Gintama: Jump Festa 2014 Special

Mod Note: This review was written for Gintama OVA, the entry page of Gintama OVA has been merged with Gintama: Jump Festa 2014 Special. Well then~ This was a slightly confounding OVA - appearing almost around the exact same time as the first episode for Gintama 2015 (Gintama°), so initially I thought it WAS the first episode! And really, this OVA feels very much like a first episode for a new season of Gintama, so it was understandable if people were confused! So, for such a nice little surprise; here is a nice little review: Let me break it down~ ~STORY~ Gintama's episodic storytelling at its finest. Startingout with a small 'skit' about how its been a year, scared that the voice actors have forgotten how to do the character's voices, worrying that they're ripping off other shows with their opening. You know, all the good 4th wall breaking stuff that Gintama is great at~ After this brief intro, it cuts to the main story, a return of a character that only appeared in episode 89 of the original series. And, same as last time, he is determined to teach them an ULTIMATE MOVE! But not to become stronger. No! The ULTIMATE MOVE is to get SPONSORS, the true power for any anime! Cue cameos of some of the other side characters, references, and a couple of jokes that run throughout the episode~ It's certainly the Gintama I know and love! ~ART~ Gintama's new look (this OVA looking very similar to the new season) is just a slightly cleaner and shinier version of the previous season a couple of years ago~ No major changes - though I thought Shinpachi and Kagura's eyes look just a tiny bit larger and shinier. ~SOUND~ Pretty much all the same sort of music from previous seasons, which (I do have to say) is becoming increasingly noticeable after over 265 episodes. ~CHARACTERS~ I don't know why I possibly had reason to worry~ All the characters are still the same lovable bunch from before~ Never change~ ~ENJOYMENT~ It's Gintama. It's funny. I laughed many times. Of course I enjoyed it! ~OVERALL~ Gintama is back! This OVA is a nice little taster of the season that is to come! It's like an alternative episode 1 for the new season, with different episode 1 style jokes! Watch it, though if you're reading this, you probably have already~ Toodles~