Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (PS3)

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance: copyright of Konami Games Ltd. PS3 and the PS3 logo are trademarks of Sony.

Many famous game franchises are built in rigid standards. In order to maintain the success, every title launched must follow the series formula, sometimes allowing just minor modifications and innovations. If a new game is released, and it doesn’t follow the “classical formula”, then the title may be fated to failure, both popular and critical.

Obviously, I am not denying that a good game mechanic can be reused. Actually, most of the best games make use of old, but great, formulas, improving the bad points, and adding something exclusive to the game. However, there are a few titles that are able to (completely) change the franchise structure, and yet propose a very good gaming experience.

Among them, there is the game Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance. This title is a spin-off of the acclaimed Metal Gear series, where the character Jack (also known by the code name Raiden) takes the place of Solid Snake as the main protagonist. The original series tactical gameplay, with elements of espionage, stealth and shooting, is changed to a hack-and-slash action game, with swords fights and a refined combat system.

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance

Jack is a high-tech cyborg, who wields a katana to slice his enemies. There are other weapons, as a flexible spear and two deadly sai; however, the game focus a bit more in the swords fights. Besides these weapons, Raiden can make use of grenades, daggers, and even rocket-launchers, turning the battles more sophisticated. During the game, it’s possible to enhance Jack’s cyborg body and abilities, as well as his weapons.

Raiden (or Jack "the Ripper")

The game story tells the fight of the Maverick Securities against the Desperado Enforcement LLC, two private military companies that sells the newest war technologies. The Desperado aims to create conflicts and wars, turning themselves into a powerful resource for anyone interested in cyborgs, high technology vehicles and weapons, besides superhuman soldiers. Jack and the Mavericks work to keep the peace, at least at the beginning of the story. As the story advances, “good” and “evil” become fragile concepts, creating some interesting changes in the plot.

After being defeated, Blade Wolf became a powerful ally

As I have written before, the game mechanics is different from the classic Metal Gear. In order to justify this change, the game staff worked hard in creating the new gameplay. Revengeance hack-and-slash system is a solid, difficult, and (above everything) funny gaming experience. The key-word here is “timing”: the battles are very dynamic and fast, requiring every move to be executed in the right time. Attack recklessly, and you will certain lead Jack to many game-overs. And for those who may miss the “stealth”, you may use some card boxes to hide from enemies, or even create surprise attacks.

It's not just an ordinary card box...

So, if you want to play Revengeance, and enjoy its unique gameplay, you have to understand its fighting mechanics. Among them, probably the most important, but also difficult, ability is the “parry” system. This ability is like a combination of counter and block: if you press the square button in the right moment that an enemy is going to hit you, the attack will be blocked (or “parried”), creating a perfect opening for a counter-attack.

"Parry! Parry! You must learn parry!"

Another important mechanic in the game is the “Blade Mode”. When you activate this ability, the game time slows, allowing you to freely hit you opponent with fast sword cuts. Knowing the best moment to use this power is decisive, as these blade moves may inflict a lot of damage, or defend you for incoming projectiles and enemies, if used properly. More than a strong resource during the game, this free-slicing system is very funny, since you can slice almost everything and everyone in the game.

Defeating enemies on "Blade Mode"

The boss fights are the best challenges of the title. Each boss character has an exclusive fighting mechanic, requiring fast learning from the player. Inside the story, each one has a different motivation and personality, making the battles to be more interesting in the game plot. And if the game soundtrack is very good in general, you will find the best songs in these battles, creating an exciting experience in every boss (mostly in the final one).

Yes, there are many gigantic robots to fight

The game graphics are very good, with great character design, cutscenes, fighting effects (as sparks and blood), and amazing environments, as beaches, deserts, sewers and big cities. Probably, the more significant cons of Revengeance are three: the game high difficulty in some stages, the campaign running time (that could be bigger), and the camera system. Sometimes, it’s difficult to position the camera in a good angle, in order to properly defend or attack.

Raiden will need to fight even against the police

Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance is an amazing, full of action and fun. The combat mechanics are a bit tough, needing some training. In general, the game difficulty, mainly in the bosses, is high, but that make each victory worth the suffering. The story is interesting, as well the characters. Join this with the game great graphics and sound, and you have a fantastic universe, that makes this game one of the best spin-offs ever made for the PS3.

Mad World (Wii)

Mad World: is trademark of SEGA Corporation. Developed by PlatinumGames Inc. Wii and the Wii logo are trademarks of Nintendo. 

The Nintendo Wii is known as a family video-game, with a lot of titles able to deliver fun to all the ages. This may be true, but these “Everyone” rated games are not the only options in the console. If you want to play some “adult” games, you may find good options as well (just if you have the proper age to play them, of course).

One of the best choices on Nintendo Wii is the game called “Mad World”. In the first moment, the title itself may not show the game proposal. But actually, the name is appropriate for its story. According to the game producer Atsushi Inaba, Mad World “takes places in a dystopian future”. There, a show called Death Watch puts people to fight to the death, looking for survival and a great money prize.

Mad World (only for Wii and for ages 17 and up)

This “entertainment” organizes the fighters in a rank, where only the best wins. The protagonist, Jack Cayman, is a new show participant. His main weapon is a retractable chainsaw (yes, a chainsaw), used to shred (literally) his opponents. However, don’t think that this is an easy task. Mad World is very difficult, leading you to “game over” many times during the campaign.

"Oops, I accidentally ripped your heart out (literally speaking)" 

During the game, we understand why it’s really a “Mad World”. All the fights are a blood rain, with the most dangerous and violent weapons available, creating the most crazy combos possible. If you think that Jack’s chainsaw attacks are a brutal way to die, you better think again. The other fighters not only have crazier weapons, but also mystical powers, mutant abilities, and deadly technologies. Jack also may get different types of weapons to fight his opponents.

There are many different weapons to survive in Mad World

The game structure is simple: you need to defeat all the ordinary thugs in each level, and survive all the traps in the way. In the end, you will fight the level boss, in order to achieve a better rank place. And keep your own life, of course. A classical and fantastic “beat-'em-up” game, brilliantly created by PlatinumGames as a Nintendo Wii exclusive. Unfortunately, the game campaign is short, and there are only a few options besides playing it again in the hard mode (that is actually much more difficult, a really bloody challenge).

Mad World has some interesting characters, as the Black Baron (left) and Mathilda

As expected, Mad World makes good use of Nintendo Wii unique gameplay. The Wii Remote and Nunchuk allow you to create many combinations, resulting in amazing moves and brutal kills. Almost every part of the scenario and its objects may be used to hit your opponents, resulting in crazy (and lucrative) combos.

Use the Wii controllers to make great (and bloody) combos

The game has a great art style, where the cartoon-like graphics are completely black-and-white, with the exception of the characters red blood (and other few things). The cartoon art is well suited for the title proposal, where brutal kill turns to a fresh experience every time. Torn your opponents legs, arms and necks apart is actually funny, and (for me) never gets disgusting or repetitive.

The art style is wonderful

One of the best parts of the game is the so called “Bloodbath Challenge”. As you can presume, this time-limited mini-games, played through the campaign, have some specific violent challenge to be done, in order to get some nice rewards. For example, you need to throw thugs to a big dartboard, or fight in front of a giant jumbo jet turbine, where the suction may turn you (or your foes) into "ground beef".

"Relax, I am a doctor..."

Some may say that Mad World is only a game with a lot of violence, and nothing else. Actually, the game is full of great contents, as also a lot of violence. However, it’s a funny violence, used to deliver nice moments and a competent combat style. Join this “bloody” mechanic with an amusing gameplay, only possible with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk movement sensors, good sound effects, and a nice soundtrack, and you have one of the funniest “violent games” of its generation.

Breaking Bad (Series)

Breaking Bad: property of Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc.

There are different types of series, for all the different types of viewers. The comedy ones are very popular among the general public. Of course, this is natural when you think that watching series may be a relaxing moment for some people. Like a happy hour after a hard day, when you just sit in the couch, grab some food and drinks, and turn on the television/computer/tablet to have some fun with a comedy story.

Although comedy may be very popular, drama series are more capable of delivering an immersive experience. These stories offer an approach of the real life, showing situations that make you want to know what will happen to the characters, how they will deal with their problems and difficulties. In other words, drama stories work with empathy, making you hate or love the characters, cheering for they success, or failure.

One of the best series that represent this segment is Breaking Bad, aired from 2008 to 2013 on AMC. Although the beginning was just fine, the drama and the thriller increase during the five seasons. The author Vince Gilligan created a story that works as a well-planned mechanism, making you eager to know what comes next every episode.

The series tell the story of Walter White, a high school professor with a brilliant scientific mind, diagnosed with a fatal disease. The lung cancer will kill White soon (but may take years), and with no money even for the treatment, he ends to become a drug producer and seller. With the help of his former student, the junkie, but loyal, Jesse Pinkman, they start into the illegal methamphetamine market. The professor objective is to gain a lot of money, enough to sustain his family if he dies of cancer, besides paying for his treatment.

Remember: the series is extremely volatile, and will blow your mind some times

And when we remember the story, we need to remember the characters. Probably the best quality of Breaking Bad, the cast was certainly a mixture that worked very well. Walter White was played by Bryan Cranston, and Jesse Pinkman was played by Aaron Paul. Both actors worked marvelously, making their relationship as business partners and, why not, close friends, one of the best parts of the series. Aaron is the most empathic character of the series, even if you are not fan of junkies. And Walter has good and bad guy moments, being a complex and fascinating character.

Walter and Jesse in their drug making clothes

Besides these two main characters, Breaking Bad has a lot of other fascinating people. Skyler, Walter’s wife, played by Anna Gunn, is certainly the third pillar of the series. She is, at the same time, worried about his husband and family, but also with what will happen to her. This “noble/selfish” personality makes Skyler an unstable and critical part of the story. Her pregnancy, starting in the beginning of the series and going until the second season, when the baby comes, adds another important factor to the couple relation, mostly to Walter.

Of course, there are other important characters, as White’s son Walter Jr. (played by RJ Mitte), the baby Holly (“played” by Elanor Anne Wenrich), Skyler’s sister Marie (played by Betsy Brandt) and her husband Hank (played by Dean Norris). Hank is agent of DEA, or the Drug Enforcement Administration. Obviously, this detail is an important factor during the course of the story.

As Walter White develops his career in the drug business, he meets new people that play crucial roles in the story. One of them is the trickster, but very smart, lawyer Saul Goodman (funnily played by Bob Odenkirk), responsible for most of the legal stuff in the series. Saul presents White to Mike Ehrmantraut (played by Jonathan Banks), a mysterious man that works as private investigator and problem fixes. Finally, there is Gus Fring (played by Giancarlo Esposito), a drug kingpin that finds in Walter White a great opportunity for his business.

Breaking Bad cast

Thanks to the intelligence of Walter, there are many cool scientific experiments in the series (besides the revolutionary drug chemical processes created by him, of course). From deadly acids to automated robots, Breaking Bad has many memorable moments. Some cliffhangers are really smart, leading you to reflect what will happen next. Of course, there are some funny moments, where the tension of the series is somewhat relieved.

The classic pizza scene

The focus of the series is Walter White. It’s how his personality changes from the hopeless professor, with no money and a deadly cancer, to the drug dealer, capable of amazing and wicked things to save his life, and, above all, take care of those who he loves. There are bad mistakes and there are good accomplishments, and that’s why Breaking Bad is marvelous. The choices in the series are complex, and lead you to think: What would you do?

Walter obtained a lot of money, but also a lot of problems during the series

Breaking Bad won a lot of awards, including the Emmy for best drama series, lead and supporting actor, and the Golden Globe for best drama series. The series received both critical and public acclaim, entering the Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed show of all time. As a very well planned series, with an almost perfect structure and story, they really deserve most of the prizes.

Some people say that Breaking Bad is the best series of all time. Fanatical fans aside, and some minor problems, as the useless and boring “Fly” episode and the “never crying baby” Holly, it’s one of the best, and offers really great moments. There is fun, action, thriller, and, above everything, a perfect plotted drama, with remarking characters inside an addictive story. As can be read in one of the series last ads: "It's all in the chemistry. Thanks to everyone who made bad so good".

Justice (comics)

Justice: copyright DC Comics

Superhero comic stories, in general, are structured in a familiar basic form: first, we are presented to the characters, the good and the bad ones; second, some villain(s) makes an evil thing, that affects all the heroes, preventing them of fighting back when all the planet is threatened; third, the good guys (and ladies, if it was the case) must overcome the obstacles to save themselves, and then, defeat the villain(s) to save the rest of the world.

Yes, we may know the start and (great part of) the end of the story, and even some check-points along the way. But it doesn’t matter, because the fun in reading a comic book is to discover how the things happen during the story. In another words, how the plot evolves, the heroes solve the problems, fight the villains, and save the day (again).

In my opinion, the best superhero comic story, which is written in this “classical” way, is called JUSTICE, from Alex Ross (plot and art), Jim Krueger (plot), and Doug Braithwaite (art). The story is centered in the fight of the Justice League against the Legion of Doom, and was published from 2005 to 2007.

Justice Deluxe Edition Cover

Regardless the simple structure, the story is very dynamic. Initially, we are presented to the heroes: Superman, Batman, Wonder-Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, among others. All of them are suffering vision of an apocalyptic future, where the planet is destroyed.

The Justice League, in an amazing picture... I mean, painting

However, the villains had the same nightmare: Lex Luthor, The Riddler, Cheetah, Captain Cold, Sinestro, Black Manta… and they started to make things to turn the world better, as ending wars and giving food to the starving.

The Legion of Doom

Of course, the things could not be that easy. The villains start to attack the heroes, claiming that their slack in fighting the world real problems make them as guilt as the bad guys. And there starts the falling of the Justice League, in the hands of the Legion of Doom.

Legion of Doom vs Justice League

The heroes must overcome all the defeats and difficulties, in order to defeat the villains and really save the world. As I said before, the story is predictable, but the plot is still amazing, with many great turning points.

Even those not used to read DC comics are able to enjoy the story. There are no previous chapters, or past facts that have happen some editions before. It’s like the characters are in the classical comic status quo, where everything is just how we all (or most of us) imagine. For example, Clark Kent is a reporter, and secretly also the Superman, who is weak to Kryptonite, always trying to save her love Lois Lane. Everything is very familiar, and that is perfect to the story.

There is nothing like glasses to change the appearance

Obviously, Alex Ross art could be the best of Justice for itself. His unique detailed “pictures” are famous in all the comics’ universe, making every story remarkable. As his work is complex, full of reference researches and meticulous paintings, his art is only reserved to the best works. Just as Justice.

Even the sketches are amazing

In twelve issues, Justice is able to deliver a high quality superhero plot, with one of the best arts available in the comics. Each number leaves you wanting to discover what comes next, and how the good will defeat the evil. The story cliffhangers are smart, adding some thriller to the adventure, which also has the traditional superhero humor.

We all know that everything ends fine; however, many times you will ask to yourself “will the Justice League be able to defeat the Legion of Doom save the world?” That’s the magic behind a great story: you get involved with the characters and end up hopping for happy ending. Justice has this magic in all its pages, being always one of the best superhero comics of all time.

Back to the Future (Movie)

Back to the Future: registered trademark and copyright of Universal City Studios, Inc. and U-Drive Joint Venture

Every good movie needs a good script, providing a long and well-paved road, where it can drive the characters and tell the story. "Roads? Where we’re going we don’t need…roads", would say Doc Brown with property. After all, this movie didn’t follow a normally paved road: he created new standards, ideas, and concepts, changing the way of filming for all the future (literally).

(This gif doesn't need a legend: it speaks for itself)

With its absolutely unique and fantastic touch, Back to the Future will be forever an epic of world cinema. It is difficult to explain the reasons why this movie is so charming. Or maybe it's not so hard to explain, but hard to number all these reasons. Anyway, the most determining factor is the story: funny, immersive and unforgettable. The premise of the film is relatively simple (with a little bit of imagination): What would happen if you, a teenager, returned to the past, and then met your younger parents at the same age as you?

And if, in addition, all occurred in the same time when they met and fell in love? These are questions that fit almost everyone, who, sometime, got curious about the patents past. Do you know if they were correct or troublemakers? Or if you father were shy and your mother outgoing? To allow this central idea to work during the movie, another concept was proposed.

Discover the changes in the movie city of Hill Valley is also amazing

The possibility of time travel, carried out by car DeLorean model DMC-12. With it, the return to the past became possible, leading the protagonist to meet his parents in 1955, thirty years before the current date. And speaking of the protagonist, the character Marty McFly (played brilliantly by Michael J. Fox) is a classic teenage stereotype, which appeared in the 80’s. Outgoing, cheerful, seeking for success using his talents. It was a generation that began there, and continued until nowadays, making the character so believable and familiar.

DeLorean: you want one, don't you?

In a role almost as important as McFly is his friend Emmett "Doc" Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd in another brilliant interpretation). I believe that we could never find a better “crazy scientist” than Lloyd. Serving as a counselor and companion, the Doctor is a contrast to the young character, adding the tone of seriousness and science to the film, and, sometimes, also providing great laugh moments.

Doc and Marty make a great pair of time travelers

The movie plot focus on two main situations: first, Marty must deal with his parents, and understand their loving relationship; second, but also very important, the time traveler have to find, alongside with Doc, a manner to return to his own time, as the DeLorean has some problems in return home. These two problems end directly related as the movie advances, leading Marty to make important (and funny) decisions to set everything alright.

The clock tower scene is a classical among classical

Inclusive, the movie is able to deliver very different feelings to tell the story, cleverly alternating funny and serious moments. This relation catches your attention, never letting the movie get boring. Join it with great actors, (few, but) well-made special effects, and an engaging soundtrack, and the story turns one of the funniest of all time.

DeLorean going to time travel: great special effects

Besides Marty and Doc, there are other great actors in the movie. The movie antagonist, Biff Tannen, played by Thomas F. Wilson, is a character that we all love to hate. The actor really did a very good job, playing a classical school bully that is always mocking with everybody. Marty’s parents, George and Lorraine, are played by Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson, respectively. Both present a very competent and funny work, especially when played with Michael J. Fox.

Back to the Future had a box office of $383 million, being a complete commercial release in 1985, as the movie cost $19 million. Despite the success, the movie had some problems during the filming. Probably, the most significant is the protagonist change. Despite being the initial choice, Michael J. Fox was not able to play the role due to his participation in the television series Family Ties. So, Eric Stoltz was chosen to plat the main role.

It's difficult to imagine a scene without Lloyd and Fox

However, as the movie advanced, the producer Robert Zemeckis determined that Stoltz should leave the production. He believed that the actor was not meant for the film humor, and again returned to Michael. In a special agreement with the television series, the young actor recorded “Back to the Future” in the “free times”. Nowadays, it’s very difficult to imagine Marty McFly played by a different actor.

And talking about Zemeckis, it’s necessary to remember some others producers of “Back to the Future”. Bob Gale, along with Robert Zemeckis, is the writer of the story, and probably the higher authority when we talk about the movie universe. Steven Spielberg and Frank Marshall worked as executive producers, and Alan Silvestri was responsible of the movie music.

Neil Canton, Bob Gale, Christopher Lloyd, Robert Zemeckis and Michael J. Fox

Yes, the music of Back to the Future is a special part of the movie. Certainly, the soundtrack is one of the most remembered things of the story: all the best scenes are supported by amazing songs, specially the instrumental ones. The Outatime Orchestra is the responsible for the movie classical music, a team with 98 members, headed by Alan Silvestri. The time travel scenes would not be the same if the orchestral music wasn’t there. Of course, we cannot forget the Huey Lewis with “Back in Time”, and “Johnny B. Goode”, by the Starlighters.

Marty playing the electric guitar in the past

The movie final leave us wanting for more, but, at the same time, shows the correct message: the adventure never ends. Of course, you probably know that this movie has two sequences, but the first Back to the Future will always be the better one, where (or when) the franchise universe started and became famous around the world.

We always want to go back for more adventure!

You will find everything that an epic movie needs in the “Back to the Future”: fascinating story, remarkable soundtrack, excellent actors, a solid plot, and, the most important thing, a lot of fun. Join Marty and Doc in the best time travel movie ever, and one of the best motion pictures of all time, now and in the future (with or without flying Deloreans).

Life and Times of Uncle Scrooge (Comics)

Life and Times of Uncle Scrooge: copyright The Walt Disney Company

Several people think that comics are a silly, childish media format. Among many considerations, some say that the art is, usually, too simple; others, that the structures are repetitive and appellative, lacking of historical; others, say that the stories are superficial, and don’t treat philosophical and social questions. I respectfully disagree of these opinions.

Of course, there are comic’s stories with these characteristics. Even the good ones may have a bit of these problems, but can deliver fun and entertaining. Although, the best comics are able to excel at all points, from the art style, to the plot and characters. They are not numerous, but the quality of them is undeniable.

For me, one of the top comics of all time is called: The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck. Written and drawn by Keno Don Hugo Rosa, or just Don Rosa, it has been first published from 1992 to 1994. This work granted to Don Rosa a Will Eisner Award (or the comic’s Oscar) in 1997, and it was reprinted in many “collection edition” along the years.

Life and Times Companion Cover

As the title may suggest, the comic tells the biography of Uncle Scrooge, the well-known Disney characters. For those who doesn’t know, Scrooge is Donald’s uncle, by the mother side of the family, and the richest man of the world (in the Disney’s comics universe, men, ducks, pigs, gooses, dogs, and many others anthropomorphically beings naturally live together). “Life and Times” shows how Uncle Scrooge got his big fortune, though it’s not its main objective.

"King of the Klondike" is one of the key parts of the story

The plot of the comic story, and the reason why it’s one of the best stories of all time, is about Scrooge’s life, family and achievements, both material and personal. The story begins when he was a little duck, living with his poor family in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, in 1877. Besides being poor, Uncle Scrooge is part of the McDuck clan, a very ancient and, in the past, powerful family.

Life and Times shows the past story of Uncle Scrooge

In order to conquer the clan proud, and to give his family a better life, the young duck start to travel around the world to get money. As he travels, Scrooge learns that, most of the times, the experiences lived are far more important than material goods, or that the ends do not always justify the means. The Life and Times ends when the duck turns to how we know him today, but, as Don Rosa does in others stories, with a different motivation: it’s not the amount of money that makes him rich, but the ways of how he get every penny that matters.

Don Rosa self (drawing) portrait - believe me, its equal

The story takes you to Scotland, United States, Australia, South Africa, Canada, among many others places. Each place was researched by the author, to turns the comic’s art a real face of the locations. Don Rosa is able to deliver fantastic environment drawings and fascinating and charismatic characters. Each frame is a well worked painting, which makes you feel as in the story.

The art work is amazing

More than a great art style, the author delivers a perfect plot, showing us the growing of Scrooge as he pass for misfortunes, problems and conquests. There are moments that almost make you cry, as well moments that make you feel angry, curious or impressed. All these feeling are present, with a lot of smart humor and an exciting adventure. Each chapter makes you want for more, as a stingy looking for a penny (literally speaking).

As this Disney comic universe doesn’t have a proper official history, the Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck isn’t a sanctioned biography of the rich duck. However, Don Rosa aimed to build a complete and self-sustained comic, with lots of references to historical facts, locations and people, and also references to his inspiration Carl Barks. For those who doesn’t know, Barks is considered the best “duck stories” artist of all time, being responsible for the most significant stories of Donald Duck and its family, and, inclusive, the creation of Scrooge McDuck.

Carl Barks (1901-2000)

Another great point of Life and Times is the new approach that Don Rosa has given to Scrooge McDuck. Most of the others authors show the duck as a “money hunter”, that looks for riches just to have them, regardless of the adventures or risks involved. For Don Rosa, the richness is not in having gold for itself: you need to deserve it, and never pass through the family, friends or anyone else to get it. That’s why his Scrooge McDuck is more proud of the adventures than the money, and that’s also why his stories are far more interesting. Inclusive, the famous “Number One Dime”, portrayed as the responsible to give good luck to the duck, and help him to be rich, is changed, for Rosa, to a symbol of how the hard work can lead you to anywhere you want, if you never forget your origins.

For Uncle Scrooge, the adventures lived are more valuable than all his money

Probably the best biography created for a comic character, “The Life and Times of Scrooge McDuck” is an epic adventure, with incomparable art and plot. Based on citation made for Barks, in his comics, about the past of Donald’s uncle, and also in many real elements, Don Rosa created a forever literature classic. And, after reading, you will want to keep the comic inside a strongbox, safety protected as a treasure. Not because you’re a greedy miser, but because you will want to keep this classic for a next reading, full of adventures, humor, and, mainly, a fascinating and realistic saga.

Gintama (Anime)

Gintama: copyright Hideaki Sorachi / Shueisha, TV Tokyo, Dentsu-BNP-Aniplex

Nowadays, it’s really easy to find many different kinds of animes, for all the different tastes of the public. Action, adventure, humor, drama, thrillers... it doesn’t matter the type, you will find something to have fun with. Personally, most of my favorite animes have a lot of funny moments, regardless if they are about aliens, robots, dystopias, samurais or new society structures.

And if you want all these elements in one single hilarious series, then you definitely must watch Gintama. It’s the top animes of all time in many lists, and it’s probably the funniest of them all. The humor is the base of the series, which also has many other classical elements to create a unique universe.

Gintama cast (yes, there are "spoiler characters" in this image)

The anime story is about three main characters: Gintoki, Shinpachi and Kagura. They live in a Japan samurai-era, in the city of Edo, where aliens, called amanto, have taken the government and rule everything. In the beginning of the invasion, samurai groups tried to fight back the amanto, but with no success. Since then, the people are resigned and live their lives as normal as possible. Some maverick groups still fight for freedom, as others just embrace the new life style.

Kagura, Gintoki and Shinpachi

Sakata Gintoki is the series protagonist, a former samurai that fought in the war against the amanto. He is a slacker, sugar-blood young man, which is always trying to get advantages on the others. But, above everything, Gintoki is an honorable samurai that could sacrifice his own life to defend the needy ones, and, mostly, his friends and companions. He has founded the Yorozuya, a shop that accepts any kind of job for a fee. Shinpachi, Kagura and her dog Sadaharu, are the other members of the business.

Gintoki (and not "Kintoki" or "Gintama")

Shimura Shinpachi is a teenager samurai apprentice, and the “voice of reason” of the group. Always trying to be logical, he turns to be boring many times. However, Shinpachi is a true samurai, which fight for the weak and for the justice. He considers “Gin-san” a real samurai model, at least at most of the time. And he wears glasses. Yes, this detail is important in the story.

Shinpachi

Kagura is an amanto, member of the famous Yato Tribe. Although not being from our planet, she looks like a sweet girl. Thanks to her origin tribe, she has superhuman strength and speed, besides great fighting skills. She has a very explosive personality, having no fear to start an argument or a fight. Kagura is very innocent about many subjects, asking “Gin-chan” many random questions. Even being somewhat rude, she really loves the Yorozuya, and also can’t endure injustices.

Kagura

Along with them, there are many other characters in Gintama. Each one is able to deliver a different contribution to the series, creating an interesting and complex, but functional universe. For example, Shinpachi’s sister, Otae, is a beautiful woman with a badass personality, or the Shinsengumi, a military force, controlled by the government, or even Katsura and Elizabeth, members of the revolutionary force of Edo.

Gintama is a humor anime, and this characteristic is present in every single episode. Obviously, there are episodes focused in shonen like battles, relationships and even complex dramas. But, regardless the chapter proposal, the jokes are always there, sometimes silly, others appealing or smartly. As expected, most of the chapters are comedy ones, and these are the episodes that show why this anime is so loved and famous among many others.

And we can't forget of Sadaharu (this is an anime screenshot, obviously)

Other important quality of Gintama is the “fourth wall” definition. If the interaction with the audience can provide a good moment, the characters break the fourth wall to create comic jokes. As well as when Gintoki reads a Shonen Jump Magazine, and criticizes a manga called “Gintaman”, or when the last episode was so (funny, but) crazy, that Shinpachi apologizes to the audience during the next one.

Yes, this is also a Gintama episode...

Most of the episodes are independent, telling a complete story focused in some characters or (a Gintama universe) fact. You can have fun watching them, but it may be frustrating if you have not seen previous chapters, that, for example, presented a new character or important fact. That’s probably the only bad thing about the anime: the series tells many single stories, but they are integrated in the background. However, as the majority of the animes are sequential, Gintama can be enjoyed with less background than many others.

Actually, some people may find another Gintama feature annoying. The Japanese culture jokes appear many times, talking about celebrities, televisions programs, government, history facts, and others. If you, like me, don’t know a lot about the local traditions, some jokes will not be understood. You will depend on the translator’s notes, or in a side research, if you want to understand everything.

Gintama is a unique anime, which make use of many features to create good stories: funny plots, remarkable characters, lots of references to real life, smart fourth wall breaks, and, mostly, high quality humor. The action episodes are breathtaking; the scary ones give you goosebumps; the drama stories almost make you cry. And the humor will be always there, remembering you that it’s a Gintama episode. But the best ones are the comedy episodes, as the Yorozuya specialty is the humor, in all its possible (and funny) forms.