I've loved this series since I first set eyes on the fansubbed anime back a few months ago. If you can suspend all your regular systems of belief that Peacemaker and Rurouni Kenshin might have taught you about the Edo period, you will undoubtedly have fun with this. The Gintama-fied version of the once fearsome Shinsengumi had me in stitches: Okita is no longer sweet, childish and playful-he's now a crazy person carrying around a rocket launcher trying to off his boss at any oppurtune moment. Kondo is now a complete buffoon (and crazy person) trying to stalk Shinpachi's sister...and failing miserably. And the long suffering Hijikata is now-you guessed it! a crazy person-desperately holding on to what remains of his sanity while keeping his subordinates under control, and kicking the stuffing out of them in the process. Oh yes; and the famous rebel bomber Katsura now has a giant pet duck named 'Elizabeth' who might just be an hairy old man in disuise. Its stupid, its crude, and its crazy, but good grief its funny.
Special mention must also go to our protagonist Gintoki, whose hilariously cynical and philosophical approach to life, even in the most off-the-wall situation, is a breath of fresh air into a genre where most of the heroes are cardboard cut-out sterotypes that spout 'I want to become stronger!' over and over again. And believe it or not, there is a decent storyline hidden in there too; so even if you don't like the 'client of the day' theme, I beg of you to just hang in there and you won't be disappointed!
The only thing I find disappointing with the manga adaptation is that Katsura no longer has his famous line-'Zura ja nai! KATSURA desu!' which is a great shame and an unjustifiable change. Other than that, full marks go to this comedy/action masterpiece, Gintama truly wins the gold (or silver!!) award for the best series to grace Shonen Jump since Naruto. Lets 'pray' for english release of the anime soon! (puns intended)
5/5