Making this thread because the premiere episode of season 3 was hilarious and reminded me that more people on here need to watch/read this series. Because seriously, why don't you? It's one of the best and most accessible anime/manga comedies ever made.
Here are some clips on Youtube that I've watched time and time again:
The Armstrong Canon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZlhKkk-c3WE)
Objection (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A5fGufFWCI)
Gintoki's Zanpakuto (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOKJLxCrJe0)
Scouter (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqS88XC7ZEU)
Katsura Likes Mickey Mouse (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehkzOT0NlQE)
Candidates for Gokuon (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTmDzWotCxg)
Katsurap (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KbXrmfY7uU)
Goddess of Victory (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLhCJaCDYO0)
Gintoki's Motivation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15YyOi_DjWk)
Ashita no Joe/Hajime no Ippo Parody (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4l8ZC48ZYZY)
Fight for Toilet Paper (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hGSfJGBKJ0)
Taka-tin (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18O44LNQONc)
Shikigami Drama (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOhG5ROZHnY)
Hijikata looks for the Dragon Ooey-gooey Balls (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXodMJEbmDY) (skip to 10:50)
Making Shonen Jump Manga (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgQJcdDnKdg) (skip to 8:50)
Also, while I don't always enjoy the series as much when it tries to do a more serious arc, it's capable of some cool action. Here are two fights from the series I particularly enjoy rewatching:
Kamui vs. Hosen (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPoMkaitu6k)
Kagura vs. Abuto (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOg15a_UA2o)
I've seen bits and pieces of the series before. The comedy can be pretty hit or miss for me, but it's great when it gets it right.
I would watch a Gintaman anime.
Who?
Quote from: Avaitor on April 08, 2015, 02:09:09 PM
Who?
Spark's referencing this clip:
Quote from: Cartoon X on April 08, 2015, 01:31:15 PM
Making Shonen Jump Manga (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgQJcdDnKdg) (skip to 8:50)
So apparently the opening skit of yesterday's episode was satirizing an apology speech given by an actual japanese politician. (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interest/2015-04-09/new-gintama-season-mocks-bawling-japanese-politician/.86955) Here is the comparison video. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPnkJJnla4k) I thought the joke was already hilarious by itself, but knowing what exactly it's referencing just makes it even funnier. :lol:
I've been wondering when they'd adapt this. (http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2015/06/03-1/video-gintama-anime-prepares-to-adapt-popular-gender-swap-arc) ;D
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FPzMNSdol.jpg&hash=efeab5fe161ab9c71c7d8b82ee70e385da630526)
I forgot to mention this earlier, but holy shit, that new ending. It looks like the Shogun Assassination arc is finally on it's way! :shakeshakeshake:
The "Shogun Assassination" arc has been confirmed to being in the anime starting this December. (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-11-03/gintama-anime-enters-shogun-assassination-arc-in-december/.94953)
While I'm hyped as shit to see it animated, I'm definitely puzzled as to why they are starting it so soon. There are enough comedy arcs left in the series to last a cour and a half, and they won't have a chance to animate those after they start the SA arc, unless they present them as filler or "lost episodes" or something. I'm assuming they are planning to cover both the SA and the "Farewell, Shinsengumi" arcs to round up a year-length run for the season, and then comeback whenever they can to adapt the still-ongoing and presumably final arc. Though, if they time it just right, they might not have to take a break and be able to adapt the final arc straight through. Guess we'll just have to see how it all pans out. In the meantime...I'm going to just have to contain my excitement for December. Oh man, what a ride it's going to be...
I've never really dived into this show before outside of random episodes, but I keep hearing this upcoming arc basically changes the whole dynamic of the series. It apparently hasn't had a comedy chapter in well over a year by now. Like Toriko, it appears to be nearing the end.
If I wanted a crash course in the actual story (outside the comedy) what would be the episodes to watch?
...Gintama has a story? :o
Quote from: Foggle on November 05, 2015, 09:51:09 PM
...Gintama has a story? :o
Yup. :sweat:
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on November 05, 2015, 09:08:31 PM
I've never really dived into this show before outside of random episodes, but I keep hearing this upcoming arc basically changes the whole dynamic of the series. It apparently hasn't had a comedy chapter in well over a year by now. Like Toriko, it appears to be nearing the end.
If I wanted a crash course in the actual story (outside the comedy) what would be the episodes to watch?
You heard right. There hasn't been a comedy chapter for almost a year and a half now, and the series does look to be ending pretty soon.
Though it has an overarching story, I consider
Gintama is a comedy first and foremost. Skipping all the comedy episodes and just watching the plot-related ones is really missing out, imo. It'd be like only watching the episodes of
Detective Conan that had the Black Organization in them, and skipping all the other individual cases, even though those episodes still often feature equally important character development, and are still well worth watching and a lot of fun.
But, if you really want to watch just the most key story arcs in
Gintama and nothing else, then in the order of how they're presented in the anime, I'd say the most important to watch would be:
Episode 3-12 - Various Character Introduction Episodes
Episode 13 - Harusame Arc
Episode 14 - Soyo's Introduction
Episode 15 - Elizabeth's Introduction
Episode 17 - Gengai Arc
Episode 22 - Sacchan's Introduction
Episode 23 - Sakamoto's Introduction
Episode 24 - Saigou's Introduction
Episode 26 - Takachin's Introduction
Episodes 27-28 - Rengokukan Arc
Episodes 31-32 - Memory Loss Arc
Episode 37 - Zenzou's Introduction
Episode 39 - Ikumatsu's Introduction
Episodes 40-43 - Umibozu Arc
Episodes 43-44 - Go-Ninja Arc
Episodes 45-46 - Inugami Arc
Episode 48 - Zenzou's Father's Funeral
Episode 49 - Kada's Introduction
Episodes 51-52 - Infant Strife Arc
Episode 53 - Tatsumi's Introduction
Episodes 54-55 - Mother Arc
Episodes 58-62 - Benizakura Arc (also adapted as the first
Gintama movie)
Episodes 69-71 - Fuyo Arc
Episodes 76-81 - Yagyu Arc
Episode 83 - Shige Shige's Introduction
Episodes 84-85 - Hard-Boiled Detective Arc
Episodes 86-87 - Okita Mitsuba Arc
Episode 88 - Gokon episode
Episodes 101-105 - Shinsengumi Crises Arc
Episodes 115-118 - Ryugujo Arc
Episodes 139-146 - Yoshiwara Arc
Episodes 157-163 - Otsu Arc
Episodes 167-170 - Tama Quest Arc
Episodes 177-181 - Red Spider Arc
Episodes 182-184 - Popularity Poll Arc
Episodes 186-187 - Rokkaku Arc
Episode 205 - Yamazaki Becomes Addicted to Anpan
Episodes 207-208 - Glasses Arc
Episodes 210-215 - Four Devas Arc
Episodes 232-235 - Renho Arc
Episodes 244-247 - Thorny Arc
Episodes 253-256 - Kintama Arc
Episodes 257-261 - Courtesan of a Nation Arc
Episodes 262-264 - Beam Sword Style Arc
Episode 268 - Yamazaki & Tama's Marriage Meeting
Episodes 271-272 - Patriot Reunion Party Arc
Episodes 275-277 - Dekoboko Arc
Episodes 279-281 - Shinigami Arc
Episodes 283-284 - Confessional Arc
Episodes 290-291 - Kaientai Arc
Episodes 294-295 - Afro Arc
OVAs - Love Potion Arc
Episodes 300-307 - Shogun Assassination Arc
Episodes 308-316 - Farewell, Shinsengumi Arc
Episodes 317-328 - Rakuyou Arc
Episodes 329-??? - Silver Soul Arc
Not Yet Animated:
Chapters 431-433 - Homeless Arc
I don't have any problems watching the comedy episodes, I've already seen a couple of them, I'm just interested in seeing the story since I've yet to really see any of it beyond the very beginning. Plus, the show is going to be over 300 episodes. There's a lot there I could go back and watch later.
Thanks for the list, though. Maybe I'll check a bunch of this out before the seriousness starts and keep up with it when it gets there.
There was a 2-Minute Teaser for the Shogun Assassination arc at the end of this week's episode. (http://www.crunchyroll.com/gintama/episode-297-keep-your-farewells-short-682671)
HYPED.
I just finished filling my gaps with the manga this week, and re-read both the Shogun Assassination and the Farewell, Shinsengumi arcs. They were even better the second time around and with the proper context of having read through the series beginning to end, and are not only two of the all time greatest arcs to ever come out of Shonen Jump, but also anime and manga in general. If we had made our list this year instead of last, I would have definitely pushed for one or both of them to be on there in as high a spot as possible. I am more excited than ever to see them animated. December 2nd can't come fast enough!
An extended trailer for the Shogun Assassination arc was shown in the Jump Festa special. (http://www.crunchyroll.com/gintama/gintama-season-3-gintama-jump-special-anime-festa-2015-688945)
As for the special itself, it was mostly a Food Wars! parody, and it was hilarious. Reminds me and makes me want to see that special crossover chapter that featured all the Jump heroines eating Soma's cooking made into a animated short for one of these events.
Looks good.
Also I enjoyed a bunch of the more serious episodes you posted before. The show can be very funny, but when contrasted with the more serious parts it makes it much more interesting as a whole. I'll definitely try to watch more before this arc starts.
Glad you're enjoying the show! :)
If you don't mind me asking, which episodes have you watched so far?
I watched a bunch of the stuff up to episode 28. I'd mostly only seen random episodes here and there outside of the first few episodes, so it was fun.
Cool! I'll be curious to see your thoughts when you get to Benizakura, since that's the series' first really "big" arc. I also recommend watching the movie version of that arc when you do get to it. I recently revisited it myself, and the animation and pacing is a lot sharper and crisper, which makes for an enhanced experience, I feel. I don't suggest watching the dub of the movie, though. As the only part of Gintama to ever be dubbed, it's not a bad effort, but it just doesn't stack up with the original performances, imo.
Looks like ANN wrote an article (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2015-11-25/a-quick-easy-guide-to-the-gintama-drama/.95789) about Gintama's storyline.
It's funny how its so well known as a wacky comedy that so few people know about the story aspects. Not that the comedy isn't funny, but there is a lot there you might miss out on like I did before. I'm the type of person who prefers drama interspersed with comedy, so they are my preferred episodes of the series.
I'm sure next week when the next arc starts should be very interesting.
So far, this ED (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28QdpzqqQg) has been the best one so far. And Gintama has some really good ones.
I have to say, I'm really digging the balance of humor and seriousness in these episodes. But I can easily see either taking over at any point. I think I'm really going to enjoy it when it goes into serious mode later on.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on November 25, 2015, 10:33:33 AM
Looks like ANN wrote an article (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2015-11-25/a-quick-easy-guide-to-the-gintama-drama/.95789) about Gintama's storyline.
It's funny how its so well known as a wacky comedy that so few people know about the story aspects. Not that the comedy isn't funny, but there is a lot there you might miss out on like I did before. I'm the type of person who prefers drama interspersed with comedy, so they are my preferred episodes of the series.
I'm sure next week when the next arc starts should be very interesting.
I certainly hope you didn't read that article thoroughly and spoil yourself. :sweat: The plot developments are best experienced rather than just simply reading about them.
But yeah, one of
Gintama's biggest strengths is how it's effortlessly able to jump back and forth with it's characters and world from being light and silly in one episode to being dark and serious in the another. The core underlying story and character development is incredibly strong, and when
Gintama buckles down on it's serious story arcs, it's arguably one of the most mature series that has ever been run in Jump. I love the series' comedy and consider it one first and foremost, but I admit that the more serious chapters/episodes/storylines tend to be some of my favorites in it.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on November 26, 2015, 07:56:53 PM
So far, this ED (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q28QdpzqqQg) has been the best one so far. And Gintama has some really good ones.
I have to say, I'm really digging the balance of humor and seriousness in these episodes. But I can easily see either taking over at any point. I think I'm really going to enjoy it when it goes into serious mode later on.
I love the fifth ending as well.
Gintama really does have a lot of good themes. The twelfth ending (especially the montage version used at the end of the Yoshiwara arc), and the current ending are probably my overall favorites, though I do really like the 2nd and 8th ending themes as well (which is amusing considering one thing they both have in common).
I'll be curious to see your thoughts on the some of the more "serious-mode" arcs when you get to them, especially once you get to Yoshiwara and beyond. :)
Well, the 300th episode of Gintama has recently aired, starting off the long-awaited "Shogun Assassination" arc. To commemorate the occasion, I was thinking of doing a list of my favorite episodes in the series. However, while I've read all the manga, I haven't actually watched all the anime. In fact, I honestly have only seen about the 4th of the episodes, and while that's a large sum and I can use my favorite manga chapters for reference in ranking other episodes, I don't feel comfortable in doing a favorite episodes list for the series until I've legitimately watched all 300+. So instead, I'll post up a list I can easily do: a favorite arcs list. Which is fitting, considering we're celebrating the series most beloved and lauded arc so far being animated. For this list, however, I'll exclude any arcs that haven't been fully animated in the anime yet so as to not spoil anime-only watchers, so I'll be leaving out the "Shogun Assassination" arc, even though it'd rank at the top if I were to include it.
TOP 10 GINTAMA ARCS (excluding Shogun Assassination & beyond):
10. Beam Sword Style (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61AibgyuY6E)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Buy0AXSCEAABGSW.jpg)
This is an incredibly personal arc for the Shimura siblings, as well as their relationship with Gintoki. Hajime is an instantly lovable character, with a fun personality and great chemistry with the rest of the cast. This makes his circumstances all the more tragic, and the Shimura siblings' internal struggle of needing to kill someone so close to them hit all the harder. And it's a remarkable showing for how much Gintoki cares for them that he takes it upon himself to make that hard decision, and protect them from suffering from making a cruel choice like he once did, even if it means he becomes a heartless killer in their eyes. But Gintoki also to the very end tries to find a way to save Hajime, and save the life of his friends' loved one, risking his own to do so. Ultimately, it's not to be, and Shinpachi takes it upon himself to settle things with Hajime and stop the Biimu's plans with his own hands. The final clash between Shinpachi and Hajime is an incredible moment for his character, and the ending of the arc, where the Shimura siblings come back from this crises rejuvenated, ready to move forward and smile on like Hajime always would, is one of the most heartwarming moments in the show. One of the best character development arcs for Shinpachi and Otae, and Gintoki's actions in this arc take on a whole new meaning after considering the revelations in the Shogun Assassination arc, only adding to the depth of emotion this small but awesome arc contains.
9. Otsu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXtWNtAWbIQ)
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F40.media.tumblr.com%2Fdcb79e0205b7d047e0ac18defe33f2af%2Ftumblr_nmymrwLhjz1u66ey1o4_500.jpg&hash=b8d844376a40da838809af5d28bf31f65a3f2a92)
Hands down the funniest arc in the series. The conclusion to the Tosshi subplot that began in the "Shinsengumi Crisis" arc, this is a great arc for Shinpachi, who has to defend his status as the leader of Otsu's official fan club by competing with Tosshi and the Shinsengumi in a series of bizarre and strange trials with a rag-tag team of Gintoki, Kagura, and the infamous fan-favorite character Takatin, a thoroughly unconvincing double for the injured Takachin who shouts bizarre engrish and doesn't know a lick of japanese. The arc just gets crazier and crazier right up until to the epic finish, which starts out as a hilariously strange Yu-Gi-Oh! parody before suddenly turning into a Ashita no Joe and Hajime no Ippo send-up. Of all the pure comedy arcs in the series, this one is the most ripe with memorable, iconic moments, and provides a great character showing for Shinpachi, and a rare bit of bonding between him and Hijikata. But really, Takatin alone makes this arc worthy of being considered one of the series' best.
8. Thorny (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sonGT-R_hzo)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CNJ0AmQUkAErfW7.jpg)
This is one of the most essential arcs for Hijikata's character. We find out his tragic upbringing, and his estrangement from his family after his elder brother lost his eyesight protecting him. He went berserk on them in turn, causing him to be feared and shunned by everyone in his village, labeled as "Thorny" Toushiro, and forced to become a ronin at a young age. Hijikata's relationship with his brother and ideas of family are sharply contrasted by the arc's villain, and my favorite antagonist in the series, Sasaki Isaburo. Though we later learn more about why Isaburo is the way he is much later on, he comes across as a no-nonsense, elitist officer to a fault here, allowing no mercy and forgiveness for anyone who can't live up to his standards, and won't hesitate to kill his own brother for the sake of the law. Hijikata's surrogate elder brother relationship with Tetsunosuke, and the way he and the rest of Shinsengumi risk their entire organization by defying the Miwarigumi and pulling off all the stops to rescue Tetsunosuke before Isaburo can execute him, really shows how the Shinsengumi are one big family to each other much like the Yorozuya are, and will always stick up for one of their own. Applying it back into Hijikata's backstory, it becomes clear just why he's so loyal to Kondo and a bunch of guys who continually exasperate him. They are his family, and he isn't going to let one of his family suffer because he wasn't smart or strong enough to protect them again. The final scene of the arc, where Gintoki and Tetsunosuke go to visit Hijikata's brother and learn a surprising detail about Hijikata's correspondence with him after he left the village, is a powerful and poignant note. This isn't the first arc to show the strengths of Hijikata's character and devotion to the Shinsengumi, the "Shinsengumi Crisis" arc was another strong showing for him. But the contrasts between him and Isaburo, his relationship with Tetsunosuke, and details about his backstory push this arc above that one in my eyes, and among the best arcs in the series.
7. Red Spider (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmBsngquHZU)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/a7bbd07afcab02e14d95250ed29d90af/tumblr_mnklymXpOn1s3zzn5o1_500.jpg)
Gintoki's relationship with Shoyou had only been touched upon in the Benizakura arc, but here we delve deeper into what he meant to him, and the influence he had on his life. Gintoki was a loner and a killer as a young child, living by the sword, surrounding himself in fields filled with corpses and blood. Shoyou approached him with kindness and trust like he had never received from anyone before, and led him on a path where he would not need to use his sword to survive, but to protect. Gintoki's relationship with Shoyou is sharply contrasted by the arc's villain, Jiraia, and his master-student relationship with Tsukuyo, who also gets some fantastic development in this arc. Not to mention this is one of the few serious arcs to feature Zenzou in a prominent role, and the bits of his character we get here are valuable to keep in mind considering how integral he is in the Shogun Assassination arc. Credit also has to be given to the anime version of this arc, which frames Gintoki's backstory and his final battle with Jiraia in a gorgeous black and white rendering that adds so much style, atmosphere, and emotion to the whole affair that brings it up to another level, which is incredible considering how well it reads in the manga already.
6. Renho (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEm1xzDmGXs)
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi221.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd113%2FRutherford25%2FGintama%2FEliFamily.png&hash=cc93db2548a0e6e2f1bfeff21eb5b93c50c5c523)
Somehow the series managed to take a joke character like Elizabeth and make him/her a compelling and layered character and make him the center of a surprisingly epic and hilarious arc. What really makes the arc is the friendship between Katsura and Elizabeth, and how far they go to protect the other and their dream. Still, this arc is mostly up so high for how fun and ridiculous it is. I mean, a bunch of Elizabeths running around, one of them being an unabashed parody of Fujiko Mine, their leader being an obvious Darth Vader expy, all piloting Gundam look-alikes, and their base being the Death Star except with Elizbeth's face? What's not to love about that? Plus, Sakamoto and Mutsu make a return in this arc after being gone for hundreds for episodes/chapters and get to do some cool and funny stuff that makes it all the more disappointing that they don't appear often enough. This arc combines epic space battles with parodies up the wazoo and dumb joke one after the other, all the while making Elizabeth and Katsura's ordeal compelling as it is bizarre. And just when you think the arc is going to end on a sentimental note, you're reminded that you're watching Gintama in the best way possible.
5. Yagyu (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwpp2WaRKF4)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CRS8DrMUcAAqG3P.jpg)
This arc has got to be one of the best balances of humor and drama in the entire series. This is the first arc that really has truly stand-out, memorable fights, the final battle between Gintoki and Shinpachi against Kyubei and Binbokusai being a particular highlight. The development for Otae as she struggles with trying to do what's best for both her family and best friend even if it's not what she wants is excellent, as is Shinpachi's unrelenting persistence to rescue his sister from being forced into an arranged marriage. Kyubei is one of the series' best characters, and works well in this arc as a great antagonist, but with enough sympathetic elements that makes for a believable and dynamic protagonist in later appearances. This arc is also notable as the first one in which the Yorozuya and Shinsengumi really work together to fight a common enemy. Sure, Okita enlisted their help to take down the Rengokukan, but that's was an off the books affair. These characters had been rivals and mostly antagonistic to each other before this arc, so to see them work together as equals against powerful enemies neither group could defeat on their own is a great development, and finally smoothens out the tension between the groups. And of course, the highlight of the arc is undoubtedly the infamous "Toilet Paper" episode/chapter, in which Gintoki, Kondo, Binbokusai, and Toujou all try to outwit each other in effort to secure usable toilet paper, the results being a non-stop string of hilarity. This arc is arguably representative of the series as a whole in how it balances humor, drama, and it's characters so well. Honestly, if I were to recommend an arc to people unsure if whether Gintama would be something they'd be interested in, it might very well be this one.
4. Kintama (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eRm03oEL68)
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-VNJi5RuvHf8%2FUIAjyxI7nQI%2FAAAAAAAAOfE%2FAhF54slnwgg%2Fs1600%2F582831-kintama_super.png&hash=329c332262dbbd5aae7bc8d9ecce6ba8efd69adf)
The cast of Gintama ain't afraid to screw with Gintoki, even going so far as to troll him on several occasions. But Gintoki is a friend they love and admire, and no arc shows that more than this one. They might be under mind control, but the feelings the gang feel for Kintoki are how they honestly feel towards Gintoki, and as Gintoki desperately tries to make them remember him, those memories get put back in place and their bond with him proves stronger than any mind-control, memory-erasing, series-rebooting voodoo Kintoki can attempt. Speaking of, Kintoki is an excellent villain. He knows to hit Gintoki where it hurts him most, and how to use his relationships with his friends against him in twisted ways, turning everyone against him and out for his head. This is one of the most personal arcs for the Yorozuya and their bond, and the ending feels like a true celebration of it's characters. This arc shows, to put it in Gintoki's own words, that "the main character of Gintama is every last idiot alive in this show!" And that's just what makes it just so special and entertaining.
3. Courtesan of a Nation (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUHppam17ck)
(https://40.media.tumblr.com/816221d6802e51c6335acfcecc96a0da/tumblr_mgsb9lod6p1qm3b7ao1_500.png)
This is one of the biggest arcs in the series up to this point, with the gang going up against the friggin' Shogun and his forces! Well, the man behind the shogun anyway, his adviser the ex-Shogun Sadasada, who true to his name, is one sadistic and cruel man. The struggle to reunite Maizo and Suzuran before it's too late, expose Sadasada's duplicity to Shigeshige and free Edo from the Tendoshuu's hold, only get more emotional intense as the arc does on, and the payoff is utterly satisfying. There are so many characters involved in this arc, and they all get their moment of shine, from Sasaki and Nobume, who get really fleshed out in this arc and are developed into even more dynamic characters, to Shigeshige, who has a real moment of badass which is all the more so considering his joke character status before this arc, and of course, the clash between Gintoki and Oboro, an old enemy from the Joi War, and the man behind Shoyou's arrest. This arc moved the story of Gintama forward in a big way, full of essential revelations and character developments, with ramifications that explode in the Shogun Assassination arc, and the series beyond.
2. Kabuki-cho Four Devas (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwv_ERDCjDk)
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcs312826.vk.me%2Fv312826918%2F5154%2F6py1d2OHIEY.jpg&hash=c80449c00b6efc7fefd18074b99221bda784fed2)
Over 200+ episodes/300+ chapters, one gets a good sense of Kabuki-cho as a community, and the internal politics and social relationships that keep it afloat. The exploding power struggle between the four great powers of the city, Otose, Saigou, Kada, and Jirocho, almost threatens to destroy it for good. More importantly, it threatens to leave the Yorozuya and their friends without a home, as Jirocho, a powerful gangster with a deep history with Otose, finally decides to go after her head. Jirocho's past and Gintoki's prove to be as similar as their personalities contrast, and their respective relationships with Otose make for the core conflict of the arc and a fight of wills that's deeply personal. This arc is a fantastic showing of the strength of Kabuki-cho as a community, and explores various forms and expressions of love, family, and honor, making for one of the tightest but emotionally raw arcs in the entire series. But as well-done as it is, there's still one pre-Shogun Assassination arc I hold in even higher regard....
1. Yoshiwara (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_5Fzgio1ZI)
(https://ghiffreviews.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/yoshiwara-arc-gintama-21516257-1738-2462.jpg?w=440)
I LOVE the Yoshiwara arc. Even though the Shogun Assassination and Farewell, Shinsengumi arcs rank higher, Yoshiwara is still the first arc that comes to mind when I think of the series. Like the best of Gintama's serious arcs, it's epic, it's tragic, it has a powerful ending. What sets it apart for me? The setting of Yoshiwara, a city where the sun literally never shines, a hellish cage for all those who live there? Seita and Hinowa's story, which is a powerful story of family not needing to be biological to be an unbreakable bond of love and devotion? The long-awaited debut of Kamui, Kagura's long built-up brother with a sinister personality hiding beneath his unassuming cheerfulness, and his subordinate Abuto, perhaps the coolest and snarkiest villain right-hand man ever? The debut of Tsukuyo, one of the series most complex and badass female characters? The incredible fights, perhaps the best the series has ever had even to this day?
Or perhaps it's greatest strength lies in it's villain, Hosen. Hosen to me has the charisma and aura of a villain that few other antagonists in the series has. Like Kenshin's Shishio, One Piece's Lucci, or Dragon Ball's Freeza, Hosen represents something far bigger then himself. Hosen is the symbol of Yoshiwara's stagnation and suffering; he fears the sun, yet yearns for it. He lives in luxury, feared for his power, but is unfulfilled, and empty. He clings to the hope, the light he sees in Hinowa, and hordes her for himself for his pleasure, in the process robbing her of freedom and her own happiness. Everyone living in Yoshiwara, Hinowa, Tsukyuo, and yes, even Hosen, is trapped by their own fear and yearning for freedom, and the light of the sun. Hosen's denial of what he truly desires, and his horrible mistreatment of other people, is destructive for both himself and Yoshiwara as a whole. But more than that, Hosen was the force that bound the women of Yoshiwara to their hell of sex slavery; he was an evil that had to be stopped, that needed to be stopped, for everyone's sake.
And that's what I think makes this arc resonate with me so much. It's sense of sheer desperation for everyone involved. From beginning to end, it's about a desperate struggle between forces of good and evil, between freedom and slavery, and the right to live and to love how one wants to. Characters fight against destinies set upon them by other forces, from Tsukuyo's rebellion against Hosen, to Kagura fighting against her Yato bloodlust. And the most triumphant moment in the arc, probably my favorite moment in the entire series, is when everything pays off, good triumphs against evil, and everyone and their sins are purified by a cleansing ray of sunshine. Even Hosen, who finally realizes what he forgot so long ago as he lies dying in Hinowa's pitying arms, passing away tragically but peacefully with a smile. The only one who doesn't come out a stronger, better person for the ordeal is Kamui, who haughtily dismisses the lesson Hosen tries to teach him before he perishes, content to live to fight and for pleasure like he always has, something I feel he'll realize the destructiveness of all too soon when he inevitably clashes with his father and sister again.
So yeah, the Yoshiwara arc has A LOT going for it, and I love it to death. While I enjoyed the series before, this was when Gintama really clicked with me. The characters, story, and even the comedy all seemed to become richer and better afterwards, turning it into the climbing favorite of mine, and me into a passionate fan. The emotional rawness and highs I experienced reading, and then watching, this arc wasn't rivaled until the Shogun Assassination and Farewell, Shinsengumi arcs, and I'm still not sure whether they truly surpass this arc in my heart for me. Nonetheless, Yoshiwara is one Gintama's finest hours and finest arcs, and together with the rest of the great arcs on this list, is a statement of the series consistently excellent quality, and it's status as one of Shonen Jump's all time greatest series.
So, that's my list! As always, I took too much time to write this, but I wanted to write it for a while, so it feels nice to finally do so. There's actually another list of this nature I've been wanting to get around to writing up for a while...but I'm going to have to wait on that for a while to come, since I have some pretty packed weeks ahead of me. :sweat:
I'm actually up to the Yagyu arc right now.
Though I can't really comment on any of the others because I haven't seen them yet. :sweat:
Yeah, I know I'm probably the only person on these forums who has read/watched all of Gintama, but I still wanted to write that list to commemorate the new arc being animated and the series 300th episode, even if no one commented on it. :D
What would you say has been your favorite arc/episode so far, if you don't mind me asking? :)
Best comedic: Fuyo Arc / Infant Strife Arc
Best dramatic: Benizakura Arc
Umibozu (serious) and Go-Ninja (comedic) would be runners-up.
Gintoki is my favorite character so far, though Katsura comes close at times.
Great list, CX! I really need to watch Gintama from the beginning at some point. I have about 26 episodes left to watch of Detective Conan before I'm caught up, so I might start it once I'm done with that (which should be by the end of the month :)).
And I just finished up the Yagyu arc. Great stuff.
I felt a new sorrow for Kondo here.
But yes, the drama and comedy was really well balanced here. Though the highlight to me was the Kagura/Sogo team up. They probably have the best interplay of any two characters outside of the main three.
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on December 04, 2015, 10:52:54 AM
Best comedic: Fuyo Arc / Infant Strife Arc
Best dramatic: Benizakura Arc
Umibozu (serious) and Go-Ninja (comedic) would be runners-up.
Gintoki is my favorite character so far, though Katsura comes close at times.
Good choices! Benizakura is great, and I know many fans would put it in their top tens, though it missed the cut on mine. I also love the Umibozu and Fuyo arcs, with the former providing great character development for Kagura, and the latter introducing one of my favorite recurring characters, Tama. Glad you enjoyed the Yagyu arc as well! :)
Gintoki might also be my favorite character in the series. Between the comedic and serious sides of him, there's a lot of layers, nuances, and depth to his character that really makes him stand out as a protagonist, especially for a shonen series. Katsura is also a great character, and probably places around the bottom my top 5, with Kagura, Hasegawa, and Tsukuyo ranking somewhere in between him and Gintoki.
Oh, and just so you know, I just added a couple of episodes and arcs to the list I posted before that, upon thinking about them, while maybe not essential plot episodes, are actually pretty significant character development pieces. There were a couple of episodes before the Yagyu arc that I hadn't put on there before in particular, in case you want to go back and watch those before moving forward.
The Hard Boiled detective arc had so many great jokes. From Kagura riding off on the stupid motorcycle to the dramatically epic final confrontation with the seven thieves it was top notch from beginning to end. That conveyor belt scene alone played off so many other jokes and lines in the episodes.
Though for some reason I couldn't stop laughing at Gintoki's reaction to the demon sword's origin in the Shinsengumi Crises arc. His actor is one of the best I've ever heard in a subbed anime. He can jump back and forth between comedy and drama with ease and his line readings are always dead on.
I realize I've hijacked this thread but there's not much I can do about that, so...
In other news, I've passed the halfway point of the anime and am just before the Red Spider arc so I thought I'd give general impressions for the anime. It's been a ride so far.
The first is that Sorachi improved tremendously as a writer as he went on. His comedy is hit or miss near the beginning and the drama is solid, but I was really reminded of why I wasn't hooked when the manga first came out and why it was so unpopular back then. Later arcs are much more dramatic by relying on stronger characters and motivations, and the comedy is far more engaging instead of relying only on simple gross-out or sex gags by having characters in compromising or over the top situations and having them play out according to how they should. It gets more elaborate. That's a long way to say that it gets much better as it goes.
Watching episodes where Gintoki and Hijikata are handcuffed together work better when you see how serious that take their jobs in arcs like the Shinsengumi Crises arc. You simply have more frame of the characters to work with which allows Sorachi to really do what he wants whenever he wants to do it. Gintama really excels when it plays with character relationships such as shifting Sogo from outright hating Hijikata to instead making him tease him incessantly and trying to get his job instead which only happened because of how the characters changed with the events of the series.
Also, a lot of kudos has to be given to the anime staff, especially the voice actors. How they can slide from situation to situation and emotion to emotion on a dime and still work is thanks to them. By the animators and directors really manage to nail both comedic timing and intense fights which really sell the story. Of course the writing is good too, with just about every joke you can imagine, and the dramatic stuff is incredibly sharp being no less intense than the animation.
Suffice to say, I'll probably be watching it for more than a random episode here or there from now on.
On a sort of related subject, I decided to do a top ten of the best OPs and EDs that I've seen so far. Keep in mind that I'm not caught up yet, so there is probably good stuff you won't see here, but again, there's little to be done about that.
Without further ado:
10. "Asa Answer" by PENGIN (https://youtu.be/rmw0JJlj9Zs) (ED - episodes 151-163)
Probably the best comedic ending. The art style is very cool and the song is majorly catchy, always making this a pleasant listen. I especially like how it basically envelopes every comedic relationship in the series in little spurts while keeping the visuals constantly moving. It's probably the best purely comedic ending (without any disrespect to Mr. Raindrop) as a whole.
9. "Wo Ai Ni" by Hitomi Takahashi & The Beat Crusaders (https://youtu.be/Mp1CAZh3EaQ) (ED - episodes 164-176)
I like how this one highlights the ladies of Gintama and their relationships with the guys as it cycles further along. The visuals are really striking at the same time as being comedic and touching in alternate characters. The song is majorly catchy, too. But it is the Beat Crusaders, who have never failed in that department. I was legit disappointed when it was time for this ED to go.
8. "Kasanaru Kage" by Hearts Grow (https://youtu.be/FL3vlCHxMMY) (OP - episodes 76-99)
This is one of the best balanced OPs for both the dramatic and comedic sides of Gintama. Also important for being focused around the Yagyu arc which was a very important one (which also balanced comedy and drama) and having one of the best songs in the series. It was always a pleasure when this one came on.
7. "Tooi Nioi" by YO-KING (https://youtu.be/jbv5rCcTCfc) (OP - episodes 25-49)
Of course this one is a fan fave, but I mostly like it for how it sums up the feel of the early points of the series really well. The song is a grower, too, being that I initially passed it off as forgettable until I started humming it. So this might seem a bit higher than I'd normally put it, but I can't deny that it sticks to you like glue.
6. "Giniro no Sora" by redballoon (https://youtu.be/4uHbNfZDxqA) (OP - episodes 50-75)
For a long time this was my favorite OP in Gintama. It's still up there, but it didn't drop because I enjoy it less. The song and visuals establish both a sense of joy and nostalgia which is a good counterpoint to a certain serious arc that occurs during it. It also helps that it really wedges itself into your head after about the third listen. This was about the time I realized I might like Gintama more than I initially did.
5. "Sanagi" by POSSIBILITY (https://youtu.be/HB2XX_MLjQU) (ED - episodes 100-112)
Of all the EDs in this series that are awesome (and most of them are), this one came out of nowhere. A reflection of the childhood of each of the Gintama characters which is pretty much a counterpoint to an earlier ED, this one is filled with a sense of hope for the future whereas the other looked back on the past with dread and the future with more uncertainty. The song, especially, lasts long in your head after the episode ends.
4. "Donten" by DOES (https://youtu.be/YCq4-r9annU) (OP - episodes 100-125)
Gintama isn't known for its serious arcs, but I, for one, actually tend to prefer them, especially early on when the comedy was shakier. But this OP is the first one that perfectly encapsulates the dramatic tension that happens during the more serious moments, especially the arc this one is framed around. This OP is literally about the calm before the storm and could probably fit anywhere in the series during a dramatic arc. It's definitely one of the best in the series.
3. "Kagayaita" by SHIGI (https://youtu.be/6rZD5furPJQ) (ED - episodes 139-150)
I always really liked this ED, for both being really strong in the visual and art department, but because it is the best possible choice for the Yoshiwara arc. The backing of the arc actually makes the visuals and song hit harder than they might otherwise. The ending in particular is a good reflection of what is one of the strongest arcs in the series, without question. Very melancholy with a sense of hope at the end, Kagayaita is one of the best songs in the series.
2. "Shura" by DOES (https://youtu.be/q28QdpzqqQg) (ED - episodes 50-62)
This is the best ED in Gintama that happened when the series began to find solid footing in its first really strong arc. Considering this conflict is one of the main storyline conflicts and sources of drama throughout the series, this ED is always relevant to the story. The song contains enough power and menace to really pull out what the characters are fighting for and gives a lot of drive for fans to tune in for the next episode. Really, I'm not so sure Gintama can ever top this ED, though they've come close. It's just too strong.
1. "Pray" by Tommy Heavenly6 (https://youtu.be/REHaJZgWwxY) (OP - episodes 1-24)
I actually didn't expect this to rank at all. To be honest, I never thought much of this song or OP at all until about after watching Yoshiwara and convincing one of my friends that the show actually got better by playing him the Gengai arc (bad internet connection caught that short, though) and the OP replayed. All of a sudden, everything clicked. I think this OP works better when you look back on it from seeing far more of the show. It encapsulates everything about Gintama from the comedy to the characters to the drama with a song that does exactly the same at all the right places. It's strange that I never thought much about it originally, but it has since become what I figure is the best song in Gintama. Who would have thunk it?
Anyway, that's my list. Anybody else got any other favorites you hate me for missing? I'm sure there's a good bit of stuff I didn't include.
I wrote a nice big post that got lost in the ether, so I'll try to sum it up.
Recently I caught up with the main story in the Gintama anime. Sorachi really knows his stuff as the writing is quite great. The way he uses the drama to fuel his comedy and the personality quirks on the comedy to fuel his drama is really well done. I'm sure at this rate when Gintama is done it will be looked back as one of Jump's best series.
I also have to thank CX (if he ever comes back) for his list of Gintama episodes. It helped me get into the series a lot easier, especially considering how much better it gets as it goes. While a lot of the early comedy episodes are hit and miss and the individual episodes start getting stale by the end, the drama never falters and only improves. Though the Shogun Assassination Arc still isn't done, the build up to it through all these episodes has been excellently done. If Gintama is barreling towards its ending like we've been told, it's truly going to be quite the big bang of an ending.
Top 10 arcs so far:
10. Benizakura Arc (https://youtu.be/q28QdpzqqQg)
The first real arc Gintama attempted still stands out to me. There's still plenty of comedy, but it is sharper due to being melded into the story and the reveals at the end are important for the series going forward.
9. Beam Sword Style Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61AibgyuY6E)
CX already described this one really well, but I really dug this one. It started out as a funny arc that turned serious rather abruptly but has a quite great ending that does much for Tae, Shinpachi, and their relationship with Gintoki.
8. Patriot Reunion Party Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaWP7y99-gM)
This one made me laugh really hard, despite a really cool twist at the end which also successfully adds on to the story with a character I really want to see return. If you're a fan of Gintama and this isn't one of your favorites, I would be really surprised.
7. Afro Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmhbaSEbIXY)
Okay, this was the hardest I'd ever laughed at Gintama. This arc features Gintoki and his crew trying to help a Shinsengumi captain named Saito Shimaru, the guy with an orange afro who has a weird reputation as a mute as he tries to make friends with Katsura . . . who is trying to usurp him from the Shinsengumi and take it down from the inside. There's a lot of character humor here, including Gintoki speaking for him, but the highlight is Saito who is easily one of my top 10 Gintama characters now. I need to see more of him. Especially if his rivalry/friendship with Katsura continues.
6. Red Spider Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-fjrOSNaV0)
The sequel to Yoshiwara expands the background of the place and enhances one of the best characters in the series in the process. We also learn a lot more about Gintoki and his relationship with Shoyo. This also strengthens after learning new information in the Shogun Assassination arc.
5. Thorny Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfp3fRpzPUY)
Hijikata is a great character that is used quite a bit as a punching bag (the Shinsengumi Crises arc is a good proof of that) but not only does this arc introduce a lot of new characters who are all really funny (the cellphone gags nearly killed me) it all becomes really important later on. Not to mention that Hijikata's backstory is really interesting and adds a lot to his personality. A lot of good moments for Yamazaki, Sogo, and Kondo here, too.
4. Shinigami Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ2hkKL6DZY)
A bit overlooked, but a rather important building block for the main story. The main conflict is very interesting in how it relates to the story (and the following arcs) but the comedy is on point, too. The ending is also one of the best in the series, by far.
3. Yoshiwara Arc (https://youtu.be/6rZD5furPJQ)
This was the arc that proved to me that Gintama was something special. The comedy was on point without detracting from the drama, the new characters were crucially important to both the arc and the series as a whole, and the fight scenes were the first really amazing ones. The running theme of light and darkness in the arc makes its way perfectly into Gintoki's character and backstory leading to an ending that immediately folds over into the bigger story. Excellent arc.
2. Four Devas Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwv_ERDCjDk)
This was my personal favorite arc. We've been hearing about tensions all over the land ever since the aliens first arrived, but this is when they finally boil over. Literally every event that happens in this arc happens because patience has run out (for just about everyone) and it is a very good foreshadowing to what happens with the shogun later. But the relationship between the Devas is almost as interesting, especially when Gintoki and everyone from his town gets involved in the happenings leading to a final showdown that is incredibly intense. The ending is probably one of the best in the series, too.
1. Courtesan of a Nation Arc (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXpGVuaQwXo)
This is basically the prologue to the Shogun Assasination arc, but it's also basically the third Yoshiwara arc as the story spins out from there. We get a lot of reveals from who the real enemy might be up to the end where the beans are spilled on much of the past history of the war. The only real weakness here is the absence of Katsura who really had as much to gain from this arc as anyone else, but I'm sure it will be made up for later.
Also, while there has been a LOT of great OPs and EDs, I think I have an all time favorite. That would be this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjKWwIcf0-Q). Seriously, it epitomizes everything Gintama in one simple opening.
I had a lot of fun watching through the show. It has a lot of everything from action to comedy to drama, and it can pull them all off pretty well. It's hard to believe it has been able to run over 500 chapters and 300 episodes despite how it didn't really take off in the beginning. Sorachi is a talented gorilla, and I hope he can give the series the ending it deserves.
And one last thing.
Top 10 characters (and no I won't be ripping off the one from the Popularity Poll arc)
10. Saito
9. Kondo
8. Sogo
7. Yamazaki
6. Shinpachi
5. Kagura
4. Tsukuyo
3. Hijikata
2. Katsura
1. Gintoki
Whew, that was a long post. Anyway, I'm glad I made the trek through it. Now to go back and watch more of the episodes I missed.
Great list, Spark!
I'm going to have a decent amount of free time soon, so I'm planning to start watching the series. :)
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on January 14, 2016, 01:02:19 PM
I also have to thank CX (if he ever comes back) for his list of Gintama episodes.
Yeah, CX has been really busy lately from what he's told me, but he'll be back once things cool down for him.
They are heading straight into the next arc next week which means Gintama will probably be going on hiatus after the winter season is done.
I can see the remaining comedic arcs being adapted to OVA episodes like the Love Potion arc, but I'm going to say that when the manga is done they will start up and go straight to the end of the series. Probably a smart idea since filler at this point would be awful.
After the last episode of the SA arc, I have to say this ED is now my favorite one. Wasn't expecting that!
Quote from: Spark Of Spirit on January 29, 2016, 09:32:56 AM
They are heading straight into the next arc next week which means Gintama will probably be going on hiatus after the winter season is done.
The anime is now confirmed to be going on break at the end of this month. (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-03-08/current-gintama-tv-anime-to-end-this-month/.99534)
Mountain Zaki, are you kidding me? I think this might be my favorite arc now.
And once again, I am left on the edge of my seat.
Top 5 EDs
1. Acchi Muite
2. Glorious Days
3. Shura
4. Kagayaita
5. Samurai Heart (Some Like it Hot!!)
(https://animationrevelation.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg1.ak.crunchyroll.com%2Fi%2Fspire1%2F9bb825807952e0428760c869224f13c21467417917_full.png&hash=6cc51141d185ea1b592aecc705cf78e77e751bb1)
QuoteCrunchyroll is excited to announce our entry into the home video market with the following upcoming English-dubbed Blu-Ray and DVD releases:
Berserk
Big Order
Free! Iwatobi Swim Club
Gintama
Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Myriad Colors Phantom World
Yamada-kun & the Seven Witches
And many more still to be announced!
We're still working out a lot of the details but we wanted to share some of our planned releases with you. More to come!
Can't say this was expected.
I never would have expected Gintama to get a dub in 2016. :SHOCK:
It'll be interesting to see what else they dub and release as time goes on.
The anime's coming back! (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-09-21/gintama-manga-gets-new-tv-anime-series/.106715)
This shouldn't surprise anyone, but it's nice to hear. I'm assuming this will cover up to the point the manga ends.
Looking forward to seeing the final arcs animated! I'd assume that the manga itself will end before or around the time the new season starts.
Remember when Crunchyroll announce that they were producing a Gintama dub? Well, episodes 266-278 of the dub are out now! (http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2017/02/01/crunchyroll-adds-english-dub-of-gintama-season-3) They'll be adding new episodes every Wednesday.
On one hand I'm disappointed that Patrick Seitz isn't Gintoki.
On the other hand; oh shit son! An Ocean cast in a non-toyetic anime!
Could the anime's success make Viz give the manga another chance?
Not that you didn't already know, but here's confirmation:
Season 4 will adapt the Silver Soul final arc. (https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-11-19/gintama-season-4-adapts-manga-silver-soul-final-arc/.124145)
In other words, the anime is going straight to the end. No idea what this means for how much longer than manga has, but it can't be that much. Either way, the anime is going to cover the ending.