It’s time for another Luvjapan Anime Review. This time we’re reviewing an anime series that uses the mafia motif combined with supernatural zombies or as the series would call them as Necro Rised. We’re going to be reviewing the hit Gungrave series. The series ran from October of 2003 until March of 2004 running for 26 episodes.

 

Summary:

In a world not to different from our own two friends lived together and shared a bond like no other. They were Brandon Heat and Harry McDowell. These two had their gang and constantly got into fights as well as illegal activities just to live each day. It changed on the day that their gang members were killed leaving only the two of them which now gave them the chance to join Millenion a powerful syndicate. Harry and Brandon worked their way up to become executives in Millenion eventually taking over. Harry felt betrayed by Brandon and killed him on the spot. This now ends the mafia motif and now jumps to the supernatural part with Brandon coming back from the dead in his Necro Rised state vowing to kill Harry. The series ends with Harry and Brandon kind of making up as they were faced with a different kind of enemy.

 

Strong Points:

• The series utilized an art style that is similar to a noir approach. They only used this style during the flashback segments when Harry and Brandon were still young. It’s a different kind of art style not commonly found in most anime series.
• The story and plot is solid and good to follow. It isn’t your standard or typical anime series and has that western feel to it which relates to the mafia or mob where families and relationships are everything.

 

Weak Points:

• The flashback was definitely the high point of the series which is why the inclusion of supernatural aspects like zombies, hi tech gadgetry and people coming back from the dead kind of dumbed it down. It wasn’t that bad but the shift was a bit too much although not too bad.
• There are some notable plot holes but they don’t affect the overall impact of the main plot.

 

Final Evaluation:

If you love those classic mafia movies then this anime can deliver on that aspect. It starts off simple, slow and good with the flashback scene and jumps to the action packed segments in the later half. The half part of the series wasn’t as bad as people say. It was probably just a jump that was too drastic but it delivers for the most part. Action and plot progression is what makes this series and accompanied with that noir like art style makes it even better.

 

Rating: 8/10