In April 1996, friends and I drove to see Cibo Matto and Eve’s Plum at The Shelter in Detroit. This particular concert was very influential to me for a couple of reasons. First, it would launch my nearly thirty-year obsession with the band Eve’s Plum, which broke up shortly after this tour. Second, when we parked and got out of our car, Miho Hatori and Yuka Honda, who comprised Cibo Matto, were standing directly in front of us with a couple of familiar guys. I was wearing a shirt for the legendary Japanese animated film Akira (1988), and one asked if I was into any other animation, which led to him recommending Bubblegum Crisis (1987).
After we said our goodbyes, we headed to the venue for the show. As we were walking in, I told my friend, “That guy really looked like Sean Lennon.” We laughed it off, and the show began. As Cibo Matto approached the end of their set, they introduced two special guests who we had been chatting with in the parking lot: Russell Simins, drummer for The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, and Sean Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono. I followed his recommendation and rented the first episode, which I enjoyed, but I didn’t have the chance to see further episodes.
When Bubblegum Crash arrived on my doorstep to review, the memories of that conversation came flooding back, and hopefully, I can get back to Crisis one day. Until then, the sequel series will have to do. AnimEigo has brought the three-episode series to Blu-ray, and it’s quite a fun ride.
It’s 2034 A.D. in the city of MegaTokyo, Boomers have transformed from feared outcasts to revered heroes, ushering in a new era of prosperity. With their mission seemingly complete, the Knight Sabers disband after their leader, Sylia, vanishes. Meanwhile, a shadowy group of power-armored mercenaries seeks a revolutionary AI that could change the world’s fate.
RELATED: ‘Squid Game’ Season 2 Recap & Review: A Flawed but Effective Return
Sensing the impending danger, Sylia reunites the Knight Sabers, who now sport upgraded and formidable hard suits. The team soon finds themselves in a web of intrigue, guided by a mysterious voice from their past.
Each episode runs around forty-five minutes, and they fly by. I do not remember much about the original series, but I never felt lost and could follow along pretty easily. The second, titled “Geo Climbers,” was the most entertaining. The story follows an advanced AI being hunted by evil Boomers, and the Knight Sabers must protect it. It’s an episode that really allows the characters to grow, and the payoff is satisfying.
The animation is exactly what you’d expect from the period, and the HD transfer is crisp, allowing the colors to shine through. The Bubblegum Crash Blu-ray includes English-dubbed audio and the original Japanese version with subtitles. I’ve heard this series described as a steam-punk Sailor Moon, and I get it, but this show is unique enough to stand on its own two feet.
We’re hardworking geeks who love to geek out, but we can’t do it without you! If you enjoyed this article and want to see more like it, please consider tipping our writers. Also, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
