June 28, 2012
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SERIES REVIEW: Gurren Lagann (2007)
27 Episodes
GENRE: Japanese Adventure-Comedy Anime
SUMMARY: In a far distant future where humanity lives underground, Simon and Kamina, friends so close they consider each other brothers, break through to the surface to claim their fate and humanity's destiny.
REVIEW: I freaking loved it. It's so cool to discover little gems like this that are anime's I personally haven't heard of (Baccano! was one of these finds). If you are looking for technical sci fi of the future this show is not for you (see the amazing "Ghost in the Shell" franchise). Don't expect a intricate plot or fascinating technology from this show or you'll be disappointed. It's not plot driven at all. It's really MUCH more storytelling and character driven (Ben would love it). Gurren Lagann is all about will and the entire world revolves around that. For example, there are times when their are a few mechs in the show, but the mechs are powered by fighting spirit. Consequently whenever someone goes into a heroic surge, they gain powers as well. This whole central theme and concept could have fallen flat on its face (as it did in Burst Angel with its poor mix of technology and emotions), but I felt it was well carried off awesomely with a determined and unapologetic effort. About half way through the whole tone of the show changes, but they are even capable of pulling that off as well which is why it's so cool.
It's hard to describe the art. A single still frame may get a 6/10 to 8/10, but to watch the animation in motion is amazing. it's so expressive and furious reminding me of FLCL with it's fast perspective changes and shifting forms to suit the imagery the creators were going for. Where as Baccano! was so technically beautiful, Gurren Lagann is just bad ass. It's like ACDC in drawing form. Epic doesn't even begin to describe this show. The central theme seems to be squeezing out every ounce of epic they can get. It feels like an adult version of a children's cartoon; just plain fun.
ART: 10/10
STORYTELLING & PLOT: 9/10
CHARACTERS: 10/10
OVERALL: 10/10