Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040
Publisher
ADV
Director
Hayashi Hiroki
Production
AIC, TV Tokyo, Victor Entertainment
Country of origin
Japan
Format
Series
Running time
26 episodes
Year
1998
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 volume 2: Crusade
By John Huxley
27th Apr 04  This second volume of Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 continues in much the same vein as the last, with plenty of Boomer-smashing action set against the background of a futuristic Tokyo. For the first time we meet the bad guys of the piece who appear to be controlling the spread of the mad Boomers for some unknown (and most probably silly) reason. Unfortunately their appearance is all to brief, leaving the rest of the bad guy stuff to the AD Police and the mad Boomers. Not strictly evil, the AD Police are hounding the Knight Sabers because they continually interfere with their work (usually to save their sorry ass), embarrassing the less capable and under-equipped police force. Even at this early juncture it's all too obvious that both the AD Police and the Knight Sabers will eventually put their differences aside and fight together for the greater good, something confirmed by the (also all too obvious) romantic relationship developing between rock-chick Priss and AD Police officer Leon (a name that will be familiar to fans of the AD Police spin-off series). Priss is the kind of girl who takes her job seriously - be it singing in her rock band or fighting mad Boomers. Not one to raise a smile easily, she's a sullen character who makes for some painfully glum viewing. This is offset by the more jovial characters such as the excitable Nene, but the insistent focus on Priss and fellow po-faced Knight Saber Sylia does give the series as a whole a very morose atmosphere. Although this may be in-keeping with the dark tone of the series, I do feel that it could have benefited from a few more laughs, or simply a less gloomy central character. This volume sees the introduction of a new character; Sylia's younger brother Mackey who comes to live with her big sister. At this point we're told very little about this mysterious character, though it's safe to assume that whatever secrets he may be hiding will play a large part in the plot of Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040. In actuality, these past two volumes have been particularly sparing when it comes to any mention of the overarching storyline; the pacing of the fight scenes may be lightning fast, but the story is certainly not. I hope things pick up sooner rather than later, because I'm not too sure how much longer this routine of Boomer-smashing can keep me entertained. That said, I really have enjoyed what Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 has offered so far; as much as anything else it's refreshing to see a modern cyberpunk adventure without a giant mech in sight. My only concern is that all this will become too repetitive if it the series doesn't take a new direction or introduce something to freshen up the formula. Perhaps the bad guys could become more involved? Whatever happens, lets hope it continues to go from strength to strength.
R2 DVD Notes
Features: English and Japanese Audio, English subtitles, character profiles, ADV trailers
Notes: Almost identical to the first disc with a different set of character profiles. The box design is suitably futuristic looking, with a flashy logo and checkered background sitting alongside some eye-catching artwork of the characters in their figure-hugging skinsuits. This will no doubt prompt much staring from HMV-bound adolescents around the country. Open the box and you're greeted by a single sheet leaflet with some more of that lovely artwork and some info about the disc on the reverse. The disc itself is a simple black and white affair with a line-art version of the cover art and logo. Another attractive looking package from ADV.
-- John Huxley 27th Apr 04
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