Gilgamesh: Tablet 01 - Orphans of the Apocalypse (ep.1-5)

Anime is full of cliches. In fact, a genre slowly establishing itself within anime is the anime-parody genre; the cliches are so obvious that a number of series are cashing in on them for a few laughs. Originality is a rare trait today in anime.

Enter Gilgamesh. This is a love or hate series...I don't think there's much middle ground.

Animation: The animation quality in some of the initial episodes can be a bit sub-par, but it gets better. In addition, the character designs and settings are truly inspired. They don't have the characteristics of typical anime characters...when was the last time where anime characters actually had lips?

Music: The OST isn't something you would listen to in your spare time. However, it complements the atmosphere of the anime well, and for that it gets top marks. In addition, I really enjoyed the ending music.

Plot & Characters: This is where the series shines and earns every bit of 5 stars. The plot is very mysterious- THE LESS YOU READ ABOUT IT THE BETTER. Suffice it to say that this is an anime where most episodes raise more questions than they answer. The plot continues strong throughout the course of the anime and has an ending that is bound to provoke discussion (and already has). The characters are very likeable; you'll care when they are in peril...even while you're completely confused as to what is going on. If you don't like to be confused at times...this anime isn't for you. Also, rarely has an anime so tastefully handled matures themes as this series does. Many animes are about middle school students, have a very kiddy feel to them, and don't begin to touch any dark or mature themes. It's not that there is nudity or anything- that would be a big turn off. However, this isn't a series for kids...it goes down some of the darker alleys of the human condition.

This is a series that has thus far been greatly overlooked. It doesn't have flashy, cutting edge animation. In addition, the first episode is particularly confusing. That's too bad...it's easily one of the best sci-fi/mystery animes to come out in a long time. It looks like ADV is spending a good bit of expense to make the packaging and discs for this series look nice. Hopefully, that will entice more people to pick this title up. Gilgamesh is a rare mix of suspense, mystery, great characters, and originality...don't miss it!

One of ADV Film's newest releases "Gilgamesh" is a bizarre mixture of sci-fi, mystery, and a dash of ancient history all served up with a gothic twist. When I read the original synopsis from a press release it seemed like a rehash of The Animatrix's "The second Renaissance (parts 1 & 2) with the similar commection to Mesopotamia and the blocking out of the sky. However,having viewed the disc it now seems that this show is something comepletely different.

The show quickly introduces the setting. The discovery of an ancient tomb belonging to the ancient Mesopotamian King Gilgamesh is discovered to have supernatural qualities. Hoping to capitalise on these qualities an international scientific hub, Heaven's Gate, is built over the tomb to exploit whatever potential lies within. A terrorist attack on Heaven's Gate causes a world-wide catastrophe known as the twin X phenomenon (the catastrophe happens on Oct 10) which interupts the electromagnetic fields on the planet rendering computers useless and changing the sky into a psychedelic mirror.

The new world is a ashy, dark world where civilization is in decay. We are introduced to siblings Tatsuya and Kiyoko- brother and sister on the run from debt collectors. Their deceased mother left themw ith huge debts and their father has disappeared. Left to their own devices they are constantly on the run until they meet 3 mysterious people (the gilgamesh) who take out the debt collectors. Tatsuya and Kiyoko are grateful for their help but still have reservations about these 3 men.

Another three people arrive working for a mysterious lady known as the countess. These being are after kiyoko and Tatsuya also but their motive sren't known. A psychic battle between them and the the 3 men known as "gilgamesh" ensues as the siblings are caught up in a battle which will determine their fate.

These first disc really did a good job of establishing mood and introducing to the cast of characters. There are many questions that crop up while watching these first episodes which will have you wondering how everyone is connected and what their motives are for seeking Tatsuya and Kiyoko. Fans who like anime which really build up suspense and mystery will definetly enjoy. I was reminded of RahXEphon while watching the disc as I attempted to try and guess what was going to happen next.

The animation was overall very good. The character designs are very different from your typical anime styles which has been applauded by some fans and criticised by others. The characters have a more "western" art style in the sense that they have full lips on most characters and the eyes are slightly more western comic book styled. Personally, I think the design work and really gives the show a different look while still maintaining its anime flavor.

I am a little disappointed that there aren't any extras included in the collectors box. Given the current state of anime I guess we should be happy a artbox exists with so many companies trying to save money. Still, for $10+ over the DVD only version it seems a rather high asking price for just a box.

Overall a great show - Recommended!

I've seen the entire series, and I have to say... Why didn't this get more attention?!

The Amazon review is very misleading - the animation, while muted and certainly not of the caliber more popular anime may get, is very unique and fits the dark story well.

The story of Kiyoko and Tatsuya is full of many twists and turns, bringing you through a full range of emotion as you go. It also uses many conventions (not cliches) in interesting and inventive ways, as well as giving you a small history lesson or two along the way.

I highly suggest Gilgamesh to anyone who enjoys original, dark stories and is willing to sacrifice a bit in the animation department in order to get a great story.