Trigun

{{Distinguish|Trigon (comics)|The Trigan Empire{{!}}The Trigan Empire}}

{{Infobox animanga/Header

| image = Trigun 01 (Tokuma Shoten).png

| caption = First {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volume cover, featuring Vash the Stampede

| ja_kanji = トライガン

| ja_romaji = Toraigan

| genre = {{ubl|Action|Post-apocalyptic{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lynzee|title=7 Anime That Take You to The Wild Wild West - The List|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-29/.108170|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 6, 2019|date=October 29, 2016|archive-date=June 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624075401/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-list/2016-10-29/.108170|url-status=live}}|Space Western{{cite news|last=Pope|first=Kyle|title=Trigun - Introduction - The Edit List|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/edit-list/2003-03-23/trigun-introduction|work=Anime News Network|access-date=August 4, 2018|date=March 23, 2003|archive-date=July 4, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704232116/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/edit-list/2003-03-23/trigun-introduction|url-status=live}}}}

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| author = Yasuhiro Nightow

| publisher = {{ubl|Tokuma Shoten (former)|Shōnen Gahōsha}}

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Dark Horse Comics

}}

| imprint = {{ubl|Shōnen Captain Comics Special (Tokuma Shoten)|Young King Comics (Shōnen Gahōsha)}}

| demographic = {{Transliteration|ja|Shōnen}}

| magazine = Monthly Shōnen Captain

| first = March 25, 1995

| last = December 26, 1996

| volumes = {{ubl|3 (Tokuma Shoten)|2 (Shōnen Gahōsha)}}

| volume_list = List of Trigun chapters#Trigun

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Print

| type = manga

| title = Trigun Maximum

| author = Yasuhiro Nightow

| publisher = Shōnen Gahōsha

| publisher_en = {{English manga publisher

| NA = Dark Horse Comics

}}

| imprint = Young King Comics

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

| magazine = Young King OURs

| first = October 1997

| last = March 2007

| volumes = 14

| volume_list = List of Trigun chapters#Trigun Maximum

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Video

| type = tv series

| director = Satoshi Nishimura

| producer = Shigeru Kitayama

| writer = Yōsuke Kuroda

| music = Tsuneo Imahori

| studio = Madhouse

| licensee = {{ubl|Crunchyroll{{efn|name=Crunchyroll|In North America through Crunchyroll (formerly known as Funimation) and in Australia through Madman Anime.}}|{{English anime licensee

| BI = MVM Entertainment

}}}}

| network = TXN (TV Tokyo)

| network_en = {{English anime network

| CA = G4techTV (Anime Current)

| US = Adult Swim

}}

| first = April 1, 1998

| last = September 30, 1998

| episodes = 26

| episode_list = List of Trigun episodes

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Anime film

| content =

Trigun: Badlands Rumble (2010)

}}

{{Infobox animanga/Other

| title = Anime television series

| content =

Trigun Stampede (2023)

}}

{{nihongo|Trigun|トライガン|Toraigan|lead=yes}} is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Yasuhiro Nightow. It was first serialized in Tokuma Shoten's Shōnen manga magazine Monthly Shōnen Captain from March 1995 to December 1996, until the magazine ceased its publication; its chapters were collected in three {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes. The series continued its publication in Shōnen Gahosha's Seinen manga magazine Young King OURs, under the title Trigun Maximum, from October 1997 to March 2007. Shōnen Gahosha republished the Trigun chapters in two volumes, and collected the Trigun Maximum chapters in 14 volumes.

Set on the fictional planet known as No Man's Land, the plot follows Vash the Stampede, a famous gunman who is constantly fighting bounty hunters seeking to obtain the immense bounty on his head. As the narrative progresses, Vash's past is explored. Trigun originated from Nightow's fascination with Western movies. Nightow wanted Vash to be different from cowboys in Western movies by avoiding killing enemies and instead exploring the characters involved in each story arc.

Trigun was adapted into a 26-episode anime television series by Madhouse; it aired on TV Tokyo from April to September 1998. An anime feature film, Trigun: Badlands Rumble, premiered in Japan in April 2010. A second anime television series adaptation produced by Orange, titled Trigun Stampede, premiered in January 2023. In North America, both manga series have been licensed by Dark Horse Comics. The anime series was first licensed by Geneon Entertainment and started broadcast in the United States, as part of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block, in 2003; the series was later licensed by Funimation.

In 2009, Trigun Maximum won the Best Comic category at the 40th Seiun Awards. Critical response to the manga has been generally positive based on Vash and his friends' actions and relationships, as well as the handling of action scenes. However, critics disliked Vash's predicament in regards to his pacifism and the plot being hard to understand. The anime series was similarly positively received.

Plot

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

In the 32nd century, a man known as "Vash the Stampede" has earned a bounty of $$60 billion ("double dollar") on his head and the nickname {{nihongo|"The Humanoid Typhoon"|人間台風}} after accidentally destroying a city with his supernatural powers. However, whenever he is attacked, Vash displays a pacifist personality as noted by two Bernardelli Insurance Society employees, Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson, who follow him around in order to minimize the damages inevitably caused by his appearance. Most of the damage attributed to Vash is actually caused by bounty hunters in pursuit of the sixty billion double-dollar bounty on Vash's head for the destruction of the city of July. However, he cannot remember the incident due to retrograde amnesia, being able to recall only fragments of the destroyed city and memories of his childhood. Throughout his travels, Vash tries to save lives using non-lethal force. He is occasionally joined by a priest, Nicholas D. Wolfwood, who, like Vash, is a superb gunfighter with a mysterious past. As the series progresses, more about Vash's past and the history of human civilization on the planet is revealed.

Vash and his twin brother Knives were originally two children with a slow aging process found in a spaceship that escaped from the planet Earth after mankind had exhausted all its resources. Rem raised them, but Knives became nihilistic and had most of the people in the ship disposed of. As a result, Vash lives to find his twin and have revenge. Vash is targeted by Legato Bluesummers from the Gung-ho Guns assassins who are followers of Knives. Wolfwood himself is a Gung-Ho Gun but was hired to make sure Vash does not die and instead suffer. Vash and Knives both possess the Angel Arm, which Knives forced Vash to use in the series' beginning to destroy the town.

Vash eventually fights Knives, but is defeated. Wolfwood betrays Knives and saves Vash. In the aftermath, Wolfwood dies fighting one of the Gung-Hos; his friend, Livio, joins Vash's cause while grieving for his friend's death. As Knives approaches the city with the "Ark", a floating ship designed to leave humans without any resources and end life on the planet, Knives begins dueling with Vash. Throughout his past battles that required him to use the Angel's Arm, Vash has transformed into a regular human signified by his blond hair now turned black. Knives also starts losing the powers he stored with the Ark through Vash's actions. Vash then saves his brother from the vengeful ships from Earth. Following his defeat, Knives uses his last powers to help his weakened brother by creating a small fruit tree to feed him. After his brother's death, Vash continues his travels on the planet with Meryl and Milly.

Production

File:Yasuhiro Nightow 20110630 Japan Expo 1.jpg

After leaving college, Yasuhiro Nightow had gone to work selling apartments for the housing corporation Sekisui House, but struggled to keep up with his manga drawing hobby. Reassured by some successes, including a serialized manga based on the popular video game franchise Samurai Spirits for Family Computer Magazine, he quit his job to draw full-time. The series was conceptualized as a mix between Western and science fiction as Nightow found it not seen in Japan by the time he started writing Trigun. To contrast Vash from the typical heroes in action films, Nightow portrayed him as a pacifist since he did not want his lead character to be a murderer. Throughout the story, Vash avoids killing enemies by disarming them and avoids inflicting mortal wounds during combat. His cheerful personality was used to highlight this trait with his catchphrase being: "Hey, sorry. Love and peace?"{{cite web|url=https://ramenparados.com/12th-japan-expo-entrevista-yasuhiro/|title=[12th Japan Expo] Entrevista a Yasuhiro Nightow|date=July 20, 2011|publisher=Ramen Para Dos|language=es|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170424005617/http://ramenparados.com/12th-japan-expo-entrevista-yasuhiro/|archive-date=April 24, 2017|access-date=March 8, 2020}} Other elements of the manga were based on real life. Wolfwood's name was taken from the lead singer as his image for the priest. He is also modeled on Tortoise Matsumoto from the band Ulfuls.{{cite web|url=http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Features/AX_09/5.html|title=Anime Expo 2009|work=Neoseeker|publisher=Anime Expo|date=March 29, 2012|access-date=March 10, 2023|archive-date=September 27, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927150426/http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Features/AX_09/5.html|url-status=live}} In order to create "warm" environments, Nightow drew several eating scenes.{{cite web|url=https://international.ucla.edu/institute/article/110449|title=Anime Expo 2009: interview with Yasuhiro Nightow and Satoshi Nishimura|publisher=UCLA|access-date=March 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200212214256/https://international.ucla.edu/institute/article/110449|archive-date=February 12, 2020|url-status=live}}

In the making of the manga, Nightow attempts to draw the fight scenes carefully as he has "all these images running through my head of characters moving this way and that, and contorting into all sort sorts of amazing action poses, but thinking about it and putting it to paper are always two different things". In regards to the narrative, Nightow uses a "logical and intuitive manner" as his {{lang|la|modus operandi}} in order to make readers being capable of following it.{{cite web|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Interviews/1309/Gunning-for-Answers-An-Interview-with-Trigun-creator-Yasuhiro-Nightow-5-26-06|title=GUNNING FOR ANSWERS! AN INTERVIEW WITH TRIGUN CREATOR YASUHIRO NIGHTOW 5/26/06|website=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=December 18, 2020|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227075828/http://www.darkhorse.com/Interviews/1309/Gunning-for-Answers-An-Interview-with-Trigun-creator-Yasuhiro-Nightow-5-26-06|url-status=live}} While Vash is the manga's protagonist, anime director Satoshi Nishimura used Meryl Stryfe as the main character. In the anime, she searches for the Humanoid Typhoon and initially does not believe it is Vash due to his childish behavior.{{cite book|title=Trigun Art Book|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|year=1998|isbn=978-4-19-720087-0|pages=61–63}} To create suspense, writer Yōsuke Kuroda suggested that Vash would not shoot a bullet until the fifth episode, which causes Meryl to realize he is the famous gunman.{{cite web|url=http://www.animerica-mag.com/features/trigun.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040404092017/http://www.animerica-mag.com/features/trigun.html|website=Animerica|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-date=April 4, 2004|title=Trigun}}

Media

{{Main|List of Trigun media{{!}}List of Trigun media}}

=Manga=

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

File:Trigun Maximum 01.png

With the help of a publisher friend, Yasuhiro Nightow,

first published a one-shot of Trigun in Tokuma Shoten's shōnen manga magazine {{ill|Monthly Shōnen Captain|ja|月刊少年キャプテン}} on January 26, 1995;{{efn|The one-shot was released in the March 1995 issue (cover date),{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly Shōnen Captain|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=March 1995|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1148315115|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413094513/https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1148315115|url-status=live}} released on January 26, 1995.{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly Shōnen Captain|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=February 1995|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1059046039|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=June 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621000709/https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1059046039|url-status=live|quote={{lang|ja|次号 3月号は1月26日(木)発売だ!!}}}}}} it began its regular serialization in the same magazine two months later on March 25.{{efn|It started in the May 1995 issue (cover date),{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly Shōnen Captain|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=May 1995|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1148314959|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413095745/https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1148314959|url-status=live}} released on March 25.{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly Shōnen Captain|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=April 1995|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1179092420|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=June 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621002014/https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1179092420|url-status=live|quote={{lang|ja|次号 5月号は3月25日(木)発売だ!!}}}}}} Monthly Shōnen Captain ceased publication on December 26, 1996,{{efn|The magazine finished with its February 1997 issue (cover date),{{cite web|script-title=ja:月刊少年キャプテン1997年2|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M608917|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=June 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621004310/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/M608917|archive-date=June 21, 2023|language=ja|url-status=live}} released on December 26, 1996.{{cite magazine|title=Contents|magazine=Monthly Shōnen Captain|publisher=Tokuma Shoten|date=January 1997|no-pp=y|page=Table of contents|url=https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1059046663|access-date=June 21, 2023|language=ja|archive-date=June 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230621004248/https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1059046663|url-status=live|quote={{lang|ja|次号2月号は12月26日(火)発売だ!!}}}}}} and the series was put on hiatus.{{cite web|author=Nightow, Yasuhiro|author-link=Yasuhiro Nightow|title=About Me – Profile of Yasuhiro Nightow|url=http://www.din.or.jp/~nightow/EFaboutme.html|website=Electric Flier|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19990202075550/http://www.din.or.jp/~nightow/EFaboutme.html|archive-date=February 2, 1999|language=ja}} Tokuma Shoten collected the Trigun chapters in three {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, released from April 25, 1996,{{cite web|script-title=ja:TRIGUN トライガン(1) / 内藤泰弘|url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/kaitori_detail/503053564|website=suruga-ya.jp|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414033228/https://www.suruga-ya.jp/kaitori_detail/503053564|url-status=live}} to January 20, 1999;{{cite web|script-title=ja:TRIGUN トライガン(3) / 内藤泰弘|url=https://www.suruga-ya.jp/kaitori_detail/503053566|website=suruga-ya.jp|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414033230/https://www.suruga-ya.jp/kaitori_detail/503053566|url-status=live}} Shōnen Gahōsha republished the Trigun chapters in two volumes, released on June 2, 2000.{{cite web|script-title=ja:トライガン＃1（内藤泰弘）|url=https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=7263|publisher=Shōnen Gahosha|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115829/https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=7263|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:トライガン＃2（内藤泰弘）|url=https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=5931|publisher=Shōnen Gahosha|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115830/https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=5931|url-status=live}}

When Nightow was approached by Shōnen Gahōsha's Seinen manga magazine Young King OURs, they were interested in him beginning a new work. Nightow, however, was troubled by the idea of leaving Trigun incomplete, and requested to be allowed to finish the series.{{cite web|title=--Yasuhiro Nightow-- --Profile--Manga No Mori Interview--Puff Interview--|url=http://www.geocities.com/sumirechan/tri-profile.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011108082428/http://www.geocities.com/sumirechan/tri-profile.html|archive-date=November 8, 2001}} The manga resumed its publication in the magazine, under the title {{nihongo|Trigun Maximum|トライガンマキシマム|Toraigan Makishimamu}}, in the October 1997 issue.{{cite web|url=https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1163682870|publisher=Mandarake Inc.|access-date=April 13, 2022|script-title=ja:少年画報社 1997年(平成9年)の漫画雑誌ヤングキングアワーズ 1997年(平成9年)10 9710|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413113309/https://order.mandarake.co.jp/order/detailPage/item?itemCode=1163682870|url-status=live}} Nightow said that there was no difference in the story between the two titles, and that the only reason for the change was because of the switch of publishing house.{{cite web|title=AX2000 Report: Yasuhiro Nightow|url=http://uranime.nekomusume.net/anime-conventions/ax2000/nightow_panel.iphtml|website=UR Anime Club|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051122055108/http://uranime.nekomusume.net/anime-conventions/ax2000/nightow_panel.iphtml|archive-date=November 22, 2005|date=2000|location=Anaheim, California}} Trigun Maximum finished in March 2007.{{cite web|script-title=ja:アワーズ 2007年05月号（2007年03月30日発売）|url=http://www.shonengahosha.jp/ours/index.php?y=2007&m=05|publisher=Shōnen Gahōsha|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070905010435/http://www.shonengahosha.jp/ours/index.php?y=2007&m=05|archive-date=September 5, 2007|language=ja}} Shōnen Gahōsha collected its chapters in fourteen {{Transliteration|ja|tankōbon}} volumes, released from May 23, 1998,{{cite web|script-title=ja:トライガンマキシマム第1巻（内藤泰弘）|url=https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=7274|publisher=Shōnen Gahosha|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115830/https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=7274|url-status=live}} to February 27, 2008.{{cite web|script-title=ja:トライガンマキシマム第14巻（内藤泰弘）|url=https://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/book_Info.php?id=6232|publisher=Shōnen Gahosha|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja}}

In North America, the manga was licensed by Dark Horse Comics, who announced its publication in June 2003;{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=New Manga from Dark Horse|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-06-02/new-manga-from-dark-horse|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=June 2, 2003|archive-date=October 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211028230459/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-06-02/new-manga-from-dark-horse|url-status=live}} they released the two volumes of Trigun, based on the Shōnen Gahosha's edition, on October 15, 2003,{{cite web|title=Trigun Volume 1 TPB|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/12-867/Trigun-Volume-1-TPB|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115823/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/12-867/Trigun-Volume-1-TPB|url-status=live}} and January 7, 2004.{{cite web|title=Trigun Volume 2 TPB|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/12-868/Trigun-Volume-2-TPB|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115823/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/12-868/Trigun-Volume-2-TPB|url-status=live}} In March 2004, Dark Horse Comics announced that they would also publish Trigun Maximum;{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Trigun Maximum coming in May|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-03-11/trigun-maximum-coming-in-may|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=March 11, 2004|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115827/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2004-03-11/trigun-maximum-coming-in-may|url-status=live}} the fourteen volumes were released from May 26, 2004,{{cite web|title=Trigun Maximum Volume 1 TPB: The Hero Returns|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/13-282/Trigun-Maximum-Volume-1-TPB-The-Hero-Returns|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115822/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/13-282/Trigun-Maximum-Volume-1-TPB-The-Hero-Returns|url-status=live}} to April 8, 2009.{{cite web|title=Trigun Maximum Volume 14 TPB: Mind Games|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-601/Trigun-Maximum-Volume-14-Mind-Games-TPB|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413115824/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/15-601/Trigun-Maximum-Volume-14-Mind-Games-TPB|url-status=live}} In September 2012, Dark Horse Comics announced that they would release the series in an omnibus edition;{{cite web|last=Loveridge|first=Lynzee|title=Dark Horse Adds Trigun Anthology, Evangelion Detective Manga|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-30/dark-horse-adds-trigun-anthology-evangelion-detective-manga|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=September 30, 2012|archive-date=June 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605185824/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2012-09-30/dark-horse-adds-trigun-anthology-evangelion-detective-manga|url-status=live}} Trigun was released in a single volume on October 9, 2013;{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, October 6–12 (Updated)|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-10-08/north-american-anime-manga-releases-october-6-12|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=October 8, 2013|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125155217/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-10-08/north-american-anime-manga-releases-october-6-12|url-status=live}} Trigun Maximum was released in five volumes from November 21, 2012, to November 5, 2014.{{cite web|last=Ressler|first=Karen|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, November 2–8|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-11-04/north-american-anime-manga-releases-november-2-8/.80658|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=November 4, 2014|archive-date=November 28, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128131414/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2014-11-04/north-american-anime-manga-releases-november-2-8/.80658|url-status=live}}

An anthology manga titled Trigun: Multiple Bullets, featuring short stories written by several manga artists such as Boichi, Masakazu Ishiguru, Satoshi Mizukami, Ark Performance, Yusuke Takeyama, Yuga Takauchi, and Akira Sagami, was released by Shōnen Gahosha in Japan on December 28, 2011.{{cite web|script-title=ja:【12月28日付】本日発売の単行本リスト|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/61945|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|date=December 28, 2011|archive-date=February 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213170442/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/61945|url-status=live}}{{cite web|script-title=ja:水上悟志、石黒正数など参加「トライガン」アンソロジー|url=https://natalie.mu/comic/news/61977|website=Comic Natalie|publisher=Natasha, Inc.|access-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja|date=December 30, 2011|archive-date=January 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111092313/https://natalie.mu/comic/news/61977|url-status=live}} The volume was released by Dark Horse Comics on March 6, 2013.{{cite web|last=Hodgkins|first=Crystalyn|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases, March 10–16|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-12/north-american-anime-manga-releases-march-10-16|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=March 12, 2012|archive-date=January 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125080234/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-03-12/north-american-anime-manga-releases-march-10-16|url-status=live}}

In May 2023, Dark Horse Comics announced deluxe hardcover editions of Trigun and Trigun Maximum.{{cite web|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|title=EXCLUSIVE: Dark Horse to Release Trigun Manga in Deluxe Hardcover Edition|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-05-16/exclusive-dark-horse-to-release-trigun-manga-in-deluxe-hardcover-edition/.198067|website=Anime News Network|access-date=May 16, 2023|date=May 16, 2023|archive-date=May 16, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230516162005/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2023-05-16/exclusive-dark-horse-to-release-trigun-manga-in-deluxe-hardcover-edition/.198067|url-status=live}}{{cite web|last=Hazra|first=Adriana|title=Trigun Manga's Deluxe Hardcover Edition Delayed to Fall 2024|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-10/trigun-manga-deluxe-hardcover-edition-delayed-to-fall-2024/.207445|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 11, 2024|date=February 10, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240211032931/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2024-02-10/trigun-manga-deluxe-hardcover-edition-delayed-to-fall-2024/.207445|archive-date=February 11, 2024|url-status=live}} The volume collecting both volumes of Trigun was released on September 10, 2024,{{cite web|title=Trigun Deluxe Edition HC|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-698/Trigun-Deluxe-Edition-HC|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=June 5, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529233936/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-698/Trigun-Deluxe-Edition-HC|url-status=live}} while the first volume of Trigun Maximum was released on October 8 of the same year.{{cite web|title=Trigun Maximum Deluxe Edition Volume 1 HC|url=https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-615/Trigun-Maximum-Deluxe-Edition-Volume-1-HC|publisher=Dark Horse Comics|access-date=June 5, 2024|archive-date=May 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529043637/https://www.darkhorse.com/Books/3009-615/Trigun-Maximum-Deluxe-Edition-Volume-1-HC|url-status=live}}

=Anime=

==1998 series==

{{Main|List of Trigun episodes{{!}}List of Trigun episodes}}

Trigun was adapted into an anime television series. It was animated by Madhouse and directed by Satoshi Nishimura, written by Yōsuke Kuroda, and produced by Shigeru Kitayama. The music was composed by Tsuneo Imahori. Twenty-six episodes aired on TV Tokyo from April 1 to September 30, 1998.{{cite web|title=TRIGUN|url=https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C9602|website=Media Arts Database|publisher=Agency for Cultural Affairs|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413122926/https://mediaarts-db.bunka.go.jp/id/C9602|archive-date=April 13, 2022|language=ja}} The episodes were collected in thirteen VHS cassettes, labeled as "Stages", from August 5, 1998, to August 4, 1999.{{cite web|title=CD & Video|url=http://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/ours/trigun/cd-video.html|publisher=Shōnen Gahōsha|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060719111435/http://www.shonengahosha.co.jp/ours/trigun/cd-video.html|archive-date=July 19, 2006|language=ja}}

In North America, the series was first licensed by Pioneer Entertainment (later Geneon USA) in 1999.{{cite web|title=AX '99 Wrap-up|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1999-07-18/ax-99-wrap-up|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=July 18, 1999|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413140249/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/1999-07-18/ax-99-wrap-up|url-status=live}} Eight DVDs were released from March 28, 2000,{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Trigun Vol. #1 (of 8)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/754.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101184550/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/754.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=March 28, 2000}} to May 29, 2001.{{cite web|last=Beveridge|first=Chris|title=Trigun Vol. #1 (of 8)|url=http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/761.php|website=AnimeOnDVD|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061101181047/http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/761.php|archive-date=November 1, 2006|date=May 29, 2001}} A box set containing all the episodes was released on November 20, 2001.{{cite web|title=Trigun: DVD Box Set|url=http://pioneeranimation.com/titles.php?id=104|publisher=Pioneer Entertainment|access-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020620001452/http://pioneeranimation.com/titles.php?id=104|archive-date=June 20, 2002}} The series premiered on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim programming block on March 31, 2003.{{cite web|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|title=Trigun Date Set|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-02-26/trigun-date-set|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=February 26, 2003|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413140432/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2003-02-26/trigun-date-set|url-status=live}} The series also premiered in Canada on G4techTV's Anime Current programming block in 2007.{{cite web|title=Geneon Entertainment Inks Exclusive Deal with G4TechTV Canada to Bring its Most Popular Anime Programs to Canada|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-01-29/geneon-entertainment-inks-exclusive-deal-with-g4techtv-canada-to-bring-its-most-popular-anime-programs-to-canada|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=January 29, 2007|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413160311/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/press-release/2007-01-29/geneon-entertainment-inks-exclusive-deal-with-g4techtv-canada-to-bring-its-most-popular-anime-programs-to-canada|url-status=live}} In the same year, Geneon announced that they would cease their in-house distribution,{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Geneon USA to Cancel DVD Sales, Distribution by Friday|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-26/geneon-usa-to-cancel-dvd-sales-distribution-by-friday|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=September 26, 2007|archive-date=June 23, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623032042/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2007-09-26/geneon-usa-to-cancel-dvd-sales-distribution-by-friday|url-status=live}} In 2008, Funimation announced that they signed a deal with Geneon to distribute "select" titles from the company;{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Funimation Agrees to Distribute Select Geneon Titles|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-03/funimation-agrees-to-distribute-select-geneon-titles|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=July 3, 2008|archive-date=May 13, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513111729/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-07-03/funimation-agrees-to-distribute-select-geneon-titles|url-status=live}} in 2010, they announced that they had licensed Trigun for a DVD and Blu-ray Disc home video release,{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Funimation Gets Trigun TV Anime Series on BD/DVD|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-14/funimation-gets-trigun-tv-anime-series|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=February 14, 2010|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413141932/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-14/funimation-gets-trigun-tv-anime-series|url-status=live}} and launched it on October 26, 2010.{{cite web|last=Manry|first=Gia|title=North American Anime, Manga Releases October 24–30|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-10-26/north-american-anime-manga-releases-october-24-30|website=Anime News Network|access-date=April 13, 2022|date=October 26, 2010|archive-date=April 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413141928/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-10-26/north-american-anime-manga-releases-october-24-30|url-status=live}} Following the announcement that Funimation would be unified under the Crunchyroll brand, the series began streaming on the platform in May 2022.{{cite web|first=Kyle|last=Cardine|title=Trigun, Space Dandy and More Funimation Titles Come to Crunchyroll in May|url=https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/05/06-1/trigun-space-dandy-and-more-funimation-titles-come-to-crunchyroll-in-may|website=Crunchyroll|date=May 6, 2022|access-date=May 7, 2022|archive-date=May 6, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506200720/https://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2022/05/06-1/trigun-space-dandy-and-more-funimation-titles-come-to-crunchyroll-in-may|url-status=live}}

==''Trigun Stampede''==

{{Main|Trigun Stampede{{!}}Trigun Stampede}}

A second anime television series adaptation by Orange, titled Trigun Stampede, premiered on January 7, 2023, on TV Tokyo and other networks.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Trigun Stampede Anime's English-Subtitled Main Trailer Reveals Theme Songs, January 7 Debut|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-03/trigun-stampede-anime-english-subtitled-main-trailer-reveals-theme-songs-january-7-debut/.192528|website=Anime News Network|access-date=December 3, 2022|date=December 3, 2022|archive-date=December 11, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221211172236/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2022-12-03/trigun-stampede-anime-english-subtitled-main-trailer-reveals-theme-songs-january-7-debut/.192528|url-status=live}}

=Film=

{{Main|Trigun: Badlands Rumble{{!}}Trigun: Badlands Rumble}}

A Trigun film was originally announced in February 2008 to be released in 2009.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Animated Trigun the Movie Planned for 2009 in Japan|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-27/animated-trigun-the-movie-planned-for-2009-in-japan|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 8, 2020|date=February 27, 2008|archive-date=October 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007170114/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2008-02-27/animated-trigun-the-movie-planned-for-2009-in-japan|url-status=live}} The film titled Trigun: Badlands Rumble opened in theaters in Japan on April 24, 2010, and was first shown to an American audience at the Sakura-Con 2010 in Seattle, Washington on, April 2, 2010.{{cite web|last=Loo|first=Egan|title=Seattle's Sakura-Con Hosts Trigun Film Premiere, Staff|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-22/seattle-sakura-con-to-premiere-trigun-film|website=Anime News Network|access-date=February 8, 2020|date=February 22, 2010|archive-date=September 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907012646/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-02-22/seattle-sakura-con-to-premiere-trigun-film|url-status=live}} At Anime Expo 2010, Funimation announced that they had licensed the film as they had with the TV series and planned to release it into theaters.{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-02/funi-adds-live-action-moyashimon|title=Funi Adds Live Action Moyashimon Live Action, More|work=Anime News Network|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=March 10, 2023|archive-date=July 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100704090410/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-07-02/funi-adds-live-action-moyashimon|url-status=live}} The film made its US television premiere on Saturday, December 28, 2013, on Adult Swim's Toonami block.{{Cite web|url=http://toonami.tumblr.com/post/70428706401/dont-miss-out-toonamis-movie-month-concludes|title=Toonami Movie Month Concludes|publisher=Toonami's official Tumblr|date=December 18, 2013|access-date=March 10, 2023|archive-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232426/http://toonami.tumblr.com/post/70428706401/dont-miss-out-toonamis-movie-month-concludes|url-status=live}}

Reception

=Manga=

Trigun Maximum won the Best Comic at the 40th Seiun Award in the 48th Japan Science Fiction Convention in 2009.{{cite news|last=Loo|first=Egan|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-04/macross-f-trigun-maximum-win-at-japan-sci-fi-con|title=Macross F, Trigun Maximum Win at Japan Sci-Fi Con|date=July 4, 2009|work=Anime News Network|access-date=March 7, 2015|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404041932/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2009-07-04/macross-f-trigun-maximum-win-at-japan-sci-fi-con|url-status=live}} The second volume concluded the original series early the next year, and went on to be the top earning manga release of 2004.{{cite news|last=Macdonald|first=Christopher|date=January 4, 2005|title=Manga Tops 2004 Graphic Novel Sales|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=5953|work=Anime News Network|access-date=March 10, 2023|archive-date=December 6, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061206105728/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/article.php?id=5953|url-status=live}} Critical response to the manga has been positive. Manga Life enjoyed the setting, comparing it to the American Midwest in the 1800s. They called the lead's characterization "fantastic" based on the personality he displays when facing enemies as he refuses to murder anybody.{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Trigunv1.htm|title=Trigun v1|publisher=Manga Life|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010211213/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Trigunv1.htm|archive-date=October 10, 2008|author=King, Hannah}} Anime News Network compared the series to Rurouni Kenshin, based on both's pacifist messages to the audience and how challenging is this message explored in a similar fashion to comic book hero Batman. He also praised the fight scenes' handling as well as villains' designs.{{cite web|url=https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2012-08-16|title=Jason Thompson's House of 1000 Manga - Trigun|publisher=Anime News Network|access-date=January 23, 2020|date=August 16, 2012|author=Thompson, Jason|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200223041926/https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/house-of-1000-manga/2012-08-16|archive-date=February 23, 2020|url-status=live}} The clash between him and his antagonist was also praised for his execution and artwork.{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Trigunv2.htm|title=Trigun v2|publisher=Manga Life|access-date=March 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081010205335/http://www.mangalife.com/reviews/Trigunv2.htm|archive-date=October 10, 2008|author=Polley, Dan}} However, Mania Entertainment said some events that happened to Vash might come across as repetitive because his pacifism keeps backfiring and no proper solution has yet been given.{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/trigun-maximum-vol-04_article_81799.html|title=Trigun Maximum Vol. #04|publisher=Mania Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101110234741/http://www.mania.com/trigun-maximum-vol-04_article_81799.html|archive-date=November 10, 2010|access-date=March 9, 2020|author=Chavez, Eduardo M.}} As Vash's philosophy was tested in the finale, Fandom Post praised the consequences of his actions.{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2016/05/06/trigun-maximum-vol-14-manga-review/|title=Trigun Maximum Vol. #14 Manga Review|publisher=Fandom Post|access-date=February 22, 2020|date=May 6, 2016|author=Leary, Ben|work=The Fandom Post|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222210716/https://www.fandompost.com/2016/05/06/trigun-maximum-vol-14-manga-review/|archive-date=February 22, 2020|url-status=live}} While Vash and Knives' was popular,{{cite web|url=https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/galleryoftheday/16883-Anime-Antagonist-Secretly-Like.2|title=8 Anime Antagonists That We Secretly Like|website=Escapist Magazine|access-date=March 9, 2020|last=Russell|first=H.D.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123024234/https://v1.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/features/galleryoftheday/16883-Anime-Antagonist-Secretly-Like.2|archive-date=November 23, 2018|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.comicbookbin.com/Trigun_the_Complete_Series699.html|title=Trigun: the Complete Series|website=Comic Book Bin|access-date=March 9, 2020|author=Zimmerman, Chris|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063238/http://www.comicbookbin.com/Trigun_the_Complete_Series699.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=live}} to the point Mania referred to their final fight as "the stuff of legend."{{cite web|url=http://www.mania.com/trigun-maximum-vol-12_article_83792.html|title=Trigun Maximum Vol. #012|publisher=Mania Entertainment|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221011059/http://www.mania.com/trigun-maximum-vol-12_article_83792.html|archive-date=February 21, 2009|access-date=March 9, 2020|author=Leary, Ben}} On the other hand, the book Manga: The Complete Guide provided criticism to some parts of the narrative, finding it difficult to follow but still enjoyable.{{cite book|last=Thompson|first=Jason|author-link=Jason Thompson (writer)|title=Manga: The Complete Guide|date=October 9, 2007|publisher=Del Rey|location=New York, New York|isbn=978-0-345-48590-8|oclc=85833345|page=375}} The artwork was also praised in the character designs with Wolfwood being called as one of the most stylish manga and anime characters.{{cite web|last=DeLeon|first=Jian|title=The 25 Most Stylish Anime Characters|url=http://www.complex.com/style/2013/01/the-25-most-stylish-anime-characters/nicolas-wolfwood|date=January 23, 2013|work=Complex|access-date=November 2, 2014|archive-date=November 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141102235823/http://www.complex.com/style/2013/01/the-25-most-stylish-anime-characters/nicolas-wolfwood|url-status=live}}

=Anime=

The anime series is frequently listed as one of the best anime series; in 2001, Wizard's Anime Magazine listed Trigun as the 38th best series on their "Top 50 Anime released in North America", and The Los Angeles Times journalist Charles Solomon named the series' complete box set as the seventh-best anime release of 2010.{{cite web|url=http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/anime-top-10-evangelion-fullmetal-alchemist-lead-2010s-best/|title=Anime Top 10: 'Evangelion,' 'Fullmetal Alchemist' lead 2010′s best|author=Solomon, Charles|date=December 21, 2010|work=The Los Angeles Times|access-date=February 15, 2014|archive-date=September 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921142841/http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/anime-top-10-evangelion-fullmetal-alchemist-lead-2010s-best/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|date=July 6, 2001|title=Wizard lists Top 50 Anime|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-07-16/wizard-lists-top-50-anime|work=Anime News Network|access-date=April 2, 2014|archive-date=April 2, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140402111019/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2001-07-16/wizard-lists-top-50-anime|url-status=live}} The success of the animated series increased the popularity of the original manga source material with the US release's first volume run of 35,000 sold out shortly after release.{{cite web|date=October 29, 2003|title=Trigun Manga Sells Out in a Flash|url=http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/3764.html|publisher=ICv2|access-date=March 10, 2023|archive-date=November 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107115303/http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/3764.html|url-status=live}} Theron Martin of Anime News Network gave the anime adaptation a B+, praising the series' writing: "The series never wallows in the inherent to this format simply because the surprisingly high quality of its writing never allows that to happen." However, Martin was more critical of the anime's visuals, stating, "Character rendering regularly looks more like rough drafts than refined final products, with the artists often struggling just to stay on model."{{cite web|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/trigun/dvd-the-complete-series|title=Trigun DVD - The Complete Series|author=Theron Martin|date=November 23, 2010|work=Anime News Network|access-date=February 25, 2014|archive-date=February 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140213085655/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/review/trigun/dvd-the-complete-series|url-status=live}} Mike Toole of Anime News Network named Trigun as one of the most important anime of the 1990s.{{cite web|last=Toole|first=Mike|title=Evangel-a-like - The Mike Toole Show|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2011-06-05|website=Anime News Network|access-date=November 20, 2015|date=June 5, 2011|archive-date=October 10, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010114552/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-mike-toole-show/2011-06-05|url-status=live}}

Escapist Magazine columnist H.D. Russell reviewed the anime adaptation of the series in early 2016, as part of the "Good Old Anime Review" section focusing on popular anime of the 1990s to early 2000s. Russell felt that the series' animation and English voice acting quality had aged poorly, but also argued that the depth of the characters and moral themes of the series more than compensate for its faults. He ultimately gave Trigun a rank of four out of a five stars, stating: "Trigun is very often overshadowed by its close cousin Cowboy Bebop, which is sad, because it truly is a delight to watch. Despite having only decent voice acting (with a few exceptions), average music, and relatively static visuals, Trigun is an absolute blast that had me laughing and thinking the whole way. While it's not perfect, it is fun and it does ask the questions that will make viewers ponder for years to come without ever offering them an answer. Trigun is one that went straight from my backlog to my heart and is truly greater than the sum of its parts."{{cite web|last=Russell|first=H.D.|title=Good Old Anime Reviews: Trigun - Love and Peace!|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/moviesandtv/reviews/goanimereviews/16959-Trigun-Anime-Review.2#&gid=gallery_6086&pid=1|website=escapistmagazine.com|publisher=Escapist Magazine|access-date=June 7, 2016|archive-date=June 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160609053520/http://www.escapistmagazine.com/articles/view/moviesandtv/reviews/goanimereviews/16959-Trigun-Anime-Review.2#&gid=gallery_6086&pid=1|url-status=dead}} Trigun failed to garner a large audience in Japan during its original showing in 1998, but gained a substantial fan base following its United States premiere on Adult Swim in 2003, making it one of the rare examples of an anime that was more successful in the West than in its country of origin.{{cite book|last=Erickson|first=Hal|title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003|date=2005|edition=2nd|publisher=McFarland & Co|isbn=978-1-4766-6599-3|pages=873–874}} Suggested causes of this disparity include the "old west" setting, European-style character names, and a lack of Japanese cultural elements.{{citation|title=Otaku USA|publisher=Sovereign Media|page=37|volume=5|issue=1|date=Winter 2011|last=Surat|first=Daryl}}