It holds no boundaries; a rollercoaster with no brakes and many free-air sections. This series is incredible through the absurd yet charming set pieces and narrative points, all the way to the touching dramatic elements that foster endearing & lovable characters. This series is constantly impressive with its design and aesthetic, and has an incredible soundtrack comprising all sorts of genres you wouldn’t expect to mesh well (opera rock, anyone?). It’s simply one of the best mecha anime, arguably one of the best anime of all time, knowing when to take itself seriously without destroying the nonsensical framework supporting it. And to dig a little deeper let’s look into some of the best characters that this series has to offer.
10. Anti-Spiral
This abstractly animated character is the manifested form of an entire planet’s collective consciousness. It’s capable of distorting reality, defying physics, and decimating entire lifeforms. Despite being a major antagonist, the Anti-Spiral is a benevolent being capable of higher thought that’s acting based on a reasonable belief system. One of the best designed characters of all time, mostly due to its almost-stick-figure simplicity and ominous presence.
9. Kittan
The eldest Bachika brother is arrogant, boisterous, and an overt romantic striving to prove himself. His Gunman, King Kittan, looks like a banana. But packs far more of a punch. When he’s needed, he’ll step up. He’s always willing to speak his mind – much to the chagrin of his family and the other members of Team Gurren. Despite this, Kittan is a brave warrior who proves a great mirror to Kamina.
8. Rossiu Adai
When we first meet Rossiu, he’s living underground with other villagers, still unaware of what the outside holds. They worship an inactive Gunman buried with them, who they believe is a God. To manage resources, the populace of the village is always maintained to 50 citizens. When the number goes over that, they do a random raffle to determine who will be sent up to the ‘Gods’ as a sacrifice. When Team Gurren accidentally break through the ground, showing them the sky, Rossiu decides to join them. He’s a rational, pragmatic person who’s driven by a utilitarianism that is often tainted by pessimism. As such, he’s often taken by a defeatist attitude. This does not go smoothly with the other members, though, who believe there are no obstacles they can’t overcome.
7. Nia
When Simon struggles through his darkest moment, he stumbles upon a young clueless amnesiac girl frozen in a box. Nia is quickly revealed to be the daughter of The Spiral King Lordgenome, who mysteriously disposed of her. But that’s not the only secret behind Nia’s identity (no spoilers). Her design is amazing, with beautiful petal-eyes and golden-cyan hair. It’s nice to watch her and Simon develop a strong, endearing bond throughout the series. She’s always there for him when he needs her, and he’s always there for her when she needs him. Their relationship is one of my favorites.
6. The Spiral King, Lordgenome
One of the primary antagonists of the series: a perceivably heartless, ruthless man. He treats those around him like toys, keeps everyone at bay (including his family), and is driven by an ominous destiny he feels he has no control over. Lordgenome resides in his Kingdom, Teppelin, having subjugated all humans underground for mysterious reasons. His design is simple, animalistic, and primitive. This is reflective of his concerns with evolution, disdain towards consciousness, and desire to maintain an equilibrium of powerlessness on the planet under his rule.
5. Viral
Viral is a half-shark, half-cat humanoid badass with a tendency to antagonize. He works aboard the Dai-Gunzan under the command of Lordgenome and is tasked with the extermination of Team Gurren. His Gunman resembles a two headed samurai, dual wielding katanas, capable of striking down most enemies. But he’s a competent foot soldier as well. Quite knowledgeable in mixed fighting, firearms, and melee weapons. And his role steadily expands throughout the story. His arc is engaging and twisting, which quickly puts him atop many fan’s favorites list. Virals rivalry with Kamina is a huge part of his development. And man does it evolve…
4. Yoko Littner
Born in the underground village of Littner, Yoko hunts Beastman proficiently with a large long range sniper rifle and handguns. She isn’t as much of a Gunman pilot, preferring on-foot combat where she can excel with her precise aim. It’s during one of these hunts when her opponent crashes through the ceiling of Kamina and Simon’s village, exposing them to outside world. She helps the two escape, and then recruits them into her group of rebels. Thus, Team Gurren was soon formed. Yoko doesn’t wear much, but doesn’t hide much either. More mature than most in her group, Yoko can be depended on as a voice of reason. And her teammates rely on her attitude and approach a lot.
3. Boota
Believe it or not, Boot is one of the most integral members of Team Gurren, getting them out of numerous situations where they may have died were it not for him! He travels around on Simon’s shoulder – and occasionally in Yoko’s bra – and regularly pops his head out when people are speaking. No matter what, Boota is always reliable. When things reach their worst, the little pigmole is usually there to pull them out. He embodies many of the themes and aesthetics of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, proving himself a valuable mascot for both the anime and Team Gurren itself. Plus, he is hella cute. And somehow has a strong personality for such a simple character rdesign, narrative, presence.
2. Kamina
The ‘Fearless Demon Leader of Team Gurren,’ Kamina, is an eccentric, energetic idiot. He refuses to take no for an answer. No matter the task’s difficulty, regardless of the impossibility, he finds a way to conquer the odds. He serves as an inspiring totem for humanity’s liberation against the Beastman. Always striving for the outside world where his father went when he was a child, Kamina can stir confidence and determination among his peers with his earnest, naive, but inspiring speeches & acts of bravery. Kamina is one of the most popular characters of all time for a reason. Easily making one of the largest impressions in an already epically-scaled anime that pushes absurdity limits with every episode.
1. Simon
Simon is the protagonist of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. He’s a small boy, incredibly skilled at digging tunnels. At a younger age he lost his parents after an earthquake caused an underground avalanche. His best friend, Kamina, took him in as family – and the two become brothers. Due to his trauma, he is a meek and cowardly boy afraid to assert himself. Really just afraid to take the steps required for his own happiness. Luckily, Kamina will never let him drag behind. One day, Simon discovers a small key-like object shaped like a drill, and a metal face underground. This becomes his mecha, the small yet potent Lagann which he uses to rise out of his underground village and beyond. He’s a metaphor for determination. He’s a path-maker who needs to learn to never give up. And his relationship with Kamina is one of the strongest in anime history. Simon’s character writing is inspiring and unbelievable. Easy to see why so many fans love him.
