Copyright © JVC/AIC

"This is not your parent's BUBBLEGUM CRISIS." Perhaps that is the first thing a well versed anime fan would notice with BUBBLEGUM CRISIS TOKYO 2040 (which we first looked at back in EX 3.7), in comparison to the original BUBBLEGUM CRISIS OVA series. The animation style is different, the music is different, the world is different. The only major constants are the battle hardsuit design, a group of inept AD Police, some small corporation called Genom, and a foursome named Priss, Linna, Nene, and Sylia. However, by no means should this imply this is a bad remake, as demonstrated by the North American release by A.D. Vision.
The setting is a rebuilt Tokyo in 2040, after a massive earthquake leveled it and a new technologically advanced city has been constructed in its place. GENOM leads the way with its "Boomer" robot technology which greatly assisted in the rebuilding. As such, "Boomers" have become integrated into everyday life, and hold positions ranging from janitors to office managers. However, incidents of Boomers malfunctioning and going berserk are increasing at an alarming rate and the press surprisingly does not mention this at all. A special division called the AD Police were formed to deal with such problems, but they are surprisingly ineffective. Also, lately the AD Police are often being beaten to the punch by a mysterious group of vigilantes in amazing battle hardsuits, who happen to be known in rumor as the Knight Sabers.
The first episode, "Can't Buy a Thrill" brings Linna to a new job in Tokyo fresh from the country. This acts as an introduction to Tokyo, which is much cleaner and brighter than the BLADE RUNNER style of the original series. Armed with the cool rumors of the Knight Sabers and a dream of meeting them someday, Linna begins her life in the city. By coincidence a Boomer goes mad in restaurant during an unsatisfying date. Sure enough two hardsuits arrive and destroy the rampaging machine, saving Linna in the process.
The event also gives Linna some hints as to who one of the two might be. Chasing her down, or in actuality being led, the episode "Fragile" brings her eventually to the HQ of the Knight Sabers, where she gets invited to see if she is cut out to be one. We also see even more of Nene, Sylia and the inner workings of the AD Police. "Keep Me Hanging On" is a true test of fire for Linna, as her hardsuit is completed and she begins to learn the ropes.
Looking at the new characters in comparison to the originals, the art style by Yamada Masaki is definitely similar to EL HAZARD, but I found after watching it for a bit that I probably prefer these to the originals. I agree that Sylia looks too much like Ifurita, but I like how her personality and attitude easily breaks away from that mold. The personalities of the characters seem to have more depth than the originals. Priss is more aloof, Linna is a bit ditzy at times but also has a strong will, Nene is a bit smarter, and Sylia is much more diverse in her emotions.
The action displayed is fast and well done, with the combat probably the most similar to the BGC of old. The plot has its definite weak points, especially in coincidences and the rush to setup the situation. Hopefully it will not deteriorate into a "Boomer of the week." However, I found these episodes a refreshing new opening to the meeting of the Knight Sabers that never happened in the OVA series, there are more interesting characters in general, and GENOM's true plans this time around are still a mystery. I also quite liked some plot objects like the hardsuit trainer Linna had to use, as it gives an interesting look of what it could be like actually in one.
The music does not play much of a part, at least for these first three episodes. I found I enjoyed the opening ("y'know") and ending ("Waiting for You") themes by Sudo Akira though, enough to buy a copy of the vocal soundtrack As Sekiria. The opening video is very well done and obviously computer assisted.
The overall video quality and production values are pretty high for a TV series, though I suspect they may drop a bit in middle numbered episodes later. Some of the computer generated scenes are far too obvious and jarring (during scenes of the Knight Sabers jumping above Tokyo), but generally these are few and far in between.
I found the dubbing to be slightly below average. Linna's and Sylia's voices were overplayed, along with many of the minor parts. I found Priss to be well cast however, and I quite enjoyed Nene's voice.
Overall, I was relieved to see how well this first volume turned out, and I plan on watching more of the series. For anime fans new to BUBBLEGUM CRISIS, this so far is a good remake of an 80's anime classic (which you should check out as well, especially since the tape and DVD sets are so cheap now). If you own a DVD player or plan on getting one soon, be sure to wait for the start of the DVD releases promised by A.D. Vision later this year. For old BGC diehards you owe yourself to check out this new look and see whether you will like it yourself.

Released in North America by ADV Films
VHS, 90 mins
dubbed VHSBG/001D$24.95
subtitled: VHSBG/001S $29.95
Available now in the USA
Where to buy