Dragon Pilot

Dragon Pilot is an anime series that is a unique blend of action, drama, and supernatural themes, originating from Japan and made available to international audiences through Netflix in 2018. The show is known as Hisone to Masotan in Japan, and its English title for Netflix is "Dragon Pilot: Hisone and Masotan".

The story, set in the backdrop of the JASDF, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, centers around a young woman named Hisone Amakasu. Hisone is chosen by a dragon hidden within the force to become its pilot, propelling her into an exciting and challenging world of magic, military strategies, and interpersonal relationships. This is no ordinary dragon, it can transform into a futuristic-looking fighter jet, making it a perfect melding of fantasy and modern technology.

While Hisone initially struggles to come to terms with this unexpected twist in her career, she gradually learns to navigate the new realities of her life. The way her life and purpose shift drastically serves as the primary plotline of the series. As a novice within the military, she finds herself working her way up through the ranks while managing her personal growth and learning to befriend her massive dragon, Masotan.

Dragon Pilot is a beautifully crafted series that thrives on its ability to merge various genres together so seamlessly. It has a unique narrative style that takes you on an emotional journey while still providing excitement from its action sequences. It is as much about emotional maturity and relationships as it is about action and adventure.

As the show progresses, it introduces viewers to more dragon pilots and dragons, each with their own personalities and struggles. A team of female pilots is formed, tasked with protecting the country using their dragons posing as state-of-the-art aircraft.

The animation quality in the series is outstanding. The character designs are broad and varied, with thought and detail put into not just the human characters, but also the dragons themselves. Each person and dragon have distinct looks and quirks, reflecting their different character traits and backgrounds.

While there are layers of military protocol and politics involved, underneath it all, at its heart, the story focuses on Hisone and her fellow dragon pilots. It masterfully paints a narrative of personal growth played out in a world filled with supernatural creatures and rich in lore. They juggle their roles as military servicewomen and caretakers of some of the most powerful creatures on the planet.

The series also excels in its ability to portray each character's unique journey in dealing with the responsibility and sometimes, the isolation that accompany piloting a dragon. It addresses various themes such as duty, friendship, love, and the struggle of self-acceptance through its diverse cast of characters.

Dragon Pilot's storyline has a light-hearted and often comical touch, yet it is not afraid to delve into more profound emotional territories. The balance it maintains between its joviality, intense action scenes, and heartfelt moments is commendable, making it an engrossing series that keeps the audience on their toes.

On the journey of unravelling and understanding their dragons, the show explores the power of communication, empathy, and the bonds that can form between humans and mythic beings. The underlying theme subtly highlights how humans can learn to coexist with different entities by nurturing relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

Combining magical elements with military drama and human emotion, Dragon Pilot sets itself apart from standard anime series. It is as much a story of personal growth, self-discovery, and friendship, as it is about the mystery, thrill, and power of dragons. So, whether you're a fan of supernatural creatures, intense action, heartfelt drama, or military strategy, Dragon Pilot has something to offer you.

Dragon Pilot's whimsicality and charm along with its thoughtful storytelling make it a series not to be missed, especially if you are looking to get lost in a world filled with magical creatures and real human emotions.