Anime series: “Gurren Lagann”
Where to stream: Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix
“Gurren Lagann” is set in a dystopian future where humans live in underground dwellings, hiding from the cruel and oppressive Spiral King.
Incorporating sci-fi elements is fairly common in anime, but this one stands out for the careful way it depicts the tender love between Simon, a young “digger” and Nia, who initially appears to be innocent and naive, but whose identity turns out to have a surprising dimension.
Simon and Nia are a beloved couple, and the series is noted for its careful rendering of their emotions. When Simon meets Nia he’s been thrown into a deep depression, and her ability to bring him back to his former self is the bedrock of their relationship.
