GUNGRAVE
Tony Soprano only wishes he was this badass!
Review by: Craig "The Chin" Norris
Length: 26 episodes
Genre: Action, drama
Watched: 1-26, subbed
The DVD cover interested me. It shows a creepy guy in a neo-cowboy getup with big-ass pistols, in a setup very reminiscent of Hellsing. So, I picked up the series, believing it to be a knock-off or, at least, very similar. While the first episode seemed to be just that, the series graduated into a deep and involved tale of friendships in organized crime that captivated me instantly. So while it's not the same hyper demon slaughter that Alucard dishes up, trust me when I say it's still a wild ride.
Plot synopsis: Brandon Heat was the shining star of organized crime; an elite assassin and the personal favorite of the lead boss. Until he was shot and killed by his best friend, Harry McDowel. But death is just the beginning for Brandon, as new technologies allow him to be revived and reborn as Beyond The Grave. Harry and his inner circle must now deal with this fearsome entity that is neither living nor dead, and interested in only one thing: revenge.
Artwork: The series is done by the same studio responsible for Trigun, so expect that same kind of overarching quality. The animation is not flashy or fancy, but it is technically sound, especially since there is a very slim reliance on CG. Action sequences are mesmerizing, as fists and bullets fly with fluidity and authority. Backgrounds are decent and run a wide gamut, from mansions to laboratories to slums, all of which look at least presentable. The visuals are smooth and appealing, and more than hold their own against the majority of contemporary series.
Music: It's okay, but not great. The opening and ending themes aren't the attention grabbers that I was really hoping they'd be. They're a lot softer and subtler than I would expect, especially concerning the subject matter of the series. The in-episode tracks are fair, with only a small handful that made me take notice. As a basic accompaniment the soundtrack is passable, but as a stand-alone album it leaves much to be desired.
Characters: Hands-down, the backbone of this series is its characters and the way they evolve and change. To start with, I really like the idea that the "good guy" is a mafia hitman. Brandon Heat brings new meaning to the phrase "strong, silent type." He barely says a word, preferring to let his fists or his guns do the talking. However, he does have a sensitive side, as displayed by his friendship with Harry, and his romantic interest in a girl from his neighborhood, Maria. She is a gentle person who cares deeply for Brandon, despite his shady dealings. Maria is the adopted daughter of a former syndicate member who winds up living with the Mafia's boss, known by his "family" as Big Daddy. The name suits him, as he acts as not only a boss, but as a father figure to his subordinates. Aside from bringing down the hammer a few times, he seems almost harmless and is very likeable. And he bears an uncanny resemblance to one of my old college professors, which kind of makes me wonder. Harry McDowel is Brandon's best friend from childhood, and they both enter into organized crime together. However, while Brandon's loyalties never waver, Harry's become twisted by his pursuit of power. His descent from petty thug to complete corruption is one of the centerpieces of the series. Bear Walken is the top assassin for the syndicate, and takes Brandon under his wing when his exceptional talent for killing is revealed. Bear always puts the family first, and adheres unquestioningly to any order he is given, no matter how much he dislikes it. Many other characters appear throughout Brandon's ascent in the ranks of the Mafia, all of which serve as important stepping-stones in his development. To reveal the identities of some would ruin some of the more stellar plot twists. With that in mind, be sure to watch knowing that someone may do or say something totally unexpected at any moment.
Plot: The plot is organized in such a way as to inspire curiosity right from the beginning. The first episode actually takes place towards the end of the story, and presents a very peculiar situation. After that, about 2/3 of the episodes are devoted to back story, showing just how present circumstances came to be. The last part of the series wraps up what was started in episode one. It also contains a decent mix of reality and sci-fi, with neither overshadowing the human drama that flawlessly plays out. The series is free of clichés, contrived plot devices, and filler, making for the most fluid plot progression I've ever seen. This is one of the most amazing plots I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing, and I feel that it will leave a lasting impression on anyone.
CHICKS!: Since the central issue is organized crime, a traditionally male occupation, there aren't many chicks present, even given the steady influx of new characters throughout the series. Maria is probably the best eye candy available, and in terms of looks she's pretty decent. However, her personality doesn't have much of an edge, and she seems easily overwhelmed. It is evident that she only wants to live a quiet life, but her inconsistency in coping with stress detracts from her value. Bear Walken's daughter, Sheri, is a dark-skinned cutie we get to see from her teenage years all the way to her womanly maturity. However, like Maria, her character lacks edge, so her appeal is all based on her appearance. Mika acts as a caretaker of sorts to Brandon when he is resurrected, and is fairly cute when she's not being emotional (which is almost always). However, considering the things she winds up enduring, it's no wonder she's distraught most of the time. Because of the engrossing plot and amazing character development, however, I did not once feel disappointed by the relative lack of chicks.
Overall: Once you start watching this series make sure you have a lot of time on your hands, because you won't want to stop until the last episode is over. Using the first episode as a hook, it slowly evolves from there leaving no question unanswered and no character unexplored. As far as I'm concerned, this series is the very representation of what plot and character means to an anime. It offers action, drama, and even zombies for good measure. I can't see how this series could disappoint, so I urge everyone to see this as soon as possible. It's an offer you can't refuse.
IN A NUTSHELL:
+ Enthralling plot
+ Deep characters
+ Good mix of genres
+ Solid artwork
- Soundtrack keeps it down a bit
Rating: 9.5/10
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