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I first heard of the manga series when I read on ANN that it was going to be getting an anime adaptation in the near future. The synopsis piqued my interest and I had some free time so I decided to go read the first couple chapters.

I finished up to the latest chapter a night later. I was hooked.

Gate is not a sophisticated story. It's not meant to be moralistic or intellectual. It's just a fun ride with many ups-downs and loops. This series is the marriage of two seemingly non-integratable genres (military and high fantasy) and the execution of it is spot on ... and here's why:

- The story is relatively simple but has the ability to add onto itself to complicate the situation or make it more interesting. The premise in it of itself can sell the story though. Just the interactions between the JSDF soldiers and fantasy folk were enough to sell me on the series.

- The art is good. Character designs are decent and unique in some areas. There is also care taken into drawing both machine and creature with care.

- The characters however are what make this series shine. It is their interactions that make this series worthwhile and seeing their routine makes for a fun time.

These all make for a great read.

However, you won't enjoy this if it's not your taste. If you're looking for a commentary on the horrors of war or the terrors of technology being subjugated on the inferior, then this isn't for you.
If you want to see kings and knights get sh*t-stompped by Tanks, APCs and Assault Rifles or a mage asking what magical incantations needed to be performed to use C4, then Gate delivers. 100%.

If you want something to have fun reading, pick this series up!

A great deal has happened between the beginning of the series and the end so I though it be best to rewrite this review from the very beginning.

Guilty Crown is centered around a boy who discovers he has an untapped ability in his right arm, after meeting a mysterious girl. This happens during a time when Japan has been infected with a deadly virus and had requested the help of the United Nations. The plot moves quickly and has many twists and turns, as well as some cliches.

In terms of technicality, the Art, Composition, Animation, and Sound design are superb (in my own ... opinion). Character design was rather unique and above par in many instances and the interactions between them did have some dynamic moments. Composition (editing and cinematography), was as well occasionally unique and well done and kept me interested in the show (all perversions aside). Good use of effects and decent 3D work on the machines in the show added an extra touch to the show. This is, however, typical for such a studio like Production IG. This leads into Animation, work on the animation itself was well done. The show had a good balance of smooth animation and from what I remember, not too many jumpy scenes. Sound was also superb, music was outstanding and well composed (both themes and original soundtrack). So in terms of technical specifications, this show is of the charts for me.

The story, however, did not hold out as well. The first 3-5 episodes were among the best in drawing the audience in. The story was dynamic, fast paced and covered ground fast and in a dynamic manner. However, as the the series progressed, the show slowed and became rather cliche-ic. Plot-holes were bountiful and irrationality soiled the great technical work. The show picked backed up its original pace as it reached the end but then the end itself was rather rushed. The premise of the show was good, and the writers, I believe really had the potential to make something great out of this show. Alas, the story would most closely be this shows Achilles Heel and to any perceptive anime watcher out there who enjoys a good story, this is not the one.

Guilty Crown, however, still is good entertainment. The story, although not the most original and most enthralling, is still decent and is good middle of the road entertainment. The plot could use tweaks but still has the ability to stand on its own two feet. So if you are interested in watching an action-packed, mildly mentally-inticing anime, this may be for you. It's good entertainment. I enjoyed it. Maybe you would too.