This video embodies how awesome Lelouch is:
To date, he is the ONLY fictional character to have achieved world domination. And he does it like a boss.
This review as the title says is for both the Anime and the Manga. Unlike most Anime/Manga conversions, in the case of Code Geass the Anime came first. It ran from 2006 to 2008 and yes, that’s also during the same time Death Note was taking the world by storm. Naturally, the comparisons between Lelouch and Light Yagami are hard to ignore. Both gain a supernatural ability. Both have an alter ego. Both use cold logic and reasoning as their guidepost. Both are willing to die for their convictions.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion follows the story of Lelouch, the banished prince of Britannia. He and his sister Nunnally (who both change their last names from Britannia to Lamprouge) are banished from Britannia after their mother Marianne is assassinated. The incident that left their mother dead also left Nunnally paralyzed and blind. They live in hiding from Britanna in the newly annexed Area 11–formerly Japan. Lelouch vows to punish the people responsible and free Japan as well. His fateful first encounter with C.C. begins a fantastic thrill ride.
In case you’re wondering Nunnally does eventually regain her sight:
Like all the members of the Britannian Royal Family she has violet eyes.
The Anime aired on Adult Swim (Cartoon Network) from 2007 to 2009. Unlike the other Anime that aired around the same time, surprisingly Code Geass was never reaired in the U.S. after the series finale. It used to air on Hulu.com but it is no longer listed there. It is also available on DVD of course but be prepared to pay alot for it. Season 1 goes for $70-$85 in Amazon and Season 2 goes for $85-$110. I saw it at mutiple booths my last three trips to Anime Boston including this year. Next year, my goal is to buy both seasons, if not the second.
As for the Manga, there are actually three different series: Lelouch of the Rebellion, Suzaku of the Counterattack and Nunnally’s Nightmare. Each one of them focuses on their namesake character and tells the story from the anime a little differently. I actually ended up getting my mits on the first seven volumes of Code Geass: Lelouch during Anime Boston and need only the 8th to finish the set. Given it’s selling for $65-$115 I will wait until next year’s Anime Boston for the final volume as well.
Overall I give Code Geass a 10/10. Outstanding storytelling. Likeable cast. Compelling philopshical discussioms in almost every episode/volume. A must-see/read for anyone who’s into Anime or Manga!
Now go forth and Check out Code Geass.
In case that voice sounds familiar, yes it is Johnny Bosch Young. He’s certainly come a long way since his days as Adam Park on Power Rangers!
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Aurabolt's Anime and Manga 