Parallel Works
EpisodeParallel Works is Studio Gainax's collection of sixteen Gurren Lagann music videos that recast the show's characters in loose parodies of other anime. One entry doubles as a Lordgenome prequel whose footage was later recut into the opening of the film Childhood's End.
Summary
Under the Parallel Works banner, Studio Gainax produced a run of music videos that transplant the Gurren Lagann cast into scenarios spoofing other anime, trading continuity for style experiments and genre riffs. Sixteen installments make up the full set. Alongside the parodies sits one genuinely canonical piece: a prequel tracing Lordgenome's earlier life, material that was subsequently edited into the introduction of the theatrical film Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End.
Key Events
The lineup opens with the rap-driven "Rap is a Man's Soul!" showcasing Team Dai-Gurren's theme, and its fifth entry reprises the concept around Kamina. Other installments include "BafBaf! Being Fired Up Like This... Don't You Like It?", "Tits vs. Tits", "To Hell With Combining!", "Libera Me' from Hell", the Lordgenome prequel "All You Bastards, Get Fired Up!" as episode 8, "Kittan Zero", "The sense of Wonder", "Goodbye Dai-Gurren", "Big Building", "Kiyal's Magical Time, Three Minutes Before", and "Gunmen Symphonia". The series closes with the Yoko-centered "Kirameki Yoko Box, Pieces of Sweet Stars" as its sixteenth entry.
Notes
Canon status across the set is nearly nonexistent: only episode 8, the Lordgenome prequel, is treated as canonical, with episode 15, Gunmen Symphonia, sometimes argued as a possible second case. The remaining videos are affectionate parody and stylistic play rather than series continuity.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gurren Lagann Parallel Works?
Parallel Works is Studio Gainax's collection of sixteen Gurren Lagann music videos that recast the show's characters in loose parodies of other anime, trading continuity for style experiments and genre riffs.
Is any part of Parallel Works canon to the Gurren Lagann story?
Only one entry is treated as canon, episode 8, a Lordgenome prequel whose footage was later recut into the opening of the film Gurren Lagann The Movie: Childhood's End. Episode 15, Gunmen Symphonia, is sometimes argued as a possible second canonical entry.
How many Parallel Works videos are there?
The Parallel Works line consists of sixteen music video installments produced by Studio Gainax.
Which Parallel Works entry opens the collection?
The Parallel Works lineup opens with the rap driven "Rap is a Man's Soul!", which showcases Team Dai-Gurren's theme; its fifth entry later reprises the concept around Kamina.
Which entry closes out the Parallel Works series?
The Parallel Works series closes with the Yoko centered "Kirameki Yoko Box, Pieces of Sweet Stars" as its sixteenth and final entry.
Sources & Information
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View on FandomThis content is original writing by Daddy Jim Headquarters based on the Dragon Ball anime series, manga, and official materials. Episode and chapter references are cited where applicable.
Character and scene imagery on this site is original artwork by Daddy Jim Headquarters, not screenshots or licensed imagery. Official cover art is used on three types of pages for editorial commentary:
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- Manga chapter pages: Jump Comics volume covers, credited to Shueisha and Akira Toriyama.
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