Super Dimension Cavalry Southern Cross may seem like your average mecha anime from the 1980s, but in reality it's one of the most unique members of the genre. Unlike the popular Gundam series, or even the other mecha titles by Tatsunoko Productions, Southern Cross is written from the point of a female protagonist. Jeanne is brave, strong, capable, and most importantly, thoroughly entertaining. Another thing that sets Southern Cross apart is its message. The Glorians, who colonized the planet, are so quick to assume that the Zor are hostile invaders that they launch into a war without taking the time to learn aboutthe mysterious race. It is eventually discovered that the Zor are the original inhabitants of what is now Glorie, and more shocking still, the Glorians and the Zor are thought to share a common (human) ancestry. Southern Cross takes a stance against preemptive violence and knee-jerk reactions, and the positive, anti-war message that this serious embodies is admirable.

Aside from the ideologies of war, the relationships of this series are the real shining stars. The shaky love between Jeanne and Seifreit is one of my favorites (and has been since childhood); they develop real feelings for each other through battle, trials, and hardship. Bowie and Musica are another great love story because of what their relationship represents: Even though their races are at war, they still fall in love because they can look past trivial, close-minded judgments. Rivalries and family relationships are also important in Southern Cross. It's certainly a series driven by the characters and their growth.

The animation falls short in a few episodes but because the story and characters are so great, I barely notice anymore. The soundtrack becomes a little repetitive by the time you're at the end of the series because it's not too terribly diverse, but what is there is notably entertaining. The opening theme, "Hoshi no Deja Vu" by Katori Yoko, is one of the greatest opening themes of all time - no, seriously, it is. :D

The English adaptation of SDC Southern Cross is the second saga of the Robotech series: the Robotech Masters. It wasn't well-received by the fans and was the least favorite of the trilogy. However, if you've seen Robotech Masters, you'll be pleased to know that the original storyline is much better than the adaptation; please consider giving it a second chance. It's a largely ignored and/or unappreciated series, but it deserves so much more.