Schwarzes Marken

Schwarzes Marken is an intriguing mecha based anime series that was first broadcasted on TV Tokyo in 2016. The show was developed by the famed Liden Films and is based on a light novel series written by Carlo Zen, Hiroki Uchida, with illustrations by Shinotsuki Shinobu. The series is a spin-off of the popular Muv-Luv Alternative franchise.

The show presents us with an alternative version of the Cold War era, where not only are world powers battling each other, but humanity is confronting a far more ominous threat: aliens named BETA (Beings of Extra Terrestrial origin which is Adversary to the human race). These extraterrestrial monsters have decimated much of the mainland Eurasia, and their invasion is gradually extending towards the rest of the world.

The story is set in East Germany, 1983, where the German Democratic Republic (GDR) has been waging a bitter war against these monstrous invaders. The show’s title, "Schwarzes Marken", refers to the name of the Special Forces unit that the series focuses on. The Schwarzes Marken are a group of fierce mech pilots combating the BETA using their giant humanoid war machines, keeping the East German front lines intact.

However, not only do they face external threats from the BETA, but they must also navigate internal conflicts and geopolitical tensions. They share a complex relationship with the Stasi, the East German secret police service, and also face challenges from political factions within the GDR itself.

The show builds around its many characters. The protagonist of the series is Theodor Eberbach, a Schwarzes Marken pilot who appears cold and indifferent at the start, battling his own personal traumas. Through his eyes, viewers are gradually introduced to the world of Schwarzes Marken, filled with dangerous missions, deadly enemies, and precarious political intrigues.

The series also takes the time to introduce an extensive list of secondary characters, not only from Schwarzes Marken unit and the East German regime, but also from the Western side. This includes Katia Waldheim, a West German defector determined to reunify Germany and its people. Each character in the series has their own intricate backstory and motive, and how they choose to grapple with their situation forms an essential part of the narrative.

Apart from its riveting storytelling, the show is hailed for its detailed mecha action sequences showcasing the clash between gigantic humanoid machines and the alien creatures. The animation remains sharp, incorporating both traditional and CGI animation techniques to fluidly depict high-intensity action scenes.

Schwarzes Marken also doesn't shy away from exploring darker themes, such as humanity's struggle for survival, the burden of leadership, and scathing depiction of state authority and its machinations during the Cold War era. The convoluted nature of international politics had rarely been handled so deftly in an action-packed mecha series before. The tension of backroom political gambits and battlefield bravado are balanced well, keeping viewers consistently on their toes.

As for its soundtracks and background scores, the series manages to keep its viewers engaged with its intense and dynamic music which reflects the changing moods and scenarios. Its opening theme, "white forces" by fripSide, in particular, is celebrated not only for its energetic rhythm but also for the emotive notes that perfectly reflect the strained, desperate, and yet resolute spirit of its heroes.

Despite being a spin-off, Schwarzes Marken stands its ground as an independent series with its dark yet captivating storyline, realistic depiction of a dystopian world, compelling characters, and thrilling robot-alien fights. It does manage to create its own identity and makes you understand the sacrifices that come with the freedoms enjoyed by civilizations today.

In essence, Schwarzes Marken, delivers a harsh, grim view of a battle-torn world that fuses the comfort of mecha anime with the raw brutality of geopolitical and extraterrestrial realities. Engrossing, nerve-wracking, and startling in its narrative shifts, this TV Tokyo offering from 2016 stands firm in the pantheon of late-night anime gems.