[Gargantia On The Verdurous Planet]: OVA Sequel Beginning September

Professor Snugglesworth

Place your bets.

What Is This?

Gargantia is a new Anime series about....robots....and....alternate worlds....or something.

Actually, I have no idea, and I've read the synopsis like five times.

While fighting an intense inter-galactic war, a mecha pilot was accidentally warped into a space-time neither he nor the computer of his mecha could recognize. After waking up from a long-time hibernation, he found himself trapped on a planet, with human residents talking in an unknown form of language, using inferior technologies, and -- most shocking to him -- naturally breathable air.

So yeah, that stuff.

What's so special about this series then?

Well for one thing, it looks really pretty.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saxtE2YcPH4&hd=1

But the real reason is that it has a rather high pedigree of Anime staff involved. The animation is by Production IG, and the director and composer both worked on Full Metal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos.

Oh, and the script is written by Gen Urobuchi.

If you're not familiar with the name, you should take note, as his work has resulted in a recent resurgence in Anime fandom for his attention to quality, storytelling and characterization. Also for being utterly depressing and tragic. We have three whole threads dedicated to his previous series, not to mention a fourth that will soon start discussing his newly localized Visual Novel.

It remains to be seen just how much Urobutchery will take place in Gargantia; as a supervisor, he may not have as much freedom as he did in his previous works, and he has been saying for a while that he doesn't want to be solely regarded as a writer of depressing tragedies (although his first honest attempt to write something "happy" ended up being both one of the saddest series ever and also one of the most popular, so why fix what ain't broken?).

But whatever the case, we can at least expect something entertaining. Whether it ends up becoming the next big sensation or a short-lived thrill ride, odds are good that this is something to look forward to each week.

So When Does It Come Out?

The first episode premiered Sunday on 4/7/2013, with new episodes to follow every other Sunday.

Where Can I Watch It?

You can watch it for free on Crunchyroll.

Same rules as previous threads: Mark All Spoilers, Keep All Links Safe For Work, Post Your Theories As You Have Them.

The main girl's best friend Saaya is so fucked

PLA

"Hideous"?

Marathon

I can import a blu-ray with two episodes....how generous.

Looks like I should have kept reading. I think anime threads are against the rules, aren't they?

redx

A general anime mega thread is against the rules. As are seasonal anime threads, which is damned annoying. Threads specific to a series are allowed though.


I'll be watching the hell out of this shit.

gavindel

It was Kyuubey all along.

Madoka is the invading alien force.

vagrant_winds

Watched the first episode. First scene was military brainwashing. Never change Gen.

It was also nice to see actual mass combat with military formations.

But this is totally looking like Star Ocean, the anime. Super advanced sci-fi military pilot crash lands on backwater planet with no known way of getting back. At least this backwater planet has power tools and firearms and the main character from first impressions actually seems to be a logical individual.

Suriko

Looks very promising so far. Refreshing to see a soldier who actually follows orders. Naruko Hanaharu's designs don't feel like she brought her A-game, but they're servicable.

I just hope Butch manages to stay his hand and not go overboard with his favourite things. I have my doubts.

PLA

gavindel wrote: »

It was Kyuubey all along.

Madoka is the invading alien force.

Something like this actually sounds plausible to me.

Behemoth

I really liked the first episode. The space-octopi make a really good threat.

I'm guessing that eventually the somewhat-fascist space empire that the main dude is from will reach that planet somehow.

And it'll turn out there's something there that keeps the space-octopi away or something.

redx

Behemoth wrote: »

I really liked the first episode. The space-octopi make a really good threat.

I'm guessing that eventually the somewhat-fascist space empire that the main dude is from will reach that planet somehow.

And it'll turn out there's something there that keeps the space-octopi away or something.

somewhat? Like, the grew the guy in a pod(or raised him since he was an infant), controlled his dreams and forced to fight for thousands of hours to be recognized as a person. They are absolutely going to be the big bad. The space octopi are just misunderstood victims.

Professor Snugglesworth

Just finished the first episode. Good start so far, even if all the space combat+jargon was a bit dizzying to follow.

The animation is really top notch stuff. I loved all the little details on each character, especially Pinion with his comb. Reminds me of a blonde Groose.

Only thing I'm slightly worried about is the fanservice. Urobuchi's past stuff has been mostly free of it, but the women here (particularly the redhead) are considerably more endowed and skimpily dressed than in previous shows. I also don't know anything about the character designer except that he (she?) has released hentai books in the past.

Still, it probably won't go that route. I got a good laugh at the part where

"Hey you, say more words (jams gun at her butt)" followed by her clearly upset response

Not much in the way of theories yet, other than....

The Colonel character will probably make a reappearance. Perhaps he got sent to the same world as Ledo.

I'll bet either Ledo or Chamber have a fail-safe in their respective programming that, when activated, will result in some Urobutchery. I don't trust that robot for one second.

I actually winced when Amy made her debut. So happy! So cute and full of optimism! She is so fucked!

The military Ledo works for is probably aware of the planet he's in, and will probably do something that involves murdering all those people to either seize it or cover it up. Make no mistake, Ledo will have to fight the organization he worked for.

Suriko wrote: »

Looks very promising so far. Refreshing to see a soldier who actually follows orders. Naruko Hanaharu's designs don't feel like she brought her A-game, but they're servicable.

I just hope Butch manages to stay his hand and not go overboard with his favourite things. I have my doubts.

Not sure what you're referring to exactly, but if it's fear about his slow pacing (which I only ever noticed with Psycho-Pass), apparently this series is only 12 episodes.

I have no idea where they'll go from here, but I'm looking forward to finding out.

Suriko

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

Suriko wrote: »

Looks very promising so far. Refreshing to see a soldier who actually follows orders. Naruko Hanaharu's designs don't feel like she brought her A-game, but they're servicable.

I just hope Butch manages to stay his hand and not go overboard with his favourite things. I have my doubts.

Not sure what you're referring to exactly, but if it's fear about his slow pacing (which I only ever noticed with Psycho-Pass), apparently this series is only 12 episodes.

I have no idea where they'll go from here, but I'm looking forward to finding out.

A handy pictorial guide (mild Madoka, Fate, Saya no Uta spoilers):

Kana

Yeah, production IG usually doesn't go in for pointless fanservice that much (*cough*, Studio Shaft) but the female designs kinda seem too cutesy and impractical, especially compared to the male designs which I rather like. I hadn't really followed anything about this show until I watched skipped through the first episode, so it was kind of a surprise that it was all space opera in the beginning. I'm willing to bite on a Star Ocean type of story if it's done well, my complaint with Star Ocean was always how it was executed, rather than staying on one planet mostly (also, don't name your series "star ocean" if you spend the whole game ashore, damnit!).

This'll probably be my main anime to follow for the season unless Aku no Hana gets a lot better.

Suriko

The clothing for the girls didn't seem too out there if the guys has also been dressed that way. Very light and airy psuedo-tribal stuff, which fit the tanned skin everyone seemed to have. But when the males all wear overalls and typical modern clothing, it's obvious it's just fanservice.

I had thought Naruko Hanaharu was a she, but doublechecking is giving mixed messages. Hmm. Anyway, besides quite a lot of porn (some of which is a bit odd), s/he also drew the designs and manga for Kamichu!, which was a nice little anime. You can see some similarities in the character design styles between the two:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6-HFlwvQic

Mill

Glad to read that I wasn't the only one that found it hard to keep up with all the stuff being said at the start of the episode. Really wish the subtitles had a better visual cue to let people know which ones are actually important and which one's are more fluff because there was lot at the start.

Pretty sure Ledo is going to be fighting the organization that he is from. For starters you get a pretty clear idea that the nation he came from is both fascist and uses eugenics. We also know that Chamber has been sending out a distress signal for months before the guy was woken up.

I don't think Human Galactic Alliance (HGA) knows about the planet. I think Chamber would have had the coordinates if they did and would have had a strict protocol to not awaken Ledo under any circumstances, possible even kill the pilot if he were about to be exposed to inhabitants of a world that the HGA was keeping hidden from everyone. I'd say it's probably a world that was forgotten about by space faring humanity, but I don't think things are going to end well when the HGA does find them with the whole fascism and eugenics thing.

I'm going to call it now, but I expect some sort of twist involving the Hidiaazu. Not sure if they'll turn out to be some forgotten weapon that ancient spacefaring humanity created or they'll be semi-benevolent. I think the twist involving them will probably also help explain why earth is the only known world that was inhabit by humanity and why records about it are scarce.

I think overall the episode was good and they certainly have me waiting to see where things go with this.

vagrant_winds

One argument on location.

You're all talking about where he is, but when he is is also potentially just as valid, especially if star charts don't match up.

Oh. And a eugenics produced (test tubes even being a possibility), military brainwashed, non-citizen until earned disposable soldier isn't a very common background for a main character.

PLA

Octopodes. I wonder if it's intended as "Hideous".

Mill

vagrant_winds wrote: »

One argument on location.

You're all talking about where he is, but when he is is also potentially just as valid, especially if star charts don't match up.

Oh. And a eugenics produced (test tubes even being a possibility), military brainwashed, non-citizen until earned disposable soldier isn't a very common background for a main character.

That is an interesting idea. I'm hoping they aren't using time travel, sure it can be done right and I think Madoka handled it well, but I feel it gets used a bit too much (I think this is partly influenced by leaning towards the idea of time travel being impossible). I've also seen and read too many plots where time travel is used as a cop out and/or done very poorly.

I agree with Ledo's background being rare for main characters. I think there is plenty of potential here because I can't remember the last time I've seen a character that comes close to that background. Pretty sure I haven't seen one that meet that criteria exactly, but I'm pretty sure I've seen some that meet 2 out of 3 of those things.

A quick look over at Anime News Network on the series, seems to provide info that suggests that Kugel, Ledo's commanding officer will be making more than one appearance. I seriously doubt they would have taken the time to list any info on him, let alone a blurb about his mech (including the name) if he was going to be a throwaway character just for the first half of the pilot episode.

I'm reserving judgment on the cloths until I get a better feel on the setting. I'm concerned that the clothing for the women is tailored to be nothing but fanservice. The only reason I'm still reserving judgment is we've seen a mech pilot and bunch of guys that do salvage work that does involve the use of blow torches (hardly something one would want to do, while wearing very little clothing). I don't think it will be an issue assuming they stick with developing a good plot and don't feel a need for more fanservice than they apparently already have.

PLA

Non-citizens, ever, are more common.

Professor Snugglesworth

Mill wrote: »

I'm reserving judgment on the cloths until I get a better feel on the setting. I'm concerned that the clothing for the women is tailored to be nothing but fanservice. The only reason I'm still reserving judgment is we've seen a mech pilot and bunch of guys that do salvage work that does involve the use of blow torches (hardly something one would want to do, while wearing very little clothing). I don't think it will be an issue assuming they stick with developing a good plot and don't feel a need for more fanservice than they apparently already have.

My thoughts exactly. That area seemed to be tailored for heavy maintenance/scrap work, so that would explain the overalls on the guys. None of the female workers seemed to be directly involved with the heavy work, so they probably dress like that due to it being a very hot climate/interior setting.

But let's not mince words, their designs are most likely tailored for fanservice. That in itself isn't a problem, so long as we don't get any leering camera angles or such. As for the males, what would the alternative be? Loincloths? Either way, I'm not too worried that it will get in the way of the story itself. There probably won't be a beach episode or anything....probably.

I'm wondering if the process of becoming a citizen through military service is something all the soldiers seen in the first episode must go through, or if Ledo was a special case. He did seem to have some importance over the generic fodder that got blown apart by the aliens, so I wonder if he's a special breed of space soldier.

On that note, the second episode was already released as part of a pre-release Blu Ray special (containing the first two episodes), so be wary of spoilers out there. Looks like Crunchyroll will update every Sunday, so I'll update the OP to reflect that.

I was also considering making a thread for Attack on Titan, which also premiered last weekend. There's been a considerable amount of hype for that series as well, and early reports say the first episode was really great, and the premise is bound to entice a lot of people (humans vs giants! goddamn scary, murderous giants!)

Problem is, it doesn't seem to be officially streamed by any of the streaming sites, so that limits any discussions for those who won't go the fansub route. I'm hoping maybe that will change soon.

B:L

So let me get this straight...

This is Star Ocean x Valkyria Chronicles x Starship Troopers x Avatar (blue alien version)?

I would like to know more.

Professor Snugglesworth

Not sure where you're getting the Valkyria Chronicles part.

If anything it's more like Final Fantasy X.

Rhan9

Hmm, the whole 'Empire of Man' thing is something I've always had a soft spot for. I might watch this even if they end up being the antagonists.

Suriko

Rhan9 wrote: »

Hmm, the whole 'Empire of Man' thing is something I've always had a soft spot for. I might watch this even if they end up being the antagonists.

I will be gobsmacked if they don't.

Rhan9

Suriko wrote: »

Rhan9 wrote: »

Hmm, the whole 'Empire of Man' thing is something I've always had a soft spot for. I might watch this even if they end up being the antagonists.

I will be gobsmacked if they don't.

That is the way of things. I would honestly like some sort of imperialist point of view in fiction, as protagonists. It's a seldom utilized protagonist faction.

Retaba

Watched the first episode

I'm not getting the big bad facist vibe like everyone else. To me it seems like "Logic" in a desperate time taken to the extreme. The comment about him being a good grade of humanity on his genetics compiled with the limited space aboard such a station. The combat where so many were lost seemed like losses were calculated versus objective (X guys to take out Y objects is required are ok) but once it exceeded they pulled out to conserve forces. I am going to guess humanity has spread and built stations instead of terraforming planets and the plant/snail creatures invaded their territory and started killing/siphoning. It seems like everything is based on efficiency, as a space faring civ should be.

PLA

We are the vulcans?

Vulcans actually being overly sentimental in Star Trek notwithstanding.

Retaba

Also, does anyone know of any books that have a similar theme? Lone person from high technology meets group of low technology etc

Preferably with having actual technology versus just being from it.

Rhan9

Retaba wrote: »

Also, does anyone know of any books that have a similar theme? Lone person from high technology meets group of low technology etc

Preferably with having actual technology versus just being from it.

There's something like that I remember running into years ago, but I can't recall practically anything about it. I'd be interested in something similar too. Preferably without any Ferngully naturehippiepeace mumbo-jumbo moral of the story stuff.

Behemoth

Retaba wrote: »

Also, does anyone know of any books that have a similar theme? Lone person from high technology meets group of low technology etc

Preferably with having actual technology versus just being from it.

Yes! By Mark Twain, in fact

It ends with him going to war against the entire kingdom with a small ground of engineers he's trained. They slaughter the knights with machine guns and electrified barbed wire.

PLA

The high technology is sometimes from the past. Sometimes future. Sometimes parallel society.

Professor Snugglesworth

You know, I'm still wondering what a "Gargantia" is.

The robot's name is Chamber (or that's the model/class that it's called), so it isn't that. The title is "Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet", so it's not the planet's name. Is Ledo the Gargantia? Maybe it's what the natives will call him.

I really am curious how they'll get around the language barrier.

Apparently Chamber will translate all of the natives' dialogue directly to Ledo, but how will they understand what he says?

I'm hoping they have fun with the concept instead of some instant "hey I understand you now!" sci-fi magic.

PLA

"Gargantia" could be plural. But the regular term "gargantua" would apply to Chamber, I guess.

Professor Snugglesworth

Yeah, on second thought, that would be a more fitting name for the robot, as the natives see it. They probably don't have Anime robots where they're from, so naturally it would be considered a "gargantuan".

Can't wait for the next episode on this along with Titan (which I made a thread about yesterday, go look!).

Seal

Just watch the first two episodes and I'm looking forward to filling in more squares of "butcher bingo".

Pretty sure Ledo is going to be fighting the organization that he is from

I really hope they don't take the series in that direction, it wouldn't mesh very well with what we've seen in the first episode. Our MC follows orders, he coldly analyzes situations to determine potential gain (he doesn't so much as blink when he orders chamber to vaporize a few dozen people). He seems to be the equivalent of a rifleman, but his rifle (chamber) is missing its main armaments now and it's low on power. He's hardly in any position to lead a resistance against hyper-advanced supermen from space.

I'd be more interested in seeing his allies show up, then space squiddies show up, leading to bad stuff going down, hopes being dashed and sacrifices needing to be made. Perhaps leading to something along the lines of "peace out primitives, we can take some of you with us but some of the cute and lovable ones are going to die".

Elucida

Professor Snugglesworth wrote: »

You know, I'm still wondering what a "Gargantia" is.

The robot's name is Chamber (or that's the model/class that it's called), so it isn't that. The title is "Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet", so it's not the planet's name. Is Ledo the Gargantia? Maybe it's what the natives will call him.

I really am curious how they'll get around the language barrier.

Apparently Chamber will translate all of the natives' dialogue directly to Ledo, but how will they understand what he says?

I'm hoping they have fun with the concept instead of some instant "hey I understand you now!" sci-fi magic.

Isn't "Gargantia" just the name of the fleet?

Falx

Actually 2nd episode spoilers

but yes it is. I find it interesting that this isn't Earthling Hippy Good Guys versus Fascist Spaceman Bad Guys. There were very few dissenting voices to simply dumping Ledo and ripping apart his mech for technology. And the leader who vetoed it wasn't exactly giving the impression that he was refusing because it wasn't moral, simply too dangerous to try right now. And man that mech is OP for the setting. Homing disintegration beams? Holy shit.

Rhan9

I kinda like the spacefascists. Their stances on things make a lot of sense considering their situation. And they seem very competent at what they do, and competence is something I can always respect.

tbloxham

I just watched the first two episodes of this and it was awesome. I really hope they maintain the sheer power of the chamber mech for a good while. What would annoy me would be if suddenly the enemies also have them and so on. They should limit its use by demanding it conserve power etc, not making it become wimpy in comparison to some new super enemy.

Good characters too, doing things in logical and interesting ways. Honestly I doubt we'll see anything of the space people for a long time. At least I hope so.

Kana

2nd episode has reassured me quite a bit.

My only real complaint is the main female characters all seem to have totally different fanservicey styles of dress from all the other background characters.

Which is actually kind of lame because I actually quite like the character designs on lots of the minor and background characters.

Mill

Yeah, sadly it does look like the style of dress for a number of the non-minor female characters is meant for fanservice. Which is a shame, since it looks like the person doing character design could do a good job with female dress that isn't so fanservicey. On the bright side, it looks like it won't be too distracting.

They went with Ledo and chamber being overwhelmingly OP against the pirates. I approve of this, when you have a fight between very high tech vs some that is of a much lower tech tier, slaughter seems to be more appropriate since it's actually believable.

Also seems that the planet is Earth. I probably should watch the episode again where Amy is explaining things to Ledo to make sure I got the correct gist of land. I can't remember if she implied there wasn't any land left or that she just hasn't seen land before. I'm hoping it was the later because the concept of the whole Earth's surface being under water will end up annoying me because I remember vaguely the scientific explanation for why that can't be possible and it's always going to be at the back of mind.

I'm also curious to see how the Ledo's civilization will react once they find him, along with the explanation for why Earth's coordinates seemed have been lost. Also the explanation for Earth freezing over should be interesting to, if they ever get to it.