Rewriting the Future: Dallos Episode 1 Review

When you hit play on Dallos Episode 1, there’s this weird mix of “Whoa, this is old” and “Wait, this is actually cool.” Released in 1983 as the world’s first Original Video Animation (OVA), this sci-fi flick from Studio Pierrot feels like stepping into a time capsule—but one with more grit than you’d expect. Directed by Mamoru Oshii (yes, the guy who later did Ghost in the Shell) and Hisayuki Toriumi, it’s a show that’s both a product of its era and way ahead of its time. Let’s break it down like we’re geeking out over a retro arcade find.

First Impressions: Moon Mining and Rebellion Vibes

The episode drops you straight into a moon colony run by the Earth Federal Government—think a futuristic company town where everyone’s either a miner or a soldier. The colonists are fed up: Earth’s draining their resources, treating them like second-class citizens, and basically turning the moon into a cosmic sweatshop. Enter the rebels: a ragtag crew of miners led by a guy named Shun (voiced by Hideki Sasaki, who sounds like he’s channeling early Gundam energy). They’re tired of being pushed around, so they grab their tools (and some stolen mechs) and start fighting back.

The setting feels super 80s—think clunky robots, neon-lit control rooms, and that gritty “used future” look where everything’s a little rusty and lived-in. But here’s the thing: it works. The moon colony isn’t some shiny utopia; it’s a place where people work till their hands bleed, and the rebellion feels personal, not just a plot device. As one fan on MyAnimeList put it, “I got Gundam vibes from it, maybe because it was made during the same period.” Yeah, that’s spot-on—Dallos shares that same “war is messy, people are messy” energy as the original Mobile Suit Gundam, but with a smaller, more intimate scale.

Characters: The Rebels, the Rookies, and the Mystery

Shun’s the main rebel, but the episode also introduces a few key players:
– Melinda: A rookie soldier from Earth who’s just arrived on the moon. She’s naive at first—think “fresh out of boot camp” energy—but you can tell she’s starting to question why the colonists are so angry.
– The Miners: They’re the heart of the show. These guys aren’t superheroes; they’re regular people who’ve had enough. One scene where a miner yells, “We’re not slaves!” hits hard because you can feel his frustration.

Then there’s Dallos—the mysterious, glowing structure on the moon that everyone’s talking about. Is it a weapon? A god? A plot device? The episode doesn’t say, but it hangs over everything like a neon question mark. Fans are split: some think it’s the key to the rebellion, others think it’s a red herring. Either way, it adds a layer of mystery that makes you lean in.

The Good: Retro Cool and Bold Themes

Let’s talk about what works. First, the animation: for 1983, it’s impressive. The mech fights are clunky (this was before CGI, after all), but they have weight—you can almost hear the metal creak when a robot takes a hit. The opening theme is a bop, too—catchy, synth-heavy, and perfect for an 80s sci-fi romp.

Then there are the themes. Dallos isn’t just about robots and space fights; it’s about inequality. The colonists are exploited by Earth, and their rebellion is about dignity—something that still resonates today. As one fan noted, “In every age, in every place, the deeds of men remain the same.” That line hits different when you think about how even now, people fight for fair treatment.

And let’s not forget: this is the first OVA ever. Before Dallos, anime was mostly TV shows or movies. This episode proved you could make a story directly for video, and that freedom shows—there’s more violence, more swearing, and more edge than you’d see on 80s TV. It’s like the creators said, “We don’t have to water this down for kids,” and that boldness is refreshing.

The Not-So-Good: Clunky Action and Predictable Beats

No retro gem is perfect, and Dallos Episode 1 has its flaws. The action scenes, while fun, can feel slow—like when two mechs are slugging it out, and you’re waiting for something to happen. One fan complained, “There’s really no sense of urgency in them.” Fair point: the fights lack the flash of modern anime, but hey, it’s 1983—they were still figuring this stuff out.

The plot is also pretty straightforward. If you’ve seen any rebellion story (think Star Wars, Hunger Games, even Gundam), you know the drill: oppressed group fights back against evil empire. Some fans called it “cookie cutter,” and they’re not wrong. But here’s the thing: it’s executed well. The characters feel real, the stakes are high, and the mystery of Dallos keeps you hooked even if you see the next plot twist coming.

Fan Reactions: Nostalgia, Frustration, and Hope

Scroll through MyAnimeList, and you’ll find a mix of love and “meh” for this episode. Some fans are here for the nostalgia: “Wow this gives me the nostalgia feels. All the corny sound effects that were a staple of the cartoons I grew up on in the 80s LOL.” Others are frustrated by the lack of subs for later episodes: “Too bad only the first one was subbed, but I did watch the other ones in Japanese. That’s a shame there’s no sub for them.”

But the biggest takeaway? Most fans agree it’s better than its reputation. As one user put it, “Yep, despite what the reviews claim, I also found this OVA to be pretty good. But it’s such a shame that this never got a sequel, considering how the story ends.” The episode ends on a cliffhanger—Shun and the rebels are on the run, Melinda’s questioning her loyalty, and Dallos is still a mystery—and you can’t help but wonder what could’ve been if they’d made more.

Final Thoughts: A Retro Must-Watch for Sci-Fi Fans

Dallos Episode 1 isn’t perfect, but it’s a piece of anime history. It’s the first OVA, it’s got Mamoru Oshii’s early vision, and it’s a gritty, heartfelt story about standing up for yourself. If you love 80s sci-fi, mechs, or just stories with heart, this is worth checking out.

Sure, the action is slow, and the plot is predictable, but that’s part of its charm. It’s like listening to a classic rock song—you’ve heard the chords before, but the energy and passion make it feel new. As one fan summed it up: “Pretty interesting start I must say, I just love the setting and atmosphere! So I’m really looking forward to see what happens next!”

So grab your popcorn, turn down the lights, and give Dallos Episode 1 a watch. It’s a trip back in time, but it’s a trip worth taking. And hey, if you end up wanting more? You’re not alone—we’re all still waiting for those subs.

Rating: 7/10 — A solid start to a pioneering OVA, with heart, grit, and enough 80s flair to make you nostalgic for a time you might not have even lived through.
P.S. Keep an eye out for the pink space suit—yes, it’s as random as it sounds, and fans are still talking about it. 😉