This is hands-down one of the strangest, most twisted anime I’ve ever watched—and in a medium like this, with the sheer volume of shows I’ve seen, that’s saying something. But I mean that in the best way possible. This title deserves way more love than it gets. There’s nothing else out there quite like it. This is a spoiler-free review. Story At its core, it follows a couple of teens who join a mysterious organization to pilot clunky, barebones mechs and battle bizarre creatures they know zilch about. Oh, and there’s a macho pretty boy with rainbow hair who turns into a giant monster when he eats fruit.No, I’m not making this up—pretty sure no one was high during production either.

Joking aside, the first thing that hits you is the vibe. It’s this wild mix of lighthearted cartooniness and dark, creepy undertones. That oddball atmosphere is probably why it’s not more popular, but for me, it’s a breath of fresh air. I can’t name another show that nails this exact tone—it’s unsettling in a way that sticks with you. The reason it works is simple: it never gets overly dramatic or tries too hard to be edgy. The goofy, playful bits coexist with the eerie stuff without clashing, and it makes the characters feel more human in the process.

Don’t expect a mech-heavy focus either. This is more sci-fi with horror vibes, tracking a group of kids as they stumble through encounters with the unknown. It’s like the creator dumped all his childhood nightmares into a blender and spun them into a sprawling story with some seriously rich lore. The big theme here is genetics and evolution—hinted at by the title—pushing humanity toward its “next stage.” The science isn’t just window dressing either; everything from the mechs’ mechanics to the creatures’ origins gets explained with legit-sounding terminology, often tied to real-world biology via clever analogies.

The exposition is a standout. It’s always character-driven, tied to what’s happening, and sticks to explaining the science (not the plot, which unfolds visually). It never feels forced or drags on, thanks to slick visuals and lively character banter. The story itself is intricate—early moments that seem minor end up sparking huge payoffs later. It’s complex but not impenetrable; they explain enough to keep you on track. Some episodes might throw you for a loop, but the confusion doesn’t linger. The show constantly raises questions, answers them, and ramps up the stakes, wrapping up in an epic, airtight finale that ties every thread together.

It’s not flawless, though. The pacing can get hectic—major events sometimes pile up too fast. There’s subtle visual foreshadowing that’s neat but might trip up first-timers. And the rainbow-haired Betterman swoops in to save the day a bit too often, giving the weaker mains a whiff of plot armor (though there’s a solid in-story reason for it). Still, these are minor gripes for a narrative this bold.

Characters

The cast is a vibrant bunch: a military nerd, a grizzled old dude, a sexy scientist, a troubled teen girl, and the manliest pretty boy in anime history—Betterman himself—plus a few others. Their interactions are a blast, with chemistry that carries them far.

It’s a big group, each with a role to play. The major players get full arcs, and we dig into their relationships and backstories—stuff that actually ties into the plot. That said, the show’s focus on atmosphere and events sometimes overshadows their personal depth. There’s drama, but it’s low-key, sprinkled through subtle hints about who they are and how they connect. They get along well for the most part, and any friction resolves fast due to the constant crises. That can make it tricky to bond with them on a first watch.

They react to the chaos around them believably enough, though they’re not exactly traumatized by it—which might’ve fit at times. Betterman’s a crowd-pleaser with his flair and swagger, but his true motives stay under wraps until late, keeping him static for most of the ride. The villains, meanwhile, are chilling and memorable. They’re not deep, but their mirrored motivations reinforce the show’s themes.

Overall, it’s a solid crew—fun solo and as a team, swinging from campy to serious with fitting closure for all.

Art:

One of the last cel-animated shows before the digital shift, this has a semi-cartoonish style with colorful, slightly goofy character designs that scream personality and pop with expression. The dark, creepy settings contrast nicely, balanced by sharp shading and lighting. Animation and detail are decent—not groundbreaking—with some reused shots (done intentionally, though). But the freaky creatures, spot-on expressions, and action sequences shine. The mechs look janky, but Betterman’s monster forms are a visual treat, especially when he’s brawling with beasts, mechs, or tanks. The eerie imagery stands out, with bold framing and creative editing that make it instantly recognizable.

Fun fact: Betterman was the first TV anime in widescreen (16:9), rare for its time. Maybe it’s to amp up the horror and scale—or maybe just a tech flex. Either way, it’s got a distinct visual identity that outshines most modern anime and matches its weird tone perfectly.

Sound

The Japanese voice cast is stacked with recognizable talent, delivering everything from geeky to sultry to downright creepy. It’s peak anime-style acting—exaggerated but fitting—and shines with emotion when it counts. It only dips during heavy technobabble, but that’s rare. The ominous sound effects and tracks amplify the mood, though some feel dated and might not hold up solo. The OP is a soft, soothing lure before the weirdness hits, and the ED? Intense, bizarre, and the best I’ve ever heard. You’ve got to experience it.

Enjoyment

I’m obsessed. After years of anime, this felt like a throwback to my newbie days—unique, creepy, thought-provoking, action-packed, with a dash of tasteful fanservice. The weirdness won’t click for everyone, but if that’s a dealbreaker, why bother with anime? I’m here for the wild stuff you can’t get elsewhere.

Overall

Writing this was tough—this show’s so bizarre it’s hard to pin down. Betterman is one of a kind. I wouldn’t blanket-recommend it, but you’ve got to see it to believe it.