Wolfe reporting.
As a forewarning, this review will be extensive, including a section to review certain characters individually. There are some anime that are simplex in nature (which doesn't necessarily mean they're bad-- I loved Shiki), but these anime will have shorter reviews as a result. Code Geass, however, had a lot of complexity to explore.
I'll start off by saying that I really really enjoyed the first season, and the second season had some nice bits too. While I'll juxtapose the first season with the second season (for a comparison), this review is on the first season only. Next week I'll come out with my review of the second season.
Described by Wikipedia as mecha, alternate history, supernatural, drama, tragedy, and psychological thriller, perhaps you now understand that there are many elements involved in this anime. I would personally label it as mech, drama, and action, with a lot of thinking involved (as in Death Note).
Concept: Not many spoilers here, as this information is quickly figured out in the first few episodes. Nonetheless, if you want to watch the show with absolutely no spoilers, you've been forewarned.
So, the main character, Lelouch, is a high school student. He's not your average high school student, though-- he likes to do underground chess. He'll ditch school during school hours and go to do battle with nobles and anyone who thinks they're all that and more. He's crazy intelligent, able to think ahead several moves. He also has an interesting philosophy-- that if the King doesn't move forward to set the example, his followers won't either. He's crazy good with chess, and is undefeated* too.
Plot: Things happen and the main character is now with an ability, his Geass. It allows him to issue a command that will be obeyed. Of course, this can only be done when direct eye contact is involved, and it can only work once per person, and the person will have no memory of you issuing the command*, and they cannot do the impossible (ex: "levitate off the ground").
Lelouch decides to use this ability to amass a group together, which he calls the Black Knights, in order to combat the ruling government of Brittania. He takes upon the identity of Zero, a masked figure, in order to rule this group while able to keep his personal life secret.
The anime that proceeds is [mostly] about the interactions between Zero and the Black Knights with the Brittanian Empire. Most interactions are in short little arcs that last from 1 to (guessing) 4 or 5 episodes, with most of them being 2-4 episodes long. Later on, everything becomes one giant arc, and there isn't really a line between this part and that part.
Notes: There were a few lighthearted episodes. I have mixed feelings about these episodes. They weren't fully lighthearted, in that each actually served a plot purpose (regardless of how small/significant). This caused me to be a little stressed at points. These episodes felt unnecessary, because they didn't hit the same dark tension always present in the other episodes. However, these episodes were in groups of 1, so as to act as a brief break from said dark tension. So, in a way, I agree with their presence-- it helped lighten the mood temporarily and added to inter-character developments. In another way, I still think that they were unnecessary, because I love dark tension.
Also, if you're the type who tends to marathon shows, don't expect to be able to stop in the middle of a mini-arc. So, if you want to stop, stop when a mini-arc ends, otherwise you won't be able to. Lots of cliffhangers.
I loved the plot of Code Geass! Now, R2 is a different story...
Characters: There were a lot of characters in Code Geass, with varying levels of importance and development (as fit). The characters is what makes the show what it is. I've never seen a show with such a strong mecha presence do so well on emphasizing the characters and making combat seem so complex. Of course, if you're a main character, it's assured that you get plenty of Last-Save-Mechanic cards and even a Resurrection card or two. I definitely began to rely on this happening, which made it refreshing when an important character actually died. Ultimately, though, I was led to believe that more main characters would stay dead, and when Resurrection cards were pulled, I wasn't happy. Too many main characters survived through to the end (and even in R2).
I will mention that main characters have a serious, serious edge. I'll go over this more in believability, but if you're not a major character, it doesn't matter how many years of experience in "x" you have, you're worthless.
Character reviews coming out in a separate post on another day! I don't wish to make this review any longer than it already is. I'll be focusing on the main characters for obvious reasons, and intend to include as many as possible.
Believability: Okay, there were a lot of rules and physics that were adhered to. This made me happy. But the Main Character Invincibility did not make me happy.
Let me paint a picture of your typical battle: Huge army of soldiers on both sides, both being led by a special unit that (you guessed it) holds a main character. Main characters do combat, with their mega-death-beams missing each other and slaughtering the unfortunate insignificant characters behind them by the hundreds. At the end of the fight, regardless of who the victor is, it can be assured that both main characters (and their respective special mechas) survived.
I'll also go over the "attempt to be killed" to "killed" ratio:
Insignificant character:
Attempts to be killed: 1
Killed?: Yes
Not major nor minor character:
Attempts to be killed: ~4
Killed?: Maybe
Major character:
Attempts to be killed: ~340990
Killed?: Nope*
Keep in mind, this is me complaining about one small aspect of Believability. The majority of the anime was fairly believable, or at least stuck to its' self-assigned rules.
Music: The music was amazing!! The OST also does just fine on its own.
WITH ONE EXCEPTION.
So, there's a soundtrack that plays a trumpet at one point, and this soundtrack is often used at inappropriate times. I don't remember it being a problem later on in the anime, but it stood out to me early-on. There would be a serious/tense moment, and the music would be okay with the mood, and then suddenly this trumpet starts to play and I think "What the heck?".
But seriously, the OST is great. Check it out: Link to Code Geass OST.
Introduction Sequence: So, there isn't an introduction sequence in Code Geass (and there is in R2). Having seen both, I can tell you that I definitely prefer the lack of introduction sequence. That may be just me, though, so if you really like introduction sequences, you might view the lack thereof to be a downside.
Note: Apparently, there was introduction sequences, my downloads just didn't include them.
Animation Style: The animation style was amazing! Everything had way too much work put into it, and it turned out to be beautiful. The eyes are a bit big for my liking, but that's me.
Examples:
Combat: The combat present in Code Geass is some of the best combat I have ever seen. Most is likened to a game of chess, which adds to the appeal. There's a lot of cognitive functioning going on for combat, but there's definitely a lot of the direct and fairly-simplistic fighting combat too. Keep in mind, if you're not a main character, you stand a small chance of surviving the battle (especially potentially if you're near the main character, because near-misses on main character's parts is devastating for those nearby).
Oh, and most of the fighting is done with mechas, called Nightmares.
Power Balance: This section is mostly gone over in the "believability" category. I will add that in the first few episodes, the power balance is actually really well-balanced, but as the anime goes on, more and more focus and power are put on main characters. If there was some middle ground between "main character" and "insignificant" on the battlefield, I'd be happier. There was one example, a guy I grew to like, but I think he's the only example of the middle ground aforementioned.
Darkness & Bloodiness: There's... a lot of blood... and a lot of dark... Keep in mind, though, there are a few lighthearted episodes to give you a break from this.
Philosophy: The philosophy present in this anime was unusually good. The main issues is: how does one change the government? One solution: change from the inside, where you join it and set the example and influence others positively. Another solution: remove it and create another, where you destroy the existing to create another one anew. Two main characters disagree on this issue, and this adds to the conflict of the anime positively.
Resolution:
Plot +
Characters +
Music +
Combat +
Darkness +
Power Balance -
Total Score: 9.9
Wallpapers:
AMV's:
Ignition (Toby Mac) - This AMV blows almost all AMV's I've seen out of the water. It's one of the best AMV's I've ever seen. Roxas, you must watch this.
Europa (Globus) - This is amazing!! It's very well-done, and manages to show many sides of the anime. Roxas, watch it!
Light 'Em Up (Fall Out Boy) - Eh, it won some competition, but it's not that great. I think it had some cursing.
~
For the Japanese, "Code Geass" (コードギアス ) is phonetic, "Lelouch" (ルルーシュ) is phonetic spelling {or perhaps how the name would be written}, "of the" (の) is correct Japanese correlation usage {"no" in transliteration}, and "Rebellion" (反逆の) is the concept of rebelling. It's an interesting blend of phonetic translation and literal translation.
Next Time: You can expect the character reviews for Code Geass to be released next time.
*there are exceptions that I'm temporarily/permanently avoiding for sake of the review, maybe because of first-to-second season discrepancies or other counterexamples. Resurrections don't count as being killed-- the dead stay dead.
Wolfe out.
As a forewarning, this review will be extensive, including a section to review certain characters individually. There are some anime that are simplex in nature (which doesn't necessarily mean they're bad-- I loved Shiki), but these anime will have shorter reviews as a result. Code Geass, however, had a lot of complexity to explore.
I'll start off by saying that I really really enjoyed the first season, and the second season had some nice bits too. While I'll juxtapose the first season with the second season (for a comparison), this review is on the first season only. Next week I'll come out with my review of the second season.
Described by Wikipedia as mecha, alternate history, supernatural, drama, tragedy, and psychological thriller, perhaps you now understand that there are many elements involved in this anime. I would personally label it as mech, drama, and action, with a lot of thinking involved (as in Death Note).
Concept: Not many spoilers here, as this information is quickly figured out in the first few episodes. Nonetheless, if you want to watch the show with absolutely no spoilers, you've been forewarned.
So, the main character, Lelouch, is a high school student. He's not your average high school student, though-- he likes to do underground chess. He'll ditch school during school hours and go to do battle with nobles and anyone who thinks they're all that and more. He's crazy intelligent, able to think ahead several moves. He also has an interesting philosophy-- that if the King doesn't move forward to set the example, his followers won't either. He's crazy good with chess, and is undefeated* too.
 |
| Well, they're dead*. Source. |
Plot: Things happen and the main character is now with an ability, his Geass. It allows him to issue a command that will be obeyed. Of course, this can only be done when direct eye contact is involved, and it can only work once per person, and the person will have no memory of you issuing the command*, and they cannot do the impossible (ex: "levitate off the ground").
 |
| Zero and the Black Knights. Source. |
Lelouch decides to use this ability to amass a group together, which he calls the Black Knights, in order to combat the ruling government of Brittania. He takes upon the identity of Zero, a masked figure, in order to rule this group while able to keep his personal life secret.
The anime that proceeds is [mostly] about the interactions between Zero and the Black Knights with the Brittanian Empire. Most interactions are in short little arcs that last from 1 to (guessing) 4 or 5 episodes, with most of them being 2-4 episodes long. Later on, everything becomes one giant arc, and there isn't really a line between this part and that part.
 |
| Lighthearted stuff is here too. Source. |
Also, if you're the type who tends to marathon shows, don't expect to be able to stop in the middle of a mini-arc. So, if you want to stop, stop when a mini-arc ends, otherwise you won't be able to. Lots of cliffhangers.
I loved the plot of Code Geass! Now, R2 is a different story...
 |
| Here's Suzaku. He's very important. Source. |
I will mention that main characters have a serious, serious edge. I'll go over this more in believability, but if you're not a major character, it doesn't matter how many years of experience in "x" you have, you're worthless.
Character reviews coming out in a separate post on another day! I don't wish to make this review any longer than it already is. I'll be focusing on the main characters for obvious reasons, and intend to include as many as possible.
 |
| It's a main character. They can't die*. Source. |
Believability: Okay, there were a lot of rules and physics that were adhered to. This made me happy. But the Main Character Invincibility did not make me happy.
Let me paint a picture of your typical battle: Huge army of soldiers on both sides, both being led by a special unit that (you guessed it) holds a main character. Main characters do combat, with their mega-death-beams missing each other and slaughtering the unfortunate insignificant characters behind them by the hundreds. At the end of the fight, regardless of who the victor is, it can be assured that both main characters (and their respective special mechas) survived.
I'll also go over the "attempt to be killed" to "killed" ratio:
Insignificant character:
Attempts to be killed: 1
Killed?: Yes
Not major nor minor character:
Attempts to be killed: ~4
Killed?: Maybe
Major character:
Attempts to be killed: ~340990
Killed?: Nope*
Keep in mind, this is me complaining about one small aspect of Believability. The majority of the anime was fairly believable, or at least stuck to its' self-assigned rules.
Music: The music was amazing!! The OST also does just fine on its own.
WITH ONE EXCEPTION.
So, there's a soundtrack that plays a trumpet at one point, and this soundtrack is often used at inappropriate times. I don't remember it being a problem later on in the anime, but it stood out to me early-on. There would be a serious/tense moment, and the music would be okay with the mood, and then suddenly this trumpet starts to play and I think "What the heck?".
But seriously, the OST is great. Check it out: Link to Code Geass OST.
Introduction Sequence: So, there isn't an introduction sequence in Code Geass (and there is in R2). Having seen both, I can tell you that I definitely prefer the lack of introduction sequence. That may be just me, though, so if you really like introduction sequences, you might view the lack thereof to be a downside.
Note: Apparently, there was introduction sequences, my downloads just didn't include them.
Animation Style: The animation style was amazing! Everything had way too much work put into it, and it turned out to be beautiful. The eyes are a bit big for my liking, but that's me.
Examples:
 |
| Lelouch! Source. |
 |
| C.C.! Source. |
 |
| Princess Cornelia, I believe. Source. |
Combat: The combat present in Code Geass is some of the best combat I have ever seen. Most is likened to a game of chess, which adds to the appeal. There's a lot of cognitive functioning going on for combat, but there's definitely a lot of the direct and fairly-simplistic fighting combat too. Keep in mind, if you're not a main character, you stand a small chance of surviving the battle (especially potentially if you're near the main character, because near-misses on main character's parts is devastating for those nearby).
 |
| This was pretty cool, those are units. Source. |
Oh, and most of the fighting is done with mechas, called Nightmares.
Power Balance: This section is mostly gone over in the "believability" category. I will add that in the first few episodes, the power balance is actually really well-balanced, but as the anime goes on, more and more focus and power are put on main characters. If there was some middle ground between "main character" and "insignificant" on the battlefield, I'd be happier. There was one example, a guy I grew to like, but I think he's the only example of the middle ground aforementioned.
 |
| Yeah, combat is pretty sweet. Source. |
Philosophy: The philosophy present in this anime was unusually good. The main issues is: how does one change the government? One solution: change from the inside, where you join it and set the example and influence others positively. Another solution: remove it and create another, where you destroy the existing to create another one anew. Two main characters disagree on this issue, and this adds to the conflict of the anime positively.
Resolution:
Plot +
Characters +
Music +
Combat +
Darkness +
Power Balance -
Total Score: 9.9
Wallpapers:
 |
| Source. |
 |
| Source. |
 |
| Source. |
 |
| Source. |
 |
| Source. |
AMV's:
Ignition (Toby Mac) - This AMV blows almost all AMV's I've seen out of the water. It's one of the best AMV's I've ever seen. Roxas, you must watch this.
Europa (Globus) - This is amazing!! It's very well-done, and manages to show many sides of the anime. Roxas, watch it!
Light 'Em Up (Fall Out Boy) - Eh, it won some competition, but it's not that great. I think it had some cursing.
~
For the Japanese, "Code Geass" (コードギアス ) is phonetic, "Lelouch" (ルルーシュ) is phonetic spelling {or perhaps how the name would be written}, "of the" (の) is correct Japanese correlation usage {"no" in transliteration}, and "Rebellion" (反逆の) is the concept of rebelling. It's an interesting blend of phonetic translation and literal translation.
Next Time: You can expect the character reviews for Code Geass to be released next time.
*there are exceptions that I'm temporarily/permanently avoiding for sake of the review, maybe because of first-to-second season discrepancies or other counterexamples. Resurrections don't count as being killed-- the dead stay dead.
Wolfe out.
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