Anime: Yoshinaga-san Chi no Gargoyle

The Yoshinaga-family has won a rather strange prize in a local lottery: a talking gargoyle who acts as their gatekeeper. Through the course of 13 episodes, it explores the lives of the Yoshinagas, this particular gargoyle (also hilariously nicknamed "GAR-kun") and the people from their neighbourhood, with some very strong references to the practices of ancient alchemy. With a lot of writer's freedom, that is.

My main problem with Yoshinaga-chi no Gargoyle is that it has a number of the most excellent characters, but refuses to use them well. Futaba is a true delight to watch when she is in action. Too bad that this only happens in three or four episodes. Osiris and her owner make a perfect team. Unfortunately, they never get the chance to truly show their personalities for more than ten seconds. Gar-kun is one of the most original characters I've ever seen. Too bad he also has a dull side, which he shows more often than not. Futaba's mother and father also make a perfect team. It's just too bad that it's only till the final episodes that the two of them get any decent development. Takahara Iyo works great if she's the main focus of the episode. Too bad that only happens once of twice.

Ironically, most of the time in this series is wasted on a character who actually works best as a side-character: Hyakushiki. His background is also one of the more unbelievable of the series, and especially the middle episodes keep on dabbling about useless things that don't even matter. Other episodes focus on rather dull cases, and only the first two episodes and the final two episodes are the ones in which the characters are really showing the best sides of themselves.

If there ever was a series in need of a remake, it'd be this one. It's got some of the most amazing characters. If they're actually used well, they'll definitely make for an awesome series. But because it dabbles away too often in dull elements, it turned out merely above-average. Still, this anime was definitely worth seeing. The good episodes were a delight, and even the bad episodes showcased at least a bit of the different characters’ brilliance, making them not a tiny bit enjoyable after all.

Featuring the most badass gargoyle to appear in any anime – ever.

The Gargoyle of the Yoshinagas is a show that will stand the test of time. It is a shocking criticism on the overabundance of materialism in the world society today. It is a stern warning to all aspiring burglars everywhere that crime does not pay. It features a fusion of cultures, east to west, as never before seen in anime before.

Now you must be thinking – “David, you’re on crack. I look at the picture on Anidb and all I see is this gargoyle surrounded by three little girls. How can this anime possibly be the second coming of Jesus or whatever you were saying? I think you’re exaggerating.”

And you are all right. I am exaggerating. I just wanted to get your attention, somehow. But I am not completely wrong, because this show does deal with the issues I’ve mentioned. It’s just not as apparent as one thinks, but it’s there: Materialism, burglars, fusion of cultures, everything.

I suppose I should get to the real gist of this article and actually discuss what this fine piece of animation is actually about. One day, in a stroke of luck, Futaba Yoshinaga wins first prize in the lottery from the nearby shopping district. The first prize turns out to be a rock statue, which the Yoshinagas name Gargoyle. Unbeknownst to them, this stone statue turns out to be very badass, a masterpiece created by the famed alchemist, Takahara Iyo. Said rock statue protects the Yoshinaga family by perching on their front gate. Adventures ensue.

So why is this rock statue, called Gargoyle, so badass? An incomplete list of his abilities includes instant teleportation, shooting lasers from his eyes, blocking bullets with barriers, and clairvoyance. Equally interesting are the other characters. Futaba Yoshinaga is the only daughter of the Yoshinagas, with a very tomboyish and hyper personality, along with a killer high jump kick. Her brother, Kazumi, is the exact opposite of Futaba, a completely feminine character who gets mistaken for being a girl most of the time. Their sibling dynamics make for hilarious situations. Other characters in Goshiki, the city where this anime takes place, include Mimori, a girl whose father is blind and whose family takes care of a guide dog and Lily, a cheerful girl with a tragic past.

The animation in Gargoyle of the Yoshinagas is nice, crisp, and easy on the eyes. The characters all get fantastic facial expressions, whether it’s Futaba’s pissed-off look or Kazumi’s forlorn look. It’s not Haruhi or Kanon, but you’ll also get to see animated rock statue fighting. No other anime in existence, which I know of, has animated rock statue fighting. The anime also airs in widescreen, which of course is superior to standard TV broadcast resolution.

The music fits the mood of the show quite well. Frankly, I’m not much of a music person, so as long as there is music in an anime which does not grate my ears, I’m sold. The opening and ending themes may seem cutesy and bubbly, but I like it. From the opening and the ending alone, this show may also seem quite childish, but I assure you this is not the case. There are no blood or explicit scenes (sorry if that’s all you’re looking for in anime), but there are mature themes presented, such as kidnapping and human experimentation.

I hope I have persuaded you that this show is worth your time. It better be, because I spend two hours of my free time translating the show. If you absolutely need blood and gore in your anime, stay away. If you absolutely can not stand little girls in your anime, then stay away too. But for the rest of you, sit back and enjoy the most badass anime about a rock statue – Gargoyle of the Yoshinagas.