Aquarion

Aquarion is a captivating science fiction anime series that aired on TV Tokyo from 2005-2015, particularly notable for its exceptional storytelling, elaborate character development, and stunning animation. The original creators of the show are Shoji Kawamori and Satelight, with the direction handled by Kawamori himself, making it a monumental project from these renowned figures in the anime world.

Set in the far-off future, the story resides in a post-apocalyptic world where Earth has been devastated by the Shadow Angels - supernatural entities that have awakened after a 12,000-year-long slumber. These entities were once considered myths but have now risen in power, owing to their ability to harvest humans for their life-force, known as 'Prana.'

Humanity's survival now rests on the shoulders of an organization known as DEAVA (Division of EArth Vitalization Advancement), which has developed machines dubbed 'Vectors.' The DEAVA recruits gifted youngsters who can control these Vectors, and when three of these machines are combined, they form the protean 'Aquarion' – a mighty robot with immense power, reminiscent of the super-robots in classic anime lore.

The protagonist, Apollo, a seemingly ordinary young man with a wild nature, ends up being the unexpected hero who pilots the Aquarion. His rugged and unrestrained character quickly proves to hold a key role in driving the story forward, woven in with his mysterious connection to the Shadow Angels. To fight off the celestial invaders, he must join forces with a stunningly diverse cast of characters with their unique quirks and skills and form the enormous humanoid robot, 'Aquarion'.

The strength in these heroes are not just in their abilities, but also in their emotions, and the interplay between the group's distinctive characters forms the backbone of the series. Each character must grapple with their own personal dilemmas and pasts while overcoming their individual differences to function effectively as a unified team. This constant internal struggle, along with the incessant battle against the Shadow Angels, forges a layered narrative, pushing the barriers of typical sci-fi tropes.

Throughout the journey, the characters discover immense strength, not just within themselves but also when they combine their powers. The merging of their spirits, minds, and bodies lead to the formation of the formidable humanoid robot, Aquarion, capable of remarkable feats. This union symbolizes the power of unity, an iconic theme that echoes throughout the series.

Besides its fascinating plot and detailed characters, the series is also known for its incredibly lush animation, superbly designed mecha elements, and boundless creativity when it comes to its world-building. Intense action sequences and spectacular fights are stylishly animated with bold color schemes and kinetic energy that keep the audience invested in the combats, while also visually interpreting the inner emotional turmoils of the characters.

Furthermore, there is a notable emphasis on music and voice acting in Aquarion, with each original soundtrack and vocal performance contributing to the overall grandeur and emotional resonance of the show. The music was orchestrated by Yoko Kanno, whose exceptional compositions lend to the intensity of battles, the emotional depth of the characters, and generally enhance the atmospheric environment of the series.

Intriguingly, Aquarion also explores a range of philosophical themes, providing food for thought for its viewers. These themes include the essence of human connections, the barriers dividing humans and gods, the disparity between civilization and nature, and even a commentary on the human fetishization of apocalypse.

To sum up, Aquarion is a thrilling clash of fantasy, sci-fi, drama, and mecha genres that offers a well-developed storyline, intricate characters, and mesmerizing animation. The series encapsulates the charisma of classic super-robot anime while infusing fresh complexity in its narrative and characters. Taking the audience on an exhilarating journey full of daunting enemies, powerful friendships, and personal self-discoveries, Aquarion is certainly a series that demands attention for any anime aficionado.