Now that its initial run has ended, it's finally time. Some people have come around to this anime- I have not. I don't hate it; but I also don't think it's necessary either. Here is my conflicted second look at Trigun Stampede.
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| Courtesy: Crunchyroll/ORANGE |
In order to explain my thoughts, it will be necessary to look at the whole first course of the anime (talk persists of more, but we'll see how that goes). I've already spoken my piece about the first few episodes, so let's go from there.
Now, on with episode 4, which actually starts off all right with some bandits eating insect meat and expressing interest in trying plant-based food. This is actually one of the few pure 2D sequences, and one of the few that actually captures the spirit of the manga (would have preferred if they focused on the cattle punk and desert punk aspects of the source material rather than the more overt science fiction parts). The episode; entitled "Hungry," doesn't take long to drift downward; with Wolfwood's entrance being an early mark at the end of the cold open. I could believe his counterpart in the manga and original anime was a scruffy, world-weary preacher. Here, he looks like a male model on his way to a GQ photoshoot. Kind of telling he looks more convincing after getting clipped by their caravan.
Episode 5 features an out-of-place "needle noggin" comment which makes no sense because of the way they redesigned Vash (it would be like calling the live-action Drax "green" when the GOTG movies made him blue instead), and is entitled "Child of Blessing." This was around the time I tapped out and decided to wait for the whole series to come online; though it admittedly wasn't the worst thing ever (stock storyline aside). From here on out, it will include my thoughts on the show as I view it.
On to episode 6, "Once Upon a Time in Hopeland." Don't let the title fool you- this episode has more in common with Call of Duty than Sergio Leone. Not even the sand steamer and a few decent gunfights could bring the experience above average for me. Even a hint at character backstory done in the style of old silent films just makes me wish the show had more visual inventiveness to go around.
Next up is episode 7, which has some 2D sequences with Wolfwood's adoptive brother Livio that I would have preferred the rest of the anime looked like. Yet, that's not enough to make up for the rest of the issues I had with it. In particular, the Bad Lads' redesigns were not what I was looking for. Given how much I liked the original gang, I was not onboard for faceless goons that look like Borderlands cosplayers. Its name is "Wolfwood," which doesn't show up till the episode is almost over. Neglecting the previously mentioned sand steamer; I seriously don't understand the "Punisher" nickname for his character. He's honestly more like the Preacher; and I seriously think they should have leaned into the influence of Mignola and McFarlane more.
On with episode 8, and it's one I haven't been looking forward to addressing- the retelling of Vash and Knives' backstory. The original anime and manga took the time needed to build up to this storyline. Here, it just feels so rushed that the emotional impact feels forced as all get-out. It's called "Our Home," and they definitely walked into this one.
Episode 9 is known as "Millions Knives," and I honestly prefer the ninth episode of the Skywalker Saga. I am not among those who were onboard with the changes to Knives' character. Granted, I know the original anime took some as well; but at least they were built up properly over the course of the entire series. That, and the manga wasn't finished at the time of the original airing. Here- I do not feel that the depiction of Knives as the threat he's depicted as is earned; and his history with Vash feels forced this time around. I reiterate it is possible to show the contrast between their characters without effectively turning Knives into A-Train.
"Humanity" is an ironic title for episode 10; because the original source material and classic anime made me feel like humanity was worth saving. Here, however- seeing Ju-Lai depicted as a Great Value Midgar would have me rooting for the Worms... had they not been rendered like they came from PS2 shovelware. That, and they got Meryl's character completely wrong- she wouldn't be apologizing over and over for her actions; she'd be telling her partner to shut up and run before they got skewered. That, and Elandra turning against her creators feels less engaging than when even Mewtwo did it. Lastly, Roberto's death and giving Meryl her derringer doesn't feel earned to me; since nothing really changed in their relationship to justify this. He wasn't "unlucky" as he claimed- he was a boozing, chain-smoking cynic who never changed even with his blood in an elevator.
The final stretch begins with episode 11, which reveals Knives' true role in the story's events and a myriad of changes that completely shatter suspension of disbelief in their new context. The title, "To a New World" isn't revealed until the end; and though there are brief moments that actually show fidelity to the source material, I can't shake the feeling of "too little, too late" in my head. I'm doing my best to be fair, but it's one of those times where I can't really compliment anything without bringing up clear caveats.
The finale enters its second part in episode 12, in which Vash finally starts resembling his counterpart from the manga and classic anime in both looks and personality. Yet, it still has the aforementioned "too little, too late" feeling. The animation also has the quality I expect from ORANGE after they completed Land of the Lustrous and BEASTARS. The gunfight between Vash and Knives ironically makes me have even more conflicted feelings towards this anime, because it has me wishing the rest of the series was more like that. This is still contrasted by everything else looking like someone tried to make a Devil May Cry machinima in Unity. Also, the subtlety that was in Knives' previous portrayal officially goes out the window once he cuts a group of militia from Julai in half. Honestly astonished they tripled down on turning him into A-Train. Even worse, the final moments; which involves the two being launched into space (it happens) and crashing back down to the planet's surface smashes into the title, "High Noon at July." This caused me to ask the same twofold question I asked myself when I found out about this anime. If you're going to adapt this, why not do a more faithful adaptation of the manga or Maximum? If you're going to make all these changes, why not make your own story and not call it Trigun? This is a trap a lot of material falls into; where instead of making a complete story, they make a glorified teaser for one that we might never see happen. I fail to see how sending Meryl to the Insurance Society is a threat when that's what I wanted to begin with. It's like trying to punish me by serving me chocolate mousse and wild Alaskan Salmon. They also went the amnesia route to wipe Vash and Knives' memories, and justify their bounties in the main story. Smooth.
I reaffirm this isn’t the worst CGI anime ever (the 2016 Berserk exists, after all), but it's just not what I'm looking for. Honestly, I among many that would have preferred a direct adaptation of the manga and/or Maximum. I still would like that over a second course. I'll just deal with FLCL Grunge and Shoegaze as they come.
I would understand the creative decisions if this was made people that were unfamiliar with the source material, but no- this was apparently overseen by none other than the series creator himself; with the changes approved over drinks. There is talk about reintroducing familiar elements in the second course (especially fan favorite character Milly Thompson); but it's going to be quite the challenge either way.
At this point; might be more feasible to just give this anime a "de-boot:" put this version in an alternate continuity, then do a direct adaptation of the original manga and Maximum with little to no CGI. Overall, while I don't think Trigun Stampede is a the worst thing I've ever seen; I also wouldn't put it on the same pedestal as I do the original. Though I am interested in the reprints of the manga; I am not as convinced about this being the blueprint for the franchise's future as others. That is all for now, and keep chasing love and peace.
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