Sidonia

Sidonia is a fictional space opera franchise created by Tsutomu Nihei. It began as a manga series published by Kodansha, which later inspired an anime television series and a CGI animated film. The story is set in the distant future where humanity has been forced to flee Earth after its destruction by an alien race known as the Gauna. The remnants of humanity now travel through interstellar space aboard a massive, genetically engineered starship called Sidonia.

The narrative primarily follows the lives of the inhabitants of Sidonia, focusing on themes of survival, identity, and the constant threat of the Gauna. The inhabitants of Sidonia have developed unique biological adaptations, including the ability to photosynthesize, to cope with their long journey. They also possess specialized mechs called Gardes, which are their primary means of defense against the Gauna. These Gardes are piloted by trained individuals known as pilots.

The manga first serialized in Kodansha's Monthly Afternoon magazine from 2009 to 2015. The anime adaptation, produced by Polygon Pictures, premiered in 2015 and was followed by a second season in 2016. A sequel film, Knights of Sidonia: The Heavenly Birth, was released in 2021, continuing the story after the events of the anime. The franchise is known for its intricate world-building, detailed mecha designs, and a blend of science fiction and horror elements.