What is Code Geass? Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (コードギアス 反逆のルルーシュ, Kōdo Giasu: Hangyaku no Rurūshu), often referred to as simply Code Geass, is a Japanese anime series created by Sunrise (who have created other series such as Mobile Suit Gundam), directed by Gorō Taniguchi, and written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, with original character designs by Clamp.

My review will break the series down into different parts, such as characters, mecha and other information, giving my opinion on each of the different parts. Just to forewarn anyone, this review has the possibility to contain SPOILERS. You have been warned.

Story:

Code Geass has an interesting story that focuses on many problems seen within our own world. Poverty, racism, superiority, war, and even drugs. The two seasons, called R1 and R2, span the story of Lelouch, a prince of Britannia, who is trying to create a world where his younger sister, Nunnally, can be happy. In order to do so, he begins an army, dubbed the Black Knights, who rebel agaist Britannia's rule over Japan in hopes of freeing it from Britannia's grasp.

The story has many twists and turns, many of which you wouldn't understand unless you followed the story from the beginning as the story often refers back to past events. Many unexpected events take place, including the ending of the series, but it keeps you enthralled. For me, it has to be one of the best storylines I have seen in an anime in quite a while.

Characters:

Code Geass not only has an excellent story, it has a colorful cast of characters. Each of these characters is vital to the story and it offers a different view of the events which take place. Be warned, though, it isn't uncommon for characters to die, especially important and likable ones.

My over-all favorite character is Suzaku Kururugi. But, I also liked characters such as: Rolo Lamperouge, Euphemia li Britannia, Gino Weinberg, Jeremiah Gottwald (aka Orange, Orange Boy), Lloyd Asplund (Earl of Pudding) and Cécile Croomy. In the end, you're sure to grow to enjoy many of the characters for their quirks and personalities, many of which I find rather unique to Code Geass.

Mecha:

Of course, this is a mech show, too. The designs are rather unique and original, containing many weapons and abilities not seen before. My favorite unit is the Z-01 Lancelot, piloted by Suzaku. But, there are many other cool units which I encourage everyone to see.

The Lancelot Albion: [link]

Or, you can head to MAHQ.net and look under the Mecha section for Code Geass. Then, you can read everything from the history of the mech to armaments and pilots.

Geass:

Geass (ギアス, giasu), also referred to as the Power of Kings (王の力, Ō no Chikara), is a mysterious ability which certain people can bestow upon others (the word itself potentially being an intentional corruption of geas or geis, a type of magical contract in Irish mythology). According to an English edition of Newtype, the power of Geass has something to do with the very existence of humankind and it may be used to destroy or transform just about anything. It is represented by a bird-shaped symbol which glows red when active.

A Geass is set as a contract between an immortal and a human who receives a unique power. It manifests in one eye, and with continued use increases in power, eventually becoming uncontrollable and spreading to both eyes. When a Geass is at full power, a person can then become a recipient of the immortal's "Code", that which grants them their power. This new immortal receives the Geass mark somewhere on their body, immunity to Geass, and the ability to make their own contracts with others, while the giver is allowed to die (perpetuating an endless cycle). This process is not necessarily consensual, as C.C. received her Code and V.V. had his taken away against their wills.

Every Geass power has its own unique set of both abilities and limitations (for example, Lelouch's power can only be used once on a given person), allowing for their defeat or victory by someone who is aware of its characteristics. Further understanding of the power of Geass even leads to the development of a device that can undo its effects. All Geass abilities that have thus far appeared within canon of the television series have been related to the mind, influencing things such as emotion, perception, and memory.

Now that the history is out of the way, time to address my views. Lelouch's Geass, which is the power of ultimate obedience can force whomever it is used upon to do his bidding, is rather impressive and can be ultimately useful to anyone in their lives. Rolo's Geass, the power to affect anyone caught within the sphere to lose their sense of time, is very powerful, but its negative effect is deadly to the user. As you go through the series, you'll see a few more examples of Geass power. My favorite has to be Lelouch's. It seems to be the most versatile.

Overall:

Overally, I encourage EVERYONE to at least give this anime series a chance. You can find the first season in both Japanese (with English Subs) or the Dub here: [link]

And, it's official.

R2 isn't on there, yet. But, you can find the episodes on MySpace Videos. I hope I encourage SOMEONE to watch the series. Enjoy!