Metal Armor Dragonar [48 episodes]

Alright, let’s dive into the final episode of Metal Armor Dragonar—a show that’s been flying under the radar for too long, but trust me, it’s worth talking about. First off, if you’re into mecha anime with heart, this 1987-1988 Sunrise series (yes, the same studio that gave us Gundam) is a hidden gem. Set in 2087, it follows three regular guys who stumble into piloting top-secret Metal Armors called Dragonars to fight the Giganos Empire. Now, let’s get to the finale—episode 48, which wraps up this 48-episode journey.

The episode kicks off with the Giganos Empire’s last stand, and let’s just say their leader, Dorchenov, goes full-on villain mode. One fan on MyAnimeList joked, “Dorchenov really had his personal Hitler fantasy at the very end lol.” And honestly? That’s spot-on. He’s so committed to his cause that he’s ready to crash his fortress into the moon, taking everyone with him. It’s intense—like, edge-of-your-seat “will they survive?” stuff. But here’s the twist: Plato’s dad, who’s been a key figure in the resistance, tries to reason with him. For a second, it feels like a bittersweet goodbye—Dorchenov’s pride vs. the chance to live. But wait, spoiler alert: they both make it out alive! That’s a win for the good guys, right?

Now, let’s talk about the ending. The fan I mentioned earlier also said, “The end felt a little rushed though, I wish we got more than just a fast montage of what happened to the important characters after the war.” And I totally get that. After 48 episodes of building up these characters—their friendships, their struggles, their growth—a quick montage just doesn’t cut it. We see snippets: the Dragonar pilots moving on, the war heroes adjusting to peace, but it’s over in a flash. It’s like the writers were in a hurry to wrap things up, which is a bummer because I wanted to see more of their post-war lives. Did the trio stay friends? Did they ever pilot the Dragonars again? These are the questions that linger.

But hey, let’s not focus on the negatives. The action in this episode is insane. The Dragonars are in full force, and the battles are choreographed with that classic 80s anime flair—explosions, laser beams, and mechs clashing in space. Sunrise really knows how to make mecha fights feel epic. Plus, the emotional beats hit hard. When Plato’s dad confronts Dorchenov, you can feel the tension. It’s not just about saving the day; it’s about redemption and the cost of war. That’s what makes Dragonar stand out from other mecha shows—it’s not just robots fighting robots; it’s about the people behind the machines.

Another thing to love: the characters. The three main pilots—Shu, Kaine, and Tapp—are relatable. They’re not chosen ones; they’re just regular guys who had to step up. Over the series, we watch them grow from scared civilians to confident warriors. And the supporting cast? They’re just as memorable. Plato, with his tech genius, and the rest of the crew add depth to the story. Even the villains have layers—Dorchenov isn’t just a one-note bad guy; his motivations are rooted in his belief in the Giganos Empire, which makes him a more compelling antagonist.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: Dragonar is often compared to Gundam, and for good reason. Both are mecha series from Sunrise, set in a future where Earth is at war with a space colony. But Dragonar has its own vibe. It’s more lighthearted at times, with moments of humor that break up the tension. The relationships between the characters feel more personal, and the focus on regular people becoming heroes is refreshing. It’s not as dark as Gundam, but that’s okay—it’s its own thing.

If you’re a fan of 80s anime, mecha, or just good storytelling, Metal Armor Dragonar is a must-watch. The final episode might feel rushed, but the journey there is worth it. The animation holds up surprisingly well, the music is catchy (shoutout to the opening theme!), and the characters will stick with you long after the credits roll.

In conclusion, episode 48 of Metal Armor Dragonar is a mix of high-stakes action, emotional moments, and a bit of a rushed wrap-up. It’s not perfect, but it’s a satisfying end to a series that deserves more love. So, grab some popcorn, turn on the subtitles, and dive into this underrated gem. You won’t regret it.

P.S. If you’re new to the series, start from episode 1—you’ll thank me later. The character development alone is worth the binge!