Gilgamesh Recommended

Publisher
ADV
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes 30 minuntes each
Year
2003

Gilgamesh Vol 1 Tablet 01: orphans of the Apocalypse

By noghri
5th Jun 06

Gilgamesh, a title from A.D. Vision (ADV), has a gritty suspense filled story line is nothing like the usual formulaic plots you can become tired of when you’ve seen as much anime as I have. The story begins in the future’s past.
In the year 20XX a rogue scientist goes terrorist and turns the sky into a mysterious (and often time ominous looking) mirror and changes the world forever.
After the terrorist attack, War, Famine and the rest of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (not literally, but figuratively) come out and play as the world’s technology epic centres are destroyed.
Now fifteen years have passed and two children are on the run from a horrible fate only to meet perhaps a worse one. And of course this is no ordinary battle as the warriors on both side’s posses new and awesome mutant powers that seem to defy logic.
The two teenagers, Kiyoko and Tatsuya are soon thrust into a dilemma as they are forced to pick sides between the Orga and the Gilgamesh. These siblings seem to be the unwitting keys to the destiny of the future: whether that is to save it...or destroy it utterly.
This is where the Mystery aspect of the series comes from as each new episode enlightens the viewers to both sides and leaves the audience guessing which side is the good guys. Just as soon as you think you know who is on the right side, new information comes to light and it leaves you wondering who is in the right. While I’m not a fan of mystery movies, the thought of gothic-esk mystery anime is not only appealing, but also intriguing

This is a techno-Goth thriller like nothing I’ve ever seen. The art style is gritty rather than the simple bold lines of regular animation. The colours are washed out and dark as if to reflect the ominous air surrounding our two main characters as well as a reminder of all the Earth had lost after the blast. And the surrealistic mirror sky shows distorted images of the world below it, as if actually mirroring the twisted lies and nature of those the brother and sister meet as they try to run from their fate. One, which is hunting them and latching on to their heels as you watch the first five episodes of the beginning of this dramatic gothic journey set in the future.
If you’re tired of the same old anime, the same type of stories, the similar looking characters, then look no further. Gilgamesh will surprise you as you see the unique style and suspenseful storytelling. For every question answered at least three new ones arise, compelling you to watch more. I couldn’t stop watching it and was shocked to find I had watched all five episodes in one sitting. I listened in rapt fascination to the characters speaking with a quiet intensity that parallels the quiet building tension of the anime itself. If you want something new, something great, then don’t pass this title up. The complex storytelling, the compelling mystery of what the secrets may hold and who truly is the villain and who the enemy, prove that this anime is well worth your time.
Gilgamesh volume 1 scores highly for me personally for its excellent and uniquely stylish storytelling and animation.
To my surprise the English Dub of Gilgamesh is not bad at all, and to add a little extra spice to the mix it is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1. But, as with so many animes on the market, the original Japanese reigns supreme, but is only presented in 2.0 stereo. So you have to weigh your benefits here, 5.1 English or 2.0 Japanese, either choice is good and depends solely on the person listening.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: You get your choice of: Clean Opening/Closing Production Art/Sketches Character Art/Sketches ADV Previews

Release information: ADV out now

Notes: Special Features The special features section is not jam packed with extras, but it is not completely empty either. While the choices are limited, they are kind of nice. I wish a series like Gilgamesh had more special features, but we can all wish for more… Presentation The DVD menu’s of Gilgamesh are down right cool. Simple, yet elegant the grainy-sketched look of the menu’s really go well with the series. And the outside case is kind as cool too, the presentation overall on Gilgamesh is top notch, but definitely not a “special mega awesome directors cut edition” that we are constantly seeing these days.

-- noghri 5th Jun 06

Gilgamesh Images