I want to start reading gantz, but I have a question:

are the two mediums (manga/anime) the same as far as the storyline and if so, when do they seperate (chapter #). Is it like FullMetal Alchemist where if you've seen the show you can basically skip the first xx chapter and not miss anything, or would I be totally lost?

sickvisionz.tumblr.com

The anime follows the manga pretty close. It follows the buddha mission arc, but after that point, it is where it diverges since they wanted to end the anime, but the manga itself is ongoing. Personally i still read the manga including all parts that was in the anime, to see which is better and to make sure i don't miss anything minor or major.

Oh just remembered one difference: the motorcycle gang arc is different. Less emphasis on one of the main characters from the gang.

*and skipping through volume 8 i see now there are other differences too.

Volume 8 chapter 90 is where the anime parts ends in the manga.

I believe the anime had another arc it made up to give the manga a little time. Don't know b/c I didn't watch it, but I'm sure someone can fill the rest in.

Yeah it had another arc after the buddha mission in the anime. Many characters in this arc existed in the previous anime arcs but aren't in the manga.

If you check the Gantz info page, you'll see the section "Anime Start/End Chapter"
That tells you what you're looking for.

A just ruler amongst tyrants

oh and less emphasis on the grandma and kid, which i thought was a big plus in the manga 😃

It would be best to read from the start for the manga as the animation is not 100% following the manga series.

The 'Kurono' alien is an original spin-off in the animation ^^