Sky Girls
Sky Girls is a Japanese media franchise created by Konishi Hideki. It primarily consists of an original video animation (OVA) series released in 2006 and an anime television series broadcast in 2007. The franchise revolves around a group of young women pilots who operate advanced aerial vehicles called "Sonic Divers." These pilots, the titular "Sky Girls," are tasked with defending the world from mysterious insect-like machines known as "WORMs."
The premise is set in a future where humanity has been decimated by the WORMs. To combat this threat, the Sky Girls are trained and equipped with Sonic Divers, essentially powerful mecha aircraft that amplify their abilities. The story focuses on the struggles, camaraderie, and growth of these girls as they battle the WORMs and uncover the mysteries behind their existence.
The OVA series serves as a prequel, introducing the main characters and their initial training. The television series expands upon this, delving deeper into the lore, character development, and the overall conflict between humanity and the WORMs. Key themes explored in the franchise include duty, sacrifice, friendship, and the challenges of war.
The Sky Girls franchise also spawned manga adaptations and related merchandise, further expanding its reach. While not a mainstream phenomenon, Sky Girls has garnered a following due to its combination of mecha action, shoujo-ai undertones, and engaging characters.