GANKUTSUOU

Nothing warms ol' Maguro's heart-cockles like a revenge story. A good revenge story is one of the most complete forms of narrative available in human mentality. Another thing I like is a story that is self-contained, uncluttered and well constructed. Of course, good construction really depends largely on the two former traits, but you get my meaning. Anime that ends in confusing halfassed-nonsense, (see FMA below) are a blight upon the world. No worries here though, since were dealing with the grand-daddy of all revenge stories, "The Count of Monte Cristo", you can just taste the quality from a mile away. And after seeing it all I can say that this show is an un-mitigated triumph.

Starting with the imagery, Gankutsuou reminds me of Requiem from the Darkness since there is a similar disregard for convention here. Simply put it's absolutely unique. This future world of the immaculate Parisian aristocracy is stunningly rendered, making every frame look like some part of a larger painting. The negative space in many of the cast member's costumes are taken up with 2d textures that while jiggling around in their coat sleeves or pant legs, seem totally natural. This part of the design could have been a major eyesore, but instead it's fun to watch the patterns change along with the characters intentions and fortunes. In a way they really tell part of the story. The bright beauty is meant to contrast the darkness of the Count himself, and in the end the darkness hiding under Parisian society at large. Again like Requiem, the imagery becomes a metaphor for the story itself. It just makes you wonder why there is so much blandness in anime to start with. These people can draw anything they want to, right? Or is someone forcing them to create junk like Please Twins? For the sake of my sanity, let's just say it's the latter.

Now I can't claim to have read Dumas' original text, so I'm not sure what liberties were taken with the story outside of spaceships and the occasional robot duel. What I can surmise is that were I to read it I'd probably love that too. The story in Gankutsuou is so obviously not industry style in manufacture that it trumps the visuals as the most important part of the experience. At times it really doesn't feel like anime, but more like a miniseries or a drama on PBS. That's not to say that the events are whitewashed or handled off screen, Gankutsuou lets the viewer right into the madness and decadence of the era. The main character, Albert, is naive yet still likable somehow. The supporting roles are well done, showing us the fire and folly of youth in equal parts. Of course the Count is as delicious to watch as he is to listen to. His magnetism is conveyed perfectly, as without that trait his revenge would not be possible. One of the other things I noticed is that the Count's identity and his intentions are never really hidden from the viewer, but it does not detract from the enjoyment. We are allowed to see the Count's plans unfold from a multitude of omniscient viewpoints, allowing us to condemn or sympathize as we see fit. Yet, no matter whom we abide there are others that are simply despicable, and it will be a very satisfying tale for anyone who likes to see the wicked get their due.

In the technical department... it's a Geneon disc, what do you think I'm going to say? Ok I'll say it anyway. The quality is A+ as always. That's not even to mention that these guys can really pick em'. Sure they have some money releases, but their catalog is a level above of the rest of the pack. That's just how it is. Sonically the english dub was very good, the Count's deep tones alternating from smooth to bestial without missing a beat. The intro is one of the most intriguing bits in anime at the present time. Honestly, it was hard to take at first but listen to it a few times. It's sarcastic moan grew on me. As for negatives? Ummmmm. Did I mention this anime was really good? I guess you could say there's a detractor for people who have already absorbed the story of the Man in the Iron Mask in one way or another... but is it really? No, I guess it's not. The quality of the work here is so great that it's seriously difficult to find issue with Gankutsuou. For an Anime Snob I guess that is a real problem.

This basically is the kind of anime I've been praying for in my heart of hearts. It takes the medium forward in a mature and thoughtful direction even as it looks backward to Dumas' literature. Standing wholly outside of the anime mainstream, Gankutsuou is a beacon, and an amazing gauntlet thrown at the feet of the industry. We can't possibly imagine that there is anyone brave enough to pick up that challenge, but that is why we are all the more obligated to appreciate it now for what it is.

My Suggestion: There's no boxset in the future for this one, kids. Buy it today.