Story: 6/10
This is not a complex story with a ton of hidden messages. It doesn't have a "deeper" meaning. It says what it wants to say and does it well. Other than its messages of perseverance, determination, and growing up, it's just meant to be is a fun, balls to the wall, insane, 26 episode thrill ride. And when it sticks to that, the show works beautifully. Unfortunately, it kinda forgets that halfway through. And at this point, the show's stupidity becomes painfully obvious. Because none of one character's actions make sense here. in any way.
However, the show gets back on track quickly, only having a couple of episodes of angst and idiocy, although it does feel like an eternity. After that is when it truly shines IMO.
Art: 8/10
The show doesn't have the greatest art, at least by today's standards. However, it does have a certain charm to it that makes it endearing. The mechas are ridiculous, a few of the characters more so, and it's all fine and dandy, episode 4 nonwithstanding. (I think it was episode 4 at least) The colors are nice, the animation flows nicely, and the show just looks good.
The fight scenes are something else entirely. They're gorgeous to watch, full of different colors and weapons. They're always epic, and kudos to Gainax for making them work that well.
Sound: 7/10
Now, the soundtrack is pretty good. during epic scenes, the soundtrack has a suitable level of epicness, while it's subtle enough during the show's few quiet moments.
The one opening the show gets is filled with hype. it gets you pumped up for the show, and sounds good doing it.
The dub and sub are pretty much on par. While I do like the familiarity and understandability of the english voices, the Japanese ones do a more than excellent job themselves.
Character: 8/10
One of my favorite anime characters, Kamina is the self-proclaimed manliest of men. He's loud, arrogant, and full of himself. At least, that's what he'd like everyone to think.
Simon starts out as shy, merely following his "bro"'s lead. But he quickly matures, and by the end of the series he's just as awesome as Kamina, which is very clearly intentional, given how his design changes.
Yoko is the final main character, and while she starts out as apparently just a way to deliver fanservice, she develops a lot over the course of the series, and ends up being a pretty well-rounded character.
The supporting cast is great too, ranging from the flamboyant Leeron to the adorable mole-pig whose name escapes me.
The one exception is Rossiu. I cannot stand this character. none of his actions make sense in any way, and I can't see how he gets the kind of support he attains in the series.
Enjoyment: 10/10
What Gurren Lagann lacks in depth, it more than makes up for in sheer ridiculousness. The fight sequences are superb, and, that hiccup in the middle aside, it's always a pleasure to watch. I've watched the series twice as of this review, and have full intent to go through several more times before I die, which hopefully shouldn't be for quite a long time.
Overall: 10/10
Gurren Lagann is not the best anime out there. Nor is it the most complex. It is however, the most badass thing you'll ever watch. It's incredible when it's good, but it can be frustratingly stupid when it's bad. Luckily the latter is short-lived.
Gurren Lagann, spin on!
