Gantz [Season 1 Episodes 1 to 26]

Gantz: A Brutal, Unfiltered Dive into Humanity’s Dark Side

When Gantz first aired in 2004, it wasn’t just another sci-fi anime—it was a punch to the gut. Produced by Gonzo and directed by Ichiro Itano, the series adapts Hiroya Oku’s manga, throwing viewers into a world where death is just the beginning. The story follows Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, two high schoolers who meet a gruesome end in a train accident, only to wake up in a room with a mysterious black sphere named Gantz. Their new mission? Hunt down and kill aliens—or face permanent oblivion.

From the first episode, Gantz makes it clear: this isn’t a feel-good story. It’s raw, violent, and unapologetically cynical. And if the online discussions are anything to go by, fans are divided.

The Good, the Bad, and the WTF Moments

1. The Bleak, Brutal Tone

One thing fans agree on? Gantz doesn’t sugarcoat anything. The opening scene—where Kei and Kato die in a train accident—sets the tone. People online couldn’t stop talking about how no one helped them.

• “Why wouldn’t those people help them up onto the platform? I don’t think I want to go to Japan if people stand there and watch you get hit by a train!”
• “It’s like Battle Royale but with aliens. Everyone’s selfish, and the world sucks. That’s the point.”

The show’s nihilism isn’t for everyone. Some called it “ridiculously bad,” while others praised its unflinching take on human nature.

2. The Animation: Love It or Hate It

The animation style is… unique. Some fans called it “awkward” or “flat,” with CGI that hasn’t aged well. Others defended it as part of the show’s gritty charm.

• “The animation looks like 2D drawings in a 3D world. Took some getting used to, but I kinda dig it.”
• “For a 2004 anime, the quality sucks. The camera movements are jarring.”

The over-the-top gore (like heads flying off) got mixed reactions too. Some laughed at the absurdity (“LOL at body pieces flying everywhere”), while others cringed (“The train scene was so exaggerated”).

3. Kei Kurono: The Most Hated Protagonist?

Kei is not your typical hero. He’s selfish, perverted, and downright unlikable—which, ironically, makes him realistic for some fans.

• “Kei might be the worst main character ever. He’s a wimp and an asshole.”
• “That’s the point! He’s a reflection of how messed up people can be.”

Kato, on the other hand, is the moral compass—and the only reason some viewers kept watching.

4. The Weirdness Factor

From the black sphere (Gantz) playing classical music to the unexplained two-toned girl in the opening, Gantz thrives on weirdness.

• “That ball has weird taste in music.”
• “The girl with two skin colors? WTF?” (Turns out, she’s a ganguro—a Japanese fashion trend involving extreme tanning.)

Some fans loved the bizarre elements (“This was cool! Damn, I like the scenario so far”), while others found them distracting (“Too much nudity, too much cussing”).

Why Gantz Still Matters

Despite its flaws, Gantz has a cult following. Why? Because it’s different. It doesn’t care about making you comfortable. It forces you to question: What would you do in their place?

• For Dark Anime Fans: If you love Battle Royale or Parasyte, this is your jam.
• For Manga Readers: The anime has a bad rep compared to the manga, but it’s still a wild ride.
• For the Curious: The first episode is a litmus test. If you can handle the brutality, you’re in for a trip.

Final Verdict: A Polarizing Masterpiece

Gantz isn’t perfect. The animation is dated, the protagonist is insufferable, and the plot holes are glaring (“How did their bodies disappear?”). But it’s also bold, thought-provoking, and unforgettable.

As one fan put it: “This was really brutal and interesting.”

Love it or hate it, Gantz leaves an impression. And in a world of safe, predictable anime, that’s something special.

Rating: 7.5/10 (for the brave souls who can stomach it).

What do you think? Did Gantz shock you—or just piss you off? Drop your thoughts below!