Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann [Season 1 Episodes 1-27]

Heaven-Piercing Hype or Overrated Nostalgia? Let’s Talk Gurren Lagann

If you’ve ever scrolled through anime forums or asked for mecha recommendations, chances are you’ve heard of Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann. Produced by Gainax and hitting screens in 2007, this 27-episode series follows Simon, a shy digger, and Kamina, his fiery “bro,” as they blast out of their underground village in a mech called Lagann. Together, they fight the Spiral King’s oppressive forces, team up with a sharp-shooting redhead named Yoko, and eventually… well, let’s just say the mechs get really big. But here’s the thing: while some fans call it a “masterpiece,” others are now saying it’s boring. What’s up with that?

First off, let’s get why people love it. For many, Gurren Lagann is pure, unapologetic fun. As one fan put it, “It’s a thrill ride!” The show’s energy is off the charts—think mechs punching galaxies, speeches that make you want to pump your fist, and Kamina’s iconic line, “Believe in the me that believes in you!” Even the episode titles are lines from the characters, like the first one: “Bust Through the Heavens With Your Drill!!” It’s all about pushing limits and defying the odds, which hits hard if you’re into underdog stories. Plus, the animation? Bold, colorful, and totally over-the-top—exactly what you’d expect from the studio behind Neon Genesis Evangelion (though way less angsty).

But wait, why the hate? Let’s break down the complaints. Some say it’s “too simple.” One user ranted, “There’s no real obstacles or complexity in Simon’s story.” Others call out the characters: “Simon and Nia’s relationship felt like close friends, not a couple,” while another slammed Yoko and Kittan’s romance as “weird and underdeveloped.” Then there’s the “boring after the timeskip” crowd. Around Episode 17, a seven-year jump happens, and suddenly Simon’s a leader dealing with politics. For some, that shift from nonstop action to slow-burn drama kills the vibe.

Nostalgia also plays a big role. A lot of fans watched Gurren Lagann when they were new to anime, and it blew their minds. As one person admitted, “I watched it when I was new to anime and it completely blew my mind—rewatched it a few months ago and appreciated it even more.” But if you’re a newer fan used to shows with intricate plots (like Attack on Titan) or deep character arcs (think Fullmetal Alchemist), Gurren Lagann’s “go big or go home” style might feel shallow. One critic even said, “It’s a show for kids—natural that people fall asleep now.”

Then there’s the “waifu bait” argument. Some claim modern anime fans are too focused on cute, marketable characters, so Gurren Lagann’s rough-around-the-edges cast doesn’t click. “Waifu baits are rolling everything these days,” one commenter sighed. Others just find the humor cringey or the fights “mediocre.” And let’s not forget the Kill la Kill comparison—since both are by Gainax, some fans say the later series does the “over-the-top action” thing better.

But here’s the kicker: most people who stick with it still love it. “Every time I watch it, it gets better,” a die-hard fan gushed. The key seems to be patience. As another user pointed out, “People who find it boring probably only watched a few episodes.” The first half is all setup—underground escape, team-building, mech battles—but the second half? That’s where the show goes from “fun” to “insane.” We’re talking mechs combining to form a giant robot that’s bigger than a galaxy. If you can get past the slow parts, the payoff is wild.

So, is Gurren Lagann worth watching? It depends. If you want a show that makes you feel like you can take on the world, yes. If you crave complex characters or tight plotting, maybe skip it. But don’t let the “boring” takes scare you off. As Simon would say, “Don’t believe in the me that believes in you—believe in the you that believes in yourself!” Give it a shot, and who knows? You might just find yourself yelling, “Gurren Lagann, full power!” at your screen.

At the end of the day, Gurren Lagann isn’t for everyone—but for those who get it, it’s a masterpiece. And hey, even if you don’t love it, you’ll never forget the drill that pierced the heavens.

What do you think? Is Gurren Lagann a classic or overrated? Drop your take in the comments!