This anime is absolutely amazing. I haven't read the original novel, and I know many were mad because it heavily deters from the original, but it is still -blam!-ing amazing. It is definitely one of the best written anime to date.
Only really making this thread because the fact I rarely ever hear people talk about it. I just finished it last night, and I highly suggest watching it. It is probably up there with my favourite anime of all time (definitely in the top 10).
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I agree that the anime is very good, and I even own the boxed collection of the series as well. I actually liked the changes they made to most of the characters and making it unique in its own way. I've also read the book (great book to read by the way) so it was interesting to see the subtle changes and some of the more drastic changes. My only complaint were the CGI mechs since they looked awkward in the art style they were using.
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Read the book you uncultured swine, and in its original French too.