Gintama

[Habunake]

So, anyone watched this Anime/ Read the Manga?

It's a very funny series, that's also part historical allusion as well since it's roughly based on the Meiji Era of Japanse history where Japan opened their shores to the Americans. Of course, in Gintama, it's a race of aliens called the Amanto who have modernized Edo to resemble a futuristic world filled with television, hover cars, and Shonen Jumps. Fans of Rorouni Kenshin may recognize some simmilar themes, such as the Sword Ban.

Anyway, during the time the Amanto were invading a group of samurai fought to keep them out...but failed. Among these were Sakata Gintoki, the "White Devil".

However, times have changed and the era of the samurai is over. Gin now tries to make a living as a Yorozuya, or "Odd Jobs". The series basically involves him, along with his friend Shinpachi, a son of a samurai with honor who serves as the straightman, and Kagura, a member of the Yato clan who is a little, but super powerful girl helping people solve their problems. Unfortunately, Gin happens to be a very lazy and rude protagonist, with a good heart, but often comes off as an ass. In a good way though.

Along the way, Gin meets up with old rebel friends like Katsura (and his bizarre pet, Elizabeth), the extremely optimistic Sakamoto (voiced by Kojiro's seiyu, Miki Shinchiro), and the violent Takasugi.

Meanwhile, he constantly runs into adversion from the Shinsengumi Police Force, consisting of the stalker Kondo, the tough Hijikata, the violent Okita, and the badmiton-playing Yamazaki.

Add to that a cast of of other crazy characters, you got one funny Anime. And add to that, the show is filled with parodies of other Animes...such as Episode 25, which is a Death Note parody involving everyone battling over soup...

Anyway, here's a brief clip of one of my favorite moments...and this, my friends, is what it's all about. But don't be fooled...Gintama has plenty of action and drama as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvYudgaTeJI

 

[The Pig King]

Gin Tama is great. I've read some of the manga, what was published in Shonen Jump, at least.

 

[Habunake]

Yeah, Viz is now releasing it every other month in volume format, rated 16+. The first volume was serialized in SJ, and the translation is noticeably tamer compared to the two other volumes released.

This is nice, as the editors don't have to edit the series crude humour, which really would detract from Gintama if it's taken out.

 

[crossbowgurl]

i loooove this anime (manga too)
it is excellent and entertaining in every episode. tho this anime sometimes requires the person enjoying it to know about japan and its pop culture etc.
but still! even if you dont its still kick ass ^o^b
*goes to drink strawberry milk*

 

[bell02+]

Mmm... It's not my favorite series. I just never got into it that much. I prefer Bobobo and Jagu to this one, but I must say, being the first time I saw this in Anime form (I knew it was on, but never bothered to watch), they gave Gin a weird voice. I always pictured it kind of younger and a little whinnier..

 

[Habunake]

Ironically, in the Jump Vesta OVA Gin even asks the audience "What? Oh, you're thinking my voice doesn't sound like you thought it would? Well, you know, sometimes life doesn't turn out the way you expect" or something along those lines.

I for one LOVE his voice. Although it was odd at first mainly because I too expected it to be a little higher.