The Gintama manga is back this week, so it’s time for a fun list to celebrate! Below are my favorite Gintama arcs, listed in chronological order. The list is mostly spoiler-free, but as always, read on at your own risk!
Benizakura
The Benizakura arc is rightfully popular because it showed that Gintama should be mentioned among the other great shounen anime. While Gintama has always been considered to be one of the best anime when it comes to comedy, this arc incorporates well-choreographed action and nail-biting drama. The arc establishes an antagonist that lingers over Gintoki for the majority of the series, and in an exciting way. The arc is so popular that it has been adapted into an animated movie and served as the main plot in the live-action film as well. While future arcs have better action, credit needs to go to the original.
Shinsengumi Crisis
Another serious arc with a fair amount of comedy, the Shinsengumi crisis arc is one of the best arcs for understanding Hijikata and Sougo. While the first half is full of great comedy at the expense of Hijikata, the arc quickly takes a dark turn. It’s a fantastic arc all around that is full of great character moments, and has an especially cool appearance by Bansai, a kiheitai favorite.
Ghost Ryokan
The idiots are sent on a vacation to a ryokan that turns out to be haunted. The end result is a fun “horror” story where the gang runs into all sorts of spooky ghosts, including a guy with a gun. The arc is full of wild comedy and references to Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, making this a great time. The conclusion of this arc is one of my favorites – It’s both shocking and hilarious.
Yoshiwara in Flames
Yoshiwara in Flames is just a cool arc. Yoshiwara is a cool setting. There is a cool antagonist. Tsukuyo is cool (And one of the best characters in the series). Kagura does cool and scary things. It’s just cool. This long arc is full of intense action, strong emotional beats, and does well at introducing some vital characters for the future of Gintama. While it is light on the comedy, it still manages to astound through every moment.
Otsu
This is the first full-on comedy arc on this list (Sorry that it took so long). The Otsu arc really doesn’t have any crazy battles, at least not of the shounen kind. This arc gives Shinpachi and Hijikata the spotlight as they battle to be the official Otsu fan club. Every moment is absolutely ridiculous, but the highlight is the introduction of Takatin, the real MVP of the entire series. I still shout out obnoxiously whenever I see French bread thanks to this arc.
Tama Quest
The Tama Quest Arc is one of those arcs that will be enjoyable for everyone. The entire thing parodies the Dragon Quest series and is fun for both fans and for those who have never played before. Odd Jobs needs to help save Tama from a virus, but they need to go inside of Tama to face it directly. The comedy is on point as always, and a few of the action scenes shine as well. This arc made Tama one of my favorite characters in the series and deserves more love.
Kabukicho Four Devas
Who is the strongest man in Kabuki district? Pirako Chin seems to think it is Gintoki. She “Joins” the Yoruzuya and quickly turns the gang’s world upside down as she causes trouble to help Gintoki be the king of the district. The Kabukicho Four Devas arc starts off as a side-splitting comedy arc that quickly becomes one of the most intense arcs in the series. The drama that results in a war for everyone’s home leads to some heartbreaking lows and hilarious highs. Everyone in the series gets at least a moment to shine, making this one of my favorite arcs in the series.
Farewell, Shinsengumi
While the Shogun Assassination Arc is often the one remembered as the major game-changing arc of the series, I’ve always enjoyed the Farewell, Shinsengumi Arc more. The arc marks a change in direction for the rest of the series and is paced incredibly well throughout. A slow burn towards an incredible climax makes the Farewell, Shinsengumi arc exciting. An emphasis on redemption for Isaburo and Nobume makes it stellar. Every arc on this list is fantastic, but the Farewell, Shinsengumi Arc manages to take everything that makes Gintama excellent and put it into a single arc.
Rakuyou Decisive Battle
Not only does the Rakuyou Decisive Battle Arc have one of the series’ best, most intense battle in the series, it also provides some much-needed explanations. This gigantic arc offers satisfying closure to many characters and does so naturally. Kamui and Kaguya get some much-needed bonding time, while Gintoki once again establishes just how strong he is. The arc does suffer from a few tired tropes towards the end, but it doesn’t stop this arc from being a fine set-up for the end of the series.
Shogun Episodes
I’m cheating, aren’t I? Doesn’t matter. Every one of the Shogun episodes is fantastic, and I can always watch them all back to back whenever I need a good laugh. The only episodes that make me laugh more are any that give Madao the spotlight. The best character reactions, jokes, and beatdowns are in the shogun episodes.
So what are your favorites? Which arcs got snubbed? Let us know in the comments!
