About “DARLING in the FRANXX” in a few words:

DARLING in the FRANXX is a 24-episode mecha anime series that aired from January to July 2018. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, it follows a group of teenagers who pilot giant mechas called FRANXX to defend their society from dangerous creatures known as Klaxosaurs. The series explores themes of identity, relationships, sexuality, and the meaning of humanity. Created by Studio Trigger and A-1 Pictures, the show features stunning animation, intense action scenes, and complex character relationships.

Meet the characters from DARLING in the FRANXX

Hiro

Hiro is the quiet, stubborn kid who becomes way more than he thinks he is — you can feel him trying to catch up to his own destiny. He’s awkward and earnest and remembers tiny details about people (like that one time someone hummed during drills) but also has these flashes of a braver, almost reckless leader. He’s all about connection, like he’s wired to find the other half of a puzzle, and yes he’ll cry in small, very emotional, very dramatic bursts. Also he collects weird old gadgets for no reason? (Probably just one broken game cartridge, maybe a fridge full of them.)

Ichigo

Ichigo is the practical, captain-y type who actually cares too much and it shows in the best/worst ways — she’s protective, jealous, and endlessly bossy but in a soft-hearted way. She’s the kind who’ll organize a plan, scold you for being dumb, then nurse you back to health and apologize awkwardly later. There’s a stubborn softness behind her stern face; she loves people fiercely and makes impulsive, not-always-smart choices when she’s scared. Also she’s probably the only one who owns a perfectly ironed uniform and a secret stash of terrible love songs.

Miku

Miku is loud and glittery and basically the friend who makes everything louder — she dances first, asks questions later, and will absolutely sandwich you with energy. She’s petty, caring, competitive, and sometimes a little brash, but you know she’d defend the squad with snacks and a scream. She likes bright things, obvious makeup, and has this uncanny habit of repeating other people’s lines when nervous (adorable and slightly creepy). Oh, and she cooks? Well, “cooks” — more like microwaves with passion, but still feeds everyone.

Kokoro

Kokoro is warm and maternal and somehow the emotional center even when she seemed shy at first; she’s the one who thinks about tiny futures (babies, home, slow mornings) and then flips into surprising courage. She’s sweet and dreamy and has these old-fashioned moments where she gets fiercely protective, like a soft lioness. There’s an innocent curiosity about human things — she’s fascinated by simple names and habits — but also a deep introspection that sneaks up on you. Also she has a bun with a flower and maybe two slightly different hairpins depending on the scene, which I swear is symbolic.

Ikuno

Ikuno is the quiet genius who observes everything and says very little, but when she does speak it lands like a pebble in a pond and everyone notices. She’s analytical and reserved, probably keeps notebooks, and has a secret romantic intensity that she doesn’t always show (or sometimes shows too much and panics). There’s a melancholy and bravery mixed together, like someone who’d rather write a poem about feelings than actually talk about them. Also she claims she hates romance but then writes tiny gushy sticky notes and hides them in lockers — okay she’s a walking contradiction and it’s adorable.

Zero Two

Zero Two is the absolute icon — chaotic, fierce, unbelievably charismatic and kind of a walking red flag in the best possible way. She’s wild, playful, terrifying in battle, and bafflingly vulnerable when it comes to love (Hiro, obviously), like a cat that also breathes fire. Her whole vibe screams “I will destroy the world for you and then make you pancakes” and she flips between childlike glee and ancient, haunted trauma in the span of one line. She’s messy, selfish, self-sacrificing, soft, cruel sometimes, and almost always wearing a pair of horns that somehow make everything make sense.

Zorome

Zorome is loud, hot-headed, and somehow allergic to subtlety — he loves big speeches, punching the air, and calling everyone “old man” in the most affectionate way possible. He’s impulsive and proud, the type who’d shout his feelings and then blush five minutes later, and secretly admires adults like they hung the moon. There’s a scrub-brush honesty to him that’s annoying and refreshing at the same time, and he has a surprisingly tender friendship streak underneath all the bluster. Also he probably collects weird badges and yells at flowers for not saluting.

Mitsuru

Mitsuru is broody but reliable, the type who looks like he’s judging you but would actually sacrifice his playlist for your sake. He’s composed, jealous sometimes (ugh the drama), and has this whole stoic noble thing going on but then he’ll do something unexpectedly goofy like practice smiles in a mirror. He’s torn between duty and tenderness and carries a lot of weight, which makes his rare soft moments hit like a truck. Also he’s low-key into very specific romantic cliches and will deny it while blushing so hard you can’t even.

Futoshi

Futoshi is giant-hearted, food-obsessed, and the emotional sponge of the group — he loves big hugs and even bigger meals, and he cries at commercials like it’s a competitive sport. He’s gentle, loyal, kind of clumsy, and somehow both the funniest and most tragic friend depending on the episode. He wants everyone to be fed and happy and will fight you with nothing but kindness (and possibly a casserole). Also he alternates between being a glutton and an exercise freak? No, definitely glutton, but with random moments of fitness zealotry.