Mars [OVA 1-2]

Mars (1994) OVA Review: A Forgotten Gem of Sci-Fi Action

If you’re a fan of classic sci-fi anime with a mix of action, mystery, and giant robots, Mars (1994) OVA might just be the hidden gem you’ve been missing. Released as a two-episode OVA by studio KSS, this adaptation of Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s manga brings a unique blend of retro storytelling and early ’90s animation that still holds up today—if you know where to look.

The Plot: A Boy, a Robot, and an Alien Conspiracy

The story revolves around a young boy named Mars, who awakens from suspended animation inside a South Sea volcano—way ahead of schedule. His alien masters had planned to use him as a weapon to reduce human civilization to a primitive state, but Mars has other ideas. Instead of siding with his creators, he chooses to fight back using Gaia, a giant robot under his command. The catch? If Mars dies, Gaia self-destructs, adding a layer of urgency to his mission.

The OVA condenses a lot of the original manga’s plot into two tight episodes, making it a fast-paced ride. While some fans argue that it feels rushed, others appreciate how it captures the essence of the source material without dragging things out.

The Animation and Style

For a 1994 release, the animation is solid, though it definitely shows its age. The character designs are classic ’90s, with sharp lines and expressive faces, while the mecha battles—especially Gaia in action—are a treat for fans of old-school robot fights. The OVA doesn’t rely on flashy CGI (obviously), but the hand-drawn action sequences have a raw energy that’s hard to replicate today.

One thing that stands out is the color palette. The use of deep blues and fiery reds during battle scenes gives Mars a distinct visual identity. It’s not as polished as later mecha anime, but it has charm.

What Fans Are Saying

Digging into online discussions, opinions on Mars are mixed but fascinating. Here’s what stands out:

1. “A Blast from the Past”
   Many older fans praise Mars for its nostalgic value. One Reddit user mentioned, “It’s like finding a VHS tape of something you forgot existed—cheesy but awesome.” The OVA’s brevity works in its favor for some, making it an easy watch for a lazy afternoon.

2. “Wish There Was More”
   A common complaint is that the OVA feels incomplete. A MyAnimeList reviewer wrote, “It’s a great intro to the Mars universe, but it ends just as things get interesting. I wanted at least a full season!” Given that the manga had more material to explore, it’s understandable why fans felt shortchanged.

3. “Gaia is Underrated”
   The giant robot Gaia steals the show for many viewers. One forum post declared, “Gaia’s design is simple but effective. The fights are brutal in the best way—no frills, just raw power.” Compared to other mecha of the era, Gaia’s no-nonsense approach is refreshing.

4. “The Soundtrack Slaps”
   The background music, though limited, has a synth-heavy ’90s vibe that fits the sci-fi tone perfectly. A YouTube commenter noted, “The OST is unironically fire. It’s like someone mixed Akira with an old arcade game.”

Final Verdict: Should You Watch It?

If you’re into retro anime or mecha classics, Mars is worth checking out. It’s not perfect—the pacing is rushed, and the story could’ve used more episodes—but it’s a fun, action-packed ride with a unique premise. Plus, it’s a great example of how ’90s OVAs experimented with bold ideas in short formats.

Rating: 7.5/10
Pros: Cool mecha battles, nostalgic animation, intriguing premise.
Cons: Too short, underdeveloped plot points.

Where to Watch

Since Mars is a niche title, it’s not on mainstream platforms like Crunchyroll or Netflix. However, you can find it on older anime streaming sites or through DVD releases (if you’re lucky). For those who love digging up forgotten classics, this one’s a must-watch.

So, grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and let Mars take you back to the golden age of OVAs. You might just discover your new favorite hidden gem.