Unlike most other giant-robot themed shows, the machines and technology seen in Gundam are often elaborated upon, (sometimes quite intricately) and often draw inspiration from actual scientific theories and principles. This dedication to realism may seem strange given that most shows featuring robots often always utilize them as little more than action set pieces, however Gundam has a talent for giving the machines a character that reflects that of their human pilot - a sort of 'man/machine relationship' that forms the core of the show's philosophical exploration. While not all of the spin-off series are targeted at adults, the best (in my opinion) are the ones that tackle heavier themes such as war, prejudice, hardship and what it means to be human.