Toushinki G's Frame

Ancient Girl’s Frame

Characters

Reika Minamiya

MAIN

Pololo

SUPPORTING

Arjena Hakeem

SUPPORTING

Yan Li

SUPPORTING

Judith Pearl

SUPPORTING

Mikage Williams

SUPPORTING

Luna Lupiano

SUPPORTING

Fei Wang

SUPPORTING

Eyre

SUPPORTING

Dongjing Yi

SUPPORTING

Reiu Minamiya

SUPPORTING

Misaki Yoshizaki

SUPPORTING

Ray Barker

SUPPORTING

The Unique Allure of Ancient Girl’s Frame Season 1: A Mecha Odyssey with Heart and Flaws

Ancient Girl’s Frame (Japanese: 闘神機ジーズフレーム, Tōshinki Jīzu Furēmu; Chinese: 斗神姬, Dòu Shén Jī), a 2021 Japanese-Chinese co-production by Seven Stone Studios, is a sci-fi mecha anime that dares to blend familiar tropes with a fresh, if imperfect, vision. Premiering on Chinese streaming platforms like Youku and Bilibili on October 11, 2021, and on Tokyo MX in Japan the following day, this 12-episode series follows a group of young women, dubbed the “Ancient Girls,” who pilot ancient robotic weapons called G’s Frames to combat an alien threat known as Nergal. While it leans heavily on mecha genre conventions, Ancient Girl’s Frame Season 1 stands out for its multicultural cast, ambitious narrative, and a surprising emotional depth that elevates it above its technical shortcomings. However, its lack of originality and inconsistent execution make it a polarizing entry in the 2021 anime season. Here’s a deep dive into what makes this series uniquely compelling—and where it falls short.

A Premise Rooted in Mecha Tradition

Set at the end of the 21st century, Ancient Girl’s Frame unfolds in a world transformed by “Divine Grace” (DG) energy, a resource that fuels humanity’s space colonization. When a mysterious alien lifeform, Nergal, attacks a human expedition on Pluto, the Earth Alliance Army deploys the AG Unit, a team of young women with special qualities who can pilot G’s Frames—ancient mecha unearthed from global archaeological sites. The story centers on Reika Minamiya (also referred to as Li Xinglan in the Chinese version), a determined young woman who joins the AG Unit to find her missing sister, Reiu, a former pilot lost in the Jupiter Trojan campaign.

The premise is classic mecha fare: a chosen group of pilots, a looming extraterrestrial threat, and giant robots as humanity’s last hope. Yet, the show’s attempt to weave personal stakes—Reika’s search for her sister—into a broader cosmic conflict gives it a distinct emotional anchor. The narrative follows Reika and her diverse teammates, including the stoic Judith, the spirited Luna Mariano Perez Lupiano, and the enigmatic Arhena Hakim, as they battle Nergal across Earth, Mars, and Jupiter’s Trojan Asteroid Belt.

What Makes It Unique

1. Multicultural Representation: One of the series’ standout features is its diverse cast, a refreshing departure from the often homogenous character rosters in anime. The AG Unit includes characters from various cultural and religious backgrounds, notably Arhena Hakim, who wears a hijab—a rare inclusion in mecha anime. This multiculturalism isn’t just cosmetic; it subtly informs character dynamics and adds a layer of realism to the global stakes of the Nergal invasion. For example, Luna’s backstory ties her father’s death to a Nergal larva incident, grounding her leadership arc in personal loss.
2. A Blend of Japanese and Chinese Sensibilities: As a co-production, Ancient Girl’s Frame bridges Eastern animation traditions. The Chinese version emphasizes emotional melodrama and character-driven storytelling, while the Japanese version leans into sleek mecha action. This duality creates a unique tonal balance, though it occasionally feels disjointed due to differing narrative priorities. For instance, character names like Reika Minamiya (Japanese) and Li Xinglan (Chinese) reflect cultural adaptations that add authenticity but can confuse viewers switching between versions.
3. Emotional Depth Amid Tropes: While the series is criticized for its reliance on genre clichés—chosen heroes, missing siblings, alien invasions—it excels at infusing these tropes with genuine emotion. Reika’s quest to find Reiu is more than a plot device; it’s a heartfelt exploration of grief and determination. Key moments, like Reika’s struggle to pilot the Shennong G’s Frame or Luna’s leadership challenges after Captain Judith’s disappearance, resonate because they prioritize character over spectacle. The series’ final episode, which shifts to a meta-anime within an anime, cleverly reflects on its own tropes, offering a self-aware nod to fans familiar with the genre.
4. Ambitious World-Building: The show’s mythology, involving ancient alien civilizations and the mysterious White Giant, hints at a larger universe. The G’s Frames, excavated from ruins, suggest a connection to a lost alien race, and the Nergal’s origins remain tantalizingly vague. While the 12-episode run doesn’t fully explore these elements, discoveries like the “Fluffy” object in the Trojan Asteroid Belt and the Gandharva’s recovery near the Mariana Islands spark intrigue for potential future seasons.

Where It Stumbles

Despite its strengths, Ancient Girl’s Frame is not without flaws, many of which stem from its ambitious scope clashing with its execution:

1. Lack of Originality: Critics have noted that the series feels like a patchwork of popular mecha anime tropes, borrowing heavily from Neon Genesis Evangelion and Mobile Suit Gundam. The “chosen teenage pilots” and “mysterious alien threat” setup lacks a unique twist to set it apart, making it feel like a “safe bet” rather than a bold original work.
2. Inconsistent Animation Quality: The production quality is a frequent point of contention. While the Nergal attacks feature striking visuals—like the sickly purple hue of their invasions—the overall animation is often described as clunky, with awkward lip-syncing and off-model characters. Mecha battles, though initially exciting, are short and underutilized, with later episodes shifting focus to character drama over action. This inconsistency undermines the series’ potential as a visual spectacle.
3. Pacing and Narrative Clutter: The show juggles multiple plotlines—Reika’s personal mission, the Nergal threat, and the AG Unit’s internal dynamics—but struggles to balance them. Emotional beats are rushed, and subplots like the military’s budget concerns or the Atra-Hasis’ detour to Mars feel underdeveloped. The first episode, in particular, crams too much exposition, leaving little room for character moments to breathe.
4. Mixed Reception: With a 4.9/10 rating on IMDb and a median “so-so” score on Anime News Network, the series divides audiences. Some appreciate its heart and diverse cast, while others find its execution amateurish and its tropes derivative. Diehard mecha fans may enjoy it as “filler” viewing, but it struggles to compete with heavyweights like Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX from the same season.

Standout Moments and Characters

• Reika Minamiya/Li Xinglan: Reika’s journey from a rejected recruit to the pilot of the Shennong G’s Frame is compelling, driven by her unwavering resolve to find her sister. Her struggles to master the mecha highlight her vulnerability, making her a relatable protagonist.
• The Battle of Borneo Island: The early Nergal attack on Borneo is a visual highlight, showcasing the G’s Frames’ power and the stakes of the conflict. The sudden appearance of Shennong to save Reika feels like a classic mecha moment, even if it’s predictable.
• Luna’s Leadership Arc: Luna’s transition to unit leader after Judith’s disappearance is a strong subplot, enriched by her personal connection to the Nergal threat. Her arc adds depth to the team dynamic.
• The Meta Finale: The final episode’s shift to an anime-within-an-anime format is a bold, if divisive, choice. It playfully deconstructs the series’ tropes, blending emotional melodrama with mecha battles in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Why It’s Worth Watching

Ancient Girl’s Frame Season 1 is a flawed gem that shines brightest for fans of mecha anime willing to overlook its rough edges. Its multicultural cast and emotional core offer a fresh perspective, while its world-building teases a larger story. Though it doesn’t reinvent the genre, it delivers enough heart and spectacle to stand out in the crowded 2021 anime landscape. Available on Funimation, Crunchyroll, and Prime Video, it’s a solid pick for viewers seeking a mix of action, drama, and diversity in their sci-fi.

Recommendation: If you enjoy Gundam Wing or Macross but crave a more diverse cast and a focus on personal stakes, give Ancient Girl’s Frame a try. Just don’t expect polished animation or groundbreaking originality. For a deeper dive, check out the series on Prime Video or Funimation, and keep an eye out for a potential Season 2 to resolve its lingering mysteries.

Final Verdict: A unique, heartfelt mecha adventure that’s held back by its clichés and inconsistent execution, but worth a watch for its emotional depth and diverse ensemble.