Baccano:
I really love Baccano, it has maybe the most addictive opening I've encountered since Tenjhou Tenge, although it's successor, Durarara somehow managed to successfully one up them. The turn off of this anime may very well be what others love about it, the non-linear plot. The stories, while separate, all blend together, but at different points in time and for different reasons, and with the timeline being more confusing than Haruhi, it might be a bit more than a casual watcher wants to get involved with. That being said it is only 16 episodes (13 for the series and 3 OVA) and should be picked up by anyone looking for something different.
It would be hard to adequately cover what I liked and didn't about the characters in the show, not from lack of devotion, but due to the sheer number of characters. Baccano does boast a number of interesting characters most of whom I like (or love in the case of Luck). This series primarily deals with the Mafia, and most characters, save a few, are directly involved it, which makes for an interesting show as almost every character is technically a villain. Some, like Luck and Firo, appear nicer than others, though you'll notice as the show goes on that Luck does act as the head of a mob family, and Firo is an enforcer. They are not nice people, we just see them while they're being civil. It's a point I really appreciate about the show, we never go too long without one of our bishonen characters doing something morally incorrect, whether it's torture, sporadic violence, or signing a man's life away with a smile.
The setting is perhaps the biggest turn-off for me, though I would suspect others not to be bothered by it, namely how it's supposed to be an american mob story but the structure and attitudes of everyone is so damn japanese. Call it snobbery but it botheres me when the Sicilian Mob boss talks to his troops like they're Yakuza, or everyone seems to be ignoring the greater functions of the mafia and we get gang warfare. It struck me when the under-boss of the Genoard Family walks outside to his troops who are standing around as if they're yakuza out of Yojimbo, and goes on a rant about killing everyone. It's also a bit odd that the Vice-President has a point system worked out for Carol, which he refuses to explain, it's really just more japanese culture that's a bit baffling to an american audience.
That being said, though, I love the mood of the story and the artwork. It really feels like Takahiro Omori understood how to give the series a pulp-y feel. The artwork does not disappoint and the action sequences, especially the ones with Claire, are well choreographed, if not a bit ridiculous.
The music for the series is fantastic, although the only track that really sticks in one's head is the opening, Gun's and Roses by Paradise Lunch, an all girls jazz band. If you do decide to watch the series I have no doubt you'll end up watching the opening with almost every episode.
Now that Baccano's out of the way I'll be reviewing Durarara next, stay tuned.
Paradise Lunch's rendition of the Dragon Ball Opening
Paradise Lunch 21st Century Girls
Aren't they just adorable.
