Gantz#Manga

{{Infobox animanga/Header

| image = Gantz vol. 1.png

| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Kei Kurono, Masaru Kato, and the rest of the group

| genre = {{ubl|Action{{cite web|last=Green|first=Scott|title=Young Jump Reveals Time Frame For "Gantz" Manga Ending|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2011/12/27-1/young-jump-reveals-time-frame-for-gantz-manga-ending|website=Crunchyroll|access-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123080522/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2011/12/27-1/young-jump-reveals-time-frame-for-gantz-manga-ending|archive-date=January 23, 2021|date=December 27, 2011|url-status=live}}|Psychological horror{{cite web|last=Yegulalp|first=Serdar|title=Great Science Fiction Anime - The best science-fiction themed anime shows|url=http://anime.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/Best-Science-Fiction-Anime.01.htm|website=About.com|access-date=June 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401152938/http://anime.about.com/od/toppicks/tp/Best-Science-Fiction-Anime.01.htm|archive-date=April 1, 2013|quote=This show stakes out a position as close to psychological horror and thriller territory as it does science fiction.}}|Psychological thriller|Science fiction{{cite web|last=Rothing|first=Hilary|title=Japanese Sci-Fi Thriller 'Gantz' Hoping to Capture American Fans with Theatrical Release|url=http://geek-news.mtv.com/2010/11/30/japanese-sci-fi-thriller-gantz-hoping-to-capture-american-fans-with-theatrical-release/|website=MTV Geek News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724102256/http://geek-news.mtv.com/2010/11/30/japanese-sci-fi-thriller-gantz-hoping-to-capture-american-fans-with-theatrical-release/|archive-date=July 24, 2011|date=November 30, 2010}}}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| author = Hiroya Oku

| publisher = Shueisha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher|NA=Dark Horse Comics}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Seinen}}

| imprint = Young Jump Comics

| magazine = Weekly Young Jump

| first = June 29, 2000

| last = June 20, 2013

| volumes = 37

| volume_list = List of Gantz chapters

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| director = Ichiro Itano

| producer = {{ubl|Toshiharu Namiki|Futoshi Nishimura|Yasushi Uchida|Hironori Terashima}}

| writer = Masashi Sogo

| music = {{ubl|Natsuki Sogawa|Yasuharu Takanashi (6–26)}}

| studio = Gonzo

| licensee = {{ubl|Crunchyroll{{efn|In North America through Crunchyroll, LLC (formerly known as Funimation).}}|{{English anime licensee|AUS=Madman Entertainment|UK=MVM Films}}}}

| network = {{ubl|Fuji TV (1–13)|AT-X (14–26)}}

| network_en = {{English anime network|US=Anime Network}}

| first = April 13, 2004

| last = November 18, 2004

| episodes = 26

| episode_list = List of Gantz episodes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Films

| content =

Live-action films (2011)
Gantz: O (2016)

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

|title = Spin-offs

|content =

Gantz: G (2015–17)
Gantz: E (2020–present)

}}

Gantz (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku. It was serialized in Shueisha's Seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Jump from June 2000 to June 2013, with its chapters collected in 37 {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes. It tells the story of Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato, both of whom died in a train accident and become part of a semi-posthumous "game" in which they and several other recently deceased people are forced to hunt down and kill aliens armed with a handful of futuristic items, equipment, and weaponry.

An anime television series adaptation, directed by Ichiro Itano and animated by Gonzo, was broadcast for 26 episodes, divided into two seasons, in 2004. A series of two live-action films based on the manga were produced and released in January and April 2011. A CGI anime film, Gantz: O, was released in 2016.

Plot

{{See also|List of Gantz characters{{!}}List of Gantz characters}}

High school students Kei Kurono and Masaru Kato die after being struck by a subway train while attempting to save a drunk homeless man who had fallen onto the tracks. Upon their deaths, they awaken inside a barren Tokyo apartment alongside other confused participants. Trapped within the room, they encounter a large black sphere known as "Gantz". The sphere assigns missions where participants must hunt and kill alien targets hidden on Earth, providing them with advanced weaponry—including powered suits and energy weapons.

During missions, the participants are transported to the target location and confined there until all enemies are killed or the time limit expires. Normal humans cannot perceive the players or the aliens. Those who survive are awarded points based on their kills. Upon accumulating 100 points, a participant gains access to a menu offering three choices: returning to normal life with erased memories; obtaining a powerful weapon; or reviving a deceased teammate. After their initial missions, Kurono and Kato face brutal battles that result in heavy casualties. During their third mission, Kato sacrifices himself to defeat the final target, allowing Kurono to survive despite severe injuries. This experience profoundly changes Kurono, who adopts a more heroic mindset and resolves to revive his fallen comrades. He later leads a new team of Gantz players, demonstrating exceptional combat prowess and leadership. Eventually, Kurono revives Kato, only to perish himself in a subsequent battle against a group of vampires.

As the story progresses, the rules of the missions evolve. Ordinary humans become able to witness the battles, and the aliens grow increasingly formidable. The participants eventually engage in a joint mission with a rival Gantz team from Osaka. Kato, now the central figure, fights desperately to revive Kurono, culminating in a battle against the powerful alien Nurarihyon. Though Kato succeeds in defeating the creature, he is left critically wounded.

An experienced participant named Joichiro Nishi later reveals a hidden "catastrophe countdown" on the Gantz sphere, indicating an impending global threat. One week later, Earth is invaded by a massive alien force intent on exterminating humanity. Kurono and his allies utilize Gantz technology to mount a defense. It is eventually revealed that an advanced alien species provided humanity with Gantz as a means of survival, though their motives remain unexplained.

In the final confrontation, the alien leader Eeva challenges humanity, threatening to destroy the planet unless Kurono faces him in battle. With the world watching, Kurono, aided by Kato, defeats Eeva and prevents Earth's annihilation. The series concludes with Kurono and Kato returning as heroes.

Production

Hiroya Oku first thought of Gantz{{'}}s story when he was in high school. He was inspired by the jidaigeki program Hissatsu, and the Robert Sheckley novel Time Killer. However, he did not decide to make Gantz until after writing the manga Zero One; Zero One had a similar setting, but Oku ended the series, noting it was not very entertaining and that it was too expensive to develop.{{cite book|last = Oku|first = Hiroya|title=Gantz Manual|year=2004|publisher=Shueisha|pages= 227–47|isbn=4-08-876735-7}}

When creating the chapters for the manga, Oku starts with a thumbnail of the pages. He then creates 3D models of the characters and backgrounds on his computer. Once done, Oku prints the characters and backgrounds he made in 3D, adds tone and color to the pages, and finishes with sound effects and dialogue.{{cite book|last = Oku|first = Hiroya|title=Gantz|volume = 1|year=2008|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|pages=216–19|isbn=978-1-59307-949-9}} He had already used this style in Zero One, but for that title, there was little work in hand drawing; Oku decided to add more hand drawing to give Gantz a more realistic tone as well as reduce the budget. However, he still notes that such a method is time-consuming and that he has to work quickly in order to finish the chapters on time.

Oku tries to incorporate realism into Gantz and adds that some of the events occurring in the story are based on his opinions regarding the world. During violent or erotic scenes, Oku makes sure to not make them very long to avoid reducing the series' realism. However, he has mentioned that he does not autocensor and that all the drawings he has ever illustrated have been published in the manga.{{cite web|url= http://www.edicionesglenat.es/asp/reportaje.asp?pid=541|date= June 17, 2009|title=Hiroya vs. Migoya|last = Migoya|first = Hernan|language= es|publisher=Glénat|access-date=August 5, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100621224537/http://edicionesglenat.es/noticia.aspx?pId=541|archive-date=21 June 2010|url-status=dead}} Some plot twists are meant to go against common events that happen in several manga such as the deaths of the major characters like Kei Kishimoto and Masaru Kato. Before the series started serialization, Oku told his assistants that with Kurono's exception, all the major characters from the series would die.

Media

=Manga=

{{Main|List of Gantz chapters{{!}}List of Gantz chapters}}

Gantz, written and illustrated by Hiroya Oku, debuted in Shueisha's Seinen manga magazine Weekly Young Jump on June 29, 2000.{{Efn|It debuted in the magazine's 31st issue of 2000,{{cite web|script-title=ja:Web YoungJump - カバーコンテンツ - 2000年28号～41号|url=http://yj.shueisha.co.jp/cover/20003/index.html|website=Web Young Jump|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021220201908/http://yj.shueisha.co.jp/cover/20003/index.html|archive-date=December 20, 2002|language=ja}} released on June 29 of that same year.{{cite press release|script-title=ja:8月12日(月)より各電子書店にて『GANTZ』(集英社)1～6巻期間限定無料試し読み実施！さらに『GANTZ』完結37巻、8月19日(月)にデジタル版と同時発売！|url=https://www.dreamnews.jp/press/0000079226/|publisher=Shueisha|via=Dream News|access-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210123072227/https://www.dreamnews.jp/press/0000079226/|archive-date=January 23, 2021|language=ja|date=August 12, 2013|url-status=live}}}} Gantz is divided into three main story arcs, referred to as "phases". After the completion of phase one (first 237 chapters) on July 20, 2006,{{cite web|url=http://comipress.com/news/2006/07/19/487|date=2006-07-19|title=Gantz 2nd Phase to Begin Serialization This November|website=ComiPress|access-date=2008-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723050118/http://comipress.com/news/2006/07/19/487|archive-date=July 23, 2011|url-status=live}} the author put the series on hiatus for a short time to work on phase two (chapters 238–303), which was serialized from November 22, 2006,{{cite web|url=http://comipress.com/news/2006/11/22/1049|date=2006-11-22|title=Gantz Returns! Gantz: 2nd Phase|website=ComiPress|access-date=2008-10-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723050020/http://comipress.com/news/2006/11/22/1049|archive-date=23 July 2011|url-status=live}} to July 2, 2009.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Gantz Manga Enters Final Phase in Japan on Thursday|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-10-01/gantz-manga-enters-final-phase-in-japan-on-thursday|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 23, 2021|date=October 1, 2009|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126074737/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-10-01/gantz-manga-enters-final-phase-in-japan-on-thursday|url-status=live}} The third and final phase (chapters 303–383) started on October 1, 2009, and the series finished after about 13 years of publication on June 20, 2013.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「GANTZ」連載13年でついに完結、戦いの結末を目撃せよ|url=http://natalie.mu/comic/news/93145|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=September 30, 2019|language=ja|date=June 20, 2013|archive-date=September 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930201859/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/93145|url-status=live}} Shueisha collected its chapters in thirty-seven {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, released from December 11, 2000,{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=4-08-876105-7|title=Gantz 1|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=August 19, 2012|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919101153/https://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=4-08-876105-7|url-status=live}} to August 19, 2013.{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-879627-7|title=Gantz 37|publisher=Shueisha|language=ja|access-date=August 19, 2012|archive-date=March 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323041822/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-879627-7|url-status=live}} A vertical-scrolling full-color edition of the series, released under the title Gantz: T, started on Shueisha's Jump Toon vertical-scrolling manga service on July 7, 2024. Shine Partners is in charge of the coloring.{{cite web|last=Tai|first=Anita|title=Gantz Manga Gets Full-Color Vertical-Scrolling Version on Jump Toon Service|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-23/gantz-manga-gets-full-color-vertical-scrolling-version-on-jump-toon-service/.212296|website=Anime News Network|access-date=June 23, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623223458/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-06-23/gantz-manga-gets-full-color-vertical-scrolling-version-on-jump-toon-service/.212296|archive-date=June 23, 2024|date=June 23, 2024|url-status=live}}

In North America, publishing company Dark Horse Comics acquired the licensing rights for the release of English translations of Gantz on July 1, 2007, during the Anime Expo.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-07-01/dark-horse-licenses-gantz-blood+and-more-ax-2007|date=2007-07-01|title=Dark Horse Licenses Gantz, Blood+, More|website=Anime News Network|access-date=2008-10-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090606114659/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-07-01/dark-horse-licenses-gantz-blood+and-more-ax-2007|archive-date=6 June 2009|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/10864.html|date=2007-07-05|title=Dark Horse Nabs 'Gantz' Manga|publisher=ICv2|access-date=2008-11-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611073930/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/10864.html|archive-date=11 June 2011|url-status=dead}} The thirty-seven volumes were published between June 25, 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/14-734/Gantz-Volume-1|title=Gantz Volume 1|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=2008-07-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111231141608/http://www.darkhorse.com/Books/14-734/Gantz-Volume-1-TPB|archive-date=31 December 2011|url-status=live}} and October 28, 2015.{{cite web|title=Gantz Volume 37|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/26-516/Gantz-Volume-37-TPB|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=July 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308094447/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/26-516/Gantz-Volume-37-TPB|archive-date=March 8, 2021|url-status=live}} Dark Horse Comics republished the series in a 3-in-1 twelve-volume omnibus edition from August 22, 2018,{{cite web|title=Gantz Omnibus Volume 1 TPB|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/30-524/Gantz-Omnibus-Volume-1-TPB|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=February 4, 2024|archive-date=February 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230202215853/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/30-524/Gantz-Omnibus-Volume-1-TPB|url-status=live}} to July 5, 2023.{{cite web|title=Gantz Omnibus Volume 12 TPB|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-753/Gantz-Omnibus-Volume-12-TPB|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=February 4, 2024|archive-date=January 19, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240119053245/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-753/Gantz-Omnibus-Volume-12-TPB|url-status=live}}

==Spin-offs==

{{main|Gantz: G{{!}}Gantz: G|Gantz: E{{!}}Gantz: E}}

Gantz/Osaka, showing the stories of the Gantz Osaka team, has been published in Japan in 2010 and compiled in 3 volumes released by Shueisha between October 20 and December 17, 2010.{{cite web|script-title= ja:GANTZ/OSAKA 1|url= http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-782343-1|publisher= Shueisha|access-date= January 9, 2020|language= ja|archive-date= January 22, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220122153630/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-782343-1|url-status= live}}{{cite web|script-title= ja:GANTZ/OSAKA 3|url= http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-782355-4|publisher= Shueisha|access-date= January 9, 2020|language= ja|archive-date= January 22, 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220122153637/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/items/contents.html?isbn=978-4-08-782355-4|url-status= live}} A special chapter Gantz no Moto that has Hiroya Oku telling the story on how he got into the manga business and what films influenced him was published in Miracle Jump on January 13, 2011.{{cite web|script-title=ja:SF＆ファンタジー描く新雑誌・ミラクルジャンプ本日創刊|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/43349|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=January 9, 2020|language=ja|date=January 13, 2011|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721153908/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/43349|url-status=live}} A one-shot chapter Gantz/Nishi, showing the life of Nishi, was published in Weekly Young Jump on May 12, 2011.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Hiroya Oku Draws Gantz Manga 1-Shot Spinoff|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-13/hiroya-oku-draws-gantz-manga-1-shot-spinoff|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 9, 2020|date=May 13, 2011|archive-date=May 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525231524/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-05-13/hiroya-oku-draws-gantz-manga-1-shot-spinoff|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:「GANTZ」西丈一郎の知られざる放課後を描く番外編掲載|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/49261|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=January 9, 2020|language=ja|date=May 12, 2011|archive-date=June 8, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608224733/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/49261|url-status=live}}

A spin-off, titled Gantz G, was published from November 2015 to March 2017.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Hiroya Oku, Keita Iizuka Launch Gantz Spinoff Manga in November|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-16/hiroya-oku-keita-iizuka-launch-gantz-spinoff-manga-in-november/.94277|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 30, 2019|date=October 16, 2015|archive-date=May 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190520020033/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-16/hiroya-oku-keita-iizuka-launch-gantz-spinoff-manga-in-november/.94277|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-03-01/miracle-jump-magazine-goes-on-hiatus-prepares-for-renewal/.112863|title=Miracle Jump Magazine Goes on Hiatus, Prepares for Renewal|date=March 1, 2017|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505215803/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-03-01/miracle-jump-magazine-goes-on-hiatus-prepares-for-renewal/.112863|url-status=live}} The manga was written by Oku and illustrated by Keita Iizuka.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-16/hiroya-oku-keita-iizuka-launch-gantz-spinoff-manga-in-november/.94277|title=Hiroya Oku, Keita Iizuka Launch Gantz Spinoff Manga in November|date=October 16, 2015|website=Anime News Network|access-date=October 16, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016233754/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-10-16/hiroya-oku-keita-iizuka-launch-gantz-spinoff-manga-in-november/.94277|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-11-14/gantz-manga-gets-full-3dcg-anime-film-in-2016/.95343|title=Gantz Manga Gets 'Full 3DCG' Anime Film in 2016|date=November 14, 2015|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 14, 2015|archive-date=December 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201223035313/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2015-11-14/gantz-manga-gets-full-3dcg-anime-film-in-2016/.95343|url-status=live}}

A historical spin-off of Gantz titled Gantz: E, written by Oku and illustrated by Jin Kagetsu started in January 2020.{{cite web|last=Sherman|first=Jennifer|title=Hiroya Oku Writes New Gantz:E Historical Spinoff Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-09/hiroya-oku-writes-new-gantz-e-historical-spinoff-manga/.155097|website=Anime News Network|access-date=January 9, 2020|date=January 9, 2020|archive-date=February 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200226123247/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-01-09/hiroya-oku-writes-new-gantz-e-historical-spinoff-manga/.155097|url-status=live}}

=Anime=

{{See also|List of Gantz episodes{{!}}List of Gantz episodes}}

Gantz was adapted into a 26-episode anime television series by Gonzo, with series composition and scripts written by {{ill|Masashi Sogo|ja|十川誠志}}, characters designs by {{ill|Naoyuki Onda|ja|恩田尚之}}, and music composed by Natsuki Sogawa;{{cite web|title=GANTZ|url=https://www.gonzo.co.jp/works/gantz/|publisher=Gonzo|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220404152523/https://www.gonzo.co.jp/works/gantz/|archive-date=April 4, 2022|language=ja|url-status=live}} Yasuharu Takanashi also composed the music from episode 6 onwards.{{cite web|script-title=ja:高梨康治 (Yasuharu Takanashi)|url=https://team-max.co.jp/artist/yasuharu-takanashi/|publisher={{ill|Team Max|ja|高梨康治#音楽制作集団Team-MAX}}|access-date=October 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220603215359/https://team-max.co.jp/artist/yasuharu-takanashi/|archive-date=June 3, 2022|language=ja|url-status=live|date=May 13, 2019}} The series aired for two seasons, labeled as "stages". The first stage was broadcast for 11 episodes (out of 13 originally produced) on Fuji TV from April 13 to June 22, 2004.{{cite web|script-title=ja:《第1回》 2004年4月13日放送|url=http://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/gantz/backnumber/204000011-1.html|publisher=Fuji TV|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040630051821/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/gantz/backnumber/204000011-1.html|archive-date=June 30, 2004|language=ja}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:《第11回》 2004年6月22日放送|url=http://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/gantz/backnumber/204000011-11.html|publisher=Fuji TV|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040630142851/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/b_hp/gantz/backnumber/204000011-11.html|archive-date=June 30, 2004|language=ja}}{{efn|Fuji TV listed the air dates for the series on Monday at 26:28, which is effectively Tuesday at 2:28 a.m. JST.{{cite web|script-title=ja:GANTZ特設サイト - トップページ|url=http://www.fujitv.co.jp/GANTZ/index2.html|publisher=Fuji TV|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040602211004/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/GANTZ/index2.html|archive-date=June 2, 2004|language=ja}}}} The first stage aired on Fuji TV with several scenes censored, due to content that were deemed inappropriate, such as violence or nudity. However, the DVD releases contained the scenes uncensored.{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Cristopher|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-07-13/gantz-dvds-unedited|title=Gantz DVDs Unedited|website=Anime News Network|date=July 13, 2004|access-date=April 12, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026065602/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-07-13/gantz-dvds-unedited|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live}} The second stage was broadcast for 13 episodes on AT-X from August 26 to November 18, 2004.{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Cristopher|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-07-15/second-gantz-tv-series-announced|title=Second Gantz TV series Announced|website=Anime News Network|date=July 15, 2004|access-date=April 12, 2009|archive-date=September 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080923173416/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-07-15/second-gantz-tv-series-announced|url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=GANTZ|url=http://www.at-x.com/program_detail/index.html?pid=1756&from=top|publisher=AT-X|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041029043038/http://www.at-x.com/program_detail/index.html?pid=1756|archive-date=October 29, 2004|language=ja}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:GANTZ ［地上波未放送篇］ 26|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M66938|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414121851/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M66938|archive-date=April 14, 2022|language=ja|url-status=live}} The episodes were collected on 12 DVDs, released by Shochiku, from August 25, 2004,{{cite web|script-title=ja:ＧＡＮＴＺ -ガンツ- Vol.1|url=http://www.shochiku.co.jp/video/dvd/da0346.html|publisher=Shochiku|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040720170009/http://www.shochiku.co.jp/video/dvd/da0346.html|archive-date=July 20, 2004|language=ja}} to June 29, 2005.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ＧＡＮＴＺ -ガンツ- Vol.12|url=http://www.shochiku.co.jp/video/dvd/da0346.html|publisher=Shochiku|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050525233358/http://www.shochiku.co.jp/video/dvd/da0357.html|archive-date=May 25, 2005|language=ja}}

In North America, ADV Films announced that they had licensed the series in 2004. It was released in uncut form, retaining the violence and nudity previously censored in Japan for broadcast.{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Cristopher|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-12-14/adv-releases-gantz-details|title=ADV Releases Gantz Details|website=Anime News Network|date=December 14, 2004|access-date=April 12, 2009|archive-date=June 7, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090607014543/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-12-14/adv-releases-gantz-details|url-status=live}} Ten DVDs were released from February 8, 2005,{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Gantz Vol. #01 (also w/box)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3705.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101171302/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/3705.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=May 26, 2005}} to January 17, 2006.{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Gantz Vol. #10 (of 10)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/4813.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060325074742/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/4813.php|archive-date=March 25, 2006|date=January 13, 2006}} The series began broadcast in Anime Network in 2005.{{cite web|title=Gantz|url=http://www.theanimenetwork.com/showInfo.php?show_num=197&alpha_num=2|publisher=Anime Network|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050404214253/http://www.theanimenetwork.com/showInfo.php?show_num=197&alpha_num=2|archive-date=April 4, 2005}} In June 2010, Funimation announced that they had acquired the rights to the series;{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-06-25/funi-adds-chrono-crusade-gantz-kaleido-star-peace-maker|title=Funimation Adds Chrono Crusade, Gantz, Kaleido Star, Peacemaker|publisher=Anime News Network|date=June 25, 2010|access-date=June 26, 2010|archive-date=June 27, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627032435/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-06-25/funi-adds-chrono-crusade-gantz-kaleido-star-peace-maker|url-status=live}} they released a complete DVD set on January 25, 2011.{{cite web|last=Manry|first=Gia|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases: January 23-29 (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-26/north-american-anime-manga-releases/january-23-29|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 14, 2022|date=January 26, 2011|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414130627/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-01-26/north-american-anime-manga-releases/january-23-29|url-status=live}}

Gantz: O, a 3D CGI animated film adaptation, was released in 2016.

=Video game=

On March 17, 2005, Konami published a game for the PlayStation 2 in Japan named simply as Gantz: The Game. It features the characters and plot up to the Chibi Alien mission. The game mixes third-person shooter and role-playing game (RPG) elements together. The game also includes extras including Free Play mode, a Mini Mode, Magazine Browser mode, Gantz Rankings, a special preview movie and the scenario completion statistic.{{cite web|url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/589/589661p1.html|date=2005-02-22|author=Anoop Gantayat|title=New From Konami: Gantz|publisher=IGN|access-date=2008-12-22|archive-date=2008-12-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205065037/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/589/589661p1.html|url-status=live}}

=Novel=

A novel, titled Gantz/Minus, written by Masatoshi Kusakabe and illustrated by Yusuke Kozaki, started serialization in Weekly Young Jump on July 23, 2009, being the first time that a novel was serialized in the magazine.{{cite web|script-title=ja:新章準備期間中の「GANTZ」はコザキユースケが描く!?|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/18274|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=April 14, 2022|language=ja|date=July 2, 2009|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414135558/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/18274|url-status=live}} It takes place before the events of the manga, with the focus being on the characters Shion Izumi and Joichiro Nishi, who participate in Gantz's missions. It was later released as a collected volume on May 19, 2010.{{cite web|script-title=ja:ダ・ヴィンチでGANTZ特集。羽海野チカ×森見登美彦対談も|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/31467|website=Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=April 14, 2022|language=ja|date=May 6, 2010|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414135557/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/31467|url-status=live}}

Another novel, titled Gantz/EXA, planned by Yumeaki Hirayama, written by Junjo Shindo and illustrated by Koji Ogata, began serialization in Weekly Young Jump on September 16, 2010.{{cite web|script-title=ja:GANTZノベライズ第2弾、挿絵はブギーポップの緒方剛志|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/37755|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=April 14, 2022|language=ja|date=September 16, 2010|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414135816/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/37755|url-status=live}} It was later released as a collected volume on January 19, 2011.{{cite web|title=GANTZ/EXA|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-703236-9&mode=1|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130801172630/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=978-4-08-703236-9&mode=1|archive-date=August 1, 2013|language=ja}}

=Live-action films=

{{main|Gantz (film){{!}}Gantz (film)}}

On November 24, 2009, it was announced that two live-action Gantz films were in production. The films star Kazunari Ninomiya and Kenichi Matsuyama in the roles of Kurono and Kato respectively, and were directed by Shinsuke Sato. The films were released in January and April 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-10-07/gantz-manga-being-adapted-into-live-action-film|title=Gantz Sci-Fi Manga To Be Adapted in Two Live-Action Films|publisher=Anime News Network|date=2009-10-07|access-date=2009-10-07|archive-date=2009-10-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009092241/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-10-07/gantz-manga-being-adapted-into-live-action-film|url-status=live}}

The first film, titled simply as Gantz, was released in Japan on January 29, 2011. A special North American screening took place on January 20, 2011, during which the film was simulcast in theaters across 46 states.{{cite web|url=http://www.japanator.com/info-dump-list-of-us-theaters-to-screen-gantz-in-2011-17769.phtml|title=Info dump: list of US theaters to screen Gantz in 2011|publisher=Japanator|date=2010-12-16|access-date=2010-12-30|archive-date=2011-09-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920165415/http://www.japanator.com/info-dump-list-of-us-theaters-to-screen-gantz-in-2011-17769.phtml|url-status=live}} At the end of this special Los Angeles showing, which took place at the Mann's Chinese 6 theatre, there was a discussion and live interview with both the male leads,{{cite web|url = http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/article@apa?world_premiere_of_gantz_on_january_20_16290.aspx|archive-url = https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110123014111/http://asiapacificarts.usc.edu/(A(x4VCXzDxywEkAAAAMjhlNzQyZWEtYmRjZS00MTdmLWJiMWMtOGM0MjkwODk5NjYyvSuO9SZkLq3UaqFyK3sG2fTXNpE1)S(jersae55xc0cuv45321gvkfc))/w_apa/showarticle.aspx?articleID=16290|url-status = dead|archive-date = January 23, 2011|title = World Premiere of Gantz on January 20|publisher = Asia Pacific Arts|date = 2001-01-19}} as well as a teaser trailer for the second installment, Gantz: Perfect Answer, which was released in Japan on April 23, 2011. Gantz and Gantz: Perfect Answer were screened in San Diego as part of San Diego Comic-Con at the Gaslamp 15 Theater on July 22 and 23.{{cite press release|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2011-07-12/japanese-sci-fi-live-action-film-and-new-sequel-based-on-hit-anime/manga-series-set-to-screen-in-san-diego-during-2011-comic-con-san-francisco|title=New People Announces Theatrical Comic-Con Screening of Sci-fi Thriller Gantz II: Perfect Answer|author=New People Entertainment|date=July 12, 2011|via=Anime News Network|access-date=28 April 2015|archive-date=2016-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161031080956/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2011-07-12/japanese-sci-fi-live-action-film-and-new-sequel-based-on-hit-anime/manga-series-set-to-screen-in-san-diego-during-2011-comic-con-san-francisco|url-status=live}}

In May 2020, it was reported that Sony Pictures is adapting Gantz with writer Marc Guggenheim.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2020/05/marc-guggenheim-scripting-spider-man-universe-heroine-jackpot-movie-for-sony-pictures-1202940719/|title=Marc Guggenheim Scripting Spider-Man Universe Heroine 'Jackpot' Movie For Sony Pictures|date=May 21, 2020|author=Mike Fleming Jr.|website=Deadline|access-date=2020-05-22|archive-date=2020-05-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521175205/https://deadline.com/2020/05/marc-guggenheim-scripting-spider-man-universe-heroine-jackpot-movie-for-sony-pictures-1202940719/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=Deadline Entertainment Website Lists Hollywood Gantz Adaptation|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-13/deadline-entertainment-website-lists-hollywood-gantz-adaptation/.163972|website=Anime News Network|access-date=September 13, 2020|date=September 13, 2020|archive-date=September 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200914120031/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2020-09-13/deadline-entertainment-website-lists-hollywood-gantz-adaptation/.163972|url-status=live}} In November 2021, it was announced that Julius Avery was hired to direct the film.{{Cite web|last1=Kroll|first1=Justin|date=2021-11-01|title='Overlord's Julius Avery To Direct Sony Pictures' 'Gantz', Based On Popular Manga Comic Series|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/overlords-julius-avery-sony-pictures-gantz-1234865947/|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Deadline|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-11-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102235028/https://deadline.com/2021/11/overlords-julius-avery-sony-pictures-gantz-1234865947/|url-status=live}}

=Other=

A companion book titled Gantz/Manual was published by Shueisha on December 17, 2004. The book features episode summaries, character overviews, and additional background details on the Gantz universe.{{cite web|url=http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-876735-7&mode=1|title=GANTZ/MANUAL|publisher=Shueisha|access-date=2009-01-19|language=ja|archive-date=2015-11-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105025244/http://books.shueisha.co.jp/CGI/search/syousai_put.cgi?isbn_cd=4-08-876735-7&mode=1}} A revised edition, Gantz/Manual Remix, was published in 2011 as a supplement for Gantz manga and live-action film featuring story act summaries, manga story arc summaries, character overviews, and additional background details on the Gantz universe.

Reception

Japanese sales from the Gantz manga have led several of the volumes to be featured in lists of best seller volumes from Japan.{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-01/japanese-comic-ranking-june-22-28|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, June 22–28|date=2009-07-01|website=Anime News Network|access-date=2009-08-20|archive-date=2019-07-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713093704/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-01/japanese-comic-ranking-june-22-28|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-29/japanese-comic-ranking-october-21-27|title=Japanese Comic Ranking, October 21–27|date=2008-10-29|website=Anime News Network|access-date=2009-08-20|archive-date=2008-11-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101063842/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-10-29/japanese-comic-ranking-october-21-27|url-status=live}} By November 2010, the Gantz manga had sold over 10 million units in Japan,{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-29/gantz-u.s-showings-to-add-live-interview-with-2-stars|title=Gantz U.S. Showings to Add Live Interview with 2 Stars|date=November 29, 2010|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 29, 2010|archive-date=December 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201101417/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-11-29/gantz-u.s-showings-to-add-live-interview-with-2-stars|url-status=live}} while during January 2011 the sales increased to over 15 million volumes.{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/b/2011/01/24/manga-movie-gantz-brings-out-the-stars-at-hollywood-premiere.htm|title=Manga Movie GANTZ Brings Out the Stars at Hollywood Premiere

|date=January 24, 2011|publisher=About.com|access-date=February 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110131120006/http://manga.about.com/b/2011/01/24/manga-movie-gantz-brings-out-the-stars-at-hollywood-premiere.htm|archive-date=31 January 2011|url-status=dead}} By June 2013, the manga had reportedly sold 20 million copies.{{cite web|url=http://mainichi.jp/mantan/news/20130619dyo00m200022000c.html|title=GANTZ:13年にわたる壮大なストーリーに終止符意味深メッセージも|date=2013-06-20|work=Mainichi Shimbun|language=ja|access-date=2013-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130624133302/http://mainichi.jp/mantan/news/20130619dyo00m200022000c.html|archive-date=2013-06-24}} By November 2021, the manga had over 24 million copies in circulation.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ガンツ」ハリウッドで実写映画化か作者は「進んでいることを知りませんでした」とツイート|url=https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2111/02/news133.html|website=ITmedia News|publisher=ITmedia Inc.|access-date=April 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726162608/https://www.itmedia.co.jp/news/articles/2111/02/news133.html|archive-date=July 26, 2022|language=ja|date=November 2, 2023|url-status=live}}

During 2008, Dark Horse Comics announced that the Gantz series had sold 175,000 copies in America. Volume 4 of the manga reached eighth place on The New York Times "Manga Best Seller List".{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-17/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-april-5-11|title=New York Times Manga Best Seller List, April 5–11|date=2009-04-17|website=Anime News Network|access-date=2009-08-20|archive-date=2009-08-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090816235938/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-04-17/new-york-times-manga-best-seller-list-april-5-11|url-status=live}} About.com's Deb Aoki listed Gantz as the best new Seinen manga of 2008 along with Black Lagoon.{{cite web|url=http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/2008BestNewManga.htm|title=2008 Best New Manga|last=Aoki|first=Deb|publisher=About.com|access-date=2009-08-20|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225235831/http://manga.about.com/od/recommendedreading/tp/2008BestNewManga.htm|archive-date=2012-12-25}}

DVD sales of Gantz have been particularly strong. The third DVD volume significantly outsold the first, according to ADV Films. Strong sales ensured the continued release of subsequent volumes, making the series one of 2005's most successful anime franchises.{{cite press release|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2005-07-08/adv-announces-2nd-season-of-gantz|title=New ADV Announces 2nd Season of GANTZ|date=July 8, 2005|publisher=ADV Films|via=Anime News Network|access-date=September 9, 2009|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513141009/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2005-07-08/adv-announces-2nd-season-of-gantz|url-status=live}} Christopher MacDonald of Anime News Network called it one of Japan's favorite TV anime in October 2006.{{Cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Japan's Favorite TV Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan's-favorite-tv-anime|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413110514/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2006-10-13/japan%27s-favorite-tv-anime|archive-date=April 13, 2020|date=October 13, 2006|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}

The Gantz anime has been described as being extremely "violent", "gory" and "sadistic" and yet is also very "addictive", even when it was censored during broadcast.

Notes

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20060212045016/http://www.konami.jp/gs/game/gantz/ Official Gantz: The Game website] {{in lang|ja}}
{{IMDb title|qid=Q129657}}
{{Anime News Network|manga|3749}}

Category:ADV Films

Category:AT-X (TV network) original programming

Category:Action anime and manga

Category:Anime and manga about death games

Category:Dark Horse Comics titles

Category:Comics about alien invasions

Category:Extraterrestrials in anime and manga

Category:Fiction about teleportation

Category:Fuji Television original programming

Category:Funimation

Category:Gonzo (company)

Category:Madman Entertainment anime