Trigun Stargaze Review: Why This 3D Anime Reboot Works Better Than You Expect

Chocolate and Bacon, Watermelon and Feta Cheese, combinations of foods you wouldn’t think quite go together seemingly defy the sensibilities of our tastebuds when done just right. I’ll raise you another; Western-Slapstick and Japanese Animation, throw the dreaded ‘3D animation’ into that mix and the apprehension is cerebral. Before your gag reflex is engaged- hear me out. Allow me to present to your weary self: TRIGUN STARGAZE, and I need you to know, it’s actually pretty damn good so far. 

It’s often said that culture is a cycle, with media and music and fashion coming back full force some 20 years after their haydays. This can certainly be felt in the Anime world, with the recent trend of reboots and remakes gracing the screens, us folk living in the 2020s are being reacquainted with the stories that have shaped the industry today. The TRIGUN series, written by Yasuhiro Nightow, lands perfectly in the era caught now by today’s culture cycle. Published from 1995-1996 and adapted for animation in 1998, the series achieved cult status as a certified right class banger, often held in high regard when discussing the “Best of all time” in the medium. In 2023 Studio Orange picked up this series for a reboot, releasing the first season TRIGUN STAMPEDE broadcasted on TV Tokyo domestically and simulcasted internationally by Crunchyroll. 

If you already know of the Trigun series, you’re probably already frothing at the mouth. If you’ve never heard of the series, I’m gonna try to hook you on this one like I’m on Shark Tank. Here goes.

Set on a world that is equal parts Wild West and Sci-fi wasteland, the story follows the exploits of Vash the Stampede; gunslinger vagabond, pacifist, and the man with a $6,000,000 bounty on his head. Vash is easily one of the coolest main characters in Anime, knocking around exactly like a traumatised golden retriever boyfriend. He’s goofy as all hell and far too kind for the people he’s constantly trying to protect, all while carrying a full semi-truck load of emotional baggage. In a world where people’s actions are driven by survival and necessity, Vash finds himself negotiating the contradictions within human nature, expressed in dilemmas that never color people’s choices as inherently good nor evil. There is some seriously compelling story in the first season, and the first few episodes, is chopping up to be no sloucher in the narrative department. 

Now addressing the 3D animation concerns. In short - It’s better than you think. In long, it’s a mixed bag. Certainly, the style is a deviation to what comes to mind when expecting ‘Anime’, but get past that gut reaction, you’ll pretty quickly see that they’re cooking over in Studio Orange. The studio has been refining its crafts in creating 3D anime for some time now. Even if you’re unfamiliar with the name, you may be familiar with their works: Beastars or Land of the Lustrous, their accolades have been slowly chipping away at the sour reputation surrounding 3D techniques within the medium. The action scenes are polished and majestic, character expressions dynamic and lively, even managing to transform what is literally a barren wasteland into a curiosity-poking backdrop. 

This TRIGUN reboot series stands on the shoulders of giants. The story does deviate from both the original anime and the manga. It’s been crafted this way intentionally and with the wishes of Nightow himself, whose expressed desire to create something different. The public reception of TRIGUN STAMPEDE has been mixed (the animation style is actually the least criticized aspect), with criticism cast towards alterations in the story, focus and character portrayals. I’m unsure how much of this is due to returning fan expectations. As someone who (in honesty) never watched or read the original works, I really had no complaints on the pacing or story direction. The characters were all instantly likeable, distinct individually and a joy to watch come together, all backed by stellar performances from the voice actors. 

Perhaps it sounds like I’m glazing this show a little too much, but the feeling of low expectations being incinerated leaves an impression on the mind. Regardless of if you’re a returning fan, or are new to the series, I think TRIGUN STAMPEDE & STARGAZE are worth your time. Even if the story is a bit different to the original, all the pieces that facilitated its success 20 odd years ago are still there, aged like fine wine and poured into new glass, waiting for your undoubtedly refined palette to enjoy. 

You can catch the first episode of TRIGUN STAMPEDE available now for streaming on Crunchyroll, with new episodes every Sunday, 1:00AM AEST (Saturday 2:00pm GMT).

Written by Luka.