Trigun Volume 2

With the first volume’s collision of zany humour and gun-slinging antics proving popular with this reviewer, Trigun #2 received a typically warm reception on its arrival. Yet upon viewing, I’m left in two minds and with my enthusiasm ever-so slightly jarred; while undoubtedly possessing the same qualities as it’s debut instalment, Trigun #2 also feels stretched and forced; simply repeating the same slapstick comedy/serious action formula that was successfully tried and tested throughout earlier episodes.
Of course, Trigun #2 is by no means bad (or even mediocre)- far from it, but with characters as interesting and fun to watch as this, I’m already starting to want more from this show than just a simple “Vash saves the day… again” episode.

My frustration is naturally born from Vash’s unique, contradictive personality. One moment he’s knocking back shots of whiskey and laughing loudly, only to transform into a rather stern, if emotionally ‘stunted’ gunslinger a few moments later.
In a particularly strong episode, we are provided with a window into his vivid dreams and catch fragments of his bitter past; intriguing images that move Vash to tears and ended up compelling me far more than just another stylized gun-fight with a predictable, if fun conclusion.

Having already become accustomed to Trigun’s aloof hero pretending to be a klutz when actually possessing serious talent, these three episodes don’t only come across as being predictable, but also border on repetitive too.
And while I’m tempted to write off this volume as pure filler, the neo-Western setting and infinitely likable characters managed to sustain my interest. Suffice to say, I’m in love with the setting and atmosphere of this show, and despite its light-hearted lapses into slapstick comedy, Trigun consistently retains it’s gritty, serious tone by virtue of its desolate landscapes and broken cities. Like-wise, the characters remain distinctive, likable and colourful; from Milly’s nice but dumb persona to the larger than life cyborg villains who are hired to capture Vash- there is never a boring moment in Trigun and for a show that I’ve pegged as being predictable, this is no small feat.

In Summary

Trigun #2 sees this show settling into the familiar, ever so predictable formula of Vash saving the day, but also retains the strength of character and intriguing neo-Western setting that defined my ardent love for the first volume. And while I’m certainly left hoping for a little more in terms of character development and back-story, Trigun #2 is a good hour’s worth of fun that even the most jaded action fans couldn’t help but enjoy.