Title:  Gravitation vol 1 UK distributor: MVM BBFC Certificate: 12 Suggested Retail Price (SRP): £15.99 Episodes: 1 - 4 Audio Options: English 2.0; Japanese 2.0 Subtitles: English Reviewer:  Tom (Webmaster)

Once upon a time, in a faraway land called the early '90s, anime was violent, packed with swearing and only bought by guys between 16 & 21.  It stayed that way for many years and then slowly more and more shojo was released, which paved the way for an explosion in yaoi. For many yaoi lovers their fascination began with Gravitation.  
 

Gravitation follows the story of Shuichi and his band Bad Luck, which he formed with his best friend Hiro.  In the first episode we learn they have joined a major record label but lyricist Shuichi is having trouble finishing his songs before the deadline.  In need of inspiration he wanders through a park late at night and his unfinished lyrics flutter in the breeze into the hands of a passing stranger.  The stranger dismisses the lyrics by telling Shuichi he has zero talent and then walks off, leaving Shuichi angry and determined to finish the lyrics.  He

subsequently discovers that the random stranger was the famous novelist Eiri Yuki and set out to find him again to defend his finished lyrics.

It soon becomes clear though the Shuichi has fallen for the tall, attractive Yuki and it could cause him more harm then good.  Whereas Shuichi is fun-loving, naive and expressive, Yuki is cold, selfish and will not let his feelings known.  Shuichi will have to work hard for them to a be proper couple, but this is only the first volume so he has plenty of time yet.

But it is not all about love for Shuichi in this volume.  Bad Luck also have to perform as a support band for their main rivals Ask and Ask are not friendly towards their rivals.  Ask are more successful and have all the aloofness that comes with success.  Shuichi is going need a lot of inspiration and encouragement from Yuki if Bad Luck is going to really hit the big time.  So far though, Yuki shows little sign of being any help unless he shows more affection towards Shuichi.
 

Despite first appearing a typical love story, with the naive young female replace by a young naive male, Gravitation is still an entertaining watch.  Throughout the first volume many plot elements are introduced, such as the rival band and Yuki's relationship with his sister, which show that the series will not just be a shallow, straightforward love story.  Also the characters have strong personalities and although some may find Shuichi's effeminate side a little annoying, he does make for a likeable lead who will make

you smile several times whilst watching.  Yuki's over-the-top coldness towards Shuichi is in obvious contrast to Shuichi's enthusiasm, making for a chalk and cheese couple who are not always around each other.  This works well as it does explain why they spend time apart from each other, its just a shame we don't see more of Yuki's personal life whilst we see so much of Shuichi's. Hopefully this will change in future volumes.

Being a show about a music band, Gravitation does feature many j-pop styles songs which are likely to split viewer opinion down the middle.  I did not mind the music myself, finding it catchy and poppy, but have to admit it is not exactly chart-topping stuff.  Still, it is decent enough but the average nature of it may have some reaching for the fast-forward button.

Musical debate aside though, this is an entertaining first volume which seems to promise a decent romance/comedy series.  Although the themes of gay romance, slapstick comedy and cute boys are squarely aimed at a young female audience, the comedy drama style will hold some appeal to other audiences as well.  Truth be told, Gravitation is not much different to straight romance comedies in terms of plot and comedy, its just the cast is pretty much all boys instead of girls.  So if you are a girl, add another star to the final score. 

Extras

 There is very little in terms of extras unfortunately.  Aside from the usual trailers, there is a small line art gallery which only contains around ten images. 

It surprised me there was not an option to view the musical performances scattered across the volume, or a music-only track.  For a show about a band, you would expect at least on of these options. 

Ratings

Feature Extras  

Related reviews

Gravitation: The Novel review
___________________________________________________________________________

Back To Reviews Archive