Anime Showcase: Nadia

Nadia is a landmark 1990 anime series from director Hideaki Anno (Evangelion) and produced by the by otaku for otaku animation studio Gainax.

Originally concieved as an adaptation of Jules Vernes 20,000 Leagues Under the Seas from Hayao Miyazaki as part of the "World Masterpiece Theater" anime series which showcased anime adaptations of mostly western classics of literature. While Miyazaki never produced this original show many of the ideas for it were reused in "Future Boy Conan" and "Castle in the Sky".

Gainax wound up reviving the show but made some controversial changes to it giving the show a bit of an otaku feel refrencing anime and other shows from Hideaki Anno's youth creating a very interesting show that feels 1/2 Studio Ghibili and 1/2 Evangelion without its darkest moments.

Set in an alternate universe in 1889, the series centers on Nadia, a 14-year-old girl of unknown origins, and Jean, a young, warm-hearted French inventor. Early in the story, the two protagonists are chased by Grandis Granva, Sanson, and Hanson, a group of jewel thieves who pursue Nadia for the blue jeweled pendant she possesses named the Blue Water. After being rescued by Captain Nemo and his submarine, the Nautilus, the jewel thieves and the young protagonists join forces and participate in the struggle against the Neo-Atlantean forces, who seek to dominate the world.

In the process, Nadia and Jean save the world from violent domination by the Neo-Atlantean forces led by Gargoyle, explore worldly mysteries and the powers of the Blue Water, uncover Nadia's hidden family ties, and ultimately discover Nadia's secret origins.

So "Don't forget to try in mind" as we take a look at this classic from Hideaki Anno which has similar vibes to 2026s "Goodbye Lara" or classic shows from Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in the 1970s as filtered through the otaku generation of the 80s and 90s.