UlasanAnime.com – Code Geass emerged as a contender for the best-produced anime of the year, despite a significant cliffhanger in its conclusion.
Director Taniguchi’s embrace of 21st-century aesthetics, coupled with CLAMP’s consistently fashionable character designs, underscored the enduring power of “design sells.” While fundamentally another mecha anime, its potential for widespread acclaim was somewhat hampered by an unresolved ending.
Code Geass’s success can be attributed to its meticulous production and a well-crafted plan that incorporated popular elements. The expansive cast and varied personalities ensured that viewers would find something to connect with, whether it was the overarching plot or a specific character like C.C. The series also offered enough thematic depth to engage viewers interested in exploring complex, unanswerable questions.
The pacing of Code Geass is compelling, and the scenario writing is robust. It successfully captured the attention of those who enjoy puzzle-like narratives, similar to Death Note, while also providing enough “moe” and dramatic flair to keep otaku audiences engaged. The inclusion of in-show product placement, if it meant increased funding for anime production, was seen as a positive trade-off.
The author’s personal journey with Code Geass involved catching up marathon-style midway through the year, just before the OVA releases, which also featured unresolved endings. This raised a question about the prevalence of such narrative devices.
Despite these reservations, it was a refreshing reminder that mainstream-appealing anime series with more than 14 episodes still exist. The author admitted to having relatively easy-to-meet standards for enjoyment, leading to watching numerous shows and discussing only a fraction of them. Code Geass stood out as the best overall show watched that year, a recommendation the author would give to the average anime viewer without hesitation. It was positioned as a different experience compared to shows like Denno Coil, targeting a broader audience than those who might watch NHK during primetime hours, though some overlap was acknowledged.
You might also be interested in : Annual Recap: United and Live
Substantively, Code Geass offered compelling material for review. Given the involvement of Taniguchi and Sunrise, violence was an expected element, which often appeals to male viewers. Similarly, CLAMP’s involvement was seen as a draw for female and perhaps more sensitive viewers.
While a thematic comparison between Code Geass’s cycle of redemptive violence and Manabi Straight’s emphasis on heartfelt teamwork could be made, the immediate focus was on acknowledging the “dead peacemakers” and idealists whose efforts were thwarted by a deus ex machina. The narrative explored the ironic beauty of dying for one’s beliefs, leaving survivors to grapple with their circumstances.
With the anticipation of a second season, there was a sense of bidding farewell to characters like Euphie and bracing for a potentially mediocre sequel, a common concern with Sunrise productions.
This review was the sixth installment in a series reflecting on the new anime of 2007. The author expressed enjoyment for Minami Omi’s performance in a significant female role and noted the return of some established figures in the anime industry during 2007, hoping for their continued presence in subsequent years.
- Introduction
- Part 1 – Makoto Shinkai
- Part 2 – Baccano!
- Part 3 – Sola
- Part 4 – Hitohira
- Part 5 – Gurren Lagann
- Part 6 – Code Geass
- Part 7 – ef, Hidamari Sketch, Sayonara Zetsubo Sensei
- Part 8 – Manabi Straight
- Conclusion
