Fafner: Heaven & Earth

Fafner: Heaven & Earth is a captivating animated series from the reputable production house, FUNimation, first gracing the screens in 2010. As the sequel to the television anime series 'Fafner in the Azure,' the strength of Heaven & Earth lies in its seamless continuation, making it a must-watch for anime lovers who have been vested in the Fafner world. It combines facets of the mecha and drama genres, delivering exhilarating amounts of action and suspense set against a backdrop of angst and personal struggle.

Heaven & Earth transfers the viewer into a futuristic world that has been endangered by the presence of an alien species known as Festum. These beings dissipated the tranquility of Earth in their quest for assimilation, leaving destruction in their wake. The story sees the inhabitants of a remote Japanese island, Tatsumiyajima, leading the retaliatory efforts against the invasion. Mainstay protagonist, Kazuki Makabe, along with his companions, encountered also in the parent series, are members of the Tatsumiyajima's fighting force, possessing special abilities that enable them to pilot the biotechnological mechas known as Fafners.

The plot of Heaven & Earth is progressive, picking up two years after the conclusion of the television series, portraying a world that, while relatively peaceful, still trembles under the lurking threat of the Festum. The show skillfully demonstrates the evolution of the characters as they grow into their roles as Earth's protectors, and the complex emotional dynamics compounded by their teenage realities.

The setting is still, primarily, the quiet Tatsumiyajima island, a place that might appear normal but shrouds the extraordinary. However, the plot also segues into another dimension - an alternate Earth, which serves as a source of fresh invasions and uncertainty. As the protection of their world teeters on the brink of peril, our heroes must not only navigate the strain of their undertakings, but also learn to accept change and confront what it means to truly fight for survival and for a future that promises more than just existence.

Fafner: Heaven & Earth painstakingly approaches the subject of survival. Still, it also explores personal growth against adversity, friendships honed on the battlefield, and the protagonists' inner conflicts as they juggle ordinary lives and their duties as guardians of Earth. The combination of these elements with plenty of gravity-defying battles paints the picture of Heaven & Earth as a compelling saga, ensuring that viewers are kept on the edge of their seats.

From a visual perspective, the animation quality of Heaven & Earth is impeccable. The animators' eye for detail is evident in designing the intricate, imposing Fafners, augmenting the fight scenes' intensity, and in portraying the unique landscapes of both the island and the alternate Earth dimension. The employment of harmonic colors sets the tone for each sequence, whether it’s depicting the calm, everyday life on the island or plunging viewers into a whirlwind of desperate battles against the alien forces.

Moreover, the audio appeals to the audience's senses just as splendidly. The memorable scores, ranging from dramatic orchestral accompaniments during battles to softer, melodic piano pieces during serene moments, successfully emphasize the emotional weight of the scenes. It's hard to ignore the voice acting talent that does justice to the characters, effectively conveying their joys, anguishes, and rebellious spirit.

While Fafner: Heaven & Earth might initially appear as another entry into the mecha genre, its depth dives further. It is a narrative about resilience and unity in the face of looming existential threat and a story about finding oneself amid chaos and adversity. What makes this show exceptional is its portrayal of a band of ordinary teenagers coming to terms with the extraordinary task at hand while also battling teenage angst and emotional dilemmas.

Fafner: Heaven & Earth remains true to its predecessor's essence, but don't mistake it as mere continuity - it has its individuality and manages to keep audiences engaged. For newcomers to the Fafner franchise, it is recommended to familiarize themselves with 'Fafner in the Azure' for a smooth immersion into Heaven & Earth.

In a nutshell, Fafner: Heaven & Earth is an exciting roller-coaster ride that amalgamates the visceral thrill of mecha-action with the rich character-driven drama, making it an unmissable gem in the canon of sci-fi anime.