Watch Gad Guard

Gad Guard is a thrilling sci-fi anime series produced by Gonzo and directed by Hiroshi Nishikiori. The show is set in a futuristic world where technology has advanced to the point where entire cities can be lifted off the ground and moved around by giant mobile mechs known as 'Gads'. The story follows a young orphan boy named Hajiki Sanada, who lives in the city of Night Town, a lower-class district that exists beneath the upper-class realm of the city's elite ruling class.

Hajiki and his friends, including his love interest Aiko, dream of one day owning their own Gad and rising above the poverty and strife that surround them. However, this dream seems impossible until Hajiki stumbles upon a mysterious, sentient Gad buried underground in the rubble of Night Town. When he activates the Gad, it transforms into a powerful mech known as a 'Gad Guard', and Hajiki becomes its pilot.

As the series progresses, Hajiki and his friends become embroiled in a series of dangerous battles against other Gad Guards and mysterious entities known as 'Hikara'. Along the way, they unravel a dark conspiracy involving a powerful corporation known as the HC Underground, who are eager to capture and control the hidden power of the Gad Guards.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Gad Guard is its unique blend of futuristic technology and gritty, urban environments. The show's world building is top-notch, featuring a wide variety of colorful locales and inventive gadgets that help to flesh out the setting. The mech designs are also very distinctive and well-crafted, with each Gad Guard possessing its own unique abilities and appearance.

The characters are also a highlight of the show, with Hajiki acting as a relatable and likable protagonist. His friends and allies, such as the spunky and tomboyish Arashi, the kind-hearted Takumi, and the cool-headed Katana, all have their own distinct personalities and motivations, making them feel like fleshed-out individuals rather than mere archetypes.

The voice acting is also top-notch, with an impressive cast of veteran anime actors including Satou Yuko (Ikuto Toma from Nogizaka Haruka no Himitsu), Unsho Ishizuka (Jet Black from Cowboy Bebop), and Kikuko Inoue (Belldandy from Ah! My Goddess). Their performances help to bring the characters to life and add depth and nuance to even the more dramatic scenes.

One of the only criticisms of Gad Guard is that the pacing can be a bit slow at times. While the show's world building and character development are well-done, the plot can sometimes feel meandering and unfocused, leading to some episodes feeling like filler. However, this is a minor issue overall and is more than made up for by the show's many strengths.

In conclusion, Gad Guard is a superbly crafted sci-fi anime that is sure to entertain fans of the mecha genre. With its unique blend of gritty urban environments, inventive mechs, and memorable characters, it stands out as a standout entry in the genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of mecha anime or just looking for an engaging sci-fi adventure to watch, Gad Guard is definitely worth checking out.

Gad Guard is a series that ran for 1 seasons (26 episodes) between April 16, 2003 and on FUNimation