This prequel is awesome but you don't have to watch it. The main series does a good enough job of explaining the history of the universe and each character. You can definitely watch My Conquest Is the Sea of Stars and go straight into the main series or watch a history lesson on 40 the 56. As someone who watched it in that order, I can say I was able to appreciate this prequel more because I've already seen the main series. Its given me more screen time and understanding about the characters I've grown to know and love. Now that I've seen this justwant to jump into the main series but that can be for another time. I know there are some fans who will disagree but I'm only saying this to people who don't have the time to marathon an old school 162 episode series with the the 2 movies. Good Day to anyone who read this, this series is truly amazing. It not just one of the best anime but one of the best shows in the history of all types of television entertainment.