Gantz: Finale

OMFG! Wonders never cease. Both Keis redeemed themselves in this action-packed episode.

Kishimoto took initiative to investigate and help out the old woman and her grandchild. Knowing Katou’s sort-of pacifist attitude, she partnered herself with the pretty boy (forgot his name again) to take out the robots — the bird-aliens — who sport a really bad hair cut. As expected she was quite nervous and scared with this unfamiliar territory. However, to protect her *cough* beloved Katou, she faced the nasty aliens. If she keeps up this attitude, I know I’ll be rooting for her character next season. I might even apologize for the barrage of complaints I said against her.

Kurono who trembled in fear for his life snapped out of his cowardice and found his spine. To battle the Big Bad and his bird honchos, he reached out for his hidden weapon and began shooting at them. His accuracy needs improvement but it’s the thought that counts. Although Katou urged him to run away from the mayhem to protect himself, he switched to warrior mode and instinctively fought the ugly birdy. Oh, the image where the boss was breathing down Kurono’s face looked reminded me of a famous scene by Sigourney Weaver facing the alien up close. Nice. Even without his protective suit, Kurono managed to sty alive and earn thirty-eight points in this game.

Katou, for all his leadership skills, he still refuses (or maybe afraid) to use the weapons to survive the game. Once Kishimoto stepped in and suggested (more like ordered) for him to stay put, one knows he reached a low point. He’ll more likely improve by the next reunion.

I think the manga purists are all up in arms on denouncing the censorship of the anime version but still I am quite satisfied with it. As long as I get my uncut version, I’ll be overjoyed. The middle part of the series was very slow and admittedly bland. However, the acts which directly involve the game were the most entertaining episodes. If only the majority of the episodes revolved around the game, it would’ve been awesome.

Truthfully, the lead characters paled in comparison to Nishi, in terms of likeability. If there is a second season (which the series will probably have), one can view this season as their introduction to the violent and dangerous game of Gantz.

One of the high points of the series is its music. By the middle of the series, I ended up taken with the OP theme. With its upbeat sound and rap-style (not really a huge fan of rap), it felt very suitable for Gantz. Now the ED theme is a different matter. With its slow melody and lyrics, I am not sure if entirely fits the mood of the series. Regardless of its thematic suitability, I love the song. Bonnie Pink’s Last Kiss is definitely worth listening to. The background music isn’t bad either. While some sounded generic and flat, there were a few instrumentals which stood out.

I’m glad that Anime-Keep decided not to drop this series off their projects even with the licensing and all. Or were they really rumors? Anyhow, if it’s really licensed, I’m excited because I really want to see the uncut version. Who wouldn’t? Argh, there goes my savings out of the window.

Whew, this is quite a long post.