Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion #1-10

I finally started watching Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion. This show is GOOD. If I were to describe it, it'd be something like...the world of Gundam, controlled by a Raito mentality, with a dash of Ouran-ish animation. In other words...it's awesome.

The setting takes place in the not-so-distant future but with very-distant situation. What is the USA right now becomes the empire of Britannia, who's taken over Japan and renamed it Area 11. And now, all Japanese people are derogatorily called "11's." Naturally, many 11s do not like being occupied by the Britanias, so there are quite a few resistance (aka terrorist) groups in "Area 11."

The main character is Lelouch, who we soon find out is of royal Britannia descent, but is hiding due to political circumstances. Lelouch is a young, smart, and VERY ambitious man who aims to retake the throne. Through an interesting turn of events, he obtains a special power that enables him to order anyone who looks into his eye(s?) There's a catch to it, but I won't indulge it here.

As the story develops, Lelouch, taking the identity of the masked knight Zero, leads his own resistance which is later named the Order of the Black Knights - or something like that. And what's an action anime without mechas? Code Geass delivers! The mechas are called "Knightmare Frames" and are pretty impressively designed. They're not of Gundam caliber and variety, but they're good enough for a standard mecha anime. Especially the unique Lancelot.

The animation quality is VERY good. The character designs are spot on and the vocal talent, while not superstars, are still stars nonetheless (Cloud Strife, Tenma Tsukamoto, Kuchiki Rukia, to name a few). I'm a bit disappointed with the soundtrack thusfar, but that didn't stop me from getting the soundtrack/OP/ED anyways. Haha