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I watched Stampede and then the original afterwards. I’m probably in the minority when I say this, but I much prefer Stampede. It cuts out all the filler - the original to me felt like it had no plot and was just an episodic case of the week with all the meat in the finale. Which is fine if that’s what you’re into. It’s not my cup of tea.

I normally hate CG animation but Studio Orange did such a good job with this. Such a good job, I loved the art style so much it even made me watch their other series, Houseki no ... Kuni (also amazing). The backgrounds were gorgeous and did the Wild West feel justice. I didn’t mind the redesigns of the characters. This show was branded as something new and not a remake so a rebrand of the characters feels like a good move to separate it from the original (though changing Wolfwood’s nose feels like a crime). This is sort of set up as a prequel to the events that happen in the original. It's much darker than the original (excellent choice studio orange).

As a sci-fi lover, this hit just right. I’ve been on a Dune hyperfixation so I’m happy to see more desert planet sci-fi series. While this rendition of Trigun isn’t finished, this series is a favorite of mine. Studio Orange took an okay series and turned it into something great (don’t kill me for saying that). The animation and plot in the second half are top tier - anybody who dropped before that is sorely missing out.

Also side note the soundtrack is out of this world. Millions Knives vocal version gives a better high than any drug ever could.

I enjoyed Durarara a lot so I decided to try out Baccano (the light novels of Baccano and Durarara were written by the same guy for those of you who don't know). I was blown away. I didn't really know what to expect going in - the synopsis makes it sound a little out there. Like Durarara, Baccano has a complex plot that is woven together throughout each episode. The first episode leaves you absolutely confused with no idea what's going on. Do not let this discourage you. It basically shows you the end of the show then goes back and explains all the events ... leading up to the end. The way they told the story is very unique and absolutely fantastic.

STORY - 10
The story was fantastic. It starts out confusing, but each episode builds up on the next and all of the mysteries are unraveled (though, I would recommend watching the specials as it ties up all the loose ends and gives more back story to some of the characters). I love genres that have mafia and hitmen set in the 20's and 30's so that was a lovely surprise. The storytelling is one of my favorite things about this series. The author is a genius.

Art - 10
I loved the art. Jacuzzi's and Isaac's designs in particular I really loved. I don't really have much to say about the art and animation other than both were fantastic. It has a unique style and doesn't follow the standard anime style which I liked.

Sound - 10
Not much to say here. The sound effects were great, the voices AMAZING (I watch everything in subs). I was surprised when I realized who the voice actor for Claire Steinfield was. The first thing that comes to mind is Haizaki Shougo from Kuroko no Basuke. The two voices could not said any different, but it's the same guy. The voice actors of Ladd Russo and Isaac stood out to me in particular, but all the voices were great. I should probably mention the music too . . . ah nothing much to say either...I liked it. It fit in well with the 30s feel.

Character - 10
One thing about Baccano . . . probably over 3/4 of the characters are insane or have some psychotic killer hidden inside them. But you know what? It works. One of my favorite characters, Ladd Russo, is an absolute maniac, but he's great. Isaac and Miria provide most of the comedic relief in the show making them my favorites. Another thing about this show is that there is no main character. Again, it works. The storyline is about a wide collection of characters and how they all tie together. Very rarely used in storytelling, but it's another of my favorite things about this show. All the characters are so interesting, especially the psychotic ones.

Enjoyment - 10
I was hooked on this right away. Like I mentioned earlier, I love genres set in the 20s and 30s with mafias and gangsters. The supernatural elements didn't hurt the story, but made it great. The characters were fantastic, the storytelling phenomenal. Just a random sidenote, this show had no fan service which immediately made me so happy. No adays it seems that the anime industry thinks adding in fan service makes an anime popular. I. Hate. Fan service. It kills plot. Baccano focuses on story and character development and does it so well. So anyway...fantastic anime. One of my favorites.

Overall - 10