Ranked #2521

Overman King Gainer

Overman King Gainer can be called a "Happy Tomino" show, meaning that it falls in the same line as L-Gaim, ZZ Gundam and Xabungle rather than his more depressing works like Victory Gundam, The Ideon and Zeta Gundam.

It's also really good fun. The plot doesn't make a great deal of sense but you are OK with this really because it may as well be a series of exciting mecha fights interspersed with comedy moments. There's an overarching arc about a world-destroying monster robot but really it's quite slight and the focus is instead on the awkward main character growing up and becoming a man by virtue of piloting a super robot.

The characters are an esoteric and genuinely funny bunch, ranging from the geeky and inept main character to a Russian ninja, an adorable teacher and a camp train conductor. The mech designs are thoroughly unique organic ones, which won't be to everyone's taste but are certainly interesting - and a weapon which combines a six-shooter and a chainsaw is pretty awesome in my book.

The fights are particularly interesting because of the weirdness of the mechs, since the enemies quickly start thinking outside the box and trying all sorts of surreal attacks. At all times, the show is quite funny and never really slumps into attempts at being really serious.

In terms of music and sound, the opening is quite brilliant, penned by Tomino himself and performed by Fukuyama, who you might also know as the voice of Nekki Basara. The background music is weird and wonderful, but never really nails the fact the show is set in Russia - for all the constant references to everyone being in Siberia, the music and setting seem quite non-specific in terms of nationality (but nevertheless very interesting in a kind of Mad Max meets Terry Gilliam way.)

The biggest flaw of the show is the constant reliance on information overload - you get a lot of FACTS told to you very quickly and that is supposed to pass for plot development. However, if you watch OKG as a fun mech/slice of life show in the vein of GunXSword, Eureka 7 and similar, it works very well. read more

Before I begin this review, it needs to be noted that I got into this show because of the opening which is in my opinion the best opening in an anime ever.

Story: While the plot of the show is a good one, the biggest flaw in this show is jumping around in the plot, it leaves you to guess what is going on most of the time, for example missing a key part of a fight, or a new power introduced.

Art: Being the background is just white with snow most of the time the foreground and characters look very good, while a little lazy it works.

Sounds: The sound effects for this are well done and the ones repeted are not super annoying. While the music(the shows highpoint outside of the op) is very well done with good battle music, and you will find this show in battles alot so it works.

Characters: The show's main characers, Gainer, Gain, and Sara, are all done well added depth to them as the series goes on making you understand what drives them to do the stuff they do. Unfortunantly, the minor characters are all one thing, such as one is a ninja, one is a princess, one is fanservice(actually Adette is pretty well developed), and one is a bad singer(trust me on this one)

Enjoyment: And yet with all the negative things I said, I loved this show, it is just grab you and drag you through the show enjoyment, you get a few rests but then it is more progression, all of which leads to a great climax.

Overall: Not for everyone, but if you just want a fun show that isn't another harem, or moe show, go for King Gainer. read more