[Categories: Anime Reviews]
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 2
The problem of living up to the opening episode is neatly avoided with this show: the manic action and intriguing backgrounds follow on nicely with some more combat scenes that seem to jump out of the screen. It’s not deep and meaningful stuff by any means but Gurren Lagann is the perfect antidote to the dark and broody angst-fest my viewing schedule usually turns out to be.
Simon and Kamina are on the surface but even with the help of Yoko’s villagers they have their work cut out with some nasty monsters who turn up in increasing numbers. I’m quite intrigued as to why these Beastmen are fighting the humans but I have a suspicion we might never know. Right now it’s bright, bold, over-the top mecha action with countless homages and parodies thrown in - I’m spotting moments that remind me of everything from Eva and Gunbuster to Nausicaa and Laputa (it’s another series that makes for a good game of ’spot the reference’). I’m actually warming to the cartoony art style, which is a refreshing change from what we’re seeing these days - all the same, I don’t think Gurren Lagann has yet matched the manic genius of FLCL but then, what has?
In between the gleeful mecha action (which had me chuckling and grinning inanely at numerous points) there’s some attempt at character development along with a nasty revelation at the end; Kamina and Simon are proving to be quite a team and they are both beginning to get their heads around Simon’s mecha (pun intended). There are one or two quite touching scenes in the rare moments where the show pauses to draw breath though, such as a relaxing scene where our two heroes are gazing up at the night sky for the first time. As always, a boundless sense of adventure runs through the series which helps you forget that it’s formulaic fluff, and allows you to just concentrate on having fun.
The cliffhanger at the end of this episode promises some more serious stuff for episode #3, and the Beastmen will no doubt make another appearance after getting their butts thoroughly kicked. I’m also looking forward to seeing Simon and Kamina working together in their respective mecha - this series is proving to be undemanding and exhilerating entertainment. Bring it on!!
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