Gilgamesh Anime Review

Gilgamesh

ADV Films
Complete Collection - 26 episodes
650 minutes
$69.98 (2007) $49.98 (2009)
ISBN 702727146527
English/Japanese Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Masahiko Murata
Studio - Group TAC/Section 23
TO BUY: Gilgamesh

Synopsis: A group of scientists are researching genetics after discovering the ancient tomb of Gilgamesh.  Their research facility is called Heaven's Gate and it becomes ground zero for a catastrophic accident which forms a mirror-like layer in the atmosphere blocking out direct sunlight.  The accident occurs on October 10th and is dubbed "Twin X" (10-10).  Twin X causes global turmoil as all computers and wireless communications stop functioning. 

Our story picks up ten years after Twin X and focuses on the two children of the head researcher at Heaven's Gate (Terumichi Madoka).  Tatsuya and his older sister Kiyoko are trying to scrape by after the death of their deadbeat mother and their assumption of her debt with the local mobsters.  They're hiding from the gangsters in an abandoned house when they meet three ominous young men.  The young men are attacked by a group of three teens and all the combatants exhibit startling abilities.  Tatsuya and Kiyoko watch in horror as the young men transform into large monsters. 

The two become wards of the Countess of Werdenberg (Hiroko Kageyama) who pays off their debt with the mob.  They join the three teens at the Hotel Providence.  The Countess and the teens are a group called Orga who battle against the Gilgamesh - human-like creatures composed of anti-matter with the ability to manipulate Dynamis (psychic energy).  The three young men from the abandoned house were Gilgamesh and under the orders of Professor Madoka to find his children. 

The three teens with the Countess have psychic powers and control Dynamis.  Tatsuya was born after Twin X and exhibits an amazingly high degree of power over Dynamis, although Kiyoko, born before the cataclysm, has no powers.  The overall theme of the story is which side the brother-sister choose - Orga for humanity or Gilgamesh to start the world over.  Which side will you choose?

Pros: Great mix of gothic science-fiction, soundtrack is decent, character designs (large, haunting eyes) were unique and memorable (including the Blattaria based on Venetian medico masks) , complex storyline with a few interesting plot twists/revelations

Cons: Low replay value, slow plot development at times, ending was quick, brother-sister relationship is kinda pervy

Mike Tells It Straight: Dark and haunting, Gilgamesh has a complex storyline and arresting visuals, but delivers a rushed ending.  Reminiscent of Evangelion with it's 'remake the world' theme, this show falls a bit short in comparison.  Although I found it very interesting to watch and liked the unique character designs the show stays a peripheral recommendation.  Check this series out if you really like the gothic/sci-fi fusion genre and need something depressing to watch.

TO BUY and Recommendations:Red Garden Texhnolyze
   

Cyborg 009 Anime Review

Cyborg 009
Saibogu Zero-Zero-Nain
Avex Mode/Columbia Tristar
Unedited & Uncut Edition - 8 episodes
160 mins. - 2 discs
$39.98 (2004)
$48.95 (2004) Vol. 1-2 Pack
$24.96 (2003-2004) Vol. 1-2/ea.
ISBN 043396025769
English/Japanese Audio - English Subtitles
Director - Atsushi Kawagoe
Studio - Avex Entertainment & Japan Vistec

Synopsis: Joe Shimamura awakens in a laboratory with a strange voice in his head warning him of danger.  He is soon battling the forces of Black Ghost, a worldwide criminal organization responsible for turning him into an ultra-powerful cyborg.  Quickly joined by eight other cyborgs along with the scientist responsible for their creation, all are united in their opposition of Black Ghost.  Joe is the ninth entry in Black Ghost's 00-series cyborgs.

Joe Shimamura wakes up in a strange laboratory
with no memoryof how he got there

Each 00 Cyborg (pronounced zero-zero) has their own special powers:

• 001 Ivan Whisky - enhanced brain gives him several psychic abilities however he is a baby and his body must rest after exerting too much power.
• 002 Jet Link - jet boosters in legs allowing him to reach speeds up to Mach 5 along with early version of acceleration module.
• 003 Francoise Arnoul - only female cyborg in group and possesses enhanced sight/hearing
• 004 Albert Heinrich - enhancements include machine gun fingertips in right hand, razor sharp fingers in left hand, and missiles in both knees/legs
• 005 Geronimo Jr. (aka G-Junior) - amplified strength and heavily armored skin, native american
• 006 Chang Changku - flame-breath up to 3000 degrees, excellent chef
• 007 Great Britain - ability to morph his cellular structure at will by pressing belly-button activator, former actor
• 008 Pyunma - mechanical lungs allowing him to breathe underwater, african
• 009 Joe Shimamura - enhanced strength/durability and fully developed acceleration mode (with second stage)
• Dr. Isaac Gilmore - lead scientist in the 00 Cyborg program

Joe Shimamura meets the other eight 00 cyborgs

Black Ghost continues creating 00 Cyborgs in varying forms and sends them to capture/destroy the group of renegades!

The evil Skull sends more cyborgs to destroy Joe and his group

Pros: Easily found for $5 brand new at Amazon (including s/h), diverse cast of characters w/neat cyborg (super) powers, cool techno opening/ending theme music

Joe does his best Johnny Depp impersonation

Cons: Older style animation reminiscent of Osamu Tezuka's Metropolis (without the digital special effects polish), only the first 8 episodes of a 51 episode series (no ending after episode 8, just another episode preview), storyline is somewhat dated with a hokey 'evil criminal society'

Francoise (003) holds the diminutive yet powerful Ivan (001)

Mike Tells It Straight: Get ready for bittersweet disappointment whether you like this show or not. It's nostalgic with simple, endearing characters and remains true to the source material.  If you love older anime (think Astro Boy, Gigantor) or classic-styled modern anime (Big O, Giant Robo OVA) then you'll enjoy Cyborg 009.

The cyborgs face a mechanical monster sent by Black Ghost!

Unfortunately, it's only the first 8 episodes of a much grander story and will leave you high n' dry.  If you don't like older anime then you probably won't like this one.  Considering the low entrance price it's easy to try for yourself.  I enjoyed it for the old skool animation and story.  Wish we could get the rest of the series released in North America, but it's highly unlikely at this point.  Too bad.

Accelerator!!

TO BUY and Recommendations: