A little known anime series, Generator
Gawl should be on your list. Those who have seen it will probably agree that it is one
of the best series available right now. The story strikes a balance found in the best
anime, mixing stone-faced seriousness with cartoony wackiness to create a series that is
one of the most intriguing, action-packed, and funny things Ive seen.The basic
premise is a sort of anime take on Terminator. Three young men are sent back in
time to 2007 to prevent Professor Nekasa from discovering a genetic code that will enable
scientists to alter humans, creating super soldier transforming robot-demon-human things
called "generators." Ryo and Kouji are scientists, and Gawl is their bodyguard.
Gawl can transform into a generator when necessary, which is often because their enemies
in the future keep sending back evil generators to stop them. While Kouji is the stoic
leader and shows virtually no emotion, Ryo is a tortured soul feeling guilty about his
involvement in creating generators like Gawl.
All alone this could form the basis for a space opera like Neon Genesis Evangelion,
but Generator Gawl manages to push things a step further. Gawl is the
non-intellectual part of the team, driven by things like emotion, hunger, and more
physical, gritty desires. A lot of work is done to emphasize his loss of humanity having
gone through the transformation into a generator. These aspects of Gawls character
play nicely off Masami, who is introduced in the first episode.
Gawl and his associates rent rooms in Masamis mothers house, posing as
university students. Masami is the stereotypical loud-mouthed, opinionated anime Harpy,
and it just so happens that she is secretly in love with Gawl, although shed hit you
in the head with a frying pan if she heard you say that. Their relationship is very much
like Ranma and Akanes relationship in Ranma ½, but Masami seems a bit more
perceptive than Akane, who is never too driven to figure anything out. Masamis
constant tracking of the trio leads to some humorous scenes, although those who are
unfamiliar with or dont care for a bit of anime slapstick might find these scenes
the worst.
The series is short, twelve episodes available on four discs, but, having viewed half
of it, I cant wait for the rest. I would like to see more extra material
background on the series, a making-of, interviews with the director, whatever. The DVD
releases suffer from the same lack of additional material as most other anime series.
Regardless of the lacking extras, desired by the fanboys and girls, Generator Gawl
has something to satisfy all types of otaku and is sure to generate a cult following, if
not an intergalactic army of fans. Get in on this series right away.