The preview for this series didn't really grab my interest. Kurosawa's Seven Samurai - with mecha? Um, OK. Once I found out it was a GONZO production, the deal was pretty much sealed: I wasn't touching this show with a ten foot pole.

Obviously, I'm weak.

Honestly, it's kind of fascinating. The setting is an awkward mix of old and new - kind of steampunkish, but not quite. The giant mechanical beasts that roam the countryside terrorizing villagers seem like something from the mind of the Wachowski brothers. Meanwhile, as grim and dirty as it all appears on the surface, the atmosphere is almost comical at times, the commoners dim-witted both in behavior and appearance, and the samurai warriors colorful and unusual.

The direction is a little strange, but such is typical for first episodes, especially when there's so much premise to address before the story or character motivations make any sense whatsoever. The animation is solid, and the moments of CG aren't jarring, primarily reserved for the mecha and the occasional scenery shot. The character designs are easy on the eyes.

It's difficult to get a feel for how the show will develop, but I'd like to watch a little more and find out.