Upon reading its plot synopsis advertised in the spring season line-up and having seen the promotional trailer, was interested in “翠星のガルガンティア” so started watching this show as soon as it began to air.
While it may not have the hype, overall appeal or be as striking as some of the other anime airing this season, “Suisei no Gargantia” has been a very good, solid quality series so far.
A science fiction story set in the distant future, its main plot combines previously seen elements such as mankind surviving on an Earth entirely covered with water, the greater portion of mankind having leapt to the stars centuries ago and then finding the Earth once more, advanced space faring mankind fighting for survival against aliens and having a very rigid, military based society,…
Although a few of those important aspects are all background used to build up Ledo’s character, they are essential as they serve to show who Ledo is and not only explain how he views life, society but also why. His upbringing, beliefs and entire world couldn’t be more in contrast with that of Amy and life on Earth.
Perhaps where “Suisei no Gargantia” excels is how it tells this story without using too much drama, each episode has the necessary high and low key scenes typically seen in most anime of course. But even when Ledo ruthlessly exterminates the human pirates attacking their fleet in second episode, Amy and the others’ reactions are not presented in an overly dramatic way.
Instead, the series focuses on showing the characters interact, communicating about their own views and beliefs, showing Ledo’s feeling lost in this unknown world, as well as all the wonder, joy, horror and all the emotions that Amy and her friends experience dealing with such an unprecedented situation.
Am quite curious to see how the characters and plot in “Suisei no Gargantia” will evolve. Even though this series may not have the appeal or success as other science fiction shows or movies about a future earth or the clash between two vastly different human civilizations, it definitely provides a solid story with interesting, believable characters.
With studio Production IG at the helm, the animation is gorgeous, with rich colourful characters, luscious backgrounds featuring the ships and oceanic environment. All the action sequences are very fluid and well animated, though most care seems to be on animating the characters and their facial expressions.
Noteworthy voice acting performances are Kanemoto Hisako who voices Amy, she previously voiced Ika Musume in “Shinryaku! Ika Musume”, Kanata in “So-Ra-No-Wo-To”, Haruka in “Kotoura-san” and Yui in “Kokoro Connect”.
Bellows -whose character quite reminds me of Yoko from “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann”- is voiced by Itou Shizuka, she also voiced Koko in “Jormungand”, Haruka in “Amagami SS”, Kaori in “To Aru Majutsu No Index” and Hinagiku in “Hayate no Gotoku!”.
Rigid is voiced by Ohara Sayako who tackled roles like Alicia in “Aria”, Sayomi in “Tamayura”, Irisviel in “Fate/Zero” and Yuuko in “xxxHOLiC”.
Quite impressed with “Suisei no Gargantia” and eagerly await its latest episode every week. If you like solid science fiction series, then definitely give this show a try!
