Trigun

Director
Satoshi Nishimura
Production
Madhouse, TV Tokyo, Victor Entertainment
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes
Year
1998

Trigun Volume 4: Gung-ho Guns

By otaku_kei
16th Jul 05

The fan-favourite title Trigun has been a long time coming in hitting these shores. Much like Cowboy Bebop this show has garnered a lot of praise and has been highly anticipated for its eventual release. Its mix of action and comedy has gained it a lot of fans, but just how good is the show? Well this volume is a bit of a mixed bag, and not the greatest showcase for why this show is popular. With only 3 episodes a disc, and one of those being the obligatory mid-season recap some of you may feel short-changed by this release. This volume takes us to the halfway point of the series but there are still some fundamental questions as to which direction this show will take.

The balance of comedy and action in this show has not always been particularly successful. The earlier episodes delivered almost continuous instances of buffoonery and slapstick. Fine if that is the comedy that appeals to you, but quickly grating if it does not. The action has also been hit or miss with some scenes superb and display why Vash is the most feared gunman on this desolate planet, whilst at other times resolved just by everyone's good-natured pioneer spirit and desire to get along!?! These episodes on this disc show that same level of inconsistency. Opening this disc is a tale that features more of the irascible Wolfwood as he helps a pair of runaways. Next up is possibly the darkest episode on this disc, as Vash comes face to face with his past as the dangerous Legato Bluesummers And Monev the Gale both target him for death. Rounding up this disc is the aforementioned recap episode, only worth your viewing for the original material that top and tail that 25 minutes. This show remains in a quandary as to what it wants to be. But personally if it shows a bit more of the quality from the second episode on this disc then there is little to worry about.

This title has hinted now that it has come to a turning point. Figures from Vash's past are coming out of the woodwork, and the insurance girls are discovering even more about our gunman that will keep them busy. Whether this show has the courage to take the darker path that has been constantly hinted at is yet to be seen. If it does then this show is set to take off and could probably cut loose in some fantastic action scenes. But much more of the slapstick comedy will do nothing but hamper any attempt take this show down a more interesting path.

R2 DVD Notes

Features: Japanese Language 2.0; English Language 2.0; English Language Subtitles; Trigun Trailer; MacFarlane Toy Design Gallery; Villain Design Gallery; MVM Trailers

Release information: OUT NOW

Notes: Another great qulality release. A/V quality is clear, even if dated quite badly. The extras are an entertaining aside but unlikely to promote repeat viewing. Once again the Art Galleries are interesting from looking at how much detail goes into the pre-production. MVM have gotten it right again.

-- otaku_kei 16th Jul 05

Trigun Images