Code Geass remains one of my favourite anime even after re-watching the first season. Why? A best-written narrative, character depth, bombastic action, flashy animation, and political intrigue.
Here's what I loved about the anime:
STORY (10/10)
- Code Geass has one of the best-written narratives in anime, masterfully blending the mecha genre, political intrigue, and drama.
- It follows Lelouch Lamperouge, a Britannian student, who, after encountering a mysterious woman named C.C., gains the power of Geass, the ability to force anyone to do any of his commands. With this new power, Lelouch embarks on a perilous journey as the masked vigilante Zero to lead a rebellion against the Holy Britannian Empire.
- Now what makes its narrative unique is that the protagonist himself receives a supernatural power, something that most mecha anime protagonists do not have.
- It also appeals to different genres. First, you're watching a school setting. The next thing you'll know is that you're watching political intrigue, mecha action, and later on, heartbreaking moments.
CHARACTERS (10/10)
- Lelouch Lamperouge is one of the best-written anime protagonists, and personally, my favourite. He is highly intelligent, while his character depth and moral complexity are the highlights of his character.
- Suzaku Kururugi is second in line, though his sense of justice feels a bit cliché; but their conflicting ideals are really fascinating.
- Other characters, although falling into different archetypes, were also likable. It has a mysterious girl (C.C.), cheerful schoolgirls (Shirley, Milly), an adorable little sister (Nunnally), a mad scientist (Lloyd) and his assistant (Cecile), and more.
ANIMATION / ART (10/10)
- CLAMP, the team behind Cardcaptor Sakura, has done a good job with the character designs, even if the character limbs look a bit awkward and the faces look "shoujo-esque", but still, it looks charming. Some characters looked amazingly sexy, both male and female.
- The mecha designs were pretty awesome. The technologies were over-the-top yet neat.
- The animation is really fluid, especially during battles. That's one positive aspect you'll get from the animation of a Sunrise-produced anime series.
SOUNDTRACK (10/10)
- Code Geass has some of the best soundtracks in anime.
- We have "COLORS" by FLOW, and "Kaidoku Funou", which were energetic and catchy theme songs, though I preferred "COLORS" more. I would say it is FLOW's best song, despite not being a fan.
- Both end-credit songs were also good because they seemed to suit the series very well.
- "Innocent Days", an insert song from the series, sounds poignant, thoughtful, and fitting. It is pretty nice.
- There are neat classical/operatic background music as well. The music for the battles matches the energy. "All Hail Britannia" is an awesome theme for Britannia. Screaming violins match the emotional intensity of the series and the high status of Britannia.
ENDING (10/10)
- Ending on a cliffhanger, even on a re-watch, still left me wanting to binge the rest of the series, continuing to R2.
- It featured bombastic action, high stakes, and intense drama between Lelouch and Suzaku.
- This is an example of an ending that, despite its incompleteness, never ended abruptly.
ENJOYMENT
- Code Geass is a highly entertaining anime series that blends bombastic mecha action, mature themes, drama, character depth, and a good narrative.
- It also appealed to the high school trope, with several episodes focusing on Ashford Academy.
- Despite re-watching, some of its dramatic moments still hit hard, such as Episode 22 and Episode 23. I still don't get why, but it's probably because I grew up with some of the characters.
- Code Geass is enjoyable, entertaining, and also heartbreaking in several moments.
- Non-stop action in many episodes makes this series hooking. You'll be wanting to know which side will win or lose.
OVERALL
- Code Geass is one of the best animated series ever made, and the best anime of the mecha anime genre.
- This is a perfect introduction to the mecha anime genre, and if not, anime as a medium.
- It is one of the five original anime series I consider masterpieces, the other four being: Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, Gurren Lagann, and Puella Magi Madoka Magica.
- Its fast-paced narrative, political intrigue, bombastic action, and flashy animation will surely get you hooked. You will surely not be disappointed.
