Future Boy Conan

**Future Boy Conan** is Hayao Miyazaki's 3rd directorial work and most ambitious one to date. His later masterpiece, **Castle in the Sky**, owes strong inspirations from this TV series. Adapted from Alexander Key's grim novel **The Incredible Tide** with much more upbeat message. Spanning just 26 episodes, the pacing is efficient and action packed. The series is nearly PG-13 in contents, but with a ton of comical undertone to cater toward older PG crowds (warning: English fansub has very strong language and therefore ill-suited for PG). The story starts in 2008 where humanity is fraught with wars that nearly destroys the planet itself. 11-year old Conan and his grandpa are sole survivors of the Remnant Island, until one fateful day they come in contact with survivors of other two civilizations. As typical with Miyazaki, the series has strong pro environment and peace message. Both characterizations and animation are top notch. The series is part science fiction and part action-adventure, but ultimately, it's a story of friendships and redemptions. My only criticism is unbelievable over-the-top action sequences, but minor quibble at best. This is an amazing work and easily one of the best anime TV series.