Sky Blue

About Sky Blue

Here is what Sky Blue (원더풀 데이즈) is about, retold in plain terms: an action, drama and romance anime by GAINAX and Tin House (2003). The premise: The final version is set in 2142 A.D., a century after humanity’s carelessness resulted in the collapse of Earth’s biosphere. The only survivors are a technological society in a magnificent enclosed scientifically-designed refuge metropolis, Ecoban, and a small horde of refugees in the Wasteland just outside.

Along the way, the leaders of Ecoban have supported the refugees in return for their providing labor to mine the raw materials needed to keep Ecoban operational. After a century, Ecoban’s leaders have degenerated into an indolent elite class who have reduced the “Diggers” to slavery, providing no more than the barest minimum to keep them alive. Meanwhile, the machinery sustaining Ecoban continues to pollute the world outside.

As an action title, fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. Voice work is led by Kouichi Yamadera as Shua and Asami Sanada as Jay. This one is best suited to viewers who like fast, high-impact fights. At 1 episodes in total, it is easy to plan a viewing schedule.

Production & Appeal

Production sits with GAINAX and Tin House, which means the visual identity of Sky Blue follows that studio's craft. The action focus matters here: fight choreography, pacing and sound design carry much of the weight. With a 6.3/10 score, it is more of a niche pick than a universal crowd-pleaser. Voice casting, including Kouichi Yamadera as Shua, adds to the appeal for fans who follow seiyuu. It aired in 2003, which makes it easy to place in the wider anime calendar.