Based on the anime series by the same name, which is derived from the novel The Count of Monte Cristo
by Alexandre Dumas, Gankutsuou
tells a similar tale of false imprisonment, vengeance and redemption. Set in the aristocracy of the future where intergalactic travel is common and human execution is entertainment for the masses, the mysterious count wheedles his way into the hearts and minds of high society with his charm, money and obscure background. But unlike Dumas, Maeda, who directed the anime and developed the manga, brings out an embittered and vengeful side of the count, who seems to derive joy from seeing others suffer. While the anime gained a strong following for visuals that combined Photoshop, digital and 3D animation as well as a strong classical soundtrack that includes Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky, the manga has none of those and feels like an accompaniment to the anime—or even the novel. (Nov.)