GANGSTA.

GANGSTA., released in 2015 by FUNimation, catapults you into a world where, much like reality, there isn’t always black and white. Morality exists in shades of gray. The show draws you into the shadowy city called Ergastulum – a hive of the scandalous, the deadly, and the felonious. Filled with mafia families, hookers, petty thieves, and even those born with special abilities, the city is anything but ordinary.

The central characters of the plot are the dynamic duo, Worick Arcangelo and Nicolas "Nic" Brown, who operate a 'Handymen' business, doing the jobs no one else would want, or dare to. Their story begins when they take up a job from Police Inspector Chad Adkins involving the brutal murder of a prominent Mafia Don and his gang. This proves to be a turning point not just for the pair, but for the city's dark underbelly as well, as it sets off a chain of events that sends the city spiraling into chaos.

Worick, the one-eyed charming mercenary, adds intrigue with his haunted past and enigmatic persona. He's an ex-gigolo who also doubles as a jack of all trades in his 'Handymen' business. On the other hand, Nic, a deaf man who communicates primarily through sign language, is a "Twilight" (Tagged), born with enhanced physical abilities from a special drug given to his pregnant mother. His merciless combat style speaks more of his character than anything he ever could say.

"GANGSTA." is filled with a vibrant cast of characters, each more eccentric than the last, yet brilliantly tensile and multilayered. Alex Benedetto, a former prostitute who becomes the Handymen's secretary, plays a significant role, opening another facet to the narrative - highlighting the struggles a woman faces while trying to escape from her exploitative past.

One of the compelling aspects of GANGSTA. is its in-depth exploration of the sociological and psychological impacts of inequality, abuse, and discrimination. There is constant tension between the “Twilights” or “Tagged” who possess superhuman abilities and the “Normals,” leading to episodes of citywide violence, and serving as an analogy of the social injustices that exist in any society.

The show has an intense, gritty, noire-like feel, diving deep into darker themes such as organised crime, prostitution, and substance abuse.The grim visuals, paired with a haunting soundtrack, enhance the ominous atmosphere, driving home the seriousness of the issues it portrays.

However, despite its dark undertone, "GANGSTA." also provides moments of light-hearted respite. These moments are often short-lived, serving as a stark reminder of the harsh reality of the characters' circumstances.

The anime excels in its fluid animation and strong action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The attention to detail is noteworthy, especially during the fight scenes which are the series' highlights. Its strikingly detailed background setting, combined with raw emotional narrative arcs, makes it hard not to empathize with the characters.

However, where "GANGSTA." truly defines itself is in its characters; complex souls with painful pasts and uncertain futures. Irrespective of where they come from, whether they are gangsters, police, or prostitutes, they all have their own reasons to continue living and fighting, no matter how grim the circumstances they’re tossed into.

Notably, the series does not try to romanticize or justify the actions of the characters, it never positions 'right' or 'wrong'. It simply narrates a tale of survival within the city's dark labyrinth, revealing the bare essence of humanity in the process. This raw narrative is what stands out, making "GANGSTA." a unique series within the genre of action.

On the whole, "GANGSTA." is a compelling blend of noir, action, and drama that doesn't shy away from showing the grimmer aspects of life. With its brilliant character design, dynamic storyline, and riveting fighting scenes, it manages to create a compelling narrative that explores deep themes, making it a standout among the animated drama series.