As someone who has read the manga before-hand, I would most certainly tell someone to read it before watching the anime. Simply, because it explains a lot more of what many people seem to be criticizing regarding the story and characters. Overall, I am giving the show a 7 because I found it to be entertaining merely for the fact of seeing it animated however that being said it was executed poorly. It won't be for everyone and those who will find the most enjoyment out of it are those whom have read the manga (Like myself) or those whom are hardcore Mecha fans.