Although based on Alexander Dumas' famous classic of revenge, Gankutsuou is a new retelling of the series that sets it in the distant future, and spins its yarn through the eyes of a young and idealistic Albert.
Albert, a member of the Parisian upper class, has already gotten jaded with life and in an attempt to spice things up, goes on a trip with his best friend, Franz, to a carnival on Luna. There he encounters the fabulously wealthy recluse, the Count of Monto Cristo, who, when Albert is kidnapped and held for ransom, ponies up the money to save the young man's life. Believing only the best in his mysterious benefactor, Albert invites the Count into his circle of friends and life in Paris. Little does he realize that the Count has only one goal: revenge upon the three men who wronged him, casting him in prison and stealing him away the love of his life. And revenge is a dish best served cold...

<i>Gankutsuou</i> is whirlwind of a series. A solid basis on a classic story of love, betrayal and revenge, combined with an imaginative new setting in space and a different sense of art, this series tries to appeal to all the senses a tv show can reach. It's not afraid to be different, and in fact seems to revel in it. Sure it's outlandish - and the patterns alone have turned off many a potential viewer. However, if you're willing to stick with the little oddities the series evidences, you're in for a treat. This is not your typical anime series - despite several mecha fighting scenes, the focus is not on action but on the story and the people and the lies they weave amongst themselves and within themselves.