GOOD ENSEMBLE IN A MECHA

When you want to read an ensemble cast with good flowing transition from one POV to another, which doesn't bog down the overarching story line.

Undercurrent kind of read like a mecha slice of life to me, where the story is told from the perspectives of the Kolme and his team. With Una being the anchoring protagonist, the others revolve around.

The story begins with the team's rooke Una who is having her ass handed to her during a battle simulation, which introduces her senior Sabban ❤️

So, I'm not gonna lie, Sabban is my best boi, who is the only other male in the group. I like him more for his complexity. He has a deep-down caring big bro nature, but became hardened due to a tragic situation that he had no control over. Unfortunately, Una is experiencing the sadder side of Sabban. I like it how his character unfolds and grows over time.

The other team member that the story is told a lot from is Hoki, who comes across as an ice princess at first glance, but the more the story is told from her perspective, you see a vulnerable person who wants to care. Plus, she's the yuri of the bunch 😉 so big plus there. Although, there are references of same-s*x preferences, it's not touched upon other than being part of the characterization.

Kolme reminds me of one of the old Doctor Whos sometimes, I get a 3rd Doctor vibe for some reason. He's a big daddy giant overall, but like Sabban has his many battle scars that have hardened him somewhat. I kind of get a feeling that Sabban and Kolme have a connection to each other because of similar situations. Although, not sure if they like each other much, but later chapters shows they are slowly coming into a solid friendship. Kind of like pop and son connection.

The final member of the team is the infamous Scarlet, who has enough veteran experience to match Kolme's. She kind of gives me a Sigourney Weaver in Aliens vibe. A badass veteran who has a beef with Hoki.

Putting mecha aside, what really sells here is the character developments and how alive and real they are.

For those who want more character growth from their Gundam style mecha story, this one is definitely worth the visit.

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