ANIME PREVIEW | "Bubblegum Crisis: Perfect Collection"
Nearly forty years have gone by since Bubblegum Crisis first hit store shelves in Japan. An OVA series created by a plethora of future who’s who in the anime and manga scene, Bubblegum Crisis has been seen as a turning point for the sci-fi genre in anime. Now with the aid of AnimEigo, the original eight episodes have been given a good tune-up and a new spotlight for the current anime fan generation. After watching the first episode, it’s easy to see why this series was considered a game changer.
The influences of the likes of Blade Runner, Streets of Fire, and The Terminator are very apparent early on in Bubblegum Crisis. From the T-800-styled look of the mechanical boomers to having a character named Priss that’s in a rock band called The Replicants, the love for Hollywood sci-fi films made in that decade is showcased strongly in the premiere episode’s first few minutes. However, when you have Kenichi Sonoda (Riding Bean, Gunsmith Cats) involved with the character designs, the originality starts to overtake the influences rather quickly. Whether it’s the feminine look of the battle suits or the attractiveness of the characters overall, how the likes of Priss, Sylia, Lilia, and the rest of the Knight Sabres help to bring something unique to the anime world at the time.
For a first episode, “Tinsel City” does a great job with building the world of Bubblegum Crisis. Its version of 2032 (which, thankfully, Tokyo seems to be avoiding becoming a reality) puts a good eye on the disparity between the rich and poor classes. The plethora of homeless people, the rundown streets, and the towering skyscrapers are a contrast between the kinds of people living in Tokyo. And then, you have the heroes and villains of the OVA, the former being the Knight Sabres and the latter the robotic boomers.
When it comes to the Knight Sabres, you get a good idea of who these characters are and what brought them to being a part of this organization. Priss’s zero-fucks attitude is brought out strongly both when in rock star mode and battle mode. Sylia’s reason for being a part of this group is demonstrated with a well-written back story, on top of her mannerisms being the calm and collective type that contrast with Priss. Linna, who works as an aerobics instructor, uses her skills from the gym to combat the boomers, with her moves and personality being surprisingly perfect for what she’s asked to do.
Then there are the boomers, the main antagonists of the series. What makes them great is their unpredictability, as just about anyone can be a boomer. (Again, a nod to the replicants in Blade Runner.) The first episode demonstrates this well, as the toughest of men, the prettiest of women, and even the tiniest of children could be killing machines. Even with the latter reveal, how it plays such a situation so straightly is surprisingly well-done.
As for the animation, the first episode is pretty good from a visual standpoint. It can look choppy at times, but when the Knight Sabres go on the defense or when we have boomers making short work of police officers, the movement and colors are simply wonderful to look at. As Sonoda mentions in the bonus interview, each OVA improves its animation bit-by-bit, with him saying that the final one is the best visually out of all of them. Nevertheless, the premiere episode has some pretty standout moments.
Entitled "All About Bubblegum Crisis", the 48-paged special booklet gives fans new and old of the OVA a deeper look into the creation of the series. Interviews with Sonoda, chief director Katsuhito Akiyama, AIC President Toru Miura, various designers and episode directors dive deep into not just the series's creation, but also the why's and how's of Bubblegum Crisis. Comments from voice actresses Yoshiko Sakakibara (Sylia), Michie Tomizawa (Linna), and Akiko Hiramatsu (Nene) -- albeit brief -- showcase why the original series was a big turning point for all of their careers. Perhaps most surprisingly informative are the Program Notes, which not only give story synopses, but also a deeper look into how the world works and the mentality of all of the characters.
Thus far, this Perfect Collection of Bubblegum Crisis does a great job showcasing why it’s a true anime staple. Even after nearly forty years, it still delivers a plethora of beautiful animation, memorable characters, and a pretty kick-ass soundtrack from Koji Makaino (Creamy Lemon, Nintama Rantaro). If you haven’t yet had a chance to experience Bubblegum Crisis before, this Perfect Collection will certainly wow you. And if you’ve grown up watching this classic OVA on the likes of STARZ’s Action Channel line-up, then this release may be a wonderful way of revisiting one of the most iconic series of the 1980s.
Bubblegum Crisis: Perfect Collection arrives in stores today.
PREVIEW RATING:
Promotional consideration provided by Erik Jansen of MediaLab PR. Episode one, the Kenichi Sonoda interview, and booklet were observed for this preview.
