Directed by Motonobu Hori, the inaugural episode of Metallic Rogue immediately thrusts viewers into a futuristic society where humans coexist with androids known as Neans. Threatening this harmony are the „Immortal Nine,“ a group rebelling against the Human-Nean society. The narrative follows Rouge Redstar (Yume Miyamoto), an android undercover as Metal Rouge, and her human counterpart Naomi (Tomoyo Kurosawa) as they embark on a mission to Mars to hunt down these rebels and maintain order.

A notable feature of Metallic Rogue Episode 1 is its striking vibrancy and masterful use of color. Renowned for their expertise in bringing original anime to life, Bones, with character designer Toshihiro Kawamoto (known for Cowboy Bebop), crafts visually captivating main characters with distinct traits.

The episode establishes the world as Metal Rouge works undercover, unveiling a narrative foundation that involves intricate plotting. Although the premiere struggles to fully articulate the goals and stakes within its 20-minute timeframe, Metal and Naomi remain enigmatic figures, paving the way for potential exploration in a mission-of-the-week format.

While the premiere touches on profound thematic ideas regarding the existence of androids and artificial intelligence, the narrative somewhat stumbles in conveying these concepts delicately. Despite initial muddiness in world-building, the story’s intriguing core is evident, exploring themes of humanity’s struggle to coexist and the consequences of limiting lifeforms.

However, the production’s visual allure steals the spotlight. Prioritizing POV shots and delivering ground-shaking action, Metallic Rogue Episode 1 features mechas with Evangelion-style influences and a score by Taisei Iwasaki that adds excitement to the proceedings. The visuals, especially a bridge against an orange sky, stand out as must-watch moments, conveying the world’s instability through detailed elements.

While Metallic Rogue Episode 1 faces occasional setup challenges, its artistry rescues the series start. Despite the need for further immersion to establish an emotional connection with the characters, the episode captivates with lush visuals and animations, ensuring a visually stimulating experience where every frame holds something captivating, even when the narrative falters.