Gokudo

Tinydestiny Mar 6, 2012

7

In one way this anime was kind of crap. But in another it was very enjoyable. I wouldn't go as far as to say this is a love it or hate it anime but it's definitely a either you like it, or you dislike it type of anime. I liked it. Gokudo is the scum of scums, but you like him. I don't know how but you find yourself both cheering for Gokudo and cursing his name, but both in an affectionate way. The animation isn't anything special to look at if I remember correctly. It's not like it's BAD but it's not good either. It's just acceptable, but the crude style fits Gokudo and story. I'd have said a lot more, both negative and positive if I had written something right after I saw this, but frankly it's been a while and I watch a lot so it's slightly hazy in my memory. All in all, if you're looking for something unusual and you can handle a douchebag I say watch this.

Flared Aug 2, 2012

6.5

Story: 4/10 For the first half of the series, there really isn’t much of a story to Gokudo. Once the titular character meets Djinn, it is nearly episodic in its nature as it jumps from one ridiculous encounter to the next with very little rhyme or rhythm. This is however interrupted halfway through when the group find themselves in a truly troubling predicament (as troubling of a plot device that a comedic anime can have). This is the only point where our heroes have any form of long-term goal and the closest thing to a “proper” story that emerges from the plot, as it lasts nearly until the end. Gokudo is often criticised for capitalising on the popularity of Dragon Ball in the ‘90s (or even just ripping it off completely) as a variation of the Flying Nimbus can be seen and one monkey character is even named “Gokuu” who uses a pole as a weapon. That being said, it can be argued that the creator Usagi Nakamura was also inspired by the Chinese legend Journey to the West just as Akira Toriyama was, even though the similarities are obvious to those in the know. Animation: 5/10 Honestly not much to say here. Not terrible but not mind blowing either. What you expect from a late ‘90s anime series. There is however a pretty decent variety of minor and background characters in terms of their design. Sound: 6/10 The opening is pretty cringe-worthy but it fits the theme of the series well enough. The first ending theme “Wake Up!” is damn catchy though and I even have it on my iPod, cheesy ‘90s anime themes at their cheesiest. In terms of voice acting, Akira Ishida’s performance as Gokudo obviously stands out compared to the supporting cast (who do an admirable job considering the zany subject matter, like a panda that lays eggs). Ishida really makes our protagonist sound like the sleazy-but-lovable slime ball that he truly is. Characters: 7.5/10 While the supporting cast is your typical anime character fanfare (you’ve got your tsukkomi/tsundere characters and what not), the titular character steals the show. Gokudo is honestly one of the greatest anti-heroes in anime history (in my opinion). He lies, he steals, he cheats, he’s a womanizer, he’s a coward, he cares for no one, etc. However after all this, you still can’t help but love him. Gokudo is the James Hunt (google him) of the anime world. He is probably the only thing holding this series together and the sole reason to keep watching. Some of the minor characters who make repeat appearances can be a welcome and hilarious break from this series’ plot devices, even if they eventually just add to the lunacy in the end. Overall: 6.5/10 Being that Gokudo is one of my favourite anime characters of all time, it is difficult for me to be completely objective about this series, but I can see past this and point out its faults. It’s a pretty shallow anime (in terms of story and meaning) which relies on laughs, something that it gets away with thanks to a brilliant main character and a supporting cast who are always willing to drag him into situations that he hates. Gokudo is certainly within the cut of the better comedy anime of the mid-to-late 1990s.

TheAntiVikingLaw Jul 30, 2021

9

May be a bit late to the party when it comes to Reviewing this Anime but I thought I would give my feedback on this show: I'm not a big Anime watcher but the stuff I have watched before include Death Note, Pokemon Gen. 1 & Gen. 2, and Bezerk which are somewhat from the same timeframe as Gokudo, so it can be said that I enjoy the older era of Anime. Never once did I think I would grow attached to a show so much in my life time until I was introduced to the show, Gokudo, who wasn't a a regular stereotype I saw in the Animes I mentioned before. Unlike other main characters that I have seen in other Animes, Gokudo has the persona of a Anti-Hero who seeks Popularity and Dream Girls (Which is quite rather amusing) instead of fulfilling a quest similar to that of a knight in armor whose desire is to save a princess from a Dragon or Ash from Pokemon whose dreams are to climb to the top & catch all types of Pokemon that inhabit the world. The people Gokudo he meets along the way are a diverse group of people with different abilities, talents, and traits that define who they are like Rubette who's acts as the Better Version of Goku, Prince Niari who has Magical Abilities & charms Women, and Ikkyo/Ikue who is similar to Gokudo in terms of behavior and does some devilish deals. I could talk about the other characters but I don't want to give away a big ton away to those that have not watched it. The series also has a very great set of "Villians" if you choose to name them as so. I could continue writing this review for those that have not watched it but I definately suggest that you definately take a chance at it and watch the entire show. If you like having a Protagonist act a bit as an Antagonist, If you like a lot of Sarcasm in your anime, and If you like a lot of moments where you will have a good laugh then don't delay & watch this Series.