Gosick 01 – first impression

Eah? A loli detective show?

Gosick is the series whose shoulders bear the majority of the  burden of my hopes for an enjoyable Winter 2011 season. The two main factors that excite me about this show are the possibility of a good mystery story and the cover artwork from the light novels, which was clearly inspired by the Art Nouveau artistic movement (known in Italy as Liberty Style). The animation’s OP artwork, in particular, incorporates elements of this style. The period setting, a fictionalized Alpine country reminds me strongly of Torino, a major metropolis at the time.

-= ROAR =-

Let me first say that I was entertained by the first episode, and am eager to continue watching this series.

A detective with a renowned sense of style.

I’m really not going to comment on the characters. I’ve barely met them, and what really matters in a mystery story is a sequence of events. These three are somehow tied up in the investigation of a murder. Good first step. The mystery has only deepened by the end of the episode. Very intriguing. Anticipation levels rise.

The Gosick OP artwork shows many influences of Liberty Style.

The Liberty Style, which was popular across Europe at the end of the 19th century, took it’s inspiration from organic forms. This is especially seen in the emphasis of flowing lines, and the inclusion of motifs such as plants. Because it often took a commercial form, most visual art from the style was produced mechanically, on posters or magazine covers. This gives the style a kind of uniformity, such as bold lines and areas of flat color. The Gosick OP uses these techniques to great effect.

Notice for, example, the large, flat vertical band that represents a tree.

At one point the main couple take a train journey through the Alps and arrive in a bustling city. The city reminded me more of Torino than Genoa (despite the proximity of the sea).

Having ridden by train between Switzerland and Italy several times, I would agree it is an awe-inspiring view.

Victorica's pose here is very unusual.

In this scene, an unusually excited Victorica looks about, at the sights of the city. Her pelvis is forward, but her upper body is twisted naturally to the left, and her arms are swirling about as she pivots on her spinal column. the whole movement as she transitions was very gracefully and naturally animated. It also helped reveal her (unusual) state of mind. Well done Bones!

smoking baby

So, does anyone need another loli show? No, about half the shows that started this season feature loli characters. I do intend to stick with Gosick, but for the promise of a real mystery plot, in a very cool period setting.