Not that we insist, but actually we do.
Remasters are always a big lottery. Sometimes you get a precious jewel, an idea passed through time, faceted by the hands of many masters. Sometimes you regret bitterly what your eyes have just seen.
What about Trigun Stampede then? Did it outshine its predecessors? Will they be forgotten now?
No matter how old school you are, even if you're the opposite of everything old school, Trigun Stampede will have your attention. Taking the bold start of both original manga and anime, Trigun Stampede already has its own fandom. But according to the Reddit discussions, here's the answer: originals won't be forgotten. Quite the opposite even. We have a rare case where a new thing is good, but it still leaves a place in your heart for an old one. Not to fight for that place, but to coexist. Love and peace!
Those of us who remember the '98 Trigun can judge the new version harshly. They're unhappy with the 3D effects which look awkward when combined with typical anime movements. They say the characters are more archetypal and less relatable. Well, now, in 2023 it's a 90s style anime that might look weird, so here's a perfect compromise, old school otaku don't complain about 3D effects and newcomers respect the traditional 2D style, so we all have to watch both versions!
Okay, that was a joke. Here's the real reason. Let's not argue about which characters are better, we won't even be able to speculate, let alone say for sure until the second season is on air. First of all, there's plenty of references you just won't get if you haven’t seen '98 Trigun. So it's worth watching, if not to compare, then to enjoy the new version even more. Second, it's mind blowing interesting to see how the characters have changed from the '98 version to Stampede.
And last but not least — the original soundtrack. Katou Tatsuya really did a good job with those epic themes of his. But the Tsuneo Imahori’s blues, with its smiling melancholy and whining voice-like guitars, gives you an amazing cosmic western vibe. This music is good on its own, but as a soundtrack it creates an additional dimension.
It's not so important if you watch '98 Trigun first and then Trigun Stampede, or vice versa. They are two different stories, each one's good. Of course, the plot will be more predictable for you if you decide to continue your journey with Vash. But surely you won't be disappointed.