The 2006 mecha series Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry has arrived on Crunchyroll and Hulu, complete with English dub and subtitle options. The show centers on Sara Werec, an 11-year-old girl who enlists in a space academy to follow her brother to the frontlines of an interstellar war, piloting a powerful weapon system known as a 'Strain.'
Produced by Studio Fantasia, the team behind the ecchi-heavy 'Queen's Blade' series, 'Strain' blends real robot action with military drama and sci-fi elements, featuring a predominantly female cast and themes of war and space combat. Despite its 2006 origins, the complete 13-episode run offers a contained story for viewers interested in exploring the genre.
With a MAL score of 7.03, 'Strain' delivers a narrative focused on Sara's journey through a harsh military academy and her first encounters with enemy forces. The series explores themes of youthful determination against a backdrop of interstellar conflict, making it a binge-worthy option for fans of classic sci-fi mecha.
