So yeah... Gantz?

[Fappy]

While picking up two weeks worth of comic books yesterday (hey, I've been busy lately) a friend of mine randomly dropped the first three volumes of the "Gantz" manga on me and told me I'd like them. I'm not a huge manga nerd (though I have read a decent amount), but I decided what the hell, I'd give it a shot. Despite it being extremely popular apparently I'd never heard of it. Anyway I sat down last night and read through the three volumes he gave me and honestly, I'm really not sure how I feel about it.

I'm not one to judge other cultures and while I understand fan service, I don't quite understand the completely pointless graphic nudity. Okay, okay... I don't have a problem with nudity in comics (its becoming more and more common place in western comics as well), but there isn't a single scene so far that has any real context other than voyeurism and giving the reader a reason to hate the main protagonist. There are even panels devoted to close-up shots of this chick's boobs, even when there are no other characters in the scene and no purpose whatsoever. The panel is basically saying, "Hey... hey, check it out" followed by a creepy wink. The female lead, who's name completely escapes me because it matters less than her cup size apparently, also has no personality or purpose other than to give the main protagonist a boner.

I don't really have a problem with the gore though. I know that might sound hypocritical considering it doesn't HAVE to be as gory as it is, but I enjoy it XP

So yeah discussion. Who else has read it and what are your thoughts on the subject. Does pointless, shoe-horned graphic nudity have a place in comic books?

 

[DuctTapeJedi]

I'm in the process of watching the Gantz anime, and was having similar thoughts. Apparently, about half of the people (and dogs) in large cities are also rapists.

 

[Fappy]

Apparently, about half of the people (and dogs) in large cities are also rapists.

I don't know why, but this literally made me start laughing out loud in the middle of the campus library. I suppose its funny because... its so depressingly true (in Gantz anyway) XP

 

[DuctTapeJedi]

Apparently, about half of the people (and dogs) in large cities are also rapists.

I don't know why, but this literally made me start laughing out loud in the middle of the campus library. I suppose its funny because... its so depressingly true (in Gantz anyway) XP

Seriously, what is the purpose of that dog? It's just nasty.

 

[Syntax Error]

It's not all that great in the early goings. It really comes around at about the Buddha Statues arc. Then it all escalates from there. Can't say anything about the fanservice though, it'll stay there. Then after that you'll get aborted plots inside plotholes (though how aborted those really are remains to be seen). The manga seems to be nearing its end now, and I really can't see how all those plotholes will be resolved without doing an asspull.

Apparently, about half of the people (and dogs) in large cities are also rapists.

I don't know why, but this literally made me start laughing out loud in the middle of the campus library. I suppose its funny because... its so depressingly true (in Gantz anyway) XP

Seriously, what is the purpose of that dog? It's just nasty.

Probably a mascot?

 

[sageoftruth]

I agree. I was a bit put off by the fact that all the characters were dislikable. It's an old style I've heard of that originated in plays, but I feel I need to be somewhat attached to at least one character if I am to care what happens.

 

[Yossarian1507]

I had a mixed relationship with Gantz. At first, I watched the anime, and had similar doubts as previous posters, but I liked the action itself. Then the arc when they fought the Buddha statues left completely devastated psychically... But in a positive way (if that's possible. I mean 'Oh my God... That was mind shattering... But also amazing!'). Then the anime ended up in the most shitty way possible, so I switched to Manga. It was quite cool until the Osaka arc. It was still decent, but started going over the top. After that, it's a slide down to the depths of hell. Italy arc sucked, and let's not forget the lamest plot twist ever about Gantz's origins (no, I'm not going to spoil it, I don't even want to type it, that's how stupid it is).

 

[Fappy]

I agree. I was a bit put off by the fact that all the characters were dislikable. It's an old style I've heard of that originated in plays, but I feel I need to be somewhat attached to at least one character if I am to care what happens.

I like Kato (which is apparently a Star Trek reference or something?), but I think that's only because he's not an awful person like everyone else. Though, I was confused as to why he decided to bust into a bathroom stall and beat the living hell out of a gay boxer while he was taking a dump. I know he said he'd rape him or whatever, but Kato wasn't there for that. What if the kid who told him was lying about it. At least in America, beating up gay kids while they're half-naked is frowned upon.

 

[Yossarian1507]

I agree. I was a bit put off by the fact that all the characters were dislikable. It's an old style I've heard of that originated in plays, but I feel I need to be somewhat attached to at least one character if I am to care what happens.

Kurono gets some serious character development later, if that helps. If not, there's still Kato on the likable side.

 

[mireko]

I haven't read the manga, but I watched the first season of the anime.

I didn't watch the second season..

[sub]And since we're on the subject, what are those guns actually supposed to be doing? You fire them at someone and a few days later their heads explode? What the fuck? How could that possibly be practical?[/sub]

 

[John the Gamer]

I read a bit once but I don't like it at all. Try the korean(I think) manga "Noblesse". It's about vampires.

 

[Fappy]

I haven't read the manga, but I watched the first season of the anime.

I didn't watch the second season..

[sub]And since we're on the subject, what are those guns actually supposed to be doing? You fire them at someone and a few days later their heads explode? What the fuck? How could that possibly be practical?[/sub]

If you want to assassinate someone and totally not be around when they die I guess XP

 

[Syntax Error]

I haven't read the manga, but I watched the first season of the anime.

I didn't watch the second season..

[sub]And since we're on the subject, what are those guns actually supposed to be doing? You fire them at someone and a few days later their heads explode? What the fuck? How could that possibly be practical?[/sub]

It's part of "the game". It's Gantz' way of saying "Rack up 100 points if you want a better weapon, you lazy bum."

 

[Toar]

I watched the anime and felt it was a waste of time. Honestly, it did not explain anything, did not fulfill a story, did not develop a likable main character, and ended on a sour note. The manga might have went further with the story, but I'm not going to read it thanks to the animes wretched storytelling.

 

[Outright Villainy]

I saw the anime for about 7 episodes or so, and by jove I hated it. Every single stupid character, every poorly paced plot, every fan service laden scene.

Hated it.

 

[Dirty Hipsters]

I never read the Gantz manga, but I watched the anime, and I can honestly say it's the best example of how anime writers never quite know when to END a series.

 

[Scorched_Cascade]

Does pointless, shoe-horned graphic nudity have a place in comic books?

Pointless, shoe-horned, gratuitous nudity has no place. Seriously if it's serving no purpose other than fan service then why use it? To see nudity treated fairly adultly you can refer to Elfen Lied although even that is a tad over the top sometimes.

If you don't mind dark story and excessive violence check it out it's actually got a very moving story involving nature versus nurture and evolution. Reviewers described it as "mixing insane amounts of violence with a heavy dose of 'ultra-cuteness.'".

I wouldn't say "insane" amounts of violence I'd just say if you can make it through the first slaughter fest when "Lucy" escapes then the violence won't get any worse. Its the sadness and darkness and destiny juxtaposed with the cuteness that will get you.

 

[Gigano]

Can't imagine I'd have any qualms with the subject matter (fictional depictions of gore and sexuality being entirely uncontroversial in my book), but if the inclusion nudity is "pointless and "shoe-horned in" then it's kind of a quality problem for that reason.

So nothing that's pointless or shoe-horned in have a place anywhere. As for explicit violence and sex, go right ahead and include it in comic books, games, or any other medium, as long as it fits into the story you're trying to get across.

 

[Fappy]

Can't imagine I'd have any qualms with the subject matter (fictional depictions of gore and sexuality being entirely uncontroversial in my book), but if the inclusion nudity is "pointless and "shoe-horned in" then it's kind of a quality problem for that reason.

So nothing that's pointless or shoe-horned in have a place anywhere. As for explicit violence and sex, go right ahead and include it in comic books, games, or any other medium, as long as it fits into the story you're trying to get across.

Okay, yeah, I understand your point and attempted to cover my bases when mentioning my ironic comfort with the gore. I think its that the random nudity sticks out like a sore thumb and is impossible to ignore.

 

[Axelhander]

Even back in my "Japan is awesome at everything" phase (aka, my MovieBob phase), I thought Gantz was really dumb. There's good camp and bad camp, and Gantz is of the bad variety.