ID-0

ID-0 is a conceptual and futuristic anime television series that first premiered in 2017 on Tokyo MX. This engrossing series embraces the genre blend of mecha, sci-fi, and adventure, and pioneers in its exploration of existential themes interlaced with action-packed sequences.

Ensuring it remains a cut above the usual smorgasbord of mecha anime, ID-0 follows the life and journey of its protagonist, Maya Mikuri, a top asteroid miner and student at the Alliance Academy. Swiftly pulling the viewers into its unique universe, the series opens on an asteroid mining mission gone astray. During the operation, Maya finds herself in a life-threatening situation. Circumstances land her in an I-Machine (a heavy-duty robot used for extreme tasks in space), which incidentally gets incidentally lost in space after a series of intricate events.

The I-Machines are distinct entities utilized in this series, not simply robotic machines but an extension of the human consciousness, capable of performing high-risk tasks in extreme conditions, allowing their operators, termed as "minders", to preserve their lives while interfacing their consciousness with the I-Machine.

Stranded in the far-off depths of space, Maya comes across a motley crew of freelance excavators named Excavate Company, who are employed by the Stulti Mining Corporation. Incorporated into their ranks, she sets off on a surreal adventure across the universe, facing a myriad of challenges that test her skills, values, and perceptions of self-identity.

An essential yet sophisticated element in the series is the concept of 'Mind Trance' technology used in the I-Machine units. It allows users to transfer their consciousness into an 'image body', creating a replica of the pilot's physical body and brain within their I-Machine. This unique concept allows an exploration of identity and personhood, making the series distinct and daring, placed amidst thrilling space adventures.

As the narrative unfolds, Maya and the crew of 'idiots' encounter bizarre phenomena, like the Orichalt mineral- a rare, valuable, but highly dangerous substance that is at once the source of prosperity and the root of many space conflicts. They further discover interstellar governmental corruptions, business conglomerates' sinister motives, and the mystery of an enigmatic entity known only as Id_0.

Even though ID-0 is centered on mecha themes, the series avoids the tired trope of endless robot battles. Instead, it proudly blazes its own trail through the cluttered landscape of mecha anime. The technological operational details, the mining processes, and the logistical concepts made clear in the plot are marvelously constructed, providing the series with an added level of authenticity.

The animation style fuses traditional 2D animation with stunning 3D visuals, giving the various robotic characters a level of depth and fluidity often unexplored in typical anime. The illustrator, Kanetake Ebikawa, has successfully given each I-Machine a unique look, each with its individual qualities reflecting its operator's personality.

Each character in the series is crafted with care, possessing depth and personality that draw viewers into their individual storylines, making them relatable and understandable within the confines of their universe. Maya Mikuri, the audience’s eyes into the world of ID-0, is portrayed as a steadfast and authentic character with clear morals.

In sum, ID-0 is an entertaining and engaging series that balances the line between classic mecha adventure and thoughtful examination of existential themes. The story is immersive, carrying the viewers across space and time and making them question the ideas of self and identity, all while showcasing the larger-than-life space adventures. This visual spectacle is a must-watch for those intrigued by depth, action, and heightened conceptual thinking in the world of animation.