Ask John: Why is Trigun So Popular?

Question:
From what I have seen on DVDs and TV this series is average, not horrible but average at best. It’s like Rurouni Kenshin meets Cowboy Bebop but not as charming or entertaining as either one! Please explain to me why Trigun is so freakin’ popular among American fans?

Answer:
I have to admit that this question is one that’s plagued my conscience for many years. I also don’t know exactly what about Trigun makes it such a perennial favorite among American fans. Stylistically the direction and cinematography of the anime are rather mundane. The comedy and action are both compromised because the show never clearly prioritizes or excels at one genre or the other. And the screen writing includes significant lapses that give the show’s linear progression a disjointed, uneven pace. Trigun was certainly not a bad series. But I’ve never recognized any particular genius in it either. I can only guess at why the series is so popular among American viewers, and perhaps by doing so either stumble upon the answer, or bring up a point that someone else may expand upon.

Based on my perception, the Trigun manga is fairly popular in Japan, but not a record setting success. The anime TV series from 1998 was successful enough to sustain a full season on Japanese television, but not popular enough to necessitate a second series or any video game adaptations. Six years later, the Trigun animation seems to have been more or less forgotten by the majority of Japanese natives and anime fans. Yet in America the series is still tremendously popular among hardcore anime fans. However, it’s interesting to note that the series was not a breakout hit among mainstream American viewers considering that its American television broadcast on the Cartoon Network quietly came and went.

My suspicion is that the popularity of Trigun in America centers almost entirely upon the characters of Vash and Wolfwood because they are distinctive and iconic contemporary characters. Milly and Meryl and virtually stock characters: the nagging control freak and her polar opposite. They work as foils for Vash and Wolfwood but don’t have enough distinguishing personality of their own to be memorable. On the other hand, Vash and Wolfwood are dashing and distinguished. Vash, in his long red trenchcoat and tall blond hair, and Wolfwood, dressed as a rogue preacher, have character and costume designs that are instantly recognizable. In other words, they are visual icons.

Furthermore, I suspect that the personalities of both Vash and Wolfwood appeal more to Americans than Japanese natives. Especially Vash has a very independent and happy-go-lucky outward personality that masks a regretful and guilty soul. His humorous and light-hearted attitude seem to clash with the characteristic Japanese sensibility of taciturn responsibility and dependability. His “come what may” attitude may be more akin to the ideal American free-spirited personality. Yet Vash isn’t stupid, and isn’t incompetent. He’s free, but also skilled enough to protect his freedom and lifestyle, which is why we, as viewers, take him seriously. His serious side also makes him human and encourages the viewer’s sympathy.

Wolfwood represents many of the same principles in only a slightly different degree. Wolfwood is likewise a free spirit, able to roam where and whenever he wants. But he also has a dark secret, which makes him romantic and attractive. He and Vash are both contemporary American cowboys. They are rugged, self sufficient individuals who are also friendly and personable. They represent a sort of American ideal that may be easier for American viewers than Japanese to relate to.