Gankutsuou Ep 1 - Tabi no Owari ni Bokura wa Deau (We met at the end of the trip)

Started to watch this yesterday.

Well, I've been hearing a lot about this anime e.g. the fact that it's made by Gonzo, the graphics are fabulous. Personally, I find that the graphics and colours used seem to be rather imaginary, dreamy and unreal. I guess this has to do with the fact that this story is set in the future. One point I would like to make would be the colours of the clothes. Somehow, the designs do not seem to be stagnant and they kind of blended in with the surroundings as if the prints of the clothes are moving. In addition, the clothes seem to be in vibrant colours and there's no plain suit so far based on this first episode. It's the first time I've seen colours like this in an anime.

The story begins with 2 good friends, Albert Montcerf and Franz who are travelling together. They come to a town called Luna when their local carnival is being held.

At the opera, Albert and Franz see a mysterious man who calls himself the Count of Monte Cristo and has nicknames like the Gentleman and Vampire since his background is unknown to the nobles. The two receive a dinner invitation from the Count and are impressed with his mannerisms and wealth. Albert seems to be in awe of the Count which Franz does not feel the same way as he's wary about this mysterious man. However, Albert does not believe Franz and agrees to join the Count for lunch on the next day where the public execution of criminals is to take place.

The Count suggests that they play a game where Albert can save one of the criminals' lives by choosing the card which bears that person's name. Franz realises that the Count is up to no good but Albert refuses to leave the balcony. The Count makes use of Albert's mentality that he wants to search for his true self on this trip with Franz and wants Albert to make his choice to prove that he has a mind of his own. After much deliberation, Albert finally chooses a card and he ends up saving the worst criminal among the three - a serial killer.

After being much shaken after this incident, Albert quarrels with Franz and goes wandering on the streets. He meets a beautiful girl and brings her to a street corner before getting intimate with her. However, Albert is shocked when the girl suddenly uses a gun to point at him...

Based on the story so far, I think my interest can be sustained throughout the series since I like suspense stories. I'm interested to know what the Count is up to and why is he seeking revenge on Albert who seems to have nothing to do with him. This looks very promising.