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天元突破グレンラガン [Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann] #1
Gurren Lagann, Vol. 1
In his skyless cavern of a village Simon toils daily, drilling holes to expand his stifling little world until one day he makes an extraordinary discovery: a small glowing drill-bit and the man-sized mech it activates. Before he can give it a second thought Simon's dragged into a plot to break through to the surface by the local gang leader Kamina, only to have the ceiling come crashing down on top of them under the weight of a giant monster! It somehow falls onto the boisterous Kamina and cowardly Simon to defend their village, but once they defeat the monster what awaits the duo on the surface world? Get ready for buxom babes, beastmen, and giant mechs as only GAINAX can provide them!
200 pages, Paperback
First published September 27, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 11, 2019
This review is delayed due to circumstances beyond my control, but I'm here to fix that.
To begin, I want to point out that this is a manga series where I think it is more beneficial to start with the anime, then after a while, filter the manga into your reading list if you really want to. As it stands however, I'm personally of the opinion that Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is better digested in anime form and that reading the manga adaptation is not 100% necessary in order to get the full scope of the story. Additionally, the order that a few things unfold in differs from the anime to the manga, and I feel like the manga is far more fast paced and therefore, it's easier to lose small details in the rush to include so much of the first few episodes' worth of stories into a single volume.
That being said, I really do love the art and there are a few minor details the manga gives us that the English dub of the anime seems to miss. I will say that for those not keen on typical anime fanservice with female characters, there's a fair bit of it in the form of Yoko Littner, especially in this first volume of the manga. It's fairly obvious from her initial introduction in the anime that Yoko is going to be used for a lot of fanservice moments, but it feels a little overboard here in the manga so be aware of that.
Additionally, I want to say that I personally think part of TTGL's charm is the heavy reliance on having fun with typical tropes found in both mecha series and shounen series, because it absolutely is a series that is self-aware and has a blast with its own moments of ridiculousness. As such, understand that this series pays homage to and celebrates a lot of familiar tropes while at the same time building its own story so it can stand on its own feet in spite of the use of those tropes. It's a lot of fun for viewers already familiar with aspects of shounen and/or mecha anime and manga, and for that reason, I absolutely had to read volume one as soon as I got it, and I'll be continuing to hunt down the other volumes.
To begin, I want to point out that this is a manga series where I think it is more beneficial to start with the anime, then after a while, filter the manga into your reading list if you really want to. As it stands however, I'm personally of the opinion that Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann is better digested in anime form and that reading the manga adaptation is not 100% necessary in order to get the full scope of the story. Additionally, the order that a few things unfold in differs from the anime to the manga, and I feel like the manga is far more fast paced and therefore, it's easier to lose small details in the rush to include so much of the first few episodes' worth of stories into a single volume.
That being said, I really do love the art and there are a few minor details the manga gives us that the English dub of the anime seems to miss. I will say that for those not keen on typical anime fanservice with female characters, there's a fair bit of it in the form of Yoko Littner, especially in this first volume of the manga. It's fairly obvious from her initial introduction in the anime that Yoko is going to be used for a lot of fanservice moments, but it feels a little overboard here in the manga so be aware of that.
Additionally, I want to say that I personally think part of TTGL's charm is the heavy reliance on having fun with typical tropes found in both mecha series and shounen series, because it absolutely is a series that is self-aware and has a blast with its own moments of ridiculousness. As such, understand that this series pays homage to and celebrates a lot of familiar tropes while at the same time building its own story so it can stand on its own feet in spite of the use of those tropes. It's a lot of fun for viewers already familiar with aspects of shounen and/or mecha anime and manga, and for that reason, I absolutely had to read volume one as soon as I got it, and I'll be continuing to hunt down the other volumes.
February 5, 2014
The story starts out with the two main protagonists Kamina and Simon living in an underground village called Jeeha village. Simon's job in the village is to dig holes looking for minerals for the village. But Simon comes across a strange small glowing drill the he keeps. Kamina has always dreamed of going to the surface to pursue his father who left some time ago. Kamina then attempts to make it to the surface but fails and is put in jail by the village chieftain. That's when things start to go crazy. A giant robot know as a "gunmen" falls through the roof of the village and proceeds to attack the village. Then a girl named Yoko from a surface village called Littner tries to stop the gunmen by cant on her own. Then we find out that the mini drill that Simon found is actually a key to a small gunmen which Simon calls Lagann. Kamina, Simon, and Yoko then defeat the giant gunmen using the small gunmen Lagann and go to the surface. From there they travel to Yoko's village where Kamina gets captures his own gunmen which he calls Gurren. Kamina and Yoko go out hunting where they meet the first main antagonist named Viral who is a species known as beastmen who think of humans as lesser beings. Kamina and Viral fight for a bit until Viral retreats but comes back later in a gunmen of his own. His gunmen is obviously more powerful than Kamina's but then Simon arrives to help in Lagann which somehow combines with Gurren to for Gurren Lagann. This is mysterious because gunmen aren't supposed to be able to combine and leaves the question "What's different about Simon's gunmen?".
The setting of Gurren Lagann is fantastic. It sets you in this bleak depressing world where people have been forced to live underground by an advanced species and it seems like there isn't any hope but somehow Kamina and Simon are optimistic. As for the characters they are for the most part all well developed and with the wide variety it gives everyone someone to root for. The character development is also fantastic with Simon going from a coward to eventually become a great leader.
Gurren Lagann Volume 1 is a great book. This book always has something new and outrageous to throw at you. It never has a dull moment and can be somewhat of an emotional roller coaster at times. I can honestly say that I recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a fast-paced action filled book.
The setting of Gurren Lagann is fantastic. It sets you in this bleak depressing world where people have been forced to live underground by an advanced species and it seems like there isn't any hope but somehow Kamina and Simon are optimistic. As for the characters they are for the most part all well developed and with the wide variety it gives everyone someone to root for. The character development is also fantastic with Simon going from a coward to eventually become a great leader.
Gurren Lagann Volume 1 is a great book. This book always has something new and outrageous to throw at you. It never has a dull moment and can be somewhat of an emotional roller coaster at times. I can honestly say that I recommend this book for anyone that enjoys a fast-paced action filled book.
February 22, 2019
My god they made the art hard to read. I've heard it's a gorgeous anime. But the manga is crowded and choppy. For instance the main character is meant to spend all day drilling - and it shows the tunnels and has them "seeing" him drilling from the opening pages - not Once did I get a clear view of how he was drilling. He could be using his front arms like a mole for all I know.
November 29, 2022
i started collecting gurren lagann back in 2011 when it started to be published in spain. then, in 2014, it was cancelled even though there was only one volume left to publish, which made me both very angry and extremely sad. fast forward to 2018, the last volume is published !! y'all can't imagine how happy i was in that moment. however, i never actually read it because it had been four years since i read the other nine volumes and idk i guess i didn't feel like rereading. fast forward again to 2022 and here i am, doing a reread so i can finally read this whole series.
now that i've given you all the context, when it comes to rating and reviewing gurren lagann i'm totally biased because this is one of my favorite stories ever. i do think the anime is better (go watch it, it's stunning and amazing) but these characters mean a lot to me and i'm just happy to be back in this world.
now that i've given you all the context, when it comes to rating and reviewing gurren lagann i'm totally biased because this is one of my favorite stories ever. i do think the anime is better (go watch it, it's stunning and amazing) but these characters mean a lot to me and i'm just happy to be back in this world.
November 29, 2024
POPKULTUROWY KOCIOŁEK: Manga przenosi nas do świata, gdzie ludzkość zmuszona jest żyć w podziemnych koloniach. Głównymi bohaterami serii są kopacze Simon i Kamin, którzy marzą o życiu poza swoją wioską i przebiciu ograniczających ich skał. Niespodziewanie pewne wydarzenia, których są uczestnikami, mocno namieszają w ich egzystencji. Na ich drodze pojawiają się bowiem wrogie siły, z którymi muszą walczyć oraz piękna wojowniczka Yoko, a wszystko to prowadzi ich na powierzchnię. Tak oto rozpoczyna się ich przygoda, w której nie brakuje widowiskowości, robotów, emocji i humoru.
Pierwsze dwa tomy serii to duża dawka szalonej widowiskowości. Autorzy nie pozwalają tu czytelnikowi na nudę, dostarczając mu dużo scen walki przeplatanych humorem (momentami dość specyficznym).
Początkowe rozdziały koncentrują się głównie na przedstawieniu świata i dynamiki między poznanymi bohaterami. Wydarzenia rozwijają się w szybkim tempie, co nadaje opowieści energii, ale czasem tempo to odbiera przestrzeń na rozwinięcie głębiej niektórych wątków. Są tu fragmenty, w których akcja mknie do przodu moim zdaniem zbyt szybko, co może powodować pewien scenariuszowy chaos poznawczy...
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/przeb...
Pierwsze dwa tomy serii to duża dawka szalonej widowiskowości. Autorzy nie pozwalają tu czytelnikowi na nudę, dostarczając mu dużo scen walki przeplatanych humorem (momentami dość specyficznym).
Początkowe rozdziały koncentrują się głównie na przedstawieniu świata i dynamiki między poznanymi bohaterami. Wydarzenia rozwijają się w szybkim tempie, co nadaje opowieści energii, ale czasem tempo to odbiera przestrzeń na rozwinięcie głębiej niektórych wątków. Są tu fragmenty, w których akcja mknie do przodu moim zdaniem zbyt szybko, co może powodować pewien scenariuszowy chaos poznawczy...
https://popkulturowykociolek.pl/przeb...
May 15, 2021
Acceptable if run of the mill adaptation of the beginning of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann.
Very few times I outright can't reccomend the manga over the anime since the anime came first and just captures the raw talent and skill of the trigger and Gainax teams.
Do yourself a favor and just watch the anime and then rewatch it with its fantastic films-
If you have already watched those then yeah, the manga can't hurt I guess.
Very few times I outright can't reccomend the manga over the anime since the anime came first and just captures the raw talent and skill of the trigger and Gainax teams.
Do yourself a favor and just watch the anime and then rewatch it with its fantastic films-
If you have already watched those then yeah, the manga can't hurt I guess.
May 2, 2019
Have been told this series is amazing, but so far the conflict seems very cartoony and one-sided. Maybe that is part of the charm? Not feeling it yet. It's quite hard to see what's going on, with many close shots.
February 26, 2018
Pretty over-rated. I see the appeal in the main female character, but not the main male character. The plot is rather lackluster and the robots are generically unimpressive. The art is okay though.
September 2, 2020
gooof
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 14, 2022
Gurren Lagann wasn't a bad manga, but it would help if I've watched the anime first for more context of the storyline. I might watch the anime but not continue on the manga version.
December 16, 2025
Absolute peak fiction. Anime is better tho
November 26, 2012
I think that Gurren Lagann is an action, adventure, suspense, and funny rolled into one. One of my favorite characters from this novel would have to be the leader kamina, he's cool, he's manly, he wears some wicked sunglasses and he never gives up. He protects simon telling him that he will always be believe in him. One of his quotes from this novel was "Listen simon,don't believe in yourself.. believe in me, believe in the kamina that believes in you." This novel is great for those who like awesome robots, cool kamina, and wicked artwork. So, I'll leave this review with one of my favorite kamina quotes of all time,"Just who the hell do you think I am!!"
July 23, 2011
Un manga adaptation d'un dessin animé. Une histoire de robots géants (un genre que j'apprécie modérément) dans un monde dévasté. Bonjour l'originalité...
Bon, l'histoire super-classique, tant dans le fond que dans la forme shônen (jeune garçon fade mais doué, compagnon expansif) est bien traitée dans son genre (injection d'humour, d'action, un zeste de fan-service) mais pas passionnante.
Je teste quasiment tous les manga que je trouve à ma bibliothèque de quartier, mais je doute suivre cette série (je doute qu'ils aient la suite...).
Bon, l'histoire super-classique, tant dans le fond que dans la forme shônen (jeune garçon fade mais doué, compagnon expansif) est bien traitée dans son genre (injection d'humour, d'action, un zeste de fan-service) mais pas passionnante.
Je teste quasiment tous les manga que je trouve à ma bibliothèque de quartier, mais je doute suivre cette série (je doute qu'ils aient la suite...).
October 17, 2014
...interesting, but decidedly odd in its tone. Difficult to tell what's happening in the artwork (battle scenes). Gratuitous posing from the female lead character. I did like the bits that spoofed / ridiculed other shonen manga (which I suppose the gratuitous posing was part of), but it didn't feel as well done as other parodies. Generic characters that spouted the typical shonen spiel, making it seem as ridiculous as it sometimes should be. It wasn't horrible but didn't seem to be something I'd read more of.
March 11, 2015
What do 12 year old like GIANT ROBOTS yes what else DRILLS more CAVE OF THE CATACOMBS that basic gurren lagan it was not like any other manga. It was blast to read was extremely funny and over the top fight scene but after while it gets repetitive but was fun 8/10
March 22, 2016
This is one of those manga based on an anime, rather than the other way around. My only (but notable) complaints are that it was confusing and lacked proper pacing. Go watch the anime; it's the same story, only not at all confusing and goes at a fast but possible pace.
October 28, 2010
I loved the anime series, this is one of the best anime I've ever seen, and when i love it I need the books!! Loved it!
January 10, 2011
For me this is one where the anime is better. It was rushed and made no sense to me. I did not like it at all.
^_^,
^_^,
June 8, 2011
Sehubungan numpang baca manga ini di gramed dan gramediashop ga punya cover untuk yang ini, sementara pakai edisi ini dulu...
July 31, 2017
lascia il tempo che trova
Disegno molto simile all'anime e storia lineare che però riesce comunque a coinvolgerti, molto bella la scena del terzo volume della morte di Kamina che che rievoca la scena di Rocky Joe e la scena della resurrezione di Simon. Credo che questa storia e meglio verderla che leggerla. Do un 6 al disegno.
Disegno molto simile all'anime e storia lineare che però riesce comunque a coinvolgerti, molto bella la scena del terzo volume della morte di Kamina che che rievoca la scena di Rocky Joe e la scena della resurrezione di Simon. Credo che questa storia e meglio verderla che leggerla. Do un 6 al disegno.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews