Would anyone recommend Gilgamesh?

[Talyn]

Hi all, I've only seen the first episode of the show while it didn't grab me outright. I did find the concept and story interesting, along with the nice art and atmosphere? Is this one of those shows, that takes a couple episodes to get into full swing and stays relatively consistent? I intend of grabbing Volume 1 from Netflix to get the scope, but it's not top priority. It's aways done my list as I have others I want to catch before I get to it. Is this one truly worth it? I respect the opinions of people around here and can grab what I need to know from whomever replies... Thanks all!

[hikaru004]

YES!!!!!

Gilgamesh makes you think and just when you figured it out it jerks the rug right from under you. You also have to watch the epilogue to get the full effect of the title. The translation notes are a help too.

In that respect, I put it in the same category as Eva, Rahxephon and Fafner.

[Talyn]

YES!!!!!

Gilgamesh makes you think and just when you figured it out it jerks the rug right from under you. You also have to watch the epilogue to get the full effect of the title. The translation notes are a help too.

In that respect, I put it in the same category as Eva, Rahxephon and Fafner.

If you associate it in the league of Eva and RahXephon, you're definitely talking my language. As you described it, it sounds like a show right on my speed level. I like varying kinds of shows, but the thinking ones always grab me the most. Would you recommend waiting for the thin pack or grabbing it on sale in the current form? BTW, I like your avatar Hikrau. :)

[Dagger]

If you don't mind the unusual artwork, chances are that you'll love Gilgamesh--its story is gripping and well told. It's also about as cheerful as Texhnolyze, but if you're keen on dark, morbid stuff, you might consider that a plus.

At this point I would suggest holding out for the thinpak, especially if you're trying to conserve money. The whole series has been out for a long enough time that the added wait won't be terrible.

ETA: I found the first two episodes to be pretty dull, somehow... I can't say that it "gets going" in a traditional sense around episode 3, but I recall sitting up at that point and starting to become much more interested in where the show was going.

[Talyn]

If you don't mind the unusual artwork, chances are that you'll love Gilgamesh--its story is gripping and well told. It's also about as cheerful as Texhnolyze, but if you're keen on dark, morbid stuff, you might consider that a plus.

At this point I would suggest holding out for the thinpak, especially if you're trying to conserve money. The whole series has been out for a long enough time that the added wait won't be terrible.

ETA: I found the first two episodes to be pretty dull, somehow... I can't say that it "gets going" in a traditional sense around episode 3, but I recall sitting up at that point and starting to become much more interested in where the show was going.

Ah, so it is relatively dark. That's good, one of my rl friends had told me it got cheesy and campy and wasn't all that dark compared to let's say Berserk. I know totally different show, but right atmosphere and mood. If a show is going to be dark, for me, it has to be bleak and tragic and irk me to hell for screwing with people I care about. Kind of like Versus... lol "I think I choose the wrong side."

[hikaru004]

I still think that you'll need the notes. If you're on a budget, order during an ADV sale or wait for a drastic reduction in the price of the singles.

Thanks. I'm an "Ayu" fan. (Kanon 2k6!!!) :)

[Talyn]

I still think that you'll need the notes. If you're on a budget, order during an ADV sale or wait for a drastic reduction in the price of the singles.

Thanks. I'm an "Ayu" fan. (Kanon 2k6!!!) :)

Cool, are these notes similar to the Notes that came with RahXephon when it got released? if so, then I understand what you're talking about. I'll have to carefully plot out getting the show then, as I am on a budget, so I have plenty to think about singles vs. thinpack. I'm very much a completist when it comes to collecting on certain shows. I think I need to bump up the disc on netflix and just catch it... Hiraku, I appreciate the info... :) Drop me a line sometime.. love to chat with ya...

Anywho, Kanon 2k6 is something I think I need to look into. I've seen everyone mention it, or it's part of the profile and signature. Yet I feel like a true noob in that I don't know what it is...lol

[hikaru004]

*pulls out vol. 1-3 notes from both series*

I think that the Gilgamesh notes were more in depth than the Rahxephon notes. There isn't any interviews on the notes, but as you progress into the series motivations for certain actions are explained also in case you didn't understand it the first time around as well as terms. The interviews are on the discs.

Everyone should check out Kanon 2k6 at least for 4 episodes imo. You could also go to the Kanon threads here (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/13560/tp/1/) and/or here (http://forums.animesuki.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57) for more info.

Drop me a line anytime. :)

[Talyn]

*pulls out vol. 1-3 notes from both series*

I think that the Gilgamesh notes were more in depth than the Rahxephon notes. There isn't any interviews on the notes, but as you progress into the series motivations for certain actions are explained also in case you didn't understand it the first time around as well as terms. The interviews are on the discs.

Everyone should check out Kanon 2k6 at least for 4 episodes imo. You could also go to the Kanon threads here (http://www.animeondvd.com/forum/showtopic.php?tid/13560/tp/1/) and/or here (http://forums.animesuki.com/forumdisplay.php?f=57) for more info.

Drop me a line anytime. :)

Ok, I gotcha for the notes. They sound similar to the Trinity Blood booklets. I loved the RahXephon notes, I thought they were well done albeit not very in depth.

I'll track down Kanon 2k6 after I get home from work. I already shouldn't be on here...lol. I need the distraction though with what I get to do all day.

I'd drop you a line, but I don't know how these boards work fully yet. Still getting used to this place. :) I saw your profile and I didn't see a im or e-mai, so I assumed you keep that private. :)

[Otakufan]

In case you're interested, you can currently get the first volume with the artbox in TRSI's bargain bin for $10.

J.A.

[JackProton]

Ah, so it is relatively dark. That's good, one of my rl friends had told me it got cheesy and campy and wasn't all that dark compared to let's say Berserk. I know totally different show, but right atmosphere and mood. If a show is going to be dark, for me, it has to be bleak and tragic and irk me to hell for screwing with people I care about. Kind of like Versus... lol "I think I choose the wrong side."
Well, then, you're in luck. Gilgamesh has all those things plus a mystery or four. It does remind me quite a bit of EVA except without the giant mecha.

Not quite sure where the 'campy cheese' is supposed to come in though there are a few lighter subplots that remind us the main characters are young people. Gilgamesh is all the more tragic for it, too.

Highly recommended.

[chloes_fork]

I think that the Gilgamesh notes were more in depth than the Rahxephon notes. There isn't any interviews on the notes, but as you progress into the series motivations for certain actions are explained also in case you didn't understand it the first time around as well as terms.
Am I the only one who kind of resists the idea of notes like this? I'd rather glean my understanding of a show, the characters and their motivations from the anime itself, not have them spelled out for me CliffsNotes style.

Anyway, I'll add my voice to those recommending Gilgamesh. I remember being a bit dissatisfied with the concluding episodes because there seemed to be too much fighting when so many more interesting and subtle things had been set up previously, but for the most part it's a fascinating ride.

[hikaru004]

Well. you don't have to read it. But some of those references in the title, like the musical ones and technical terms, you won't get otherwise imo. The historical references can also be a bit tricky otherwise.

[chloes_fork]

True, I don't have to read the notes. And I don't really mind them for esoteric references, technical background, that kind of thing. But you seemed to suggest the Gilgamesh notes (which I only glanced at) went further than that, purporting to "explain" characters' motivations and so forth. That's the kind of thing best left to the viewer's own interpretation, IMO.

[itsuka]

Ah, so it is relatively dark. That's good, one of my rl friends had told me it got cheesy and campy and wasn't all that dark compared to let's say Berserk. I know totally different show, but right atmosphere and mood. If a show is going to be dark, for me, it has to be bleak and tragic and irk me to hell for screwing with people I care about. Kind of like Versus... lol "I think I choose the wrong side."

I didn't find it at all cheesy or campy. It's dark in different ways from Berserk, though there are similarities (but adressing them would spoil too much).

Bleak? Check.
Tragic? Check.
Screwing around with people you care about? Check, in so far that it screws around with people I care about. People I definitely would have wished a different fate. Whether you will care about them is up to you, of course.

That's not to say a few things couldn't have been improved. Because it has a relatively large cast, the series focuses on a certain group of them, while others remain basically unknowns, which is a shame.

Also, the ending might feel somewhat hurried. I personally think Gilgamesh should have been a number of episodes longer than it actually was to adress both problems I mentioned. Sometimes the seasonal format is a bit of a curse.

[hikaru004]

True, I don't have to read the notes. And I don't really mind them for esoteric references, technical background, that kind of thing. But you seemed to suggest the Gilgamesh notes (which I only glanced at) went further than that, purporting to "explain" characters' motivations and so forth. That's the kind of thing best left to the viewer's own interpretation, IMO.


Well, it is a preference issue. I think that if the revelation aids in your understanding of the plot progression since you have alot to absorb, then go for it. It's not done alot in those notes after all, just some of the time. The intended target audience is 14 year olds and older after all so the use of the notes will vary with individual comprehension and preferences.

[Talyn]

Well good news, I went against budget and ordered Volume 1... lol. I simply could not pass up 12.99 total for Volume 1 and Box at TRSI. Thanks for the info by the way... I like notes, indepth or not. I generally have a wait and see attitude with the notes. Read them as I get them or wait till the show is over and read them during a marathon. :)