Publisher: Media Blasters (USA)Format: Region 1 DVD, NTSC, Japanese Dialogue with optional English Dub and English Subtitles
Length: 53 minutes
Production Date: 1988
Currently in Print (as of writing): Yes
Story Outline: A bloodied man in a suit who has been shot hands Akira a floppy disc at concert performed by his workmate, Junpei. The man soon dies leaving a mystery behind as to the contents of the disc. Unbelievably both Akira and Junpei are both part of the Rutz detective agency, and with Kumiko, Junpei's sister and Keiko they plan to find out what the story is. After Akira hunts around for some clues, he is attacked by a military helicopter on a busy highway while riding his motorcycle and ends up in hospital. The disc apparently contains information to produce a bipedal military robot and the corporation who wants the data will stop at nothing to get the data, including attempting kill Akira in hospital and kidnapping Kumiko. It's up to Junpei to get her back, however the injured Akira overhears his sister is missing, and despite being injured goes out to get her back.
Mini Review: Not exactly one of the best known titles of the 1980's, this OVA is surprisingly solid. I didn't think much of it when I first watched it on tape so many years ago, but for reason I quite liked it this time around. The story is implausible and a little confused at times, but what the hell, it’s rather fun. The robot, on the cover, when it finally appears during the climax is one ugly mother of a thing. It's pretty horrendous and looks rather awkward. The character designs are very reminiscent of some of Kia Asamiya's anime work, but then quite a lot of anime during this period looked a bit similar. The only name in the production credits I knew was Toshihiro Kawamoto (character designer extraordinaire) who did some key animation work. It'd be nice if there was a bit more character development and the whole detective agency thing is never fully explained. I felt parts of the OVA aren't well thought out or planned.
Though this OVA was released on VHS in 1999 under the original Japanese title of "Tokyo Vice", strangely the 2001 DVD release was titles "Tokyo Project". I can only assume maybe this has something to do with Media Blasters not wanting to get sued by the producers of Miami Vice. When's all said and done, a silly but fun late 1980's detective anime. But not all that great and a little forgettable. I give it 6 out of 10.
Remaining Backlog: 18 months (it's much easier this way than listing the number of discs).
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