by Convotron » Sat Oct 10, 2009 5:11 pm
- Motto: "When in doubt, transform and roll out!"
- Weapon: Saber Blade
I've recently finished watching GaoGaiGar and I'm starting on GaoGaiGar Final.
GGG is the epitome of Super Robot and Hot-blooded Hero anime. I used to consider Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann the king of those two genres but GGG has taken top spot. I enjoy Super Robot anime, Hot-blooded Hero a bit, but GGG is very endearing.
The recurring theme of yuusha/heroes is very heavy in sentiment but I never found it got to a point where it wore on me. Similar to TTGL, GGG knows how and when to tug the strings and push the buttons of maximum emotional impact.
GGG isn't without flaws. For the first 26 episodes, it is a very much "monster of the week" show and there is only a slight focus on the larger plotline of the Zondarians. Episode 27 and onward, though, the story really picks up pace and the story really builds.
I must say that I love the mecha designs. The anime was developed in the late 90s, aired in 1997, and despite being in an era of designs like the organic heavy Evas, GGG designs are more traditional "blocky" Super Robot mecha. I really like that look and I think that kind of aesthetic of hulking robots suits the hot-blooded parts much better than a more slender, sleek, and sexy look.
The music is great, a nice mix of orchestral and rock in the pieces. The theme of GaoGaiGar's fusion always sets the mood for taking things up a level like any King of Braves should.
While the overall mood of the anime is light hearted, there is a balance of humour and drama. The drama does get much more heavy in the second half of the series but not to the point of Evangalion's "I-want-to-slit-my-wrist-and-end-it-all-because-I'm-so-weak-and-pathetic-because-there's-no-hope-blah-blah-blah-wah-wah-wah" Shinji. If there's anything that personifies "emo", it's NGE.
The hot-blooded aspect of the show is ever present. It's expected for one of the main protagonists, Cyborg Guy, to be over-the-top but the support staff like Mikoto and Chief Taiga have super crazy antics for when they send out the troops or enable fusion of the mecha. I thought I'd be put off by the antics but it's just plain fun to see Taiga give approval for Final Fusion or the Goldion Hammer.
Overall, I really do recommend this anime to people who are willing to stick it out for the first 26 episodes for a great pay-off. If you're looking for something a bit less heavy than many of the angsty anime out these days, take a trip back a decade or so to watch GaoGaiGar. When you're done, keep Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann in mind the next time you need a pick-me-up.
If you want to enjoy a show that advocates that heroes never give up in the face of adversity, that heroic values include willingness to sacrifice yourself for the good of others, and that compassion is just as heroic, if not moreso, than shallow macho behavior, then The King of Braves GaoGaiGar is an anime for you.