So, you've heard whispers about this anime, Legend of the Galactic Heroes? Maybe your friend keeps raving about it. You're curious, right? Good! Because it's totally worth checking out.
What's the Big Deal?
Imagine Star Wars, but way more strategic and with a lot less laser swords (mostly). It's a space opera. A grand, sweeping story of two massive interstellar empires at war.
The Galactic Empire is kinda like a fancy, old-school monarchy. The Free Planets Alliance is a democratic republic. Both sides have their heroes and their flaws.
Why is it So Good?
The characters are fantastic. They're not just good guys and bad guys. Everyone has their own motivations and quirks. You might even find yourself sympathizing with someone from the opposing side!
It's packed with political intrigue. It has tactical genius galore. The space battles are epic in scale. Think thousands of ships duking it out amongst the stars.
Forget simple good versus evil. Legend of the Galactic Heroes tackles complex themes. War, power, and the price of ideals are all explored. It makes you think!
Plus, the original series has a beautifully unique, retro anime style. It's different than what you typically see these days. Some find it refreshing!
Okay, I'm Intrigued. Where Can I Watch?
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. How do you actually watch this masterpiece? It's a valid question. Finding it can be a little trickier than your average anime.
The Original Series
Unfortunately, the original 110-episode OVA series isn't readily available on major streaming platforms like Netflix or Crunchyroll. Bummer, right?
However, you can find it on HIDIVE. It's a streaming service dedicated to anime. They have the whole shebang, complete with subtitles.
Physical media is also an option. You can purchase the series on Blu-ray. It's a great way to support the creators and own a piece of anime history!
The Remake: Die Neue These
Good news! There's a remake called Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These. It's more modern, with updated animation and a slightly different story approach.
This one is available on Crunchyroll! Score! This makes it super easy to jump in and see what all the fuss is about.
The remake adapts the novels. It offers a fresh perspective on the classic story.
Which Version Should I Watch?
That's entirely up to you! Many fans recommend starting with the original OVA. It's considered the definitive version. Then check out Die Neue These afterward.
However, Die Neue These is a great entry point. It has more modern visuals. It is easily accessible on Crunchyroll. So, don't let the lack of availability of the original deter you.
No matter where you start, you are bound to be impressed!
Final Thoughts
Legend of the Galactic Heroes is more than just an anime. It's a truly epic story. One that's stood the test of time.
It might seem daunting with its long run time and complicated politics. But trust me, it's an incredibly rewarding watch.
So, give it a shot! You might just discover your new favorite anime. Who knows? You might become a Legend of the Galactic Heroes convert yourself!