This would be a mistake - this is one of the best adaptations of The Count of Monte Cristo. Some may have been tempted to write this off as an adaptation because it's sci-fi, or because it's in a traditionally 'pulpy' medium. He really does only care about money, and isn't taken in by the vanity of French society. But at the same time his complete lack of conscience and sentimentality make him preferable to the weak, tortured Fernand or the pompous Villefort. Of all the conspirators he is definitely the slimiest, the most broad-brush villain. In some versions, I find myself having a slight liking for Danglars.Why Dumas chose not to go down this route in the original text, history does not reveal. This being a Japanese animated adaptation of the story, the duel between Albert and the count if fought with GIANT BATTLING ROBOTS instead of swords / pistols.In fact, a lot of this story is about Albert's burgeoning sexuality. There's also a pretty strong implication that Franz is in love with Albert. Albert and the Count's relationship definitely verges on the romantic / sexual, giving the story an extra creepy element.This allows Fernand to be promoted to 'chief villain' and makes for a more dramatic / satisfying conclusion. Fernand and Edmond are Best Friends in this version of the story, as they are in many of the better adaptations.Several elements of the story are moved around, and in this one they dispose of the love story between him and Valentine pretty early on, allowing them to focus on the less boring bits. He also has strength to easily lift up a car because he's a cyborg or something. Maximilien Morrel's character is altered a little in this one.Adding to 'Ay-ee-day' and 'Hay-day' and 'Hi-day' This version adds more confusion to the 'how do you pronounce Haydee' conundrum.Albert's naivety and its manipulation by the count, and his ensuing growth into adulthood is one of the central themes. But in this version it's actually worked into the story and becomes a strength to the character.
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