Review of Gungrave: Vol. 5

Introduction

Based loosely on the PS2 game of the same name (though don`t let that put you off), Gungrave is, quite simply, one of the best of the current crop of anime.

The idea is Yasuhiro Nightow`s, and there are many stylistic similarities to his `Trigun` here. The animation is by Madhouse (Trigun, Texhnolyze, Paranoia Agent, Tokyo Godfathers), the scripts by Yosuke Kuroda (Trigun, Tenchi Muyo!, Excel Saga, Mao-chan, Scryed), music by Tsuneo Imahori (Trigun) and it`s produced by Masao Morosawa (Jubei-chan, Ninja Scroll TV) and Shigeru Kitayama (Ninja Scroll Movie, Noir) - so all from a fine anime pedigree!

Disc 5 in this series of seven includes episodes 17 - 20, with the final 6 of this TV Series to be spread across the final two discs.

If you`re a late joiner to the series, here`s a whistle-stop re-cap. (It`s pointless trying to pick this up 17 episodes in…).

Ultra-cool Brandon Heat (think long-haired and youthful Clint Eastwood) follows his childhood pal Harry McDowell into a giant mafia style organisation, Millennion, Once in the two go their separate way, with Harry becoming brutally ambitious and power hungry, whilst Brandon remains cool, efficient and quiet - biding his time in order to see the girl he`s in love with who was `adopted` by the leader of Millenion, `Big Daddy`, after her father was brutally killed on company business.

Brandon wins the respect of Big Daddy, though seems reticent to rise the ranks and, though fiercely loyal to Millenion`s `family` credo, he starts to question the validity of the organisation and the way it conducts its business. Things go from bad to worse between Harry and Brandon and when Brandon discovers that Harry is plotting `Big Daddy`s` assassination, he refuses to join with Harry. Harry then kills Brandon. And, under normal circumstances, that would be that. But this is anime and anything can happen. Using a new technology, Brandon`s body is resurrected and he returns as an indestructible fighting machine, known as `Beyond the Grave`.

Volume 5 continues the story, with four episodes:
17. Mika
18. Grave
19. Superior
20. Brother

Harry has now turned Millennion into a multi-billion organisation more powerful than government. This remarkable growth has been achieved by sheer merciless brutality, with the use of `orgmen` (ferocious monster like creatures created in true Frankenstein-like tradition).

Mika, the daughter of Maria and Big Daddy, witnesses the murder of her mother, and the revelation of her Father`s involvement in Millenion, before she escapes, eventually finding her way to Brandon Heat, just as her Mother wished moments before she died.

Attacked by ferocious orgmen, Brandon is `awoken` as "Beyond the Grave," defeating the army of orgmen to protect Mika. Harry discovers that. After 13 years presumed dead that Heat is back, and intent on revenge. Frightened, Harry sends one of his ultimate warriors, a `superior` to battle with Brandon. It`s one of Harry`s old friends now transformed into an incredibly powerful fighting machine. But even his strength isn`t enough to defeat Brandon as `Beyond the Grave` as the battle commences in imagination defying (think `Spirited Away` on acid) form.

Video

A top-notch transfer free from flaws or artefacting. Superb, and infinitely better than the grimy fan-subs that the majority of UK anime fans will make do with till this set comes out in full at a half-decent price.

Audio

It`s a very good English dub so I didn`t take the time to watch in original Japanese. The English Dolby 5.1 soundtrack pushes most dialogue to the centre, using the rears for atmospheric music and occasional off effects. All good stuff.

There`s also a choice of Japanese Dolby Digital Stereo, and Japanese DTS 5.1.

Features

Not much as per. There are some 20 conceptual art stills, showing basic line drawings, which may be of interest to art students or Manga wannabe`s. Then a couple of trailers - one for `Fullmetal Alchemist` and another for the incredibly politically incorrect `Gunslinger Girl` - about kids with guns.

Conclusion

Gungrave is surprisingly good. It`s one thing having a PS2 game created in your honour, but quite another having a series created around a popular game. But this is far better than you would expect given those creative origins.

It`s intelligently written, with in depth characterisation balanced with full-on action. It`s also imaginatively animated with a very decent US dub.

It`s worth noting that it`s surprisingly violent, despite being originally aired on TV in twenty-six action-packed 22-minute episodes.

Volume 5 of the UK DVD releases contains episodes 17 to 20 inclusive, with the remaining 6 episodes to be issued (ungenerously) across two further discs, making the outlay for the series considerable.

Volume 5 introduces a brand new story arc with the arrival of Mika (Maria`s daughter) to the plot. It also represents a 13-year leap, with Harry now looking and sounding much older, though Brandon is just as he was. It`s clear that aging stops when you`re dead!

For fans, this will prove to be another engaging outing. For newcomers, Disc 5 is no place to start. Thoroughly enjoyable.