The Energon Pub

[Name_Violation]

I normally don't care for alot of anime. I do like the cult classic stuff, Trigun, Outlaw Star, Desert Punk, Some Gundam series, The episodes of Dbz not spent travleling or powering up, ect. With that said I found some clips of GaoGaiGar and wanna know if anyone else has seen it. I read the wiki but that doesn't tell you if its a good show.

SO any opinons/reviews of it?

[Convotron]

I've just started watching the series and it's interesting, though fairly typical for big mech anime, which means:

1) Yelling out names of power up/transformations.
2) Yelling out the name of an attack.
3) Lots of yelling in general.

The mecha designs are cool. GGG is composed of a lion mech, a bullet train, a stealth bomber, and a drill. There are some homages to past anime, which are neat if you notice them.

One thing to keep in mind is that GGG isn't necessarily serious or "tries to be serious" like Neon Genesis Evangalion. I did make a poke at GGG with the "yelling" list but it suits the nature of the series, which is a bit of an homage, I think, to mecha anime of the past. Once I watch more of the series, I'll be able to give a better opinion.

[Name_Violation]

Ok. so i think i might like it then.

As far as giant robo series i liked g gundam, and 0083, and didn't care for Evangalion

[Cyberstrike]

Is that one also have The King of the Braves in the title? Something GaoGiaGar: The King of the Braves or vice versa.

[Convotron]

Yeah, GGG is part of the Brave Series. "The King of Braves GaoGaiGar"

[Nekoman]

I have seen all of GaoGaiGar and most of GaoGaiGar Final, it is easily one of the best giant robot series ever. I'd even say it's better than any Transformers series. Just a heads up though, if you prefer dubs, the later half of the series was only released in a subtitle only box-set.

But really, I don't think there was a single episode of this show that was not pure awesomeness. I think you'll like it.

[Convotron]

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.