“We’re the Fail Five... but we’ll save the world anyway!”

In the crowded cosmos of space sci-fi anime, Majestic Prince is a rare gem: a mecha series that’s as much about awkward, earnest friendship as it is about high-octane robot battles. This Spotlight entry is a decent anime title that earns a SciNexic rating of ★★★★☆. Set in the early 22nd century, humanity faces extinction at the hands of the Wulgaru, a mysterious alien race with a penchant for genetic harvesting. Earth’s last hope? The MJP Project: a squad of genetically engineered teens piloting state-of-the-art mechs, each tailored to their unique DNA.

But don’t expect stoic heroes. Team Rabbits—dubbed the “Fail Five”—are a lovable mess: Izuru, the wannabe hero with a sketchbook; Asagi, the anxious second-in-command; Kei, the stoic strategist; Tamaki, the food-obsessed optimist; and Suruga, the gun nut with a heart of gold. Their chemistry is the show’s secret weapon, delivering both laugh-out-loud moments and genuine emotional stakes as they fumble, fight, and grow into the galaxy’s unlikeliest defenders.

Why It’s Worth Your Watch

Majestic Prince stands out for its blend of classic and modern. The series leans into Sentai-style team dynamics and color-coded mechs, but it’s not afraid to ask big questions about identity, agency, and the ethics of engineered soldiers. The JURIA System—linking pilot DNA to mecha performance—raises chilling questions about the cost of victory, while the Wulgaru’s own genetic obsessions mirror humanity’s drive to survive at any price.

Visually, the show is a treat. Studio Orange’s 3DCG mecha battles are fluid and kinetic, with each AHSMB (Advanced High Standard Multipurpose Battle Device) reflecting its pilot’s quirks and combat style. The hybrid animation—2D for characters, 3D for robots—gives every skirmish a sense of scale and impact, while the character designs by Hisashi Hirai (Gundam SEED) keep the cast instantly recognizable.

Deeper Dive: Themes, Worldbuilding, and Character Growth

What sets Majestic Prince apart from its mecha contemporaries is its willingness to let its characters fail, learn, and grow. The “Fail Five” moniker isn’t just a joke—it’s a core part of the show’s DNA. Early episodes revel in the team’s missteps, from botched training exercises to awkward social blunders, but as the stakes rise, so does their resolve. The series explores the psychological toll of being engineered for war, the longing for normalcy, and the bonds that form under fire.

The worldbuilding is robust, with the Wulgaru’s motives and technology gradually revealed through tense encounters and espionage. The show doesn’t shy away from the darker implications of its premise: the commodification of children, the ethics of genetic manipulation, and the blurred line between heroism and exploitation. Yet, it balances these weighty themes with moments of levity—be it Tamaki’s endless appetite or Suruga’s over-the-top enthusiasm for weaponry. The supporting cast, including the enigmatic Commander Simon and the rival Team Doberman, add layers to the narrative, offering different perspectives on duty, sacrifice, and what it means to be human in a universe that often treats people as tools.

Trivia & Legacy

• The series was part of a multimedia project, including manga and light novels, and received a theatrical sequel, Majestic Prince: Genetic Awakening, in 2016.

• The “Fail Five” nickname was a fan favourite, and the show’s blend of humour and heart has earned it a cult following among mecha enthusiasts.

• Majestic Prince is one of the early hybrid 2D/3DCG mecha shows that helped make CG more accepted in televised anime, a trend reflected in later titles such as Knights of Sidonia.

• The OVA and movie expand on the original’s themes, offering closure and higher stakes, with even more spectacular battles and character development.

• The series’ soundtrack, composed by Toshiyuki Omori, is a hidden gem—mixing rousing orchestral pieces with energetic J-pop themes that perfectly capture the show’s spirit.

Verdict

Majestic Prince is a space sci-fi treat for anyone who loves their mecha with a side of heart. It’s not the most subversive or ground-breaking series, but its sincerity, kinetic action, and lovable cast make it a standout worth a Scinexic rating of ★★★★☆. If you’re looking for a show that balances popcorn spectacle with real questions about what it means to fight—and to belong—Team Rabbits is ready for launch. Bright, heartfelt, and action-packed—a must for mecha fans and space sci-fi newcomers alike.