Baccano! バッカーノ！
Baccano! バッカーノ！
This is seriously my latest obsession xD I can’t get enough of it. It’s a series worth to be crazy about xD Wheeee!
Click to viewA.D. 1711 - Crossing the Atlantic Ocean, alchemists left their home countries heading for a new world. They obtained the “Immortal Drink” from a devil. Those who drank it became immortal, and can only be destroyed by being absorbed into another immortal's right hand.
1930s, New York - People living in the shadowy side of society, a boy named Firo and his boss, the Miser of Martillo Family, a stupid thieving couple, Isaac and Miria, the three Gandor mafia brothers, a delinquent boy named Dallas and his sister Eve, the 200 year old alchemist Szilard and his assistant Ennis, lived unrelated lives until Szilard rediscovers the “Immortal Drink”, and their fates become intertwined.
Aboard the Flying Pussy Foot, a transcontinental train from Chicago to New York, there are many kinds of people. For example, Goose and Chane of the terrorist group “Remlace”, street gangs led by Jacuzzi and Nice, a murderer, Ladd, and his fiancée Lua, Senator Beriam and his daughter Mary, a delinquent boy, a conductor, an informer, etc. There are not only humans on the train, however… The legendary “Rail Tracer”, a ghost who removes passengers from the back cars, also appears.
*copied from the baccano lj community. I only edited the name spellings.
My Impressions
I have loads to say about Baccano that I fear one entry is not enough xD Anywayz, these are my opinions on Baccano in general, not to a particular character or episode. Impressions are based on the episodes I’ve seen (subs of episodes 1 to 3, and raw of episode 4), and some spoilers information I have learned from websites or online communities/discussions.
On the Story
Some of the story keywords that never fail to capture my interest: alchemists, devils, ghosts, gangs/mafia, action, violence, immortal, bloodshed, mystery, insanity, thieves, guns, knives, murderers/assasins/terrorists, love/romance, fantasy, supernatural, humor.<-- BACCANO’S GOT THEM ALL! So it’s no wonder for me to be super interested in this series and already got hooked to it even before watching it! xD
Its story absolutely wins for its uniqueness. It’s rare to see an anime that is chaotic in terms of gangs and mafias which are set during the 1930’2. This is the first one I’ve seen actually. And what made it more interesting and exciting is that it had a fantasy twist. The violence and action content had been mixed with dark and supernatural elements. But no matter how serious and dark this series may seem, its comedy scenes and vibrant characters bring light and life to it. The series brings a great creative form of entertainment.
Many may say that Baccano’s got a lot of stupid stuff and many things don’t make sense. But Baccano is actually meant to be that way. It’s a “Stupid Commotion” after all. But to how this “stupidity” and “nonsense” is portrayed is actually what made Baccano BRILLIANT! The story may sound stupid to some, but once you go deeper, you see its depth and many amazing twists and complexity it actually has. Same goes for the characters, in the surface they seem to act stupid, but once you dig in to their personalities, they are actually geniuses in their own way. So like what they say, “don’t judge the book by its cover.”
The story seemed like a mess because it is narrated in a non-chronological order, which many find confusing (well, actually it is). But that just adds to the series’ uniqueness. Baccano’s got its own style in telling its story, and stays away from what is too common, or else the audience will just get bored xD And once you get used to Baccano’s storytelling, you will marvel on how brilliantly the story was plotted xD It’s also cool that they try to imply that the main story is a part of a side story (referring to the part with the vice count and Carole). It’s like there is a story within another story. What’s more, the main story is actually made up of many other stories focusing on different characters but they are actually all connected in some way. In other words, they all seem unrelated in the beginning but slowly get connected as the series progress.
Moreover, the beginning of the story is made so complex on purpose, but as the series progress, missing parts of those events get revealed. This makes the story clearer and clearer; you get to understand what’s going on better and better; puzzles that were scattered in the first parts are slowly being put together by the latter parts. They make us ask questions and formulate theories; then we eventually get our answers as we wait. Some may be anticipated, while some are totally unexpected.
Watching Baccano is like a rollercoaster ride. The further you go, the more exciting it gets.
On the Theme
It’s considered as a gore anime for its extreme violence ^^; It’s categorized under the Adventure, Fantasy, and Shounen genre as well. But I don’t think its genre is only limited to those three because it also has action, mystery, horror, comedy, supernatural, and romance. ^^; In short, Baccano is a mixture of sooooo many genres xD
And being a lover of almost all genres, it’s not surprising for me to love that mix =3 I don’t mind bloodshed at all xD So seeing peeps get killed here and there in an anime don’t bother me much ^^; And I’m also glad that there doesn’t seem to have sex or perverted stuff in this anime ^_^ Shows with violence are more tolerable for me than those shows with too much perverted/erotic scenes x_x
On the Characters
One of the said down points of this series is its huge number of main characters ^^; But I actually like it that way. At least it’s not your typical anime wherein only the main character gets to keep the story going. Having so many characters imply that not only a single character can make a story alive. We’re not too focused on a certain character, but we get to explore different stories of different characters which are all connected to one main plot. I find that GENIUS! And besides, the main characters here are not your typical ones. All are unique in their own way. They make the story alive. Really cool!
At first I thought I will find them annoying but now I find them AMUSING! =3 Their stupidity and wackiness entertain me a lot xD And their way of stealing is crack! They wear costumes during heists and sometimes if not money, they steal sweets! Wahahahah xD They’re crazy xD I love them! So cute! xD
*_* I FELL IN LOVE WITH FIRO AT FIRST SIGHT xD He’s so damn CUTE!!!!! xD And I love his character! He can kick ass! xD I’ve heard that he’s good with knives *_* Ooooooo . . .. And he’s also a very nice boy. He’s willing to put himself in danger for others and is very charitable too xD Not to mention he’s rich!!! xD Rich boys = love xD Kind + cute + awesome + rich = Firo xD Kyaaaaa!!!! I love him to pieces xD Kyaaaaaaa!!! *glomps*
He’s just . . .okay ^^; but I’m usually not fond of characters who . . . rarely open their eyes x_x But his smile and get-up reminds me so much of Smith from Zombie Powder *_* (Though Smith is still way better xD)
The only one I find interesting among these brothers is Luck. Aside from having an amusing name xD He’s the only one who has looks among his brothers *_* And I’ve heard he’s like the most intelligent one among the three. I believe that he has kick-ass skills too. Though Berga seems to be very scary when he tortures because he beats up his victims like mad, Luck also has his creepy way of torturing and they surrender to him fast xD I really like Luck’s personality. He may be scary to enemies but very caring as a comrade. Aaaww, And I love his closeness to Firo xD Squeee! And what else . .. he reads Edgar Allan Poe’s works . . . I like his taste xD And his smile!!! Kyaaaaaa!!!! He’s SOOO CUTE *_* He reminds me of another character but I can’t remember ^^; darn darn xD
I find him too evil and serious. Thus, boring >_>. . . However, his name is the most amusing one xD If we mix his first name a little, we can form “LIZARDS”. Bwahahahahahaha xD
She didn’t appeal to me much but she isn’t bad either xD She also doesn’t dress girly, which is nice xD And I’m really curious on why she’s the only character without a surname xD She must have had a dark past. Interesting ^_^ And not to mention she’s being paired with Firo . . .she’s got to have enough awesomeness to be worthy of Firo xD Hehehehhe
They creep me out x_x Seriously! Especially Ladd. He’s such a homicidal freak. I don’t think he’s sane. But he’s funny at times, so I can’t totally hate him xD As for Lua, she’s pretty and all but . . .. I really can’t understand how she fell in love with that guy x_x unless she’s got mental damage as well x_x I mean, she’s willing to volunteer to have Lad murder her x_x So if the other’s a sadist, this one’s a masochist. Perfect torture pair I guess >_>
She’s got awesome skills! I so wanna see her fight *_* I like her! And not to mention she’s pretty xD Wheeeee!!!! The only thing I didn’t appreciate in her is her costume I guess ^^; Well, the dress was okay . . . but match it with high boots? Weird x_X Well, to me.
Nice kinda reminds me so much of Android 18 from Dragonball Z. She kicks ass. Awesome ^_^ But I think she’ll look better without the eyepatch though ^^; Same with all other cool anime girls with eyepatches ^^; Guys with eye patches is another story though xD I also like it that she’s very caring to Jacuzzi ^_^ She’s also very open in showing her appreciation with adorable stuff. How nice xD Though she looks tough, she actually has a very nice personality ^_^ And she’s also pretty xD Hehehehe.
Jacuzzi always wears that emo or scared expression on his face x_X What the heck?! Well, at first I find it annoying, but after seeing him in episodes, I’m now amused with that character of his xD He’s practically scared of everything and it’s funny to watch him go panic xD It’s his charm xD Wahehehe! And I’m impressed that though he’s a scaredy cat, he’s actually noble and he’s willing to sacrifice for others. It seems that he rarely has a facial expression aside from the scared one, but when he does, he actually looks CUTE *_* Hehe, what else . . . I don’t know why but . . . he reminds me of Alphonse from Fullmetal Alchemist x_x And I really can’t understand how a character like him with that kind of personality is actually A GANG LEADER!!! X_x They don’t connect . . .UNLESS he has a split personality x_X But he doesn’t. Only possible explanation left is that it’s because of inheritance ^^;
Eve is rich and pretty and the sister-who-cares-a-lot-for-her-older-brother type . . .. which I like xD As for Dallas, he was cute in Eve’s photo. I dunno what the heck happened to him that his face is now like that T_T My first impression on Dallas is that he’s an asshole . . .and he actually is IMO. He’s also a huge wimp and loser. I wish he’s the nice type instead, like the way Eve thinks of him. My opinions on Dallas will automatically turn to the positive side if he’s the older-brother-who-cares-a-lot-for-his-little-sister type xD
I knew it, Czeslaw is such an evil little immortal boy but . . .HE’S STILL SO DAMN CUTE!!!!!!! xD And I like his closeness to Mary, I find them adorable =3 This evil kid can actually be so sweet xD Squeeeeeeeee!!!!
On the Animation
The art quality is totally not bad at all xD Well, there had been art mistakes in some scenes in some episodes, but they are so minor ^^; The art in general is really terrific! From characters to settings to blood scenes to vehicles! They are all greatly drawn! ^_^ The animation’s terrific as well! ^_^ I absolutely love how that flying blood and body parts get animated xD Hehe. Really terrific! As for the color saturation, it’s neither too bright nor too dark. It’s aura just fits right for its setting. Really marvelous! I’m out of compliments to the art here xD Hehe.
On the Music
MUSIC HERE IS TOTALLY AWESOME!!!! I’m ADDICTED!!! I can’t get them off my head!!! X_X The opening was a cool jazz music while the ending is a sweet song ^_^ The background music fit the mood PERFECTLY and the character themes suit them A LOT! *_* I can’t get enough of the music here. This is one of the few anime whose OST is something worth to crave for! THE MUSIC JUST ROCKS!!! xD
On the Favorites
I SERIOUSLY LOVE FIRO PROCHAINEZO xD He automatically went to the top of my bishie list at the first time I saw him in an episode xD He’s so cute and cool! And I love his hat xD Kyaaaaaa!!!!!
Then I like Luck next. He is also cute and awesome xD And I love intelligent guys xD And yay to Edgar Allan Poe! Wahehehe xD I also love Jacuzzi!!! He’s so freakin’ adorable when he goes paranoid xD And I also love Nice xD And Chane! Oh! She’s kickass xD And I love tze little evil Czeslaw xD *sucker for evil boys* Squeeee! And of course, I wouldn’t forget about the dynamic duo! Isaac and Miria rock!!! ^_^
My favorite duo is Firo and Luck for obvious reasons: They’re my top two ^^; And I’m glad that they’re close friends xD And they care for each other xD Kyaaaaa!!! Luck!!! You are spoiling our Firo =3 Maiza and Firo isn’t a bad combination either, but I dunno why everytime I see them together, at the back of my mind I think of pedophile x_x I think it has something to do with Maiza’s smile >_> . . . x_X But well, I also love it when Maiza spoils Firo xD Hehe. One of the best duos is the robbing thieves of course, but I’ll be putting them under couples xD
As for OTP’s, I really love Jacuzzi x Nice. Their personalities don’t match, but they look cute xD I’m so glad they’re canon ^_^ Next goes Isaac x Miria. They seriously ROCK! ^_^ And I also like Firo x Ennis ^_^ I wanna see Firo in love xD Wahehehe. And Ennis doesn’t seem bad anyway xD Hehe. And I also like Young Conductor x Chane xD I wish the young conductor = Vino xD
On the Fandom Level
If I had been very obsessed with Romeo x Juliet last season, it’s NOTHING compare to my obsession to this one xD I downloaded all RAWs, and SUBS of all available versions xD Yes! Seriously! Every week, every time there’s a new release which is Baccano related, it’s the TOP priority in my downloads list xD
If its novels are in English, I’m buying them without second thoughts (unless they cost more than 1 thousand bucks x_x). And when I see the English version of the manga, I absolutely buying it *_* And what will I do when I see merchandise of my favorite characters? I seriously don’t know xD And I seriously want the DVD’s *_* Hopefully I’m rich x_x And the soundtracks!!! OHMYGOD!!!! The OST is worth getting! It certainly rocks so much *_*
I anticipate for every single episode of this one. I crave for spoilers. I fangirl on almost so many of the characters! It got me entertained to maximum level xD I’m seriously hooked. I can’t get enough of it. I think and dream about it almost everyday. BACCANO!!!!! *_*
I can’t believe it will only last for 13 episodes. It’s seriously not enough. It has enough story material for 50+ episodes xD (100+ will be too many x_x)
Websites
Official Site: http://www.baccano.jp/
LJ Community: http://community.livejournal.com/baccano/
Spreading the Love
I’m spreading my love to this series by sharing download links of episode 1 =3 All of these are subs. Baccano’s currently being fansubbed by four groups: Ayu, devil’s lair, Solar, and Umai ^_^
Episode 1:
Direct Download:
http://files.iroha.nu/baccano/%5bAyu%5d_Baccano!_-_01_%5b754D61DF%5d.mkv by
midnightreverie Sorry if I forgot to ask permission ^^; You don't mind, right? ^^;
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HSZRC88C by
nis_chan
http://www.sendspace.com/file/78728d by nis_chan
SPILT: [1] http://www.mediafire.com/?8np51wib1ie [2] http://www.mediafire.com/?cmvtop2omnz by nis_chan
http://www.ibuysausage.com/downloads/baccano/%5BAyu%5D_Baccano!_-_01_%5B754D61DF%5D.mkv from pingu^ at AnimeSuki Forums
http://up-file.com/download/b83848388740/-Ayu--Baccano!---01--754D61DF-.mp4.html from somewhere x_x
Torrent:
http://www.ayu-anime.net/torrents/%5BAyu%5D_Baccano!_-_01_%5B754D61DF%5D.mkv.torrent
http://tracker.anirena.com/download.php?id=1567
http://a.scarywater.net/solar/Baccano!%20-%2001%5BSolar%5D%5B92485405%5D.avi.torrent
http://depthstrike.com/~umai/[umai]_Baccano!_01_[E133A89E].mkv.torrent
Hehe, how could Baccano! be this lovely and addicting xD