Gungrave: Episodes 1&2

By Spencer . September 29, 2005 . 2:33am

Purchase at Play-Asia

 

Purchase at Lik-Sang

 

Remember that Sega title Gungrave way back? The single game managed to get it’s own anime with Yasuhiro Nightow who created Trigun. The US version has been airing on G4TV’s Anime Unleashed block sporadically, but if you haven’t caught it here’s a rundown. Brandon Heat was once Grave’s name, when he was a living body. After being killed by the Millennion, Brandon was given a second chance at life by Dr. Tokioka. Now caught between the living and the dead Grave sets out for revenge.

 

Gungrave is an action anime at heart. The best scenes are when Grave is blasting away with his pistols at monsters. Grave doesn’t talk much, most of the story telling in the first episode revolves around Mika, the daughter of Grave’s dead love. The first episode really gives you a feel for the anime, lots of gun battles and a rather slow paced story. You’re introduced to Brandon and his best friend that killed him, Harry. We also know that Harry is bent on killing Mika, even though he already killed her mother. The second episode begins to answer a bunch of questions with a flashback to a younger Brandon and Harry. Brandon and Harry used to be in a small crime syndicate together before the Millennion existed. A fateful theft by a fellow gang member leads to a battle with a rival gang run by a man called Deed. Most people that pick this up probably won’t be drawn to Gungrave’s story off the bat. In two episodes there isn’t too much revealed. Although, there is enough to make you want to pick up the next disc. Volume One is still enjoyable, even if it’s only for the cross handed gun battles.

 

The UMD translation looks great on the PSP. The disc is presented in 16:9 anamorphic widescreen, which makes full use of the PSP screen. Gungrave Episode 1 also comes with all of the standard bells and whistles. Flashy animated menus and a Japanese language option are a plus. English subtitles make are around and almost imperative for viewing to counter the quiet PSP video volume. The only other extras you’ll find in the disc are some previews for upcoming UMDs.

 

Gungrave Volume 1 is off to a good start with the two episodes in the package. At a price of under $15, Gungrave V1 is perfect watching during your lunch break or bullet train ride home.

 

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