Metallic Rouge

Metallic Rouge is an original Japanese anime television series produced by Bones in commemoration of the studio's 25th anniversary. The series aired on Fuji TV's +Ultra programming block from January to April 2024. Set in the distant future, humanity has colonized the inner solar system after a war with an alien race referred to as "Usurpers," coexisting with androids called "Neans." However, Neans are treated as second-class citizens and are programmed with Asimov's Laws to ensure their subservience. The protagonist, Rouge Redstar, is a Proto-Nean not bound by Asimov's Laws. She and her human partner, Naomi Orthmann, are sent on a secret mission to assassinate nine other Proto-Neans known as the "Immortal Nine." As her mission progresses, Rouge begins to question whether she is acting of her own volition or is simply a cog in the system. Metallic Rouge blends cyberpunk, mecha, and action elements, exploring themes of social hierarchy, identity, and free will. The anime features striking visuals, character designs, and an engaging plot, though some critics have noted issues with the narrative.