What is: Gabriel DropOut
Gabriel DropOut is a Japanese anime known for its comedic narrative and charismatic characters. The series is based on the manga written and illustrated by Ukami, which began publication in December 2013 in ASCII Media Works' Dengeki Daioh magazine. The anime adaptation, produced by Doga Kobo, premiered in January 2017. The story revolves around Gabriel White Tenma, an angel who, after graduating with honors from angel school, is sent to Earth to learn more about humans. However, upon discovering worldly pleasures, Gabriel becomes a "dropout," preferring to play video games and live a lazy life instead of fulfilling his divine mission. The anime explores themes such as the duality between duty and desire, and the internal struggle between good and evil, all with a healthy dose of humor.
The characters in Gabriel DropOut are one of the series' highlights. Besides Gabriel, we have Vignette April Tsukinose, a demon who, ironically, is extremely responsible and kind, contrasting with Gabriel's lazy nature. Satanya McDowell Kurumizawa, another demon, is a character who constantly tries to be evil, but her attempts often result in comical and disastrous situations. Raphiel Ainsworth Shiraha, an angel who enjoys playing pranks on others, especially Satanya, adds another layer of humor to the series. The interaction between these characters creates a dynamic and fun environment, where contrasting personalities generate hilarious and unpredictable situations. The series uses these contrasts to explore human and angelic nature in a lighthearted and accessible way.
Gabriel DropOut's animation is another aspect worth highlighting. Produced by Doga Kobo, a studio known for its quality comedy and slice-of-life animation, the anime features a vibrant and colorful visual style. The characters' exaggerated facial expressions and fluid movements contribute to the series' comedic tone. The soundtrack, composed by Yasuhiro Misawa, perfectly complements the scenes, ranging from light, laid-back melodies to more intense music during moments of tension or action. The combination of high-quality animation and an engaging soundtrack makes Gabriel DropOut a delightful visual and auditory experience, captivating audiences from the very first episode.
Gabriel DropOut's plot is simple yet effective. The series focuses primarily on the everyday adventures of Gabriel and his friends, with episodes ranging from school situations to seasonal events and social interactions. While the premise is fairly common in comedy anime, Gabriel DropOut stands out for the way it subverts audience expectations. Instead of following the traditional path of a model angel, Gabriel becomes a reluctant and lazy character, creating an interesting contrast with the other characters. This subtext of rebellion and self-discovery, combined with the constant humor, keeps the series fresh and engaging, even for those who aren't typical fans of the genre.
Gabriel DropOut's reception was largely positive both in Japan and internationally. Fans praised the series for its clever humor, memorable characters, and high-quality animation. Critics also highlighted the anime's ability to balance comedy and more serious moments without losing pace or narrative cohesion. The series' popularity led to the production of several spin-off products, including figures, clothing, and accessories, as well as a mobile game. The series also inspired several fanarts and fanfiction, demonstrating the lasting impact it has had on the anime fan community. Gabriel DropOut is frequently recommended for those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining series, but with well-developed characters and a compelling narrative.
Gabriel DropOut also touches on deeper themes, such as the internal struggle between duty and personal desire. Gabriel, who should be an example of angelic virtue, finds himself seduced by worldly pleasures like video games and junk food. This internal conflict is something many viewers can relate to, making the series not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. The series questions what it truly means to be "good" or "bad," showing that these categories are not as clear-cut as they seem. In doing so, Gabriel DropOut offers a more complex and nuanced view of morality, something rare in comedy anime. This added depth is one of the reasons the series remains popular and relevant, even years after its premiere.
