Gunparade March / Gunparade March: Aratanaru Kougunka
Genres: action, drama, romance, science fiction
Themes: mecha, military, real robot
Objectionable content: Mild
Plot Summary: In 1945, World War II abruptly ended when an alien race appeared on Earth and began to slaughter the human population. The year is 1999 - 54 years later, mankind is still fighting to survive against the alien forces. Earth forces now use advanced mecha called Humanoid Walking Tanks (HWTs) to combat the invaders, but throughout the ordeal, far too many pilots have been killed in action. As a result, high school students are now recruited to become HWT pilots. Gunparade March follows the lives of the 5121st Platoon, who have just added a mysterious girl named Mai Shibamura to their ranks.
Number of episodes: 12
Vintage: 2003-02-06 to 2003-04-24
Gunparade Orchestra
Genres: drama, romance, science fiction, slice of life
Themes: mecha, military
Plot Summary: The story focuses and revolves around the 108th Guard Squad, stationed in Aomori. A poorly equipped unit with very little military standing, it is often viewed as a ‘reject camp’ for pilots not making the grade for the elite units based in Hokkaido. The apparent helpless nature of this force is hardly a deterrent for the encroaching enemy armies, ever closing in on both the 108th and the rest of the empire. The young pilots of the 108th, who had dreamed on returning home, are plunged forcefully and unwillingly into a war.
Number of episodes: 24
Vintage: 2005-10-04 to 2006-03-28
Gunparade Orchestra (OAV) - Vintage: 2006-01-12 to 2006-07-20