Iconic Retro Mecha Anime Unveils Exclusive Collectibles Commemorating 35th Year

An iconic mecha anime is making a comeback with new merchandise for its 35th anniversary. Gunbuster, also known as Aim for the Top!, was a groundbreaking anime OVA that put studio Gainax on the map. Crunchyroll has revealed that it will be releasing new merch to celebrate the enduring popularity of this animated classic, including a towel featuring the Aim for the Top! logo, acrylic stands showcasing the mecha units from the OVA, and earrings featuring adorable versions of the main characters Jung Freud, Kazumi Amano, and Noriko Takaya. Other exciting products include an acrylic block keyring, a print by renowned artist Haruhiko Mikimoto featuring the aforementioned protagonists, and the iconic music box from the series' finale.

In addition to that, fans have the opportunity to acquire a photographic bromide by making purchases totaling at least 3,000 yen (or approximately US$20). These images feature various characters from Gunbuster, with a special emphasis on the three female protagonists while also highlighting the male character Coach. Pre-orders will commence on November 26th, with shipping slated to begin around March 2024.

Gunbuster marked the directorial debut of Hideaki Anno, who later created the iconic series Neon Genesis Evangelion. This groundbreaking anime became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, showcasing Anno's surrealistic approach and deconstructive storytelling that forever impacted Japanese animation. Anno's talent extended beyond Evangelion, as he produced notable works in other franchises, including revivals of beloved tokusatsu and kaiju properties such as Shin Godzilla and Shin Kamen Rider. Additionally, Haruhiko Mikimoto, renowned for his role as the artist/designer of the mecha series The Super Dimension Fortress Macross, exemplified the distinctive style synonymous with classic '80s anime.

Gunbuster was not only a serious mecha anime but also a comedic parody, cleverly incorporating wordplay in its name. It pays homage to the tennis series Aim for the Ace! as well as the aerial dog battles and military academy setting of the movie Top Gun. Gainax released a sequel in 2004 called Diebuster (also known as Gunbuster 2) to commemorate the 20th anniversary.

Despite its age, Gunbuster has maintained its immense popularity and has been featured in various merchandise throughout the years. The iconic mecha robot has also made appearances in the Super Robot Wars video game series.

Source: Natalie.Mu, Crunchyroll