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日本語/Japanese  Thu 04/12 23:30 JST
I think I'm the last one to talk about this most awesome anime so to make up for it here are some shots from episode 2 (which you have probably seen already ^^;)
For those who dont know, Gurren Lagann is another new April season anime featuring a most cutesome (she got big eyes) girl and most interesting mecha designs. After seeing the first two episodes, I'm hungry for more.

In episode 1, we saw a young chap called Simon (pronounced 'Shimon') digging holes - theres not much for people to do who live underground apart from dig I guess. He always believed that there was an 'above-ground.' One day while digging, he chances upon some sort of crystal which just happened to be the key to a mecha in the form of a hug face with arms n legs.
This mecha comes in handy when an unknown mecha crashes down on Simon's village from above ground. A girl called Yoko with a huge rifle (and eyes) falls from above ground too as she was in the midst of battling this huge mecha.

Simon and his friend Kamina together with Yoko make it above ground only to discover that there are more evil mecha waiting called Ganmen. I wont go into episode two as the shots below probably spoil it already for those who have not seen it yet.
The animation is fluid and pleasing to watch while the theatrical background music complements the visuals well. The mecha design is rather unique and something that I personally have not seen before. Each mechas body is made up of a huge face. The mecha that Simon pilots is called Lagann while the mecha that Kamina gets to pilot in EP2 is called Gurren. in EP3 we probably get to see Gurren and Lagann join to form the Gurren Lagann mecha.

For those who want more on Gurren Lagann, you can see a ton of pics that I took at the recent Tokyo Anime Fair.
I was rather down due to there being no Code Geass showing until summer but the new season of great anime like Gurren Lagann more than make up for it. Recommended.
Categories
Polls
SG in UK
Art/Media Student (Wannabe Illustrator)
Registered on 2006/12/28 05:39
Haha, seems quite a laugh to watch :D

Maybe I'll catch it on Youtube or something. Thanks for the information Danny. :D

Love the website too, Div codes everywhere @_@; I wish I could fully utilise Div's too. I need more time with Div's lol
(ID #46481) Posted on 2007/04/13 01:31
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
SG,
Divs is the correct web2.0 way of building things but are a pain in the bottom. I really need a good tool to identify missing divs. I spent hours with the slideshow template and gave up - you can see a table in the middle ^^;
(ID #46483) Posted on 2007/04/13 01:35
Fabbe in Brussels
Looks like good anime. The cute character remembers me of Meg (Bakuretsu Tenshi). Definitely an anime I will watch as soon as I’m back home.
Remembers me of those three lovely cosplay galls from the Tokyo Anime Fair.
(ID #46484) Posted on 2007/04/13 01:46
thegeek in Northern California, United States
Geek Liaison
Registered on 2007/03/26 06:30
Looks interesting will have to check it out. An anime with giant mechs and girls with big "eyes" cant be all bad.
(ID #46485) Posted on 2007/04/13 02:05
syrix in U.S.
student
Registered on 2007/03/21 09:30
Freaky looking robot, looks interesting though. I will check it out
(ID #46487) Posted on 2007/04/13 02:10
Edward in Michigan U.S.A.
Troubleshooter, Universal Exports
Registered on 2006/12/24 12:02
This is my pleasant surprise anime for the season.  I didn't expect much from it, but I've really enjoyed the first two episodes.  I'm very happy to have so many great anime to watch!  Makes up for the fact I have to wait for the end of Code Geass...

I'm sure this will stay on my final list of shows to watch.  I always start out watching many, but the list shrinks dramatically by episode 3~4 time.  This year it will shrink even more; I want more time for important task like study.
(ID #46488) Posted on 2007/04/13 02:17
SG in UK
Art/Media Student (Wannabe Illustrator)
Registered on 2006/12/28 05:39
Danny:
Yes, I already noticed the Table being used, I guess using some teeny bit of Tables is alright. Sometimes, its better off with a table right? ^^;

At the moment, I'm trying to develop a website without the use of tables, (I may have to). Decided to use a Frame for image galleries. ^^;

But, I'm sure you'll overcome your Table just like your home made glass table hehe.

(ID #46489) Posted on 2007/04/13 02:27
BeLe in Davao, Philippines
.NET/Web Developer
Registered on 2007/01/03 16:36
This show looks interesting.  I might add this to my list of shows to watch after I get to see episode 01.  

At first I wondered what a hug face w/ arms and legs is. lolz!  But when I saw the pics it was actually huge face. heheh
(ID #46490) Posted on 2007/04/13 02:27
Tragic comedy in Singapore
Animator/ graphic designer
Registered on 2007/04/10 22:55
I adore gainax stuff...even though it suffers from the'i ran outta budget halfway' syndrome most of the time...
(ID #46491) Posted on 2007/04/13 03:31
Registered on 2006/12/26 08:49
The mechas and art style reminds me of Evangelion and Fooly Cooly. I'll definitely give this a try.
(ID #46493) Posted on 2007/04/13 03:55
Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Student
Registered on 2006/12/26 11:13
hm... looks odd. i might watch this ^^
(ID #46494) Posted on 2007/04/13 04:05
Rufus Shinra in 神羅HQ 60th floor, Midgar
Registered on 2007/01/20 01:05
doesnt look interesting at first glance but since its gainax... gonna give it a try 
(ID #46496) Posted on 2007/04/13 04:17
mambo in 152nd floor
Salaryman
Registered on 2007/01/14 22:40
Looks like another one to add to the list to watch.
(ID #46497) Posted on 2007/04/13 04:59
Alafista OTAKU in Singapore
Singapore Customs
Registered on 2006/12/25 11:34
I'd give it a go since you recommended it. But now I'm really enjoying Lucky Star and Romeo x Juliet.

Also there seems to be quite a number of mecha this season.
(ID #46498) Posted on 2007/04/13 05:11
Saviour in Canada
Registered on 2007/01/08 11:10
Designs look rather crappy, but I'll check it out.
(ID #46499) Posted on 2007/04/13 05:34
Bayonette in Manila, Philippines
College Student
Registered on 2007/03/14 20:26
I'm thinking that I would like to watch this anime because of the girl with a gun and a pair of big knockers... and giant robots.
(ID #46500) Posted on 2007/04/13 05:38
shi in 604
Registered on 2007/01/18 05:22
Actually the mechas' designs reminded me of wataru, one of the anime i grew up watching XD
(ID #46501) Posted on 2007/04/13 05:43
Dan in Alberta, Canada
I've been looking for a new anime series to watch that has mecha theme and this could be it. And yes, she is definitely cute. It's quite an interesting sniper. ^^
(ID #46502) Posted on 2007/04/13 07:15
Kibbitz in Singapore
Definitely watching. Has the feel I'm looking for, though I wonder as to Yoko's role in the big scheme of things. Kamina and Simon have their own mecha, but Yoko... ? Still rate Jeeg higher ... for now.
(ID #46503) Posted on 2007/04/13 09:15
Akiraman in RIDGE RACER City
Designer & Animator
Registered on 2007/01/11 23:52
Weird interesting Mecha designs from GAINAX. Will take a look when I get the chance.

Danny how do u get the screencaps? Cause it looks like right off the broadcast. Did u use Video capturing Hardware & software to record off the Air right there in Japan?
(ID #46506) Posted on 2007/04/13 16:27
belizeanvibes in Houston
Intern Architect
Registered on 2007/03/26 23:09
It first came across as a very stereotypical shonen/mecha anime. However I decided to give it a try for the female character's lovely eyes. I loved it. Reminds me of the nonsensical (in a good way) Dead Leaves and youthful FLCL.
(ID #46507) Posted on 2007/04/13 16:59
piya in USA-CT
Retail - it suxx
Registered on 2007/01/02 03:07
what's the deal with the time on those screen shot?  Does some channel do that or is it because of the tv?  That would annoy be so much if it stay on the screen the whole time.  
 
As far as the anime goes, i'll check it out but don't look too interesting for me.  
(ID #46508) Posted on 2007/04/13 19:42
nodle in America
Computer Tech.
Registered on 2007/03/14 07:26
Ummmm...wow. I think i may have to check this one out. Thanks Danny!
(ID #46509) Posted on 2007/04/13 19:57
CyberSynaptic in Northern California
Lab Technician
Registered on 2006/12/25 19:10
Yoko is a definite hottie, and I love her big...err...gun.  The walking head mech is strange, but it's kinda cute and cuddly too (like the Acguy).  It's kinda remeniscent of the Kero Robos.  What I like most is that there's so much hot blood in the series.  Kamina is so gung-ho about everything, you can't not love that.  This one's definitely a show I'll be keeping up with this anime season.
(ID #46510) Posted on 2007/04/13 21:10
-XYZPDQ in Pennsylvania, United States
Student Engineer
Registered on 2007/01/01 14:12
No it wasnt; and it is now. Can't wait to watch this one!
(ID #46511) Posted on 2007/04/13 21:53
dugFresh in Alaska, unfourtantly
otaku
Registered on 2007/03/29 19:18
this looks interesting, i seen a couple days ago on 4chan that somebody had made a mod for Oblivion, and the screen shot looked cool.

I'll download it once its subtitled.
(ID #46512) Posted on 2007/04/13 22:50
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Piya,
All morning shows display the time - I still dont know why...

Akiraman,
Yep - have a HD recorder.

Alafista,
Love Romeo x Juliet.

Tragic Comedy,
So true regarding Gunbuster2.

SG,
Tables are meant for tabular data - and when you cant work out the CSS ^^;
(ID #46513) Posted on 2007/04/14 00:15
windbell in Singapore/シンガポール, Tokyo/東京
Web Developer/ウェブデベロッパー, Photographer/写真や
Registered on 2006/12/25 12:20
I was thinking it was used to remind the school kids of the time so that they won't be late for school :p

I read it somewhere that due to the competition of TV broadcasting channels in Japan, they often have to start the next TV show like immediately after the current one has ended (Like if a show is in an half-an-hour block, there are usually commericals inbetween or at the end). Which means there's no (or very litte) commericals and such/ It also explains why TV shows start at 8:56am instead of 9:00am at the next block. The time up there is to remind people that their time isn't wasted 

I think that's the explaination. Sorry if I didn't managed to explain it properly ^____^
(ID #46531) Posted on 2007/04/14 03:00
Akiraman in RIDGE RACER City
Designer & Animator
Registered on 2007/01/11 23:52
Hi Danny 

I am interested to noe what type of HD recorder u are using? does it connect to Macs & PCs? Are u able to program & view it from the web or only offline? What format does it record in?
(ID #46538) Posted on 2007/04/14 05:58
Gordon Pekeur in south africa -cape town-
every anime out there that I havent seen yet, GOOD or BAD ... is on my to watch list!! Including this one ... that guy with the pink sunnies kinda reminds me of Straight Cougar of S-CRY-ED ....
(ID #46568) Posted on 2007/04/14 17:32
Michael in Germany
I really enjoyed the first episode and
laughed a lot,,hope i´ll get Episode 2
soon,can´t wait any longer.
(ID #46571) Posted on 2007/04/14 18:39
Ricky in Brisbane, Australia
Pharmacist / Student
Registered on 2007/03/28 18:26
Hi, I just watched this anime from the recommendation from you guys on the site.  Definitely something I will continue to grab episodes for.

I am new here btw!
(ID #46574) Posted on 2007/04/14 22:22
Danny Choo in Tokyo
Director/代表取締役
Registered on 2006/12/11 11:06
Ricky,
Welcome!

Akiraman,
Its something like this
http://arena.nikkeibp.co.jp/tokushu/gen/20040720/109088/index5.shtml
My wife is in charge so I only pic up the files that she leaves on our internal server ^^;
I think she has to convert it into avi. Dont know what the original format is - I think its native to the recorder.

Windbell,
I think the school or work theory is correct.
(ID #46576) Posted on 2007/04/15 02:23
Yorch in Ecatepec, Edo. Mex
Consultor
Registered on 2007/04/15 02:17
Danny :   you say you have an HD recorder, I think you can record some shows directly from the signal to your recorder and capable to capture screenshots as the posted here - I knew there are some restrictions in the signals or TV when incluide "macorvision" to prevent you record from TV ... is it happening? is it finished? it was a legend?
(ID #46627) Posted on 2007/04/16 16:58
AslanCross in Naos Elyon
Castigator of Students
Registered on 2007/04/16 12:41
I've only seen the first ep of Gurren-Lagann, but I'm already very pleased with it. ^_^ Although I can read Japanese, I have difficulty with understanding it when spoken, so I have to wait for subs. >_o 
(ID #46645) Posted on 2007/04/17 03:48
Banana Daifuku in Tokyo-3
EVA pilot
Registered on 2007/02/19 09:40
It's either me--or the face of the mecha (or is it the body?) looks eerily reminiscent of that of an EVA unit.
(ID #46790) Posted on 2007/04/20 07:44
AndyH in Birmingham, UK
3D artist
Registered on 2006/12/25 10:08
I thank you immensely for posting this!

While i was in Tokyo, i caught the first episode of it by accident on the hotel TV. I was channel hopping, and i immediately stopped and watched the whole thing. I thought it was 'mr driller: the anime' at first! I instantly recognised it as Gainax's work though - it looked beautiful.

Cant wait for this sucker to get fansubbed!

Have you also seen the 2 mecha figures for it in the wee display cabinet on the mecha floor of asobit city? Looking ace.
(ID #47065) Posted on 2007/04/26 12:13
hiro
Watch Gurren Lagann Episodes online at GurrenLagann.com! We have all 27 episodes of Gurren Lagann and you can also download them for FREE! Check it out now www.gurrenlagann.com
(ID #59864) Posted on 2007/10/17 15:21
Anime Forever
I have seen some episodes , its awesome. but after watching some episodes, i didnt like it anymore. because its just to kiddy.like pokemon. who's watching that anyway.

no offense :)
(ID #65043) Posted on 2007/11/26 18:46
thefrikking in Spain
Imperial Guard
Registered on 2007/08/18 06:30
Only for Yoko, is worth the efffort :)
(ID #70678) Posted on 2008/01/25 14:17
Ryuzenshu in San Antonio, Texas
Otaku
Registered on 2008/04/05 06:26
i loved that anime soooo much! a really good one^^
(ID #172023) Posted on 2008/04/18 10:34
gordon in 新加坡 Singapore
宅男 Otaku/ 工程师 Engineer
Registered on 2007/06/11 14:57
i love the anime as well! simply too awesome! my favourite character is kamina! ^^

SPIN ON~
(ID #177622) Posted on 2008/04/29 22:04
Jayden in Singapore
Student by day, Superhero by night.
Registered on 2008/05/04 13:52
This was the anime that got me into the figure collecting hobby. :D
I was going through Yodobashi Camera in Umeda when I saw the Gurren Lagann Konami Figure Collection. I got myself the whole set (without the secret character, unfortunately).
Those were the very first figures I bought and now I can't stop. My poor wallet...
(ID #181001) Posted on 2008/05/04 14:46
pp in Singapore
Army
Registered on 2007/07/10 20:22
everyone should watch gurren lagann =x, its just too epic. 
(ID #187751) Posted on 2008/05/14 22:40
wilbur kyriu in Barcelona
Estudent
Registered on 2008/05/27 14:49
Well, I registered for one reason. I remembered you was a fan of gurren lagann, and I want to ask you for see our (only two ninutes) real action gurren lagann video. Please! This is thew url:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCaCcse1yS8
(ID #198028) Posted on 2008/05/27 15:14
tsugetsu in South Africa
Student of life
Registered on 2008/05/31 20:54
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is an awesome anime series. This is a must have for any Anime lovers. Believe me who believes in Gurren-Lagann....^_^
(ID #202078) Posted on 2008/06/01 22:20
bloodlust8 in Philippines
Registered on 2008/02/16 18:00
FTW.. This is the first time I saw a mecha piloting a bigger mecha and piloting another bigger mecha. Also, the first time I saw a mecha with facial expressions. Cool music. Superb animé all in all. ^_^
(ID #223345) Posted on 2008/06/27 12:14
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