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Mar 15, 2025
The mecha anime genre has seen several renaissances, and Gurren Lagann is a testament to its enduring appeal. Released just six months after Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion and over a decade after Neon Genesis Evangelion, this series has firmly established itself as one of the defining mecha anime of its time.
It also stands as a landmark in original anime productions, joining the ranks of:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-96)
- Cowboy Bebop (1998-99)
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-08)
Story – 10/10
- Unlike other Gainax productions—particularly Neon Genesis Evangelion, the only other Gainax anime I had watched before this—Gurren Lagann carves out its own identity
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with a straightforward yet exhilarating narrative.
- The story follows Simon and Kamina, two young men who uncover a mysterious object—an ignition key to a small mecha they dub Lagann. With the fearless marksman Yoko Littner by their side, they set off on a journey to reclaim the surface world from oppressive forces.
- The first half is energetic and adventurous, sprinkled with emotional moments, while the second half raises the stakes dramatically. Political intrigue, grand-scale battles, and deeply personal struggles turn Gurren Lagann into an emotional rollercoaster.
Characters – 10/10
- Simon starts as a timid, uncertain boy, but his growth into a confident leader is one of the best character arcs in anime. His journey of self-discovery and resilience makes him a truly inspiring protagonist.
- Kamina is the embodiment of raw charisma—fearless, passionate, and a natural-born leader. His unwavering belief in others makes him one of Gainax’s most unforgettable characters.
- Every character, from allies to villains, contributes to the larger-than-life energy of the show.
Animation – 10/10
- Gurren Lagann’s animation is nothing short of spectacular. Gainax pushes its visual style to the extreme, embracing vibrant colors, exaggerated character designs, and over-the-top mecha battles.
- The mecha designs are brilliantly absurd, constantly evolving into larger and more ridiculous forms.
- The action sequences, especially in the final six episodes, are breathtaking. Few anime have ever matched the sheer scale and intensity of these battles.
- Even small details, like the ever-changing eyecatches, add to the show’s visual creativity.
- The fluidity and energy of the animation elevate Gurren Lagann beyond just another mecha anime—it becomes a work of unfiltered imagination.
Music – 10/10
- The soundtrack is as bold as the series itself.
- The opening theme, "Sorairo Days", is a perfect match—catchy, energetic, and filled with the same passion that drives the story.
- Standout tracks like "Nikopol", "To Hell with Your Combi", and "Libera Me from Hell" amplify the action to legendary levels.
- Few anime have a soundtrack that fuels the adrenaline of each scene so perfectly.
Ending – 10/10
- Unlike the cryptic and divisive endings Gainax is known for (Evangelion, anyone?), Gurren Lagann delivers a conclusion that is both emotionally satisfying and thematically complete.
- The final battle is a visual spectacle of unprecedented scale.
- The aftermath is poignant, emphasizing the show’s themes of growth, sacrifice, and legacy.
- The epilogue ties everything together beautifully, offering a bittersweet but meaningful resolution.
Overall
- Gurren Lagann is a modern classic that cements itself as one of the greatest anime of all time. It never slows down, maintaining a relentless pace from beginning to end. Whether you're new to anime or a longtime mecha fan, this series is a must-watch.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Mar 7, 2025
Fifteen years after a certain anime deconstructed the mecha genre, another anime has arrived to do the same for magical girls—while also serving as my introduction to the genre. That anime is Puella Magi Madoka Magica, a series that challenges expectations and redefines what a magical girl story can be.
It also revives the appeal of original anime productions, solidifying itself as a modern masterpiece. The last four original anime I watched that reached this level were:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-96),
- Cowboy Bebop (1998-99),
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006-08), and...
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007).
Here’s what makes Madoka Magica stand out:
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Story (10/10)
- Unlike the typical lighthearted and whimsical magical girl series, Puella Magi Madoka Magica blends the genre with psychological drama and dark fantasy. It builds tension masterfully, subverting expectations with its twists and emotional depth. The result is a gripping narrative that keeps you invested from start to finish.
Characters (10/10)
- Homura Akemi is the heart of the series, a deeply complex character whose motives unfold in unexpected ways. Her emotional depth and moral ambiguity make her one of the most compelling figures in the story. Episode 10, in particular, recontextualizes her actions, making her an even more fascinating character.
- Madoka Kaname is a reluctant protagonist who struggles with self-doubt and insecurity. Her journey feels reminiscent of a certain mecha anime protagonist (you already know who), as she is thrust into an overwhelming and unforgiving world.
- The supporting cast, though small, is also well-developed, with each character adding emotional weight to the story.
Art & Animation (10/10)
- The animation is fluid, particularly during action sequences. The character designs use a soft color palette, contrasting with the dark and surreal elements of the story.
- The labyrinths—the surreal environments where witches reside—are a visual highlight. Their abstract, collage-like designs create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
- The witches themselves are bizarrely cute yet deeply unsettling, adding to the show’s distinct visual style.
Music (10/10)
- The opening theme, “Connect”, has a deceptively lighthearted tone that fits the magical girl aesthetic—until you realize how much deeper the story goes.
- The second ending theme, “Magia”, perfectly encapsulates the show’s dark and foreboding nature, making it the most memorable of the four ending songs.
Ending (10/10)
- The ending cements Puella Magi Madoka Magica as one of the greatest anime series ever made. Without delving into spoilers, it is both bittersweet and ambiguous, leaving a lasting impact that invites interpretation and discussion. It challenges the audience’s expectations, ensuring the series lingers in their minds long after the credits roll.
Overall
- Puella Magi Madoka Magica is an undeniable masterpiece, proving that the magical girl genre isn’t limited to lighthearted fun—it can also be dark, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense. This series is a must-watch for anime fans, whether they’re familiar with the genre or not.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Feb 8, 2025
The comeback of mecha anime continues, and Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 stands as the final masterpiece of the genre. Below is a breakdown of the mecha anime I consider to be true masterpieces:
- Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-96),
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (season 1, 2006-07), and
- Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (2007).
Please note: There will be no spoilers for the plot here. If you haven't already, be sure to watch season one first.
Here are things I liked about it:
Story (10/10)
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 picks up right where the first season leaves off. Since I thoroughly enjoyed the first
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season, I can confidently say the story continues to impress. Unlike season one, R2 takes things up a notch—becoming more over-the-top, melodramatic, and emotionally complex. While it has a relatively slow start, the second half makes it all worthwhile, especially as the turning point arrives.
Characters (10/10)
- Lelouch remains as badass as ever, but in R2, his character is even more fascinating. While still morally complex and strategically brilliant, Lelouch’s internal conflicts take center stage. The consequences of his actions weigh heavily on him, making his character development deeper and more compelling. Fans of Lelouch will appreciate that other characters also experience more emotional depth and dramatic resonance this season.
Animation/Art (10/10)
- The visuals in Code Geass R2 are stunning and represent some of the best I've ever seen. The animation quality surpasses the first season, featuring more vibrant colors, impressive detail, and consistently high-quality visuals in every episode. The character and mecha designs are more intricate and visually striking, and the action sequences are a true spectacle, with fluid animation that exceeds even the studio's previous works like Cowboy Bebop, Gintama, and Code Geass season one.
Music (10/10)
- The music remains one of the highlights of the series. The two opening themes are incredible, keeping the energy high and building anticipation with each episode. The background music continues to intensify the atmosphere, ensuring you’re always on the edge of your seat.
Ending (10/10)
- The series finale of Code Geass may be the greatest anime episode I’ve ever seen. With fast pacing, breathtaking mecha battles, and an emotional climax, the ending solidifies Code Geass as the greatest anime finale of all time.
Overall
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion R2 is the perfect sequel to one of the greatest television series ever made. While the first half has a noticeable slow pace, the second half more than makes up for it with jaw-dropping moments. This season not only matches the brilliance of its predecessor but also cements its place as a modern anime masterpiece.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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Jan 25, 2025
The mecha anime genre experienced a comeback. Eleven years after the release of Neon Genesis Evangelion, one mecha anime has managed to actually beat it–Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. It features a lot of melodrama, over-the-top plot twists, strategic battles, and awesome characters.
The story is set in an alternate history where there are three superpowers, and one of them, the Holy Empire of Britannia, has occupied Japan and renamed it "Area 11." The protagonist, Lelouch Lamperouge, is a high schooler who accidentally gets caught in a battle between Britannian and Area 11 armed forces. He meets a mysterious girl named C.C., who gives him
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a special power called Geass. With this power, he becomes the masked vigilante known as Zero and starts a rebellion against Britannia to get revenge.
Here’s what I loved about it:
Story (10/10)
- The story is amazing. It’s a perfect blend of mecha elements, political intrigue, and surprising twists. The battles are more strategic rather than just fighting. The plot twists were over-the-top, but they kept me on the edge of my seat. The Geass power is also interesting. Its limitations and consequences adds depth to the power.
Characters (10/10)
- The characters are awesome. Lelouch is the best part of the show. He’s highly intellectual and has two sides to him. As Lelouch, he’s sociable, likeable, a loving older brother to his younger sister Nunnally, and a good friend to Suzaku, but as Zero, he’s really cold and ruthless. He is morally complex, so it's hard to know whether if he's a good guy or the opposite. Lelouch immediately topped the list on my favourite anime characters.
- C.C. is a mysterious woman, which makes her really intriguing.
- Suzaku is skilled at fighting. He has a traumatic backstory, and his sense of justice differs from Lelouch.
- While Nunnally is the most kindhearted anime character I have ever seen.
Animation (10/10)
- The animation is so good. The character designs are by CLAMP, who made Cardcaptor Sakura, so everyone looks so handsome, so pretty, so... sexy, male or female. The mecha designs are really unique, too. They look futuristic and cool, but also kind of crazy in a good way.
Music (10/10)
- The music is epic. All the opening and ending songs kept me hyped up for what will happen later in the series, and I do have a guilty pleasure for appreciating anime theme songs. Meanwhile, the background music is pretty intense and also kept me at the edge of my seat.
Ending (10/10)
- The last episode of the first season ended with a cliffhanger, and is currently by far, one of the most satisfying season finales in anime that I have ever seen. Full of melodrama, and intense action, it left me even more hyped for Code Geass R2.
Overall Impression
- Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is without a doubt, one of the greatest television series ever made. Despite having a slow start, it never really felt underwhelming throughout its first season run, and just kept getting better and better as it progressed. Hopefully, Code Geass R2 will just match the greatness of Code Geass season one.
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
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