of Zero Two is spectacular. It’s clear why she draws attention from viewers so much. It’s a shame she’s the only character that feels so elaborated, even compared to Hiro, the male lead.
A point to remember so you’re not caught off guard is the strong role of a male-to-female relationship in the series that may lead to questionable interactions. The one when Hiro and Zero Two first met by the lake is a great example.
If you are looking for a “couple that is meant to be” kind of love story but prefer a faster-paced anime or want more than a slice of life — the mechas and battles in Darling in the FRANXX sure improve the experience!
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