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Code Geassis one of the popular anime in the mecha genre. Its finesse’ lies in the outlining of profound elements. This holds especially true to the theme of war, oppression, and unrest. The crude portrayal of a dystopian society sets it apart from most mecha anime. This extends to Lelouch’s character in the series. And there’s more to it.
Director Gorō Taniguchi highlighted the world-building in the anime. He also outlined the importance of setting. In most aspects, his anime outclassesNarutoandOne Piece. This is also reflected in Lelouch’s character in the series.
Code Geass outlines Naruto and One Piece in world-building according to Gorō Taniguchi.
Code Geassis centered on the journey of Lelouch Lamperouge. The series underscores rebellion and rage against oppression. The Holy Empire of Britannia subjects Japan to violence. Through theiruse of knightmares, the empire carries out massacres. War and unrest catalyze Lelouch’s rise as the voice of rebellion. However, there’s more to it.
Like most mecha anime, Taniguchi’s series is lost in translation. This holds especially true with the use of robots. The complex themes and world setting are often overlooked. Thisextends toGundamandNeon Genesis Evangelionas well. Taniguchi highlights a dystopian war era which is overshadowed by the use of robots. However, it excels in most ways.
“I have no choice”: The Code Geass Films Pushed the Director to Tears After He was Forced to Remove the Most Emotional Moment for Kallen
In theGreat Mechanic G Summer 2018interview, Taniguchi deemedCode Geassfar superior. He noted the series’ world-building as outclassingNarutoandOne Piece. He quoted:
How the world of “NARUTO “ and “ONE PIECE” came into being, no one cares about that. “That’s just how it is”, case closed. But only when it comes to anime, everyone cares. Back then I answered to the manga artists, “Perhaps “Space Battleship Yamato” was successful in the wrong way”.
I mean, it’s imprinted in some generation’s mind that every anime has to follow the formula of that one successful experience right? But I think in showing that world setting itself, in any kind of form, is what makes animation an art.
Moreover, the world setting in Taniguchi’s anime reflects a dystopian society. The themes of war and political strife are ever-present. However, his work outclasses the series in its writing of Lelouch’s character.
Lelouch subverts the conventional hero archetype.
Lelouch Lamperouge is a former prince of The Holy Britannian Empire. He represents an anti-war stance. This is evident in his use of the Geass. In using his Geass against his people, he subverts the hero archetype. His disgust and disregard for tyranny set him apart from most Shonen heroes. What makes him a better protagonist is hisself-sacrificial nature.
The trope of carrying a pseudonym runs parallel in the sequel. However, both protagonistsdiffer in their motives. He represents will and determination to end the strife. Conversely, Sakuya Sumeragi’s use of Geass is mixed with her personal vendetta and anti-war stance. However, there’s a caveat to that. In his pursuit of peace, he did unalive innocents which makes him a morally grey character.
Code Geass’ Director was Thinking of Quitting the Anime After the Series’ Original Idea Became a Massive Disaster
All in all, Taniguchi’s world setting highlights the dark and dystopian society. From military warfare to unrest and corruption, the series outclasses Kishimoto and Oda’s magnum opus. Moreover, it reigns supreme in its writing of Lelouch’s character. It further inspired several Shonen masterpieces like Attack on Titan with its brilliant writing.
Code Geass, Naruto,andOne Pieceare available for streaming on Crunchyroll. The manga is available for reading on Viz Media.
Himanshi Jeswani
Anime Writer
Articles Published :993
Himanshi Jeswani is an anime writer at Fandomwire, with her work spanning over 900 articles. Her articles cover shojo, shonen, seinen, and all things beyond. Her interests, however, aren’t limited to simply anime. She has a penchant for exploring different genres of manga, be it horror, yanki, music, and food. She brings out her specialization and expertise in the performing arts through her articles. As a writer, she strives to bridge the gap between the viewers and the medium itself. To her, anime is a revolutionary medium that is capable of creating communities and stories after all.
