(This isn't an extensive review on the series, since many of those exist--and I try to do things out of the ordinary)
Excuse me for coming late to the party, but on a whim (read: because one of my closest friends recommended I check it out, since I have a penchant for getting down in the dumps from time to time; Plus, you know, there are some weird parallels between the series and our random adventures in college), I decided to finally check out the anime Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, one of the last epic Gainax anime. For those that don't know, Gainax is a studio that has created some classic anime that have numerous plot twists and mind melts to the point that there are TV Tropes dedicated to the company and its endings--and fanservice. Comedies randomly become existential epics, mecha series become more than meets the eye (pun maybe intended), and fanservice gets turned on its head in Gainax series. And Gurren Lagann was no exception. The homage-filled, parody-tinged, inspiration-dipped 27 episode series continuously kicked logic to the curb and offered up a series that has the power to bring almost anyone out of a depressed state. Trust me.
However, unlike other series that contain parodies upon parodies, TTGL actually still makes sense. I've read a lot of reviews that state "hey, guys. This series is GOAT material, if you shut your brain off and don't think about how nonsensical it can get." I watched with my brain firmly turned on, and my tongue placed firmly in cheek. And, I enjoyed it on a philosophical and humor level unseen in almost any other series I've seen. I've seen few anime that make you laugh-out-loud and still think about things. In a world of shows that take themselves too seriously, Gurren Lagann manages to be even more serious than most of those "overly serious" anime, by still being completely irreverent in its approach. Oh, and it combines pretty much every Gainax anime, turns them sideways, deconstructs and reconstructs them in a way that's flashy, funny, and reflective/introspective.
Besides, where the heck will you find a mecha that spans the multiverse? Asides from, maybe, Demonbane, that just ain't happening.
But, don't just take my word for it. The series is available on Hulu, Netflix, and has been airing on Toonami at 1:30AM for the past few months.
Row Row Fight Tha Powah!
-Johnthan
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