Set in the real world, Gungrave kicks off with a short introduction that’s nothing short of astounding. Utilising sheer actions over dialogue, an impression of the general theme of the series is set down from the beginning, while putting on a frankly brilliant fight scene all in one. In terms of combat, the anime explores several different genres, including gun fighting and hand-to-hand combat, straight and mixed up. (There's also the odd bit of polymorphic weaponry/limbs, but that goes without saying.) However, where Gungrave is refreshingly different is the blood content is kept at a realistic level. Some guy gets punched in the face, and his nose spurts a little blood. Some other bloke gets his head kicked in, and his gore is apparent only when he's back in the den, licking his wounds, as opposed to the typical "stigmata" style exploding wounds that apparently happen when you punch someone in the chest (?). The crystal grey ice creature thingy is shot, and, well... doesn't bleed at all, he shatters. This makes a nice change from the exaggerated bloodbaths typical of Hellsing and Ninja Scroll. The style is high quality and expertly drawn, with incredible animation during quick action scenes. The detail on the weaponry is adequate enough, without becoming a distraction from the dialogue or the characters themselves. The gun fighting is refreshingly within context. Street punks fire guns like there's something wrong with their wrist, whereas the parallel is drawn with the Equilibrium-esq. "I don't need to look, i'm a robot!" gun slinging action of Grave.
The atmosphere of Gungrave is generally dark throughout the story. Jumping between the current storyline and blasts from the past, this is reinforced throughout with the use of appropriate lighting; ambience (or lack thereof) but isn't over dramatic where it not required. Contrary to the traditional uncanny appearance of a full orchestra and choir playing a melody of despair upon a 'tragic' incident, probably involving a stolen jellybean, Gungrave uses simple small-scale pieces of music to emphasise a point. However, sometimes this can backfire, resulting in a cheesy parody of drama, which is way too reminiscent of being stuck in a lift (Watch an episode introduction, you'll see what we mean). But a less appreciated atmospheric 'tool' used here is the facial expressions of the general background people. The sun is shining, the people are wearing bright clothes, and PC Plod is on the beat... but something’s just not right. PC Plod isn't whistling a merry tune, the kids aren't skipping and playing with a hoop and stick... everyone is just downright depressed, and this works well to maintain a low mood despite the realism of a stereotypical sunny day.
The storyline is deeply involving. While not quite as difficult to follow as the likes of Escaflowne or El Hazard, the plot draws the audience in like an industrial fishing rod, and each character holds a distinct personality that, if only by a gnats whisker, is individual from every other. There are no cutesy trio's of schoolgirls with bits of gone off salad for brains, no self-righteous hero's or damsels in distress - The characters are realistic and believable. Where supernatural or out-of-the-ordinary characters DO appear, there are no unnecessary exaggerated introductive/power-up sequences (Power Rangers seem to have patented this for the time being). The Hero (Anti-Hero? We can't decide!), Grave, is not a Knight in shining armour. His armour is, well, he doesn't wear any, but he's not a knight either. He's dark in mind, soul, he totes twin desert eagles, slights on the supernatural and he WILL rock you. The similarities between his character and Alucard from Hellsing are untrue, right down to the long coat with a buckle collar. However, Gungrave allows you to see his character as a regular street punk, as well as Mr. morbid, and this is where Gungrave really shows off. Despite a long drawn out storyline, depth causes no expense to entertainment, and there is not a single tedious wait for something to happen (Dragon Ball Z anyone?).
For those without a taste for subtitles, the dubbing is pretty much bang-on. The only discrepancy is that some characters say the same thing differently in order to reflect their personality, but the general point is always made, and made the way it was originally intended.
Finally, NO, there are NO naked women OR panty-shots on show. Frankly, it doesn’t need it, it wouldn’t work, and umm… you’re all DIRTY perverts!

Gungrave is a beautifully animated, deep, action packed anime with few flaws. It’s a no-holds barred, middle finger raised, fie upon traditional action-based anime conventions. For this we are grateful.

Gungrave scores a massive 8-and-a-half pints of beer out of 10. The half’s for the missus, because she’s driving you’re inebriated bum home. We are well and truly drunk on Gungrave.