Ariel

is a Japanese mecha novel series written by Yūichi Sasamoto and illustrations done by Masahisa Suzuki. It was published under the Shishio magazine from 1986 to February 28, 2006. All 52 chapters were compiled into 20 tankobon volumes under the Sonorama label.

Two OVA series were co-produced by Studios Animate and J.C.Staff, directed by Junichi Watanabe and licensed by Central Park Media. ARIEL Visual from July 21 to August 21, 1989 and ARIEL Deluxe from January 21 to April 21, 1991.

The series combines various sci-fi elements based on space opera with mecha, invasions, first contact, time travel, etc.

Plot
To save the Earth from alien invaders and their giant monsters, Dr. Kishida does what any other red-blooded mad scientist would do: he builds a giant robot—the ultimate feminine fighting robot!

Unfortunately, his grand-daughters refuse to pilot it! Apparently, they've got more important things to do than becoming teenage super-heroes. Besides, how are you supposed to study for your college entrance exams while getting beaten-up in battle?

Fortunately for Dr. Kishida, things aren't too well for the invaders, either. According to their reports, the Earth was the perfect target: lush, peaceful, and relatively defenseless. Theoretically, the planet should've surrendered long ago. Now, the war is at a standstill, the dreaded Accounting Department is warning about the serious cost overruns, and the head of the home office has arrived from Galactic Headquarters to personally oversee operations. Has Headquarters decided to unleash, The Audit—or do they have something even eviler in mind?

The fate of the world rests upon two people: Aya Kishida, one of the doctor's granddaughters, who may have to give up prep school to pilot the mighty (and lovely) ARIEL; and a mysterious alien named Saber Starblast, who may have the power to defeat the invaders once and for all...