Saishu Heiki Kanojo definitely qualifies as shojodo. But there are many layers to this 13-part series. As usual, I was most attracted to the character development in Saikano.

Watching Chise and Shuji try to maintain a relationship during wartime was enthralling. There is a sense of dread in each episode with an understanding everyone will die during the war, but the characters accept this and attempt to make the best of their time. Things like meat are cherished, and some of the usual rules a society get thrown out.

The neat thing about the story is you eventually accept the broken rules. (I’m purposely being vague.)

I was reminded of “Grave of the Fireflies” when watching Saikano because of the wartime setting and the innocence of the main characters. But don’t worry, Saikano is sad but not depressing. Chise is much like Chi from “Chobits” with her heart-breaking naiveté and urgency.

I do wish more of the mecha was shown in the series. We only get a couple of shots of Chise in battle form. There are “Evangelion” influences in the series, but they are less complicated, thank God.

Episode Nine is the saddest, and I was glad to see a few happy moments in the following episodes. If you can handle a sad anime, this is one to watch. Chise cries almost every episode, and you can feel it. Like in all good anime, the characters are not transparent. Hollywood writers will envy this story.

If the the women from "Love Hina" went into space, this is what they would look like.

But this story is a little more complicated.

There is the mystery of Eclair's past, the political conflicts between the nobles and the "non-nobles" and fighting among ES members.

Things get really strange during the "clone" episode. I'm still trying to figure that one out. Out of the 24 episodes, I can live with one slow one.