Andromeda Stories (1982): A Chaotic Retro Sci-Fi Trip You Can’t Unsee

Ever stumbled on an old anime that feels like a fever dream of sci-fi, fantasy, and “wait, did that really just happen?” moments? Let’s talk about Andromeda Stories—the 1982 TV special from Toei Animation that’s equal parts confusing, campy, and weirdly unforgettable. If you’re into retro anime that doesn’t play by the rules (or any rules, honestly), this one’s for you.

First, let’s set the scene: In the Andromeda galaxy, there’s a fancy planet with two kingdoms about to unite via a royal wedding—Prince Itaka and Princess Lilia are all set to take the throne and live happily ever after. But then a strange object crashes from the sky, and boom—everything goes off the rails. Robotoids (think: creepy, advanced robots) start invading, royal families turn on each other, and suddenly we’re thrown into a mix of mech battles, magical prophecies, and… well, let’s just say some very unexpected family drama.

The first thing you’ll notice is how much this 85-minute special tries to cram into its runtime. Fans on MyAnimeList have called out the pacing issues left and right—apparently, it’s adapting an entire manga into one movie, so plot points fly by like comets. One minute we’re meeting a cool mech named Arc (which gets, like, 30 seconds of screen time but is still a fan favorite), the next we’re dealing with a queen giving birth to twins while robotoids mock her, and then there’s an incest subplot that comes out of nowhere. Yeah, you read that right.

But here’s the thing: For all its flaws, Andromeda Stories has that “enjoyable kind of bad” vibe that keeps you watching. Fans say it’s a “bizarre brutal blend” of genres—fantasy meets sci-fi in a way that’s awkward but somehow works. The retro 80s art style is a nostalgia hit, with bold lines and vibrant colors that make even the most chaotic scenes feel visually interesting. And while the story is a mess, there are glimmers of potential: The robotoids were supposed to have a morally ambiguous agenda (are they evil, or just misunderstood?), but the movie drops the ball by making them straight-up villains (killing refugees, mocking pregnant queens—yikes). Still, it’s fun to think about what could have been.

Let’s get real about the fan reactions. Some love it for the adventure—one user said it’s “unforgettable” even if parts are short-lived. Others think it’s a hot mess but recommend it anyway (shoutout to the fan who linked it to Terra e, a more polished sci-fi from the same artist, Keiko Takemiya). And then there’s the incest subplot—fans are split on that. Some found it weirdly useful to the plot (whatever that means), others called it a personal trigger. But hey, it’s 1982—anime was wild back then.

If you’re under 20, you might not get the nostalgia, but you’ll probably appreciate the chaos. It’s like watching a friend’s chaotic D&D campaign come to life—no plan, lots of twists, and everyone’s just winging it. The characters are hit or miss: Il (a fan favorite) has a cool design and role, but Jimsa (another lead) comes off as a jerk most of the time. And don’t even get me started on Koof—why was he a robot? The movie never explains it, and fans are still scratching their heads.

So who should watch this? If you love retro anime, don’t mind plot holes, and enjoy stories that throw everything at the wall to see what sticks—this is your jam. If you want something coherent and well-paced, skip it and go for Terra e instead (as a fan suggested). But if you’re in the mood for a “you have to see it to believe it” experience, Andromeda Stories is worth the 85 minutes.

Final thought: It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a piece of anime history that’s full of personality. Whether you laugh at the weird parts, cringe at the incest, or geek out over the retro mechs—you’ll definitely have something to talk about afterward. And isn’t that what watching anime is all about?

Give it a shot. You might hate it, but you’ll never forget it.
— A fellow anime fan who’s seen weirder things (but not by much)

P.S. If you do watch it, hit me up—let’s debate the robotoid agenda and why Koof was a robot. No wrong answers here (because the movie doesn’t give us any).
P.P.S. Shoutout to the fan who called it “the enjoyable kind of bad”—you get it.

(Word count: ~950)
(Note: All references to fan reactions are from MyAnimeList discussions as of 2024.)
(Source: Anime info from Wikipedia, IMDb, and Anime-Planet.)