Fall 1989
City Hunter 3
SunriseRyo Saeba is a "sweeper" know as the City Hunter. He and his sidekick Kaori Makimura are hired to solve problems that the police can’t (or won’t) handle. When he’s not keeping the streets of Tokyo clean, Ryo is chasing the ladies, and Kaori chases after him with a giant anti-ecchi hammer.
(Source: ANN)
Introduction and Story Synopsis
Hello, anime fanatics! Your favourite critic, “The Anime Critic” has returned with an exciting review of “City Hunter 3”. For those who love action-packed episodes filled with thrilling suspense, City Hunter 3 is an awesome treat for you.
Our beloved protagonist, Ryo Saeba, quite popular with his code name “City Hunter”, is back with his crime-fighting activities in the streets of Tokyo. Ryo’s double-life as a private detective and a troublemaker continues to intrigue us in this third series. With a hidden dark past and a heart for justice, Ryo’s electrifying journey is full of clandestine missions, stunning ladies and hilarious interactions with his partner, Kaori Makimura.
Critical Review
For those of you who’ve been following City Hunter since the beginning, I’m thrilled to spill the tea that City Hunter 3 yet again, exceeds expectations! With new characters introduced and familiar faces making their comeback, it definitely delivers the charm of its predecessors while keeping the storyline fresh and entertaining.
The series still preserves Ryo Saeba’s iconic character with his over-the-top flirting and never-missing-a-shot marksmanship. His dynamic with Kaori, the comedic elements they bring with their constant bickering still leave us laughing out loud. The show smoothly balances the funny moments with gripping action scenes, reminding us of the skilled warrior beneath the flirtatious exterior.
The incredible attention goes to the detailing of the plot. With each episode having varied and interesting storylines, our City Hunter faces different types of dangers and dilemmas. The narratives are greatly paced and don’t feel rushed, while the fast-paced action keeps the adrenaline pumping.
In terms of visuals and audio, City Hunter 3 has continued the tradition of clean animation and catchy music. The art style is appealing with well-designed and eye-catchy characters. The scores and tunes give life to each comedic, romantic, and action-filled scene.
To Rent, Buy, or Stream?
“City Hunter 3” is decidedly a good investment for both first time viewers who can enjoy the standalone story arcs, and long-time fans who can relish the evolving relationships and character development.
I’d say buy it if you’re a huge fan of the series since it’s undeniably a collector’s gem. For that first-time dip into the world of City Hunter, a rent/stream approach would work just fine, giving you plenty of bang for your buck.
Final Thoughts
All in all, the anime constitutes a fine blend of humor, action, thrilling suspense, and captivating visuals that engage the audience. “City Hunter 3” knows its target audience and delivers to meet their expectations, then beats it with a twist every time. To put it in simpler terms – “City Hunter 3” never misses its shot!
Your Anime Critic signing off, and as always stay animated, my friends!
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Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television
SunriseIn the future, advanced robotics has created heavy robots ("labors") for use in a variety of functions: construction, fire-fighting, military, and more. However, though the robots are only machines, their operators are also only human—and humans sometimes turn to crime. Since a heavy labor unit can be a dangerous weapon, the police of the future are set to fight fire with fire, using advanced patrol labor units, "patlabors." This is the story of the Second Special Vehicles Division, a motley crew of patlabor policemen and women doing their best to fight crime and live a normal life.
(Source: ANN)
Anime Review: Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television
Set in the near future, Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television explores a world where humans coexist with Labor; large humanoid mechs designed for heavy industrial work. The Labors are essential players in this futuristic society but with their prevalence comes an alarming rise in Labor crimes. This chain of events birth a new division in Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Called the Special Vehicles Section 2 (SV2), it is specifically established to combat Labor crimes, given unique types of Labors called Patlabors to achieve this objective.
The narrative primarily follows the day-to-less-heroic-day in the lives of SV2’s second unit’s members, their relationships, struggles, and triumphs both in and out of their Patlabors. Expect office politics, friendships, and action spiced up with a considerable infusion of subtle humor and witticism. The contemporary societal issues that it masterfully interlaces in the storyline makes this show more than just another mecha anime.
Storyline and Plot
The strength of Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television’s storyline lies in its vivid narrative that uplifts the mundane everyday hustle into something engaging and thought-provoking. The story doesn’t rely on overly complex turns of events or unnecessary plot twists. Instead, it presents the viewers with relatable characters bringing life to an already mesmerizing storyline enmeshed in a unique setting. Simplicity is the hallmark here, but don’t be fooled; the narratives possess a depth that effortlessly holds the interest of the viewer.
Characterization
Oftentimes, the characters truly make or break a series, and in this case, they surely make it! The ensemble cast is wonderfully diverse, well-thought-out, and balances the serious and comedic tones perfectly. Each character has a distinct personality, which is thoroughly explored through their unique struggles and individual arcs. They’re not just piloting the Patlabors; they’re fighting their own battles, making their triumphs much more rewarding.
Animation and Music
It’s impossible to talk about Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television without mentioning its stunning visuals. The animation quality exceeds expectations, especially considering that it was produced in the late ’80s. The clean, crisp lines, the excellently drawn mecha designs, and incredibly detailed surroundings make this series a visual treat.
The music score perfectly compliments the series’ atmosphere. The upbeat opening theme contrasts well with the more somber ending theme. The background music is diverse, ranging from suspenseful tunes during action sequences to lighter melodies during comical moments.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television is a brilliantly executed mecha anime that perfectly intertwines entertaining storytelling with in-depth character development. The beautifully rendered animation, expertly composed score, and excellently realized world-building efforts make this anime worth every minute spent. Whether you’re a mecha fan or not, Kidou Keisatsu Patlabor: On Television is a title you should consider adding to your watch list, you won’t regret it!
This is a solid Rent, if not Buy, and certainly a Stream if you have the avenue to. It’s a timeless classic that deserves a revisit!
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