It’s not often you see an anime putting its setting into uncharted territory. It is a welcoming addition to the constant routine of anime studios just churning out shows that present a Japanese environment so that a Japanese audience can be easily engaged. With a unique setting backed by an equally impressive title, Gangsta, that will at least be an excellent first impression going into it. When Gangsta was over, what came through my mind was how much of a great thrill ride it was, except for the bumpy journey that was part of it.

Gangsta‘s setting is not the only thing that makes it unique. The characters and subject matter the writers created and produced had a stark, gritty tone that was interesting enough to keep me hooked. This type of direction they chose is honestly one of the more substantial feats of Gangsta. Another anime that delved into this similar atmosphere was Black Lagoon. However, how Gangsta and Black Lagoon treated their atmosphere is entirely different. Black Lagoon was trying to invoke black comedy in its story and characters, while Gangsta’s felt more focused less on humor. I can appreciate both of these atmospheres equally if the writers can add substance to them that makes them engaging. Unfortunately, Gangsta can’t figure this point out when trying to make a cohesive narrative to complement its atmosphere.

In the beginning, I was hooked by the story and how well they introduced the characters. The build-up was significant in the first half of Gangsta to let us get to know our three main protagonists at first so that they can establish a kinship against various mob groups. All of that was nicely handled; until it introduced even more characters. You can say that Gangsta has the big issue of having a story equivalent to a 24-episode anime length and squeezing it into 12 episodes. It is evident by the halfway point since we’re introduced to too many plot points that are not expanded upon very well and make figuring it all out frustrating. Characters that are a part of the Twilights, except for Nicolas, are incredibly forgettable and bland from how little of an impression they make besides the intense action sequences they take part in.

The parts where the plot does work are the flashback sequences of Nicolas and Worwick. They give a nicely made, depressing picture of our two tortured henchmen that adds a nice layer of depth to make us feel sympathetic to the paths they had to take to survive. There is not any similar treatment for our main female protagonist, Alex. Nevertheless, a torturous backstory for her was not needed since we get a nicely directed psychological distress from her that lets us understand the trauma she was/is going through from her past life as a prostitute. Her growth from being in that abusive world to being on stage singing a tearful song to people was impressive. Still, with all the positives for developing our three main characters, that’s all the plot has going for it. What is left is a bunch of half-baked supporting characters and a story that does not know where its focus is once it reaches the halfway point. Eventually, it leads up to an ending that feels like a cheap cliffhanger that makes us wait for a sequel to happen.

Besides their development, the main cast is relatively charming and great to see. Nicolas being deaf offers an interesting character arc that adds to the unique nature of Gangsta. His banter with Worwick using his sign language feels natural and humorous in many scenarios involved with it. Not only with Worwick but also with Alex, who tries her best to form a connection with him despite not knowing sign language. My only primary concern was how little they expanded upon Alex trying to learn sign language to deepen her relationship with Nicolas, but that could be for the sequel’s job to make that a reality. Besides his chemistry, Nicolas comes across as mysterious but likable in how he treats the people close to him.

Worwick’s troubled life as a gigolo, a male prostitute, is engaging to see when they go to a brothel, making him a more vulnerable person than most people perceive him. Despite this, he often comes across as strong-minded and fair in dealing with various situations that arise. With his sarcastic tongue and the deafness of our other male hero, they form a fascinating duo that can be described as opposites working together as friends from their childhood upbringings. Nevertheless, my favorite would have to be Alex out of the three lead roles. Not just from her beautiful looks, but how she tries to deal with her trauma after being saved from that tormented life had me hooked to her from beginning to end. Her fascinating growth from the bottom to the top was both engaging and tragically moving to see.

Gangsta’s character designs resemble Michiko no Hatchin since they are both animated by the same studio, Manglobe. In keeping its tradition of stellar character designs, Gangsta is another winner in how distinct the characters look from most anime. The skin tone and facial features give all the characters their unique look. While cutting corners here and there, the animation is serviceable to the action sequences and brief talking scenes. What is breathtaking is the art design of the world itself. It adds to the raucous atmosphere it perpetuates, from the bright red blood to the dark, dank alleyways scattered throughout the city.

Gangsta was only a partial disappointment for me. Of course, most of my problems could be amended with a sequel or, God helps me, ”read the manga if it does not sell enough BDs.” This season did not fully deliver its story halfway through as much as its technical and main characters had to offer. Despite my grievances with it, the effects of my positives outweigh my perception of Gangsta. I grew attached to the main characters in more ways than one that saved Gangsta for me. When you still want a sequel to an anime to see more of the characters despite not liking the plot, that at least can be something to admire for it.

Grade: B