GOSICK (B, 85.00%)

In a semi-fictitious Europe, several years of marked peace have passed since the Great War. However, behind the scenes a different kind of war wages between the Academy of Science and the Academy of the Occult to determine who will reign supreme in the new coming age. Caught between this war are citizens who are very much connected to the myths and legends of the past but yet very aware of the new technology and reason of the future.

I remember coming across “GOSICK” when scouring UTW for my weekly “Fractale” update. I was simply looking for more shows to consume when I was drawn into “GOSICK.” Even today I do not understand the significance of the show’s name. The show wasn’t very spectacular. While the animation was crisp and the character designs were unique and really captured the feel of the era, “GOSICK” was nothing more than a weekly mystery show, kind of like an anime “Scooby-Doo.”

This weekly mystery show switches between two extremes, very much indicative of the one-dimensional personalities given to Kujo and Victorique at the beginning of the series. The mysteries are either so simplistic that even Diego Rayas could figure them out or so ridiculously impossible to solve that Victorique must have honestly had a copy of the script with her as she was working through them. Either way, Victorique always goes through the task of explaining EVERY detail to Kujo.

That is, the show wasn’t spectacular until the second half. After Kujo and Victorique begin working on the case of Coco Rose, everything begins to fall into place and events pick up quickly. The ending of the series marks a dramatic turn in character development with Victorique breaking out of her cliché smarty pants character and Kujo becoming more than an overly kind dim-wit. A lot of character emotions are fleshed out very well in the second half like I would have never guessed.

That being said, the second half of “GOSICK” is very, very rushed. I understand that the directors had to fit several novels into the second half, but several elements of the storyline could have used some more screen time. SPOILER- For example, the distance between Victorique and Kujo isn’t really emphasized considering they are only separated for a few episodes. -SPOILER Brian Roscoe is given NO character development and my only impression is of a love-deprived maniac.

With all this in mind I continue to believe that “GOSICK” is a show worth watching. There is some unique factor about “GOSICK” which always brought me back every week. Maybe I simply love the era portrayed by the show. Maybe I love how in the second half I was really able to connect with the characters. Victorique’s father is a jack-ass. Maybe the fluid animation was enough to keep me hooked. I don’t really know.

If you are willing to wait a few episodes, “GOSICK” is a good show for you. I do not recommend skipping to the second half of the series considering that you will be very, very confused and the relationship between Kujo and Victorique will seem shallow. On that note, what the heck is going on with Victorique’s brother’s hairstyle?

Story: 7/10 – First half is Japanese “Scooby-Doo;” Second half is wonderfully crafted yet rushed; Nearly every question answered.

Characters: 8/10 – One-dimensional characters until second half character development; Unique and enjoyable characters.

Animation: 10/10 – Wonderful animation w/ no recycled frames; Clothing design and background successfully capture era.

Music: 9/10 – Enjoyable OP w/ melodramatic ED; Background music is very well done; Character singing leaves much to be desired.

Charming Monster,
Noel