Gintama
Synopsis
Edo is a city that was home to the vigor and ambition of samurai across the country. However, following feudal Japan's surrender to powerful aliens known as the "Amanto," those aspirations now seem unachievable. With the once-influential shogunate rebuilt as a puppet government, a new law is passed that promptly prohibits all swords in public. Enter Gintoki Sakata, an eccentric silver-haired man who always carries around a wooden sword and maintains his stature as a samurai despite the ban. As the founder of Yorozuya, a small business for odd jobs, Gintoki often embarks on endeavors to help other people—though usually in rather strange and unforeseen ways. Assisted by Shinpachi Shimura, a boy with glasses supposedly learning the way of the samurai; Kagura, a tomboyish girl with superhuman strength and an endless appetite; and Sadaharu, their giant pet dog who loves biting on people's heads, the Yorozuya encounter anything from alien royalty to scuffles with local gangs in the ever-changing world of Edo. [Written by MAL Rewrite]
Audience Consensus
Gintama is a highly praised comedy anime known for its unique blend of humor, parody, and occasional serious arcs. While some viewers find it inconsistent and slow to start, others consider it a masterclass in comedy with memorable characters and inventive writing. The series polarizes opinions, with some considering it overrated while others regard it as the best anime ever.
Strengths
- Masterclass in comedy writing and variety.
- Inventive and fresh, dynamic and interesting.
- Tons of diverse and original characters.
- Incredibly high peaks as far as comedy goes.
- Parodies anything and everything in brilliant fashion.
Weaknesses
- Inconsistent series with filler episodes.
- Slow start; takes time to get going.
- Mediocre when the comedy misses its mark or when it tries to be serious.
- Lacks a concise plot; comedic episodes are unnecessary padding.
- Serious arcs are overdramatic with overused shonen tropes.