"Mecha Cyberpunk Vintage: Analyzing the Timeless 'Bubblegum Crisis' Blu-Ray Edition"
Ready to dive into some retro cyberpunk action? Look no further than the iconic series, "Bubblegum Crisis"!
Set in the year 2032, Bubblegum Crisis brings the classic 80's cyberpunk tropes to life in a unique and intriguing manner. This anime gem takes place in the vibrant and turbulent cityscape of Mega Tokyo, where advanced technology and societal chaos intertwine in unexpected ways.
The Knight Sabers are the heart of this series, an enigmatic group of four women who don custom-made powered armor to take down a new threat known as Boomers. Created by the Genom Corporation but prone to going berserk, Boomers wreak havoc on the streets of Mega Tokyo. Unlike the AD Police, the force tasked with handling threats like these, the Knight Sabers find themselves oddly underfunded to combat this menace.
Over the course of eight pulse-pounding episodes, viewers uncover more about the origins behind the Boomer outbreaks and Genom's true intentions.
Prepare to be blown away by the amazing mechanical designs of Shinji Aramaki and the imaginative character designs of Kenichi Sonoda. Not only that, but these groundbreaking series used the popular music of its time to truly immerse audiences in the setting.
Aramaki's work on MOSPEADA and Megazone 23, featuring transforming motorbikes that become mecha, sets the stage for an even more impressive display in Bubblegum Crisis. With the transformable Motoslave bikes on full display, this show undoubtedly stands out among its contemporaries.
Bubblegum Crisis was creator Toshimitsu Suzuki's ticket to success, after numerous failed attempts at securing funding for similar projects. The series found the right balance between genre staples and fresh ideas, whereas previous attempts like Techno Police 21C fell short.
In recent years, a new Blu-ray release of Bubblegum Crisis has hit the shelves, offering fans an array of extras. Highlights include a brand new interview with Kenichi Sonoda in 2024 and a beautifully restored image and audio transfer.
Translations are handled with care in this AnimEigo release, making it a must-have for fans of the series. While Suzuki didn't achieve everything he envisioned with shows like Bubblegum Crisis, he played a crucial role in crafting a unique and internationally beloved anime series.
If this is your first foray into cyberpunk anime, Bubblegum Crisis is an excellent choice, blending appealing 80's aesthetics and designs with a gripping storyline.
Currently available on Blu-ray, you can grab a copy of Bubblegum Crisis for just $31.32 on Amazon. Happy watching!
Disclosure: AnimEigo sent me this Blu-ray set for the purposes of this review. Don't forget to follow me on X, Facebook, and YouTube. I also manage Mecha Damashii and am currently featured in the Giant Robots exhibition touring Japan.
References:- [1] Macmann, J. (2021). Bubblegum Crisis. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bubblegum_Crisis- [2] Kohnen, R. (2016, August 17). Bosozoku: Japan's Wild Motorcycle Gangs. Retrieved from https://www.history.com/news/bosozoku-japan-wild-motorcycle-gangs
- The intriguing cyberpunk series "Bubblegum Crisis," created by Toshimitsu Suzuki, showcases the unique character designs of Kenichi Sonoda and the mechanical masterpieces of Shinji Aramaki, known for his work on "MOSPEADA" and "Megazone 23."
- Set in the year 2032, "Bubblegum Crisis" follows the enigmatic Knight Sabers, an underfunded group of women who combat the dangerous Boomers in the cyberpunk city of Mega Tokyo, with Shinji Aramaki's transformable Motoslave bikes serving as their main weapon.
- For fans of "Bubblegum Crisis," a recent Blu-ray release offers a conversation with Kenichi Sonoda in 2024 and a meticulously restored image and audio transfer, making it an essential addition to any cyberpunk anime collection.
