A Beginner's Guide to Starting Gintama: Tips and Recommendations for New Fans

Starting a new anime series like Gintama can seem daunting, especially with the abundance of seasons and episodes available. But fear not! This guide will walk you through an easy and enjoyable journey into the world of Gintama. From the first season to the subsequent arcs, here is what you need to know to get started.

Watch the First Season

Begin your Gintama journey with the 2006 series, which comprises 201 episodes. This season is where you meet the main characters and are introduced to the world of Gintama. It sets the stage for the adventures to come and is essential for understanding the series.

Skim the Fillers (Optional)

While Gintama does have filler episodes, these are often comedic and can be fun to watch. However, if you're looking to focus on the main storyline, you can skip some of the filler episodes. Remember, the filler episodes, though entertaining, are not part of the main story arc.

Continue with Subsequent Seasons

Once you've completed the first season, you can continue with the following:

Gintama: Enchousen (2012) - This season continues the story directly after the first season, providing a seamless transition. Gintama (2015) - This series is divided into two parts: Gintama 2015 and Gintama: The Final Arc. The latter is a must-watch as it offers more depth into the characters and builds up to the final season.

Watch the Movies and Specials

For fans who prefer a more movie-watching experience, there are several Gintama movies and special episodes to enjoy. However, they can be watched after you finish the main series. Here are a couple of recommendations:

Movies - Gintama movies often have alternate storylines or adaptations, making them a great addition to your collection if you missed any. OVAs - Original Video Animations (OVAs) can be enjoyable but are not strictly necessary to understand the main story. They offer different perspectives and small arcs not covered in the main series.

Enjoy the Humor and Cultural References

Gintama is known for its humor and parodies of other anime and pop culture. Don't worry too much if you don't catch every reference—the main story is still highly engaging! The series blends comedy, action, and drama in a unique way, making it suitable for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.

Episodes 3-47 and 52-201

Episodes 3 to 47 introduce the "side" characters and how the main character meets them through jokes and fights, which can be quite funny. The next arc (48-51) showcases recurring villains that you will see later in the series. If you prefer, you can watch the movies instead of these episodes, but you will miss some of the opening songs.

The Best Season: Gintama 2015

The 2015 season is highly recommended. It provides insight into the past of the main character and introduces a new villain you will encounter frequently in the series. The Battle of Rakuyo, a good season to watch, offers exciting action scenes and character development.

The "Final" Season and Beyond

It is important to note that the so-called "final part" of the series is not the true final. The author intended it to continue, which is why it is important to keep watching as the story has not concluded yet. Always stay up-to-date with the latest episodes and movies as the series continues into the future!

By following these recommendations, you'll be able to enjoy Gintama's unique blend of comedy, action, and drama, setting the stage for a delightful anime experience. Happy watching!