The Ultimate Coming-of-Age Story

Okay okay. Don't get intimidated by the picture. 

"Who the hell do you think I am?!" or "Ore wo dare da to omotte yagaru?" is a quote spoken in Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. It is the most said quote in the show. It is first spoken by Kamina (the 'delinquent' from the picture). In fact, there is a whole page dedicated to this!

This could very well be the catchphrase of the whole anime. An anime where it is about defying the soul-crushing odds and doing the unthinkable. Just 27 episodes. But boy, does it take you for a ride!

Gurren Lagann is a Japanese mecha (you remember the mecha genre right) anime television series animated by Gainax and co-produced by Aniplex and Konami. Here is the skimmable version.

Now. Details details details....

When it comes to anime, a few titles are considered classics, and Gurren Lagann is one of them. This anime, directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and written by Kazuki Nakashima, was first released in 2007 and has since gained a massive following.

The story is set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has been forced to live underground due to an uninhabitable surface. The main character, Simon, is a young boy who spends his days digging tunnels to expand the Giha village. He is an orphan and an outcast.

The village is under the constant threat of earthquakes. At any moment, the ceiling can come down on them. Simon's parents died that way. The only person who would actually call him a friend is Kamina - a boy slightly older than him. He acts like a big brother to Simon.

While Simon is timid and lacks confidence, Kamina is a ball of charisma. He blatantly proclaims that he will travel to the surface one day (which is forbidden in the village). He forms 'Team Gurren' to achieve his dream (Simon is forced to join - poor boy) and constantly clashes with village elders. 

However, their lives change forever when Simon unearths a drill-shaped key called a Core Drill Simon & encounters a mysterious robot named Lagann while digging. As if by fate, the ceiling comes crashing down that day! Two beings fall upon the village while fighting each other....

Gunmen, a giant mecha (robot), and Yoko, a young girl. 

Kamina steps up to fight the robot. (Of course, he takes the side of the girl). Simon, even while afraid, joins them. He uses the drill-shaped key to activate his small mecha, Lagann, to fight.  And he defeats the Gunmen and blasts off to the surface with Kamina and Yoko!

Thus begins their adventure. The universe-changing adventure!

But the surface is not all rainbows and sunshine. It is unforgiving and harsh. On top of that, humans are constantly hunted by Beastmen. Beastmen are humanoid creatures who serve as Lordgenome's army. They believe themselves superior to humans and find fun hunting them down. 

Who is Lordgenome?  The king of all Beastmen. The one who forced the humans to live underground. So he is the villain? (Laughs in spoilers).

So Kamina, Simon, and Yoko journey to end the suffering of humans. To defeat Lordgenome. Others join them on the way. ''Team Dai-Gurren'' is thus formed. They fight battles and win. Each battle is grander than the previous one. They lose people (Yes. People die. So be ready for it).

As the story progresses, Simon grows as a person and becomes more confident. So do the other characters in their own way. The cast is well-written and likable, with each character having their own unique arc and development. Kamina still remains as Kamina - ever charismatic.

Everybody progresses so much that they can yell, "Who the hell do you think we are?" to the face of enemies much stronger than them! (I did say this becomes a catchphrase)

It starts off as a simple coming-of-age story about a boy who wants to see the surface. But quickly evolves into a much grander and more epic story. The show deals with themes such as destiny, sacrifice, and the human spirit.

It manages to balance these heavy themes with moments of fun and comedy. The show also has excellent pacing, with each episode building up to the next. 

When I called the anime The Ultimate Coming-of-Age Story, I did mean it. The action scenes are particularly impressive, with the mecha battles being a standout. The final battle becomes a universe-shaking event.

There are also great quotes to supplement the action that is going on. You would definitely feel cool watching giant robots fight it out while saying awesome stuff.

Thus an ordinary little boy, a digger, travels to the stars in this grand tale. Watch to feel epic. Watch to feel motivated. Above all, watch for mind-boggling fun!

At the end of it all, you might even yell with sheer confidence....

Be sure to check it out on Netflix.This a short anime to brighten your weekend.

So that's it for this week. Have a good week ahead.Itadakimasu!