Finished Last Exile... but I ended up preferring Fam.
The first installment had a good down to Earth vibe that evolved into something more fantastical. However, I feel that the lore of the Grand Stream, the Exiles and the Keys were too... keep close to the writer's chest. It was hard to get my bearings straight at times since I thought Prester was an alternate Earth rather than a planet humanity migrated to. Didn't even get it's name.
I mean, I could piece together by the end that the Exile was a migration ship that ferried humans from Earth to a new planet. I just feel there could've been some characters who bring it up as legends that are unconfirmed but clearly passed down by oral tradition.
As such, Fam, The Silver Wing answering these questions (the second clip show even explaining details) and being more open about the setting's lore helped me with this. We know now that there are more girls than Alvis who hold the Keys and that there have been other groups of humanity with other Exiles, many of whom like Turan have returned to Earth for one reason or another.
It also helped that the Earth bound characters, well, popped more. Fam felt a bit more memorable compared to Klaus with some of Lavie's fiest but as a more active protagonist. Her dream to see another Grand Race with Earth at peace felt more involved with the story, especially as it tied with the messy web of war.
Even the greater conflict with the Federation was easy to grasp with how returning Exiles brought with them too many people for the Earth to support, creating a war of resources.
Also... Fam and Millia were digging each other, right? Like capturing a fleet's worth of battleship and supporting the princess in her quest to restore her kingdom is romance right there.
Anyways, it was a surprisingly good watch but I feel the first installment was trying to be too... Evangelion? And I like Eva myself.
