Well, is Gintama truly worth watching? (Part 1)
I've been rewatching Gintama (again) lately, and have been lurking around the internet stuffing myself with information and opinions others have about the series. But none so far can explain why Gintama is an outstanding story that deserves attention. And for those who are new to Gintama, there is the question of whether Gintama is good.
Am I a zealous fan with raging passion for this series? Well, yes, since I've watched it many times. Am I biased? Probably so. But I will try to give a rational commentary anyway.
(Oh, I realised this is my first post of 2013.)
My first taste with anime was at 10 years old with Akazukin Chacha, then Rurouni Kenshin, Flame of Recca, Slam Dunk and Cardcaptor Sakura. When the internet became more accessible in my teens, I devoured anime like a starved animal.
I do not claim to be an anime fan since I have not watched many to boast. But I can handle most genres and tend to give each series a chance before disregarding it. Though, my favourite anime series tend to point towards action: the more blood and violence the better, of course, with a balance of drama and comedy.
There are many manga and anime that I've dropped midway. There are many reasons: the plot became weak (Bleach), the action fatigue (Reborn), protagonists that don’t connect (D-Gray Man), or the intimidation of amassing volumes (One Piece obviously).
Parody in Gintama. No one is spared, really.
But the only anime series that I have continued and kept going back is Gintama. So you ask why?
Gintama and I met in a book store years back. At that point, Bleach, Death Note and I have already been mates. It probably helped because Gintama was standing between Bleach and Death Note by the shelves. I thought, “If it’s hanging out with my buds, it should be good”.
To be honest, it was a difficult journey getting to know Gintama. We have fallen out a couple of times due to the lack of chemistry between us or because I just didn't understand what the guy was trying to say. But because we all hang out at the same book store all the time, I had to give this misunderstood guy a good number of chances.
It's Gintama, bitches.
And I have not regretted since.
If I had to quote, I’d use one of Gintama's characters - Kondou's words (albeit with a few changes): Gintama is neither black nor white, or can it be tainted with any other colour. It is simply a dirty stain on a dirty rag that cannot be cleaned off. It doesn't try to be like other anime or outdo them; it is perfectly comfortable being the way it is.
To enjoy Gintama is to get down and dirty; like it’s okay to fart in front of your partner. In fact, Gintama will fart together with you. (I know it’s gross to use this analogy as an explanation, but it’s Gintama. It will have it no other way.)
The infamous Yorozuya doing what they do best.
Instead of introducing Gintama with its basic information, (you can read it up on wiki) I thought I'd go the other way round. There are some complaints about the series. And if the negativity is stopping you from starting or re-starting Gintama, let me persuade you to give it a (or another) chance:
I don’t get its humour.
This is probably the main reason why most would stop Gintama midway. It is deeply entrenched in Japanese pop culture, history and parodies a vast number of other anime. It frequently depends on puns and wordplay, thus the possibility of losing the joke when translated. It is very random and not many can stomach it. And it’s extremely lame.
Cooking fried rice becomes epic.
To be honest, some of the jokes do fly past my head. I know it’s terribly biased to refer to my personal experience; but my lack of knowledge and mediocre grasp of the Japanese language has not stopped me from enjoying it thoroughly.
Many fan-subs have graciously explained the jokes and given time, it will get easier to understand the randomness and humour. After which, you’ll be slapping your lap, holding your stomach and laughing out tears from your eyes. In fact, I don’t think any other anime has made me laugh so hard.
Plenty of butt jokes around.
It does not have any plot.
Despite its episodic nature, there is an underlying story of Gintoki’s past that affects his and his friends’ possible futures. It is weaved subtly under all the funnies, which surprisingly gives depth and certain darkness to the overall story. (Actually, its episodic nature reminds me of Doctor Who.)
Beneath the silver curly hair and laziness, there is something sad and lonely inside Gintoki. Like a shadow, it only emerges when it needs to. Gintoki’s aim might not be obvious (other than wanting straight hair) as other typical protagonists’, but it doesn't belittle his beliefs.
Gintoki and his past comrades.
Understanding Gintama’s plot is like playing Jenga: removing a piece of plot point from the bottom (the past) and slowly building it upwards (the future). Then sometimes, the whole tower collapses because something unexpected comes along. (I just made it sound so frustrating but it is really a fun ride. It’s the journey that counts remember?)
Gintama has no serious fights.
Many would deem Gintama primarily a comedy, with action as an afterthought. Though jokes seem to be the forefront, the series cover an array of genres so there’s a slice of cake for everyone. If one were to properly categorise Gintama, it will be a Historical Science-Fiction Satirical Comedy and Action Drama.
Like Doctor Who, Gintama is mostly filled with fun and adventure. But when the Gintoki (Doctor) faces Takasugi (the Daleks), one can always expect a tsunami of feels.
Gintoki kicks ass in the first 'serious' arc - Benizakura
Although Gintama does not become ‘serious’ as it moves forward, the action-y arcs have become darker each time as Gintoki’s past is slowly revealed. The art direction for these arcs is always superbly executed and the accompanying soundtrack just blows the battles into epic proportions.
Crazy Gintoki is Awesome.
The characters might not have super powers or special techniques, or get exponentially Oh-My-God-1-million-shinigamis-won’t-be-enough-unless-we-have-Ichigo stronger. But the fights have a refreshing raw edge. When blood is to be shed, it will be shed. If an arm needs to be torn, it will be cut off. The battles are intensely real and emotional. It's like watching drunks fight it out Wong Kar Wai style.
The drawing is horrible.
Well, I cannot argue with that. It is after all created by a gorilla that wishes to be a cheeseburger. As with all manga artists, they do become better with practice. The gorilla has grown to be more skilled at his work now. As for the anime, the drawing gets better later. (Maybe because they probably had a bigger budget.) It will definitely grow on you though.
Yes, you are, Sorachi-Sensei.
So, in all, should one watch Gintama? Well, I hope my persuasion worked miracles and that you do give it shot. If it doesn't work for you, give it another chance as I did. But if it really doesn't fit your cup of tea, no one is forcing you to. (Unless you were my friend, maybe I could tie you to a chair.) Here's the end of Part 1: The Amazing Ginta-man. I'll bring Part 2 up..... when I feel like it.
(I've not written such a long blog post in years and am equally amazed by my ability to. Gintama, what have you done to me?)
PS: The gifs do not belong to me. I don't know who they belong to, but they are awesome.
Am I a zealous fan with raging passion for this series? Well, yes, since I've watched it many times. Am I biased? Probably so. But I will try to give a rational commentary anyway.
(Oh, I realised this is my first post of 2013.)
My first taste with anime was at 10 years old with Akazukin Chacha, then Rurouni Kenshin, Flame of Recca, Slam Dunk and Cardcaptor Sakura. When the internet became more accessible in my teens, I devoured anime like a starved animal.
I do not claim to be an anime fan since I have not watched many to boast. But I can handle most genres and tend to give each series a chance before disregarding it. Though, my favourite anime series tend to point towards action: the more blood and violence the better, of course, with a balance of drama and comedy.
There are many manga and anime that I've dropped midway. There are many reasons: the plot became weak (Bleach), the action fatigue (Reborn), protagonists that don’t connect (D-Gray Man), or the intimidation of amassing volumes (One Piece obviously).
Parody in Gintama. No one is spared, really.
But the only anime series that I have continued and kept going back is Gintama. So you ask why?
Gintama and I met in a book store years back. At that point, Bleach, Death Note and I have already been mates. It probably helped because Gintama was standing between Bleach and Death Note by the shelves. I thought, “If it’s hanging out with my buds, it should be good”.
To be honest, it was a difficult journey getting to know Gintama. We have fallen out a couple of times due to the lack of chemistry between us or because I just didn't understand what the guy was trying to say. But because we all hang out at the same book store all the time, I had to give this misunderstood guy a good number of chances.
It's Gintama, bitches.
And I have not regretted since.
If I had to quote, I’d use one of Gintama's characters - Kondou's words (albeit with a few changes): Gintama is neither black nor white, or can it be tainted with any other colour. It is simply a dirty stain on a dirty rag that cannot be cleaned off. It doesn't try to be like other anime or outdo them; it is perfectly comfortable being the way it is.
To enjoy Gintama is to get down and dirty; like it’s okay to fart in front of your partner. In fact, Gintama will fart together with you. (I know it’s gross to use this analogy as an explanation, but it’s Gintama. It will have it no other way.)
The infamous Yorozuya doing what they do best.
Instead of introducing Gintama with its basic information, (you can read it up on wiki) I thought I'd go the other way round. There are some complaints about the series. And if the negativity is stopping you from starting or re-starting Gintama, let me persuade you to give it a (or another) chance:
I don’t get its humour.
This is probably the main reason why most would stop Gintama midway. It is deeply entrenched in Japanese pop culture, history and parodies a vast number of other anime. It frequently depends on puns and wordplay, thus the possibility of losing the joke when translated. It is very random and not many can stomach it. And it’s extremely lame.
Cooking fried rice becomes epic.
To be honest, some of the jokes do fly past my head. I know it’s terribly biased to refer to my personal experience; but my lack of knowledge and mediocre grasp of the Japanese language has not stopped me from enjoying it thoroughly.
Many fan-subs have graciously explained the jokes and given time, it will get easier to understand the randomness and humour. After which, you’ll be slapping your lap, holding your stomach and laughing out tears from your eyes. In fact, I don’t think any other anime has made me laugh so hard.
Plenty of butt jokes around.
It does not have any plot.
Despite its episodic nature, there is an underlying story of Gintoki’s past that affects his and his friends’ possible futures. It is weaved subtly under all the funnies, which surprisingly gives depth and certain darkness to the overall story. (Actually, its episodic nature reminds me of Doctor Who.)
Beneath the silver curly hair and laziness, there is something sad and lonely inside Gintoki. Like a shadow, it only emerges when it needs to. Gintoki’s aim might not be obvious (other than wanting straight hair) as other typical protagonists’, but it doesn't belittle his beliefs.
Gintoki and his past comrades.
Understanding Gintama’s plot is like playing Jenga: removing a piece of plot point from the bottom (the past) and slowly building it upwards (the future). Then sometimes, the whole tower collapses because something unexpected comes along. (I just made it sound so frustrating but it is really a fun ride. It’s the journey that counts remember?)
Gintama has no serious fights.
Many would deem Gintama primarily a comedy, with action as an afterthought. Though jokes seem to be the forefront, the series cover an array of genres so there’s a slice of cake for everyone. If one were to properly categorise Gintama, it will be a Historical Science-Fiction Satirical Comedy and Action Drama.
Like Doctor Who, Gintama is mostly filled with fun and adventure. But when the Gintoki (Doctor) faces Takasugi (the Daleks), one can always expect a tsunami of feels.
Gintoki kicks ass in the first 'serious' arc - Benizakura
Although Gintama does not become ‘serious’ as it moves forward, the action-y arcs have become darker each time as Gintoki’s past is slowly revealed. The art direction for these arcs is always superbly executed and the accompanying soundtrack just blows the battles into epic proportions.
Crazy Gintoki is Awesome.
The characters might not have super powers or special techniques, or get exponentially Oh-My-God-1-million-shinigamis-won’t-be-enough-unless-we-have-Ichigo stronger. But the fights have a refreshing raw edge. When blood is to be shed, it will be shed. If an arm needs to be torn, it will be cut off. The battles are intensely real and emotional. It's like watching drunks fight it out Wong Kar Wai style.
The drawing is horrible.
Well, I cannot argue with that. It is after all created by a gorilla that wishes to be a cheeseburger. As with all manga artists, they do become better with practice. The gorilla has grown to be more skilled at his work now. As for the anime, the drawing gets better later. (Maybe because they probably had a bigger budget.) It will definitely grow on you though.
Yes, you are, Sorachi-Sensei.
So, in all, should one watch Gintama? Well, I hope my persuasion worked miracles and that you do give it shot. If it doesn't work for you, give it another chance as I did. But if it really doesn't fit your cup of tea, no one is forcing you to. (Unless you were my friend, maybe I could tie you to a chair.) Here's the end of Part 1: The Amazing Ginta-man. I'll bring Part 2 up..... when I feel like it.
(I've not written such a long blog post in years and am equally amazed by my ability to. Gintama, what have you done to me?)
PS: The gifs do not belong to me. I don't know who they belong to, but they are awesome.