Trigun - this is the first Japanese animation that I really got into. I was introduced to this anime back in high school, when I was a part of a club (the name escapes me, but we'd be introduced to various anime and held various video game tournaments, so that was cool), and I was immediately captivated by the show.
In short, Trigun revolves around a lone gunslinger by the name of Vash the Stampede (aka The Humanoid Typhoon), infamous for destroying entire cities, especially the city of July, all too effortlessly. Thus, Vash has become an outlaw, with a 60 billion Double Dollar bounty on his head, dead or alive. Also, Vash is followed by two ladies, Meryll Stryfe and Milley Thompson, of the Bernardelli Insurance Company, in hopes to minimize the damage and danger that seems to follow Vash wherever he goes. Occasionally, a priest by the name of Nicholas D. Wolfwood joins the trio in the adventure.
In the anime, there are two "Acts" (so to speak) that seem to take place. In the first "Act", the focus is more on lighthearted, emphasizing more on Vash's personal goal to spread love and peace amongst the people of the desert planet Gunsmoke, often overcoming problems non-violently (which frustrates the people that are involved in the situation, once they learn of Vash's true identity). So, in several moments, we're allowed to see a glimpse of Vash's true skill with a gun, as well as see Vash's true nature, a gentle and kind-heared being rather than being a malicious threat to the people.
However, it is the second "Act" that the anime becomes more serious and dramatic in nature. The focus is on the feud between Vash and his brother, Millions Knives. Knives is drastically different from Vash in the sense that Knives intends on killing off the entire human race, considering them unfit to be to be alive, while Vash wants people to live long, happy lives in peace and harmony with each other. Before the feud between the brothers can be settled, Vash fights through the Gun-Ho Guns, a elite group of assassins with superhuman abilities, whose only goal is to teach Vash "eternal pain and suffering."
It is this second act that I relish the most, because the anime wasn't afraid to delve deep into the philosophy of taking life from another person. Both Nicholas and Vash constantly argue between themselves over each other's actions. Vash believes that all life is precious, that nobody has the right to take the life another, and there is always an alternative to violence. This is why Vash does his best to solve issues without using his gun at times. Wolfwood, however, believes otherwise, since he has no problem drawing his gun in a fight. Wolfwood believes that sometimes there is no alternative: if you don't shoot to kill, you get killed. Wolfwood believes that some murder is justified, whether it's for protection, self-defense or otherwise. It's something for the viewer to watch and decide for themselves what is wrong and right.
In conclusion, Trigun is one of those anime that must be seen, especially the second half of the series, where focus of the story becomes quite philosophical. Great storytelling, soundtrack, and voice acting make this anime a priceless gem for any anime enthusiast.
