Forum - View topicGankutsuou's art
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selenta
 Subscriber Posts: 1774 Location: Seattle, WA |
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I originally downloaded the first 3-4 episodes of Gankustuou when it was first being shown in Japan. At the time I was unimpressed with the art, and the story didn't seem particularly catchy at the time. I stopped watching the show and deleted it as a second-rate anime then, but I am more than willing to give it a second chance (based solely on the #13 bayesian rating it has recieved here). Because it is an anime I previously discounted, I'm watching the fansubs before I commit any money (on principle alone, though I AM really cheap as well
 ). Although I never studied the Count of Monte Cristo in English, I've read a play or two in French class based off of it; and although I did not make the connection at the time, I am prepared to thoroughly enjoy the setup and deception of the story this time around.
My question is this: I fail to see what is so great about Gonzo's art in this anime, what is so amazing? Is it the static textures used in each cel? I don't really have any preconcieved notions about the artwork except this: I really do see the advantages of having a true texture for each cel rather than a single color and am a big fan of it in principle, but it is REALLY distracting to watch the textures not follow the movement of the characters. I've only rewatched the first episode at this point, so I don't know if it changes; but if does not change, would someone please explain to me both how they can excuse the fact that the textures do not follow movement, and explain in what way OTHER than the textured cells does this anime succeed graphically (besides the CG I saw in eps 00, that looked pretty darn good, I'm talking about normal animation). I may be more than a little "buzzed" atm, but I really want to like this series considering the rating it has gotten; as of now at least... I can not under any circumstance accept the rating it has been given. Unless the story alone makes me feel like Monster or Voices of a Distant Star (both quoted from MyAnime):
I have a hard time giving any anime a 9 or a 10 without quality animation. Although I admit it is a certain possibility that the animation style may just not be my style and thus I am limited to a max 8 scale, many people have used this as an example of "amazing" graphics on Gonzo's behalf, and I'm the kind of person who really wants to like like 'different' styles. |
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Bruce Lee
 Posts: 715 Location: Seattle, Washington |
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Before watching Gankutsuou, I had heard of the Count of Monte Cristo, but knew nothing more of it than what I got from a commercial a long time ago for some DiCrappio movie. At that time, I instantly wrote it off, but after seeing the buzz here, I wanted to check it out.
The art was strange, and a turn off at first. I agree that at times, it was also a bit distracting. I probably tried watching the first episode 5 times, but didn't get anything out of it, as I was paying attention to where their clothes and hair went. But in retrospect, I think it's more of a gimic than anything. This is a very popular story all over the world, so maybe the producers thought they needed to bring something new? Whatever the reason, It didn't really do anything for me. What eventually got me into Gankutsuou was the story. I would suggest to try and block off some time to watch the first 5 or so episodes in a row like I did - at least until they return to France. If you get up to the duel and still don't care for it, I'd be shocked. |
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Deltakiral
 Posts: 3338 Location: Glendora, CA (Avatar Hei from Darker than BLACK) |
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Gankutsuou is a strange show, much like Monster this show has a design audience. The show relies on human interaction and powerful storytelling methods.
That said I love Gankutsuou, after seeing the entire series it is one of the gems of anime. Here is my post from my favorite:
The art does grow on you so don't be turn away from this series, it's kinda odd and hard on the eyes at first but then everything become so much more enjoyable down the road. And since your a fan of the world famous Monster I would definetly recommend Gankutsuou a thousand times over and over. Till next time, Delta Kiral |
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selenta
Subscriber Posts: 1774 Location: Seattle, WA |
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Hehehe, if there's one thing I've picked up on, it's that you're a fan of Monster Delta
I'm willing to sit through at least half the series (it's only like 4 hours time) considering SOLELY the rating it's gotten here. The question for me is the art, to be honest. I find the art to be a REAL distraction, and was hoping for some sort of defense/rationalization from someone who really loved the art (ex dormcat) as to why I should like it at all. I can get 'past' animation quality as you can see if you looked at MyAnime list, but this style just seems too odd to me on many many levels. |
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Tony K.
Subscriber Moderator  Posts: 11446 Location: Frisco, TX |
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Yes. It was the first time I'd seen it in anime, and while it was distracting at first, my eyes eventually adjusted, and I found it to be quite the marvel when later watching it on DVD. Maybe it's just my own interpretation of aesthetics or something, but the colors and textures just really appealed to me and helped to add a certain uniqueness to the overall presentation of the series.
If you look at my top 10, I actually have Gankutsuou higher on the list. Of course, it didn't help that I saw all of Gankutusuou in a matter of days as opposed to when Monster was still coming out in spurts, but oh well. Even to this day, though, I was always a fan of CoMC since high school, which probably led to a sort of bias. Not to take anything away from Monster, but that's just the way I am. While both titles accel greatly in the drama and mystery department, I give the edge to Gankutsuou for the series' length and whole revenge angle. Maybe someday I'll rewatch Monster straight through (now that it's complete) to get a better feel of continuity, but my opinion will stand as is, for the time being. |
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Deltakiral
Posts: 3338 Location: Glendora, CA (Avatar Hei from Darker than BLACK) |
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Exactly at first when your watching this series the art does bother your eyes a bit but as you progress through the story you'll start to enjoy it. And it actually helps the series in the long run, in my opinion. In the long run the animations also looks extremely slick, specially as the series near the end. There are some beautiful moments in this series and that art style brings warm to the moments.
Everyone should watch Monster someday, perhaps an all day event! Nothing but Monster from start to finish, that would be great.
Tsk Tsk Tsk it seems as if you have learned nothing. Selenta I'm not just a fan of Monster I worship that entire series from start to finish. And I assume that I am going also going to love 20th century boy, Now if someone would finish an Another Monster my life would be perfect......except for work.... Till next time, Delta Kiral |
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Azathrael
 Posts: 745 |
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As with all art, the technique used in Gankutsuou leads you to two choices: you like it or not. I don't see how anyone can reason with you to come about liking an art technique that makes you feel "distracting". I can only suggest that you watch watch more than 5 episodes, to give your eyes the time to get used to it. Four episodes is not even enough to get me interested, for some anime.
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selenta
Subscriber Posts: 1774 Location: Seattle, WA |
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I understand that, and I would completely agree with it if there were not MANY MANY comments out there like:
The thing is... while my natural tendency is to be an elitist and hate many popular things, I try to go against that with the intent of being truly open-minded. Thus why I ask for a defense for the animation that I don't like upon superficial first inspection, obviously for no benefit more than my own preferences. It's basic psychology, but I can verify this with my own experiences with novels, anime and CCG: if my first 'complete' experience with said venue is negative, I will continue to dislike it for as long as I live, so what's wrong with putting forth a little effort in liking something? |
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DuelLadyS
 Posts: 1705 Location: WA state |
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I adore the art in Gankutsuou. Yes, it is true that the textures stay in place while everything else moves, but that's a part of what I love about the art. It gives the show a wonderful air of fantasy, that you're truly looking into another time and place. Plus, if you really want to, paying close attention to the patterns offers some insight into the characters' personalities/motives (the solemn faces on Kaidee's robes and the count's black cloak with the firey lining.)
But that's just me. I've also never had any trouble following the visuals due to the art style. |
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Jadress
 Posts: 807 Location: Seattle. It purdy and nerdy! |
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I am also a huge Gankutsuo fan. I personally like the art style and find it to be unique and a perfect match to the show's odd themes and mood. It's understandable to find it distracting at first- but most people that seemed to be distracted at first eventually got used to it, mainly because they were sucked in by the story. As many have suggested, I'd say give it another shot and you might get past the art. But also don't say that the animation is not good quality- it's simply the style of the static patterns that you don't like.. I thought the animation was pretty well done.
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Key
Moderator
 Posts: 18458 Location: Indianapolis, IN (formerly Mimiho Valley) |
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The whole thing with the static patterns does take some getting used to, but after a couple of volumes you'll barely notice it anymore.
What wins me over much more than that is the utter visual spectacle of the art design, particularly the backgound art inside buildings. Yeah, nearly all of it is CG, but the detail is so fine and sumptuous that calling it "gorgeous" just seems inadequate. And yes, Haydee's dress in ep 6 is a jaw-dropper. It does not have an equal in animation. Last edited by Key on Fri Jul 28, 2006 10:17 am; edited 1 time in total |
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joel_s95387
Posts: 1804 Location: California... The Village Hidden In The Porn |
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I love the art style, but I hate how they depict noses when characters are staring straight ahead. It just looks really un-natural to me. It bothers me to the point where I can only concentrate on how much I hate those damn noses. But the story manages to grab my attention once again and I am able to forget about them.
I haven´t read the original novel, but I plan to after I finish Gankutsuou. I´m one of those people that hates seeing things twice, so I don´t want to do anything that ruin the story my first time through... I don´t even read the summaries in the back until after I´ve seen the volume. I just hope the ending doesn´t dissappoint, I´m not asking for opinions on it, just hoping. |
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Kruszer
 Posts: 7994 Location: Minnesota, USA |
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As far as it's art style goes I hated it at first but it really grew on me and it's probabally the most visually impressive I've seen with all the shifting patterns and colors, I love it. The series itself is highly excellent so far, and I'm really enjoying it's alternate retelling of the count of Monte Cristo storyline from Albert's perspective as opposed to the previous films which focused on the Count.
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Deltakiral
Posts: 3338 Location: Glendora, CA (Avatar Hei from Darker than BLACK) |
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Exactly for those of us who have either read the book or have seen any of the recent hollywood version of the film, this (anime) version is such change.
When I originally saw artwork for this series I thought that would bother me so much, but getting used to the animation is was really taking it time on me. The noses are noses, it's an ugly part of the human body.... Till next time, Delta Kiral |
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adonais
Posts: 302 |
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The patterns are not exactly static either, it seemed to me, the textures also move about in subtle ways. But the trick is not to stare too much at the textures themselves; if you keep focusing on the patterns and trying to follow them, then yes, you're going to get dizzy I bet. They're just ornamental, like stage props, it fills out and enriches the scene, making it more life-like in an abstract sort of way. But just as when you go to the theatre or the opera, you don't let the costumes or the props steal the attention from the actors or the play.
When I watched the first episode, my first reaction was: "wow, that's weird!" I think it took me about 5 minutes for "weird" to change into "wonderful", and I was hooked immediately. But the graphics (marvellous though they be) isn't the only reason why Gankutsuou is so blimey.. The story of love, betrayal and revenge is a powerful classic, and the remake of it in Gankutsuou is a fresh take on an old theme, with quite a unique spin on it. And the voices - I really liked several of the voice actors. I mean, just take the Count himself, what a presence - and the narrator, "Mesdames, Messieurs, bon soir", damn what a cool gimmick. And the musical score was incredibly rich and varied too, from orchestral movie style scoring to solo piano or acoustic guitar strums. Very tasteful and artfully done. All in all, I can't find much to complain about with Gankutsuou. In fact, nothing at all. If it is only rated 13 right now, I think it is seriously underrated.
One thing I would like though, would be an OVA prequel, expounding on spoiler[the whereabouts and activities of Edmond Dantès after his prison break; what was he doing while laboring under the contract with Gankutsuou? Including some of the key events, like the purchase of Haydeé, and the story up until the meeting between the Count and Albert and Franz on Luna.] Yay, methinks I'd like this! |
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