So after saying "huh, I should watch that show" after 12 years, I finally did, and boy was it worth it. I don't think I've ever seen another show like it, at least in terms of the art style. Much has been made of the art in this show, so I won't go into that, but suffice to say it is truly unique.
What I really loved in this show were the characters and plot. I'm vaguely familiar with the Count of Monte Cristo story, and this version adapts the story into a far future setting where space travel and aliens exist, but for some reason the world is full of abstract Baroque decor and trappings. The Count of Monte Cristo is getting revenge on those that wrongly imprisoned him 25 years ago, and through the course of the show, we're treated to sparks that ignite into a full on uncontrolled wildfire by the series end. The Count is vampiric in nature, seemingly possessed by some sort of demonic alien deity that gives him his powers.
Us viewers see most of this world through the character of Albert, the son of the primary "antagonist" of the series. The show deals with him as he grows from an idealistic youth to a world-weary adult as he witnesses the Count's roaring rampage of revenge.
The characters are all developed incredibly well and you care about them all to where you genuinely feel sad when characters die.
The plot is addicting to the revenge nature of the show, and you'll marathon 6 episodes in a row without realizing it.
I think that this show deserves to be rediscovered. I don't ever hear anyone talking about it and it really deserves some TLC to restore it to a 1080p format- the art is too beautiful and I really think it would pop in full HD. This is also one of the few anime you can introduce to "laypeople" and they would get into it.
10/10-watch it.
