Green Legend Ran (1992)

A sci-fi eco-fable that starts great, then falls off. The leads are cute together, but they're quickly torn apart for a typical boy-saves-girl plot intertwined with a violent-revolution-is-bad plot. There's still some interesting aspects—the understated acknowledgement between Ran and Jeke, the nuanced dynamic between Jeke and Kiba, the sand sea chapter. The worldbuilding's on point, the soundtrack's a neat mix of orchestral and electronica, and the animation has its moments—there's a few stellar creepy shots and monumental horrors. If only more of the series could've been Ran and Aira goofing around, doing chores, and exploring ancient ruins… or the water traders on their regular rounds… or the machinations of the church…