Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo vol. 2by Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 9 Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo has quickly become one of my new favorites. It is not afraid to try new things with the animation (though some of the psychadelic outfits do make me question the taste of their designs). It also manages to stay relatively true to the classic story it is based on while retaining its gothic overtones and its sci-fi setting. In this second volume, Albert must confront the question of whether or not he loves his fiancee (physically in a duel as well as mentally), and in doing so he begins to question his parents' relationship as well as those of his friends. He begins to see things in a new light as he tries to help Maximilien express his love for Franz's fiancess (whom Franz does not love). Meanwhile, the Count is wooing the wives of all the prestigious families in Paris and continues to subtly use and manipulate Albert, slowly drawing him further into a web of revenge.The coloring techniques of this anime take a lot of getting used to. It's either something you will like or dislike, and while it may take you a few episodes to decide thre really isn't any middle ground. Basically everything except the skin is colored with DG effects using patterns, often in bright psychadelic colors) for hair, clothes, backgrounds, etc. It gives an illusion of movement, but doesn't fair as well with depth. One thing it does very well for this series how well it suits the aristocracy's over-the-top, somewhat flamboyant lifestyles. It's a sci-fi series set in Paris so the fashions are definitely a little out there. The architecture is also grand in design with many CG enhancements. In the first episode Albery, Franz and their friends get a tour of the underground waterways of the Count's mansion, and it boggles the mind of the viewer as much as it does their minds. The voice acting for Gankutsuou is fantastic. The smooth voice of the Count is especially good in both versions. Sub and dub fans will both be quite pleased with the quality of the acting. And the story itself is quite captivating. This episode is all about love — fighting for love, questioning love, as well as seduction ... and the undertones of vampirism are played up as Albert spies the Count biting a woman's neck. Lucky for the Count this is sci-fi so his blue skin, fangs, and long life go relatively unquestioned (though one little boy does get to call him a vampire). There's still a lot of mystery about who he is, where his money comes from, and how he knows Albert's mother — what exactly does he want revenge for? If you're looking for something different from all the cookie-cutter anime that seem to be on TV at the moment Gankutsuou's wild flair will sate your appetite and enthrall your senses. Written: February 25, 2006
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