Bokurano

Although Bokurano presents with the familiar "death-game" motif, its unique twist in deep, heart-wrenching stories of personal discovery set it apart from the rest.

Don't be fooled by the seemingly tame artwork, the tone is extremely dark. Without spoiling too much, the kids quickly learn that everyone who participates in this 'game' operates the robot at the cost of their life. And once signed up, there is no way to drop out--you will die. This forces each character to come to terms with themselves, their world, and the meaning of life, even though they're just ordinary teenagers. Hated by the world for casualties in these battles they have no control over, they struggle balancing the feelings of saving their world with the lives they are forced to take, all the while staring their own mortality in the face.

The series has ended, and a great romp it was. Don't base any judgments off the anime of the same name; it deviated from the manga halfway through. Looking forward to more works by the same author. Permalink " "