Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann -- Review

Duration: 27 episodes (24 mins each)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-fi (Mecha), Shounen

As one grows up, it's important to have a role model or one to look up to for guidance. Without proper guidance, one can waver and not live up to his or her potential. Developing one's self-esteem and confidence is essential to living a healthy, positive life. Before sounding like pastor giving a sermon, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (rolls right off the tongue, no?) is essentially a coming of age story in which a young digger named Simon overcomes his fears and anxieties growing into a competent and empowered young man.

A few years ago while getting back into the swing of watching a new generation of anime (those not shown on Toonami), I kept on coming across overwhelming praise for Gurren Lagann. Seeing that it's a mecha anime, I was reluctant to even start watching, but after 27 ceiling-caving, beastmen-hunting, boob-bouncing, head-joining, civilization-building, heaven-shattering, action-packed episodes, it all didn't matter.

Story

In a desolate world where people live in underground villages, life is bleak and depressing for those alive. Very little is known about the surface, with mere rumors and tall tales spread about. All people know about is their dark subterranean world, nothing else. Each day people live in fear of potential earthquakes and cave-ins. Stricken with very few resources, it is an ongoing struggle to survive considering their unfavorable conditions.

Simon is a digger in his local village of Jiha working to find more resources to live on. One day he discovers a small shiny drill whilst digging to expand the village. At the same time, his friend Kamina, one who believes there is a land above the village and beyond attempts to break through the ceiling to leave underground prison. As they are punished by the village leaders, an earthquake occurs, the ceiling collapses followed by a giant robot.
Now certain of the of the world above them, Kamina recklessly fights the robot. Without warning, a young girl named Yoko also drops in from above, with rifle in hand to fight the robot. Despite her efforts, she was only able to distract the robot. In the midst of escaping from the robot, Simon shows Kamina and Yoko what he had found earlier; a mysterious robot whose head is also its body.

Separated by two distinctive arcs, the first encompasses the ongoing struggles of the Gurren Brigade against the never-ending onslaught of Gunmen while the second focuses on the aftermath seven whole years after their ordeals. The structure, pacing, and presentation of the first arc is simply bliss--the epitome of what how a great story should be told. The second arc on the other hand gets some mixed results. The initial watch through I was pumped for every consequent episode waiting for the next scene while in retrospect, the time jump disconnected me from the awesome cast, which I had developed a close connection with prior. Aside, Gurren Lagann has a unique story that demands your attention--and for good reason.

Characters

Kamina: Carefree and a little bit reckless at times, yet passionate about his beliefs, he provides the actively wild and high-octane pace of the show. Naturally charismatic, he becomes the leader of the Gurren Brigade commanding their rebellion against the Gunmen.

Simon: Forever supported by his mentor and lifelong friend Kamina, he slowly gains confidence in himself and his own abilities. Despite lacking confidence, his unwavering determination is a catalyst for those who surround him.

Yoko: Abruptly dropping down into Kamina and Simon's village, she introduces them to the dangerous world of above. Blatant eye candy/fan service for the series, one will enjoy a plethora of boob and ass shots of her. Her character does develop a bit as the series goes along, but don't expect anything too deep.

There are plenty of other minor characters that will be introduced as the plot moves along; only a few of them are worth mention whether it be their charismatic nature or they're just quirky enough to get a couple chuckles out of. Its main protagonists are probably the strongest in its genre, producing adrenaline-inducing rush whenever they make an appearance; it's minor characters leave a lot to be desired--one won't mind if they're not around.

Voice Acting/Sound

Originally exposed to the original Japanese voice actors, I will definitely give a nod to them first. From Katsuyuki Konishi's role as Kamina, oozing testosterone whenever he shouts his usual mantra, to the delicate musings of Yukari Fukui (Nia), it's a varied and impressive cast. I also managed to watch a few episodes of the English dub over Hulu and SyFy network and can attest that it's no slouch either; you can't go wrong with either.

Much can be said about the musical score as well. Simply jaw-dropping, memorable tracks, setting the perfect tone for each scene. Scores are influenced with hints of jazz, rock, hip-hop, and sometimes heavy metal for those blood-curdling action sequences. An overwhelming use of brass and string instruments throughout produces a very powerful, orchestrated feel. I personally haven't heard such a striking and impressively varied soundtrack since Cowboy Bebop. No doubt this is one hell of a soundtrack.

Note: Looking for more Gurren Lagann goodness? Check out some music video releases called Gurren Lagann Parallel Works which feature alternative scenarios of Gurren Lagann to set to the more popular or distintive songs from the original soundtrack.

Loved
Strong Plot: At times just plain absurd and over the top, one cannot discount the well-executed storytelling for the first half of the series. Not remotely serious as its spiritual predecessor Neon Genesis Evangelion, Gurren Lagann manages to still deliver a captivating plot initially drawing one in with striking visuals, and following up with strong character/plot development. I was pulled in from the very beginning, its unique story coupled with nonstop high-octane action will keep one drawn in to the very end.

Delicious Fanservice: Most anime nowadays are guilty of it, with some series containing 99.9% fanservice and .1% substance, Gurren Lagann delivers just the right amount to keep one satisfied. Yoko, the sole source of fan service, she's not just a pair jiggly boobs. Despite wearing a bathing suit for nearly the entire series, her character has a solid foundation behind it. I was rather put off when she was abruptly cast off for a good portion of the series as she had the most potential for character development.

Hated
Episode 4: Although not instantly noticeable, the high-quality animation present in all the other episodes was conspicuously absent in this one. A little dodgy, with a different style, it looks unpolished compared to the rest of the series. There's a story behind the art direction, but don't let the one episode be a determining factor whether you'll like the series. Watch it once and be done with it. Gurren Lagann does so many things well, this is merely a minor blemish of the series.

Rossiu: From the first time I saw his character, I instantly did not like him. He's an instant buzzkill on Kamina and Simon's unbound spirit. Although he provides some reality and practical insight to the plot, regardless, he's a real negative Nancy. Rossiu is essentially the antithesis of what Gurren Lagann stands for. Unfortunately his contrasting views provide the necessary base for the inspiring, fist-pumping, and heaven-breaking scenes thereafter--live with him.

The Lowdown: Regarding it as a spiritual successor to Gainax's Neon Genesis Evangelion, or as a work on its own, Gurren Lagann is certainly worth the all the praise it has received. Though technically categorized as a mecha anime, it appeals to non-mecha anime watchers as well as non-anime audiences in some cases. Overall, it delivers a simple yet powerful message everyone can apply to their own lives. Pierce the heavens...

Notes: Watched series from beginning to end (Black Order/Bullet Speed subs)

Lucky ☆ Star - Review

Duration: 24 episodes (24 mins each)
Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, School Life

In the social circles that I frequent, I often claim myself as a very average anime watcher, watching the very slim pickings of shows featured on television the past several years. I grew up with the most popular ones on Toonami like Dragonball Z, Tenchi Muyo, Voltron, and Rurouni Kenshin. As I grew up and my interests changed, when Cartoon Network began their adult_swim lineup, I was exposed to anime with more mature themes such as Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, and sad to say, Inuyasha.

College and higher education rolled around soon thereafter, and I took an unconscious hiatus from the shows I once loved. I occasionally saw an episode of Samurai Champloo here and there, but my interests were straying more towards beer and girls than demons and kamehameha waves. The novelty of alcohol and booty calls began to waver, though I wasn't exactly sure how I managed to come across Lucky Star. It was perhaps that vast amount of praise/criticism it was being given at the time. Taking into account my rather generous open-mindedness, I dove right in. Regarded as the grandfather of moe anime, I surely was not ready for what I was going to be exposed to.

Story

Is there really a story to Lucky Star? Those expecting something truly great in terms of action, romance, or something truly life-changing should look elsewhere. Lucky Star focuses on the lives of four normal yet not so normal Japanese school girls; Konata the otaku, Kagami the tsundere, Tsukasa the scatterbrain, and Miyuki the walking encyclopedia. Episodes comprise the events of their daily lives and the absurd conversations they have during school and outside of school. The relatively slow/stagnant pace of the first episode is a good indication of the how the rest of the episodes will structured.

Many people tend to characterize Lucky Star as the Seinfeld of anime, and for generalizing purposes, it does make some sense. It IS essentially a show about nothing, but what most newcomers to anime do not know is that it follows a tried and true formula of a typical slice-of-life anime. There are some characteristics that they both share, including the well-known roundabout conversations between characters, but where Seinfeld and Lucky Star divert from one another is in the plot the department. Despite the fairly random events that go on in the respective episodes of each series, the episodes of Seinfeld actually come full circle in one way or another. Lucky Star on the other hand simply compiles a set of random instances into an episode, with little or no continuity/cohesiveness.

Characters

Izumi Konata: Idolized and worshipped by many for her otaku habits, the long blue hair, cat-like mouth, and sleepy eyes girl, how can she not be the main character? Can't really call her a protagonist, when there's no antagonist; unless one were to consider Kagami as one.

Hiiragi Kagami: The antagonist of the series, she's on the butt end of every jab Konata takes at her. The typical tsundere character, she's very brash and hot-headed, but probably the most level-headed and competent amongst the group.

Hiiragi Tsukasa: Kagami's paternal twin sister. The less competent of the two Hiiragi twins, she's your pure moe character. Timid, shy, and lacking in life skills, she's very dependent on her sister to bail her out.

Takara Miyuki: The show's meganekko character, she always has a textbook definition of whatever Konata and the rest of the group discuss. Clumsy at times, she makes it up with her surprisingly nice body, which Konata will poke fun at constantly.

The main cast and much of the supporting characters are of the archetypal variety. Not really dynamic or powerful characters, the cast of Lucky Star is likable at the very least. Kagami's classmate Misao and Konata's cousin Yui surely needed some more air time.

Voice Acting/Sound

The soundtrack of Lucky Star is pretty much lacking, recycling the same five to six tracks over the entire series. The ending credits portion of the show is fairly unique to Lucky Star as it often features Aya Hirano (Konata) singing karaoke to various anime themes, one being the famous "Cha-La Head Cha-La" opening theme from Dragonball Z. Despite the redundant and uninspired tracks, the ending credits section is noteworthy for its unique approach.

The voice acting more than makes up for the lackluster music selection. Other than Aya Hirano, I wasn't familiar with any of the other seiyus, but was impressed with the cast as a whole. Special regards go to Emiri Kato for her role as Kagami; her reactions to Konata's incessant mockery/ridicule had me smiling the entire time--a true compliment to Aya Hirano.

Loved
Slice-of-Life-ness: Considering it as one of the most popular slice-of-life anime, it should excel in this department. As a college graduate, I definitely could draw some commonality between their experiences and my own; as much as an American guy can have in common with four Japanese girls I guess.

Over the top Anime Vendor: Crazy spiky hair, obnoxiously loud and overdramatic voice acting, how can anyone not like this guy? He seriously needs his own spinoff series. A very entertaining parody showcasing the over-the-top extent of anime cinematography indeed. The pursuit of Legendary Girl 'A' continues.

Hated
Lucky Channel: An odd/unnecessary additional segment at the end of each episode, I really could not understand the violent/abusive humor between the hosts Akira and Minoru. I often found myself skipping through parts of it, looking for the credits/episode preview. There is a part where the Lucky Channel actually gets interesting, but to keep this review spoiler-free, I'll leave it at that.

Lost: For the most part one can relate to the everyday musings of Konata and company; but as Kagami often has trouble doing, Konata's incessant conversations referencing various types of anime may have audiences lost. A recommendation prior to watching Lucky Star is the first season of The Melancholy of Suzumiya Haruhi. You will appreciate the plentiful references it draws upon the show as a result.

The Lowdown: To be frank, Lucky Star brought me back to an entirely new set of anime to watch. Granted it wasn't the best one to start with, but it does have its qualities. Jokes are going to be hit and miss depending on how big of an otaku you are. Not exactly spectacular, awe-inspiring, or even engaging at times, one needs to be flexible to really appreciate its charm.

Notes: Watched series from beginning to end (a.f.k subs).

Black Lagoon - Review

Duration: 2 Seasons, 12 episodes per (24 mins each)
Genre: Action, Adventure

Once in awhile, there's nothing like pure, mindless, adrenaline-pumping action. Money, cars, girls and guns--what more do you want in your action anime? To be frank, it sounded like I just named the top four things discussed in a rap album, but I digress. Most action/shounen anime are hindered by various filler arcs and a horribly paced storyline. I came across Black Lagoon expecting more of the same, but was thoroughly surprised and impressed with its streamlined action sequences. It's one of those series that will have you enticed from the get go--guns-a-blazin'! Prepare yourselves, you're in for one hell of a ride.

Story

Okajima Rokuro is your day-to-day typical Japanese business man. Nothing more than a cog in machine, he puts up with being verbally abused by his clients and superiors. During a job to deliver a disc overseas in China, his boat gets hijacked by a group of mercenaries hired to retrieve the disc. Taken in as a prospective hostage by the Lagoon Company, yet completely cast off by his bosses at the same time, Rock (a nickname given to him by Revy) decides to take his chances and join Revy & Co in their endeavors in the crime-ridden city of Roanapur. Internal and external conflict occur as Rock struggles with finding his true identity in between his past life as a soulless business man and his current situation in the underground crime scene.

The plot is split up into two to three episode arcs each showcasing the various jobs the Lagoon Company takes on. It's not your run of the mill, shoot-everything-in-sight-and-fetch type of jobs, but ones where death is always a possibility--an uphill battle every time. Some arcs will be more engrossing than others, but each with its own distinct style and approach.

Characters

Okajima "Rock" Rokuro: A supposed pencil-pushing Japanese business man, he naturally doesn't fit with the Lagoon & Co. Often times questioning the methods of Revy and Dutch, it is an ongoing struggle for Rock to uncover his true identity/purpose in the world. To be frank, throwing some People's Elbows could've solved plenty of problems.

Dutch: Not exactly your smiley, potty-mouthed black guy, Dutch is a former American soldier in the Vietnam war. Not much about his past is known, but as the leader of the Lagoon Company, he's respected in my circles. Dutch is second in line behind B.A Baracus in regards to all-time cool black guys.

Revy: A fan favorite and for good reason, Revy's character be summed up fairly quickly--she's a crazy bitch. Most would agree with the characterization; she's brash, hot headed, selfish, foul-mouthed, and takes joy in killing others. A cynic at heart, she does change just bit over the course of the series. She's not just a pair of boobs with guns...ish.

Benny: Compared to the rest of the cast, Benny is a little lacking in character; but his duties as chief mechanic and computer specialist make him a valuable part of the team. He's simply around for Dutch to call him "Benny-boy", which has me entertained.

Not enough can be said about the rest of the supporting cast of Black Lagoon. From the suave Mr. Chang to the power-hungry bitch Balalaika, their charismatic nature is real treat to watch and complement the main cast very well.

Voice Acting/Sound

The voice acting for Black Lagoon is quite interesting to say the least, especially for the original Japanese dub. People who have read my reviews before know I take a personal preference towards original voice acting, but in this case, the English dub gets my nod of approval. Taking into account its setting in the city of Roanapur, the underground crime melting pot; and most of the cast drawing from Western backgrounds, English naturally fits as a universally spoken language.

Voice acting qualms aside, the soundtrack is superb; comprising tracks with a heavy influence of rock and roll. Its rock-heavy set of tracks fit gritty/violent nature of each scene, enhancing its already crisp/fluid stylized animation. Much more can be said about it overall, but I have no complaints whatsoever--excellent.

Loved
Unreal Realism: I was thoroughly impressed with the execution of each action sequence. Each of them was more over the top than the next, but always done with fluid animation. Some aspects of these scenes aren't too plausible including Revy's unfathomable ability to defy death and the bizarre mecha-woman Roberta, but I was enjoying myself too much to care.

Lung Cancer: As much as people would like to deny it, smoking is inherently cool. Sure, people know its definite leading cause of lung cancer and various other problems, but I swear nearly every character (supporting characters included) has at least one shot of him/her smoking. The real truth is, people love to light up.

Hated
Cringe-inducing Engrish: In the last several episodes, Rock is a Japanese translator for Balalaika in discussions with the Japanese mafia. In these few episodes, hearing Balalaika and Revy's Engrish was borderline unbearable. The English dub is actually pretty well done in comparison; I don't have any qualms about the dub.

You've got Holes in my Plot: For the most part, Black Lagoon does a good job of fleshing out the necessary details to further the respective story arcs along, but I did feel a bit lost at times wondering why the hell some random gang member got killed. Perhaps a second go around would clarify some things.

The Lowdown: If one were to translate the high-octane action packed Hollywood movies into an anime, this would be it. The first several episodes will have you easily hooked looking for more, but the second half leaves a lot to be desired. Several OVAs have been released featuring other characters from the series such as Roberta the batshit-superhuman maid, but unfortunately no full fledged third season has been announced.

Notes: Watched series from beginning to end (Funimation subs) and parts of English dub.