When I heard people talk about Trigun for the first time, it was supposed to be the Western equivalent of Slayers, with the same 'goofy' type of cast and over the top slapstick comedy. At first glance, that's precisely what it is, but watch even the first episode and there's a glimpse of something lurking beneath the surface...

A bit of history - Vash the Stampede is a legendary outlaw with a $$60,000,000,000 price on his head. He's wanted primarily for destroying the city of July, no mean feat for a lone man.

Two insurance investigators are sent to search for this outlaw and watch him, as he's costing the company a fortune in damage claims. Ideally they're to minimise the damage he does, or at the very least assess the damage and weed out any false claims. Following the (wildly conflicting) descriptions they get from people they interview, they actually stumble over him - but can the clumsy blonde geek in the red coat really be the most wanted man on the planet?

In the first episode we see Vash defeat those chasing him by pure chance, a series of incredibly lucky flukes, which sees him defeat the entire band without killing a single one of them.

Subsequent episodes show us the same style of problem solving, but for most viewers, there should be a trace of doubt about this supposed luck. Whilst seemingly clumsy, the man is capable of dodging bullets, and shooting with such accuracy that most of his opponents can't believe he's even human...



As the series progresses, we're shown a very purposeful man who hides his compassion by acting harmless. Meryl and Milly finally accept that this man is Vash, and tag along with him.

Vash, as a character, is very cool. Only equaled, perhaps, by traveling Priest Nicholas D Wolfwood, they're both immensely entertaining to watch. Together, sparks fly as they outquip each other and attempt to play down the skills they're each exhibiting. Although both act like loonies when they meet each other, they both recognise each other for what they are almost immediately.

The series grows gradually darker, until the humour begins to give way altogether for an incredibly deep and layered storyline, where the tragedy of Vash's past comes to the surface, and the real story begins in
earnest.

What impresses me about Trigun is the way in which is can switch effortlessly between humour and the darker, more serious tone so effortlessly. Anywhere else it would look incredibly forced, but given the personalities involved and the reasoning behind the behaviour, it's genuinely convincing, and takes you along on a mad and enjoyable ride into a very dark world.

And this anime gets dark very quickly. Episode 14, Little Arcadia, features very little of Vash, as Meryl and Milly take on criminals from earlier episodes in a desperate attempt to save a farm. They manage to succeed with the unseen help of Vash, who gets just enough time to moan about his screentime before being shunted offstage...

This episode is the last we see of slapstick criminal antics, and when placed next to episode 15, Demons Eye, we get a glimpse of why Vash could act in the goofy manner he put on - they were never, at any stage, any kind of threat. However, Demons Eye shows us opponents that are capable of mass murder and brutality that shows up the previous cast as decidedly unimpressive. It's all change as Vash leaves Milly and Meryl, warning them not to follow him.

The series is backed by a fantastically versatile soundtrack, shifting from menace to madness at the drop of a hat. I couldn't recommend Tsuneo Imahori's score for easy listening, but there are gems in there. Sound Life is the beautiful melody accompanying any thoughts Vash has of Rem, and Fool's Paradise is the fun and jumpy little track accompanying the preview at the end of each episode. The guitar is brilliant and very versatile, and the themes for each of the major villains are suitably menacing.

The series as a whole is one of the most enjoyable I've seen this year, and as such deserves a wholehearted recommendation. Its detractors may write it off, but doubtless they haven't stuck with it past the first few deceptive episodes. Do so, and the rewards are there for the taking.

- Ross Liversidge

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