The second volume of Gantz comes together a lot better than the first did. It doesn't hit us with as much gore, is more exciting, and the plot seems to be going somewhere now. It was difficult to get a feel for the series after only two episodes, but after four, the outlook isn't so bad. In fact, I rather like it now, earlier reservations aside.

The topic for the second volume is death as an attraction. The two episodes explore different angles on the subject - when it's best to run, when there's no choice but to take up arms, and the draw of witnessing a death. These philosophical considerations are unlikely to develop into some kind of message due to their nature, but they do generate the necessary inner-conflict for our protagonists.

The other significant development in this volume is the trio meeting someone that knows more than they do about the situation. This is where things are starting to get interesting. We learn a bit about the rules of the twisted game that Gantz (the name of the black ball) plays with our characters, particularly concerning whether they are really alive or dead.

Let this be a lesson to ya: don't piss off your vegetables.	Kei shows off his mad cosplay skizzles.

ADV included another interview with this release, this time with Kei Kuruno's actor, Daisuke Namikawa. Namikawa shares his early impressions of his character, as well as hopes he has for Kei as the series progresses. It helps us a little to forgive (but not forget!) the low episode count on these discs. Also included on the disc are a preview clip for the next volume, and clean OP/ED sequences again.

I have higher hopes for Gantz now. We'll probably see more of those out-of-place nude shots and gruesome violence, but I'm convinced that the show can be entertaining at times, and might just have something good to offer. No reason to blackball* this one yet!

*The bad puns contained in this review are Angelo's own and do not represent the puns of Anime Dream.

Distributor: ADV Films
Creator: Hiroya Oku / GONZO Digimation
Released: 2004

Video Quality: A-
Audio Quality: A-
Presentation: A
Content: B
Overall: B+