Though I hate to say it, Kamina's death allows the series to expand to a range beyond anything they ever could have achieved without it. Simon needed a chance to spread his wings, and though Kamina was always there to encourage him and give him that tiny extra boost he needed, the fact remains that the first 8 episodes manage to keep the main character as far from the spotlight as possible. Kamina is always there, being way more interesting than that whiny little kid the story's about. His death gave Simon the chance to come into his own and learn to believe in himself.
The series really is all about Simon's path to manhood, which is full of obstacles to overcome and tragedies just as much as it is zany humor and over-the-top fun. He starts out as a young, timid boy with only one friend in the entire world, who acts like a kind of father figure to him. They bond fantastically and Kamina teaches him that with a little confidence, he can achieve a lot. This is fantastic, but after a while, Kamina kind of becomes Simon's crutch. He can hardly do anything without Kamina's approval or input, and he still isn't very good at taking assertive action.
Kamina's was a tragic but necessary loss, as it allowed Simon the opportunity to realize that his Big Bro isn't always going to be there to tell him what to do. It also allows for some interesting character study when the kid totally loses it and tries to channel Kamina, only to be nearly driven mad by is rage, grief and helplessness. Instead, he had to realize that though Kamina was gone, the inspiration he instilled was still around. This let him find the confidence to live on, not as Kamina's replacement, but as Simon, a man of his own who remembers Kamina's life and ideals and seeks to honor them the best he can. And just wait until you see what he becomes later. Whoo boy....
As for Yoko, it seriously sucks to be her. She has really bad luck with love. However, I thin that she also becomes better for the loss. In a way, she develops a bit more herself as a result, though ironically she seems to become a bit more rational than Kamina ever was.
And Nia should eventually grow on you, after you get over the loss of Kamina. She's got some fun little quirks and a really excellent storyline involving her in Season 2.
Last edited by Aceburner at 3:49:01 AM EST on March 4, 2009.
Yeah, that was one of the things that struck people about that series. After something like that, the whole staff had better know what they're doing with the series. I'd say carry on with it; stick it through to the end. After watching the entire series, have a look back at what went on in it. I find that's the way to go with some series' when they take a turn you don't expect.
I remember the first time I watched Neon Genesis Evangelion. Long story short: My reaction was similar, and it's been my favorite series for years now.
I hate Nia too, but I honestly understand why people like Kittan would claim Kamina's spot as leader. Because he died, they needed someone to replace him, even if they knew deep down inside they could never measure up to his standards. The comfort that life would go on... I think that's what that all was about.
Then again, it could be just that I am a Kittan fan, but that's more after he becomes more boss-awesome.
Just keep on going, alright? You'll be glad you did.
I was shook up really bad when I saw that Kamina died! I was almost as upset as you were. Gurren Lagann gets more and more epic. It's in the top 5 mech series I have ever seen so don't throw it out just yet, the story hasn't even fully developed. Just hang in there, it's tough to see a favorite character die.
Kaerlyn
Tea pixie (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/04/09 | Reply
You are making me want to watch this just to find out what you are talking about... *resists the urge to read the spoilers*
Ace
Senile Hipster (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/04/09 | Reply
Though I hate to say it, Kamina's death allows the series to expand to a range beyond anything they ever could have achieved without it. Simon needed a chance to spread his wings, and though Kamina was always there to encourage him and give him that tiny extra boost he needed, the fact remains that the first 8 episodes manage to keep the main character as far from the spotlight as possible. Kamina is always there, being way more interesting than that whiny little kid the story's about. His death gave Simon the chance to come into his own and learn to believe in himself.
The series really is all about Simon's path to manhood, which is full of obstacles to overcome and tragedies just as much as it is zany humor and over-the-top fun. He starts out as a young, timid boy with only one friend in the entire world, who acts like a kind of father figure to him. They bond fantastically and Kamina teaches him that with a little confidence, he can achieve a lot. This is fantastic, but after a while, Kamina kind of becomes Simon's crutch. He can hardly do anything without Kamina's approval or input, and he still isn't very good at taking assertive action.
Kamina's was a tragic but necessary loss, as it allowed Simon the opportunity to realize that his Big Bro isn't always going to be there to tell him what to do. It also allows for some interesting character study when the kid totally loses it and tries to channel Kamina, only to be nearly driven mad by is rage, grief and helplessness. Instead, he had to realize that though Kamina was gone, the inspiration he instilled was still around. This let him find the confidence to live on, not as Kamina's replacement, but as Simon, a man of his own who remembers Kamina's life and ideals and seeks to honor them the best he can. And just wait until you see what he becomes later. Whoo boy....
As for Yoko, it seriously sucks to be her. She has really bad luck with love. However, I thin that she also becomes better for the loss. In a way, she develops a bit more herself as a result, though ironically she seems to become a bit more rational than Kamina ever was.
And Nia should eventually grow on you, after you get over the loss of Kamina. She's got some fun little quirks and a really excellent storyline involving her in Season 2.
Last edited by Aceburner at 3:49:01 AM EST on March 4, 2009.
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/04/09 | Reply
Yeah, that was one of the things that struck people about that series. After something like that, the whole staff had better know what they're doing with the series. I'd say carry on with it; stick it through to the end. After watching the entire series, have a look back at what went on in it. I find that's the way to go with some series' when they take a turn you don't expect.
I remember the first time I watched Neon Genesis Evangelion. Long story short: My reaction was similar, and it's been my favorite series for years now.
Nehszriah
Hits Self With Axe (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/03/09 | Reply
I hate Nia too, but I honestly understand why people like Kittan would claim Kamina's spot as leader. Because he died, they needed someone to replace him, even if they knew deep down inside they could never measure up to his standards. The comfort that life would go on... I think that's what that all was about.
Then again, it could be just that I am a Kittan fan, but that's more after he becomes more boss-awesome.
Just keep on going, alright? You'll be glad you did.
Be true, be you and of course, be otaku.
Ryo
Otacon (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 03/03/09 | Reply
I was shook up really bad when I saw that Kamina died! I was almost as upset as you were. Gurren Lagann gets more and more epic. It's in the top 5 mech series I have ever seen so don't throw it out just yet, the story hasn't even fully developed. Just hang in there, it's tough to see a favorite character die.
*hugs*
Ryo
I beat up trees. >_>