Mecha

Mecha

Kuratas, a real-life mecha developed by Suidobashi Heavy Industry.

Mecha refers to a genre of science fiction that centers around giant robots or machines controlled by people. These machines, often humanoid in shape, are typically depicted as being used in combat, exploration, or other tasks requiring immense power and versatility.

Origins and Development

The concept of mecha has its roots in early 20th-century science fiction literature and has since evolved into a significant subgenre of anime and manga. The term "mecha" is derived from the Japanese abbreviation for "mechanical" and is used to describe both the genre and the machines themselves.

Types of Mecha

Mecha can be broadly categorized into two types: super robot and real robot.

Super Robot

Super robots are typically portrayed as larger-than-life machines with extraordinary powers and abilities. They often have a more fantastical design and are piloted by heroes who use them to fight against evil forces. Super robots are a staple of classic mecha series such as Mazinger Z and Getter Robo.

Real Robot

RX-78-2 Gundam, a classic example of a real robot.

Real robots, on the other hand, are depicted with more realistic designs and limitations. They are often used in military settings and are subject to the laws of physics and resource constraints. The Mobile Suit Gundam series is a quintessential example of the real robot genre.

Mecha in Popular Culture

Mecha have become a prominent feature in various forms of media, including television, film, video games, and literature.

Television and Film

Mecha have been featured in numerous anime series and films, such as Neon Genesis Evangelion, Code Geass, and Pacific Rim. These works often explore themes of war, identity, and the relationship between humans and technology.

Video Games

Screenshot from Strike Suit Zero, a video game featuring mecha combat.

Video games have also embraced the mecha genre, with titles like Armored Core, MechWarrior, and Strike Suit Zero offering players the chance to pilot their own giant robots in combat.

Real-World Mecha

While mecha are primarily a fictional concept, there have been attempts to create real-world versions of these machines. The Kuratas mecha, developed by Suidobashi Heavy Industry, is a notable example of a functioning, albeit non-combat, mecha.

Related Pages

• Anime
• Manga
• Robotics
• Science fiction

The AT-AT from Star Wars, an example of mecha in Western media.

See Also

• Giant robot
• Exoskeleton
• Cybernetics