[Anime Reviews]

2007 in 12 day 12, the end: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

Posted by Martin  [Tags: ABC, Gainax, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Twelve days of Christmas]

And so, with the final day of our Twelve Days of Christmas countdown, I’ve worked my way through a metric tonne of turkey, numerous glasses of assorted alcoholic beverages and a countless number of mince pies to give you guys the last Highlight of 2007. Some will cite Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann as a classic in the making for the mecha action; some will have appreciated Yoko’s fanservice x girl with gun combo but for me the series is purest win for re-affirming my faith in Gainax. After some pretty mediocre efforts I can’t stress enough the importance of seeing them getting back to what they do best, and doing it well. *Glaringly obvious spoiler within*

I’d salute that

[4 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 10: Temporary hiatus

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

Yep, this was as far as I got before the show got licenced. I particularly enjoyed the character interactions between Simon, Nia and Yoko in this episode - it highlighted the issue of how Simon has to step out of his brother’s shadow and become not a carbon copy of Kamina, but a ‘badass dude’ in his own way. It makes sense as to why Nia ended up where she did, but there’s no indication of why she was disowned by her father…her pacifist attitude is my best guess (the Spiral King doesn’t like to be questioned, it would appear).

[8 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 9

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

Wow, it’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’ve had a load of other stuff to attend to but now I can start on my viewing backlog again. Initially I was worried about how TTGL would fare after the (in)famous episode #8 but it turns out my fears were unfounded.

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[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 8

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Huerrgh!, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

This is worth a double-post.

After episode #7 I didn’t think this show’s recovery in quality could continue. This one however was even better: it portrays a very unexpected and significant event in the story, and in great style too. If you haven’t watched this far yet, go see it before reading any further - SERIOUSLY. I really don’t want to ruin it for you.

Even without the shocking ending, it was a decidedly above-average offering that gives plenty of character interaction and action: the battle with the Beastmen picks up where the last one left off with entire armies of ganmen clashing. There’s drama, explosions, tension and, ultimately, tragedy.

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[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 7

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

GAINAX, I’m sorry I doubted you. For all their misfires, questionable endings and crippling shoestring budgets over the years, I can’t help but respect these guys. After what was essentially half an episode, I hoped to be proved wrong about this show: were they really losing their touch or just saving their energy for a blinder of an episode? Well, It’s a blinder.

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[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 6

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

Recaps? Already?! They say some things never change but sadly this adage extends to Gurren Lagann and the infamous GAINAX recap tactic. This is going to be another short post since half of this ep was just recap - what original material that was here was great but there wasn’t enough of it!

[2 Comments]

[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 5

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

After the controversy with ep #4 I wonder how many people still enjoy this show. In fact, after this one, I wonder how many are still following it. My view probably won’t be popular but I think this episode was great. Seriously! There’s no big battle to speak of but it boasts some impressive characterisation and the art style really struck a chord with me.

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[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 4

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

This will have to be a shortish post since I have an exam tomorrow…worse luck. Anyway, this episode is notorious for the fan backlash, which is a shame because it’s not really too bad. The problem seems to be that episode #3 was so damned awesome that it would take a lot to better it. It follows the same format as the others though with some comedy, drama and a bit of an insight into the series’ own bizzarre world in the first half, and a mecha battle with a ganmen in the second half. Unfortunately I have to agree with a few others in that there is a special ’something’ that is missing here. It seems a bit filler-ish for one thing. Unless the Black Brigade turn up later in the series it would have ended up as a distraction for Simon and Kamina’s journey.

[1 Comment]

[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 3

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

Whoa! I’ll try not to turn this post into a wide-eyed rave but honestly this was the best episode so far. Gurren Lagann takes its ‘excess all areas’ approach and ups the ante to parody the old super robot thing to mindblowing effect. Most viewers will be tunng in for that awesome action sequence in the second half but this episode has much more to offer, not least the background to Yoko’s village and some character development on Simon’s part.

[1 Comment]

[Anime Reviews]

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann 2

Posted by Martin  [Tags: Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann]

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.

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