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casandra29

  • Madison WI
  • Joined Nov 20, 2015
  • 41 / F

Gangsta.

Jan 8, 2016

As a manga fan I feel that I am slightly bias toward this series that being said I tried to step outside my own opinion of the manga series and think only of the anime.

The Story

The story of the anime followed pretty close to the story of the manga. So in that regard it was pretty engaging. The biggest issue I with the story was how it ended. However, there are many anime that do similar things. If there ends up being another season. I would try it and so long as it tries to follow the manga story line I am sure I would like it. 

The story is for mature audiences. It's gritty and dark so I would not suggest it for people who are looking for a happy go lucky title. However, there are a lot of more mature parts that are toned down in the anime and some of the best comedic parts were omitted as well. So that was kind of sad. However, overall. I think it was worth the watch. The world the characters find themselves in and the backstory of the main characters and twilights is pretty interesting and engaging. For fans of Gangsta the manga, it is interesting to see Nick and Worick in action.

The Animation

This was not great. There were parts where I could tell that the animators spent a lot of time making the scene shine and then the rest of it was on par with maybe Tokyo Ghoul Animation. I assume they used a budget studio though I did not look it up to be sure. Again there are a few thrilling action sequences that were done really well but otherwise the animation was mediocre at best. 

There were even some mistakes that were visible to me, such as when Nick leaves to Dr. Theo's with Nina. His head bobs in a funny way back and forth like they were having issues making his avatar look right while walking. I wouldn't put it on the same level of mess up as that guy in Tokyo Ghoul with the ripped off face gliding across the screen while fighting Black Dog. However, it was easily visible to me and I am no professional with animation.

The Sound

This was done better in Japanese than in English. The sound affects were decent I am talking about the voice acting. Nick's voice actor in english hurt my ears. Yes he is deaf. I think that the Japanese person may actually have some knowledge of what a deaf person may sound like but the English voice actor seemed to be adding the Deaf and mentally retarded sound together when Nick is only sopposed to be Deaf and not mentally off. Since he is a main character, it is difficult to get past. Deaf people usually speak more clearly just with a sort of muffled sound to it. Anyway, it seemed that the english voice actor got a little better over the episodes... maybe they have fixed the first episode since I watched it... but it was bad.

So, Bottom line... if you want to enjoy this show and don't have too much of a preference toward dubs. Go with subs. 

The Characters -

The Characters in this show are kinda complex. The line between good and bad guys is blured and there are twists involving many of the characters. The biggest thing you need to know is that things are not always as they seem with these characters. I don't want to spoil too much but Ill mention a few of the characters.

Nick - He is a deaf twilight. Twilights are people who have superhuman ability but also have to pay something in compensation. Nicks compensation is his hearing. He is a A ranked Twilight and they have a system D - SSS. Most twilights are with the mercenary guild but Nick is independent and Worick is who he answers too. They also are "friends" and have quite a past together which you will find out something about through the anime and also the manga if you end up getting into it. Nick is nearly 30. He is buff and is one of the Handymen who hire out their services in order to help with things from assasinations to painting.

Worick - is a bit mysterious. He is a normal human that lives in the only city in which Twilights are allowed to live. He is pretty good with a gun for a "normal" and is the other true Handyman and Nick's partner/friend. He has another side job as a sex worker on fridays. He has an eyepatch cause he is missing an eye. Blond hair, and he is pretty muscular as well. He at times seems to have multiple personalities. He has a lot of connections in the city and is the owner of the Handymen service.

Alex - Sex worker at the beginning who was being drugged heavily into submission. The handymen choose to help her and she begins answering phones for the handymen while trying to help out. Her memories are gone. She is pretty and mysterious. 

Overall

Dispite this anime's shortcomings. It is worth it to check out. I would not listen too much to people who whine about fake maturity. Though there is some mature themes (meaning sex or graphic violence). It makes no claims to being "Mature" like in the way a middle aged man sits quietly reading a newspaper on his recliner in front of a fire. If you want that.. then I am afraid your in the wrong place and this anime is not for you. 

7.5/10 story
6/10 animation
6.5/10 sound
8.5/10 characters
7/10 overall
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