I read this manga story set in the Universal Century during the last stages of the One Year War between the Principality of Zeon and the Federation. It is really good.
It is loosely based on the real world Operation Valkyrie to kill Hitler, but there are enough twist and turns, that in the end it is quite a different story. As a manga it has a lot going for it.
A) Really good artwork (most of the time)
B) Interesting Characters. Most of the characters are interesting and like-able.
C) A ok to good mystery and conspiracy story. Sometimes the authors gave too much information at points where I felt it would had been better to keep things more tight. But the main question, on the relationship of the various factions to the conspirancy, is only resolved at the end.
D) Smart tactics and logical failures. The two sides engaged in combat are not made up of amateurs. As a result the fighting requires thinking especially from the weaker side. The final tactic they use is a surprising one at first sight, but makes perfect sense considering that the battle takes place in a controlled and planned climate environment. I am surprised I never saw it in other sci-fi stories.The reason the strongest side does not work, would look like extreme incompetence to us, but in story a logical explanation is offered, which is highly realistic. Indeed the logic of characters is so good that when one of the characters suggests that the losing side take a very drastic action, one that could destroy the prize, another character is quick to point out that would be a irrational decision.
At points like this it raised to the levels of strategic thinking of the best of Legend of Galactic Heroes.
E) Closure.This is not one of those stories where the end is abrupt and you do not feel closure. The fate of some of the central characters is fully given, though I would had liked more info on others.
All in all a capital political-military-detective thriller, set in a nice sci-fi world, with interesting characters. I would make a good 12 episode Anime Series.
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