Anime Preview: Code Geass

Let me be the first one to admit, I was very hesitant of whether or not I should watch Code Geass. It's probably just me, in fact I know it is, I simply dislike anime that use mechs or other robotic suits of armor. Don't get me wrong though, I loved each Mobile Suit Gundam series. However there is one exception to this rule, Code Geass.

Code Geass is created by a company called Sunrise, and first aired in Japan on MBS, October 5, 2006. However for us American viewers, the show has just started to air on Cartoon Networks Adult Swim programing block. For some April 25th should be a day of celebration, or at least fans of this series as now it can reach a whole new audience through Adult Swim.

Keep in mind that this is only a first impression, or "preview" opinion of Code Geass, so you can have a easier time deciding whether or not you want to watch this anime. First of all, let me explain the story, because it can get a little complicated.

In the story, on August 10, 2010 the Holy Empire of Britannia overpowered the Japanese army. They mainly used robots, or robotic suits of armor called "Knightmare Frames," these suits made short work of the Japanese army to say the least. After the war, Japan lost all of it's freedom, and even its name since the area is now called Area 11.

Even the Japanese people themselves have been renamed to "Elevens," and are forced to suffer without their former culture. The main character of the show is named Lelouch Lamperouge, and is the son of Emperor of Britannia. During some power struggle, his mother was killed, and his sister left crippled, so he pretty much vows to destroy Britannia one day.

Seven years later, we find Lelouch all grown up and having fun with the nobles as he lives his life as a school boy. One day he gets caught up in a very big mess, involving a rebel faction stealing a truck with some sort of weapon inside, or so they think at least. Turns out, that weapon is actually a girl, but by this point the military is already after them, and there is no way to escape their wrath.

After escaping for the military somehow for only awhile, the Emperor tells the military to start exterminating everyone in that part of Japan. Sounds crazy doesn't it? Finally a military general and his soldiers corner Lelouch and the girl, the girl jumps in front of a bullet, and long story short she dies, or does she? Seconds after, Lelouch starts hearing a voice in his head about forming a contract, and if he excepts he will be the girls strange power.

Of course he takes the power in hopes of saving Japan, and pretty much makes short work of that military general and all of his soldiers. Thats it for the first episode, so now comes the question of whether or not I'll keep watching. The answer to that is an obvious yes, because Code Geass has an original story line from my point of view, to the point where it is some what innovative.

Final Score- 5 Stars! (1 being the worst, 5 being the best)