[French version/version française : click here]
Now let me talk about Bubblegum Crisis : Tokyo 2040, not a sequel but a remake of Bubblegum Crisis : Megatokyo 2032. (To make it easier to read, I mean, to write, from now on I’ll use acronyms : BC 2032 or BC 2040 – BC doesn’t mean before Christ. Got it?)
BC 2032 was planned as a series of 13 episodes, but production stopped at 8, officially because of a poor success (in Japan). It seems that the real problem was about royalties between co-producers, involving two different studios. They split, and one of them continued the OVA under a new title : Bubblegum Crash – but shortly afterwards, it ended by going to court, and the Bubblegum Crisis Licence was left unexploited.
Years passing, a real fandom rose (especially in Europe and in the United States), producing fanzines, mangas, comics, some by professional studios (for example a Bubblegum Crisis comics by Dark Horse). Fans waited until 1998, when AIC developed a new project : Bubblegum Crisis : Tokyo 2040. And, surprise, instead of giving an end to the cult BC 2032, we got a real new anime, starting over at the beginning of the whole story. Each of the 26 episodes is about 20 minutes long, and ends with a cliffhanger, until the final (and apocalyptic) conclusion.
The story :
Same story, same background, same characters – but a new storytelling, first episode starts with the formation of the Knight Sabers. They have only three members when a fourth girl, Linna, eventually joins the group. We follow her as she arrives from her country village in Megatokyo, seeking a job. She witnesses a Sabers operation against a crazy boomer, and decides to join them.
The whole story, along the 26 episodes, spots on a main plot : GENOM’s secret plans, what really boomers are, and why they become out of control, Syllia’s past, and how (why) her father died int the gigantic Tokyo earthquake 15 years ago.
My point of view:
I have seen BC 2032 and BC 2040 one after the other, and I am unable to decide between. In fact, they are complementary, and I would advise you to watch both, as a complete program. BC 2032 is attractive mostly because of its vintage music and atmosphere, and offensive charm of feminine characters. But I must admit the first OVA lacks consistency, especially after the 6th episode, because of the production’s problems. Too many elements remain unexplained, and it has no real ending.
BC 2040 deserves credit for starting over the whole plot, and giving it a new coherence. And it also brings the so much expected ending, and that was worth it. Believe me. Until the final climax, each episode grows an real suspense ; I even thought about a possible parallel between BC 2040 and Neon Genesis Evangelion – I will develop this point further.
BC 2040 offers a brand new character design, as you may check on this before/after comparison :
The result is convincing, although I think the updating makes the heroines look more like mainstream anime characters, loosing this typical Kenichi Sonoda touch. Still, the armour design remains the same, and that’s a good thing. Settings are really improved, keeping the cold, dark and gloomy atmosphere of a nocturnal city, haunted with dangerous creatures.
Sadly, the new design of boomers is not so impressive. We have a new kind of boomers, and their presence in the city is more realistic, but they don’t really look like deadly monsters when they become mad. The same thing occurs with the secondarery characters, who are cleaner than the original ones. For instance, McLeod does not look like Clint Eastwood, Daley Wong seems to be straight and Mackie is a nice kid, not a voyeur. I think this is a deliberate option, as BC 2032 was an OVA, BC 2040 is now a TV series, and it aims a larger audience…
Less violence, less dirty humor, more psychology. More depth in the depiction of the main characters, though. The four girls have a deeper background, and their motivation, their state of mind, their personal life are more detailed. We follow them in their everyday life, and the story spots on Priss Asagari, the rock singer, who becomes the main character of the whole series. By the way, rock’n'roll is even more in the heart of the story. More actual, less eighties, Priss’s rock band has new songs with different styles including ballads or hard rock. We even meet the other musicians, who are part of the story.
Several points make me think that Neon Genesis Evangelion may have influenced BC 2040.
Let’s take the plot for instance. The 26 episodes focus on the GENOM affair. It starts with an earthquake, but the reasons remain unclear. Was it a natural phenomenon? or the result of a forbidden experience?
After this kind of « second impact », we see a struggle between :
- on one hand, politico-industrial powers trying to create a new technology, that may redefine the idea of human being,
- on the other hand, a maverick group of young vigilantes, fighting in armours but whose equipment may also use this brand new technology.
The main question is : who manipulates who? Are GENOM and the Knight Sabers ennemies, or two antagonistic visions of the same project? What are the consequences for the future of the human race?
Other questions are : what are really the boomers? robots? cyborgs? or a new avatar of the human race? Who is really Syllia Stingray, and what does she seeks, using the Knight Sabers against GENOM?
I won’t spoil about the ending, but some shots really made me think of the End of Evangelion. Well, ok, BC 2040 does not go as far EoE, still this almost apocalyptic and mystic turn is somehow similar.
As a conclusion, I will say that both BC 2032 and BC 2040 are worth seeing, but I can only dream of what the result might have look like, if BC 2032 had not been interrupted, or if BC 2040 had kept the first OVA’s design and atmosphere. Bubblegum Crisis is not a masterpiece, it’s only a very good anime in its actual form, consisting of two different versions. Maybe, the final cut remains to be done.
Pingback: Ghost in the puppets : Parasite Dolls (translated topic) | Les chroniques d'un newbie
Pingback: Deux ans de chroniques (avec sursis) | Les chroniques d'un newbie
Rien qu’entrer sur votre blog me procure énormément de bien !
super article bravo !
Bubblegum Crisis. Bubblegum Crash. Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 Anime Classics ZETTAI! 100 Must-See Japanese Animation Masterpieces Brian Camp, Julie Davis. — Berkeley, California: Stone Bridge Press, 2007. — P. 65—70. — 408 p. — ISBN 978-1-933330-22-8 .
Hey, thanks for the blog post.Thanks Again. Fantastic.
Im grateful for the post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
buy generic fenofibrate purchase tricor generic buy tricor generic
Really enjoyed this blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Great.
I really enjoy the blog article.Much thanks again. Will read on…
Im grateful for the blog.Really looking forward to read more.
A round of applause for your blog post.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
I think this is a real great article post.Really thank you! Keep writing.
I really liked your blog.Really thank you! Great.
A round of applause for your blog.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
Very neat article.Thanks Again. Want more.
tadalafil brand name order viagra pill buy sildenafil sale
purchase zaditor generic buy generic zaditor over the counter buy generic imipramine 75mg
Really appreciate you sharing this post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Thanks again for the blog post.Really thank you! Awesome.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.
buy mintop without a prescription the best ed pill cheapest ed pills online
cheap acarbose 25mg order micronase online cheap fulvicin for sale
aspirin 75mg sale buy aspirin pills purchase zovirax online
dydrogesterone 10 mg tablet order dydrogesterone generic jardiance 25mg ca
fludrocortisone 100mcg generic order loperamide 2 mg for sale loperamide 2 mg canada
prasugrel 10mg canada prasugrel 10mg uk cheap tolterodine 2mg
Awesome article.Really thank you! Fantastic.
ferrous sulfate online buy buy betapace pills for sale betapace pills
Very neat blog.Really thank you! Awesome.
buy generic mestinon buy generic piroxicam order maxalt 5mg
I really enjoy the blog post.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
enalapril where to buy enalapril ca order duphalac without prescription
premarin over the counter buy premarin 600 mg generic purchase sildenafil for sale
order micardis for sale order telmisartan generic buy cheap molnupiravir
Appreciate you sharing, great blog article.Much thanks again. Awesome.
cenforce brand buy naprosyn online buy aralen 250mg for sale
Really informative post. Really Great.
Your unique approach to addressing challenging subjects is like a breath of fresh air. Your articles stand out with their clarity and grace, making them a pure joy to read. Your blog has now become my go-to source for insightful content.
cefdinir 300 mg generic order lansoprazole 30mg purchase lansoprazole
isotretinoin usa accutane canada buy zithromax 500mg pill
Im grateful for the article post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
I wish to express my deep gratitude for this enlightening article. Your distinct perspective and meticulously researched content bring fresh depth to the subject matter. It’s evident that you’ve invested a significant amount of thought into this, and your ability to convey complex ideas in such a clear and understandable manner is truly praiseworthy. Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and making the learning process so enjoyable.
Major thankies for the blog.Much thanks again. Want more.
In a world where trustworthy information is more crucial than ever, your dedication to research and the provision of reliable content is truly commendable. Your commitment to accuracy and transparency shines through in every post. Thank you for being a beacon of reliability in the online realm.
I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation for this enlightening article. Your distinct perspective and meticulously researched content bring a fresh depth to the subject matter. It’s evident that you’ve invested a great deal of thought into this, and your ability to articulate complex ideas in such a clear and comprehensible manner is truly commendable. Thank you for generously sharing your knowledge and making the process of learning so enjoyable.
I simply wanted to convey how much I’ve gleaned from this article. Your meticulous research and clear explanations make the information accessible to all readers. It’s abundantly clear that you’re committed to providing valuable content.
I must commend your talent for simplifying complex topics. Your ability to convey intricate ideas in such a relatable way is admirable. You’ve made learning enjoyable and accessible for many, and I appreciate that.
This article resonated with me on a personal level. Your ability to emotionally connect with your audience is truly commendable. Your words are not only informative but also heartwarming. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Your dedication to sharing knowledge is unmistakable, and your writing style is captivating. Your articles are a pleasure to read, and I consistently come away feeling enriched. Thank you for being a dependable source of inspiration and information.
I simply wanted to convey how much I’ve gleaned from this article. Your meticulous research and clear explanations make the information accessible to all readers. It’s abundantly clear that you’re committed to providing valuable content.
Your blog has rapidly become my trusted source of inspiration and knowledge. I genuinely appreciate the effort you invest in crafting each article. Your dedication to delivering high-quality content is apparent, and I eagerly await every new post.
oral clomid order generic imuran buy generic imuran for sale
I am continually impressed by your ability to delve into subjects with grace and clarity. Your articles are both informative and enjoyable to read, a rare combination. Your blog is a valuable resource, and I am sincerely grateful for it.
I’m genuinely impressed by how effortlessly you distill intricate concepts into easily digestible information. Your writing style not only imparts knowledge but also engages the reader, making the learning experience both enjoyable and memorable. Your passion for sharing your expertise is unmistakable, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.
I’m genuinely impressed by how effortlessly you distill intricate concepts into easily digestible information. Your writing style not only imparts knowledge but also engages the reader, making the learning experience both enjoyable and memorable. Your passion for sharing your expertise is unmistakable, and for that, I am deeply appreciative.
Your positivity and enthusiasm are undeniably contagious! This article brightened my day and left me feeling inspired. Thank you for sharing your uplifting message and spreading positivity among your readers.
where to buy perindopril without a prescription allegra 180mg tablet order fexofenadine 180mg pill
I couldn’t agree more with the insightful points you’ve articulated in this article. Your profound knowledge on the subject is evident, and your unique perspective adds an invaluable dimension to the discourse. This is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic.
This article is a true game-changer! Your practical tips and well-thought-out suggestions hold incredible value. I’m eagerly anticipating implementing them. Thank you not only for sharing your expertise but also for making it accessible and easy to apply.
I must applaud your talent for simplifying complex topics. Your ability to convey intricate ideas in such a relatable manner is admirable. You’ve made learning enjoyable and accessible for many, and I deeply appreciate that.
I must applaud your talent for simplifying complex topics. Your ability to convey intricate ideas in such a relatable manner is admirable. You’ve made learning enjoyable and accessible for many, and I deeply appreciate that.
Your blog has rapidly become my trusted source of inspiration and knowledge. I genuinely appreciate the effort you invest in crafting each article. Your dedication to delivering high-quality content is apparent, and I eagerly await every new post.
I simply wanted to convey how much I’ve gleaned from this article. Your meticulous research and clear explanations make the information accessible to all readers. It’s abundantly clear that you’re committed to providing valuable content.
I am continually impressed by your ability to delve into subjects with grace and clarity. Your articles are both informative and enjoyable to read, a rare combination. Your blog is a valuable resource, and I am sincerely grateful for it.
I want to express my appreciation for this insightful article. Your unique perspective and well-researched content bring a new depth to the subject matter. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this, and your ability to convey complex ideas in such a clear and understandable way is truly commendable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making learning enjoyable.
Your enthusiasm for the subject matter shines through every word of this article; it’s infectious! Your commitment to delivering valuable insights is greatly valued, and I eagerly anticipate more of your captivating content. Keep up the exceptional work!
I couldn’t agree more with the insightful points you’ve articulated in this article. Your profound knowledge on the subject is evident, and your unique perspective adds an invaluable dimension to the discourse. This is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic.
loratadine sale ramipril generic dapoxetine 90mg price
Your writing style effortlessly draws me in, and I find it difficult to stop reading until I reach the end of your articles. Your ability to make complex subjects engaging is a true gift. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
In a world where trustworthy information is more crucial than ever, your dedication to research and the provision of reliable content is truly commendable. Your commitment to accuracy and transparency shines through in every post. Thank you for being a beacon of reliability in the online realm.
buy generic propranolol buy clopidogrel 75mg buy plavix 150mg for sale
I’ve discovered a treasure trove of knowledge in your blog. Your unwavering dedication to offering trustworthy information is truly commendable. Each visit leaves me more enlightened, and I deeply appreciate your consistent reliability.
nortriptyline over the counter oral paracetamol 500 mg paracetamol 500 mg cheap
Your blog has rapidly become my trusted source of inspiration and knowledge. I genuinely appreciate the effort you invest in crafting each article. Your dedication to delivering high-quality content is apparent, and I eagerly await every new post.
Your dedication to sharing knowledge is unmistakable, and your writing style is captivating. Your articles are a pleasure to read, and I consistently come away feeling enriched. Thank you for being a dependable source of inspiration and information.
Your passion and dedication to your craft radiate through every article. Your positive energy is infectious, and it’s evident that you genuinely care about your readers’ experience. Your blog brightens my day!
Your enthusiasm for the subject matter shines through in every word of this article. It’s infectious! Your dedication to delivering valuable insights is greatly appreciated, and I’m looking forward to more of your captivating content. Keep up the excellent work!
Your passion and dedication to your craft radiate through every article. Your positive energy is infectious, and it’s evident that you genuinely care about your readers’ experience. Your blog brightens my day!
Your unique approach to addressing challenging subjects is like a breath of fresh air. Your articles stand out with their clarity and grace, making them a pure joy to read. Your blog has now become my go-to source for insightful content.
buy xenical online cheap diltiazem pills buy diltiazem tablets
Great, thanks for sharing this blog post. Awesome.
famotidine cheap pepcid 40mg over the counter prograf pill
Thanks again for the article post.
Thanks so much for the blog.Really thank you! Much obliged.
I loved your blog article.Really looking forward to read more. Want more.
buy sumatriptan pills for sale purchase dutasteride sale where can i buy dutasteride
https://augusty08s3.uzblog.net/getting-my-chinese-medicine-brain-fog-to-work-36988055
academia writing essay writing good academic writing
buy sildenafil online cheap purchase sildenafil generic order yasmin online cheap
I am so grateful for your post.Thanks Again. Will read on…
https://mylesgihd33333.educationalimpactblog.com/44764574/the-ultimate-guide-to-chinese-medical-massage
https://connerr12ca.loginblogin.com/28591472/the-5-second-trick-for-korean-massage-scrub
buy lamictal medication order lamictal 50mg generic order mebendazole for sale
purchase tretinoin for sale oral retin avana 100mg over the counter
tamoxifen 20mg over the counter brand nolvadex budesonide nasal spray
order trazodone for sale purchase clindac a for sale buy generic clindamycin
help with essays buy custom research paper slots casino games
I really like and appreciate your article. Cool.
Wow, great blog article.Much thanks again. Cool.
Very informative article.Much thanks again. Really Cool.
Thanks-a-mundo for the article.Really thank you! Keep writing.
I truly appreciate this blog.Thanks Again. Much obliged.
buy generic periactin for sale luvox 100mg cost buy generic ketoconazole
I think this is a real great blog article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
I cannot thank you enough for the article.
Really informative article post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.
Your passion and dedication to your craft radiate through every article. Your positive energy is infectious, and it’s evident that you genuinely care about your readers’ experience. Your blog brightens my day!
Your unique approach to addressing challenging subjects is like a breath of fresh air. Your articles stand out with their clarity and grace, making them a pure joy to read. Your blog has now become my go-to source for insightful content.
I can’t help but be impressed by the way you break down complex concepts into easy-to-digest information. Your writing style is not only informative but also engaging, which makes the learning experience enjoyable and memorable. It’s evident that you have a passion for sharing your knowledge, and I’m grateful for that.
I just wanted to express how much I’ve learned from this article. Your meticulous research and clear explanations make the information accessible to all readers. It’s evident that you’re dedicated to providing valuable content.
I am continually impressed by your ability to delve into subjects with grace and clarity. Your articles are both informative and enjoyable to read, a rare combination. Your blog is a valuable resource, and I am sincerely grateful for it.
Your unique approach to addressing challenging subjects is like a breath of fresh air. Your articles stand out with their clarity and grace, making them a pure joy to read. Your blog has now become my go-to source for insightful content.
acyclovir 800mg ca how to get zovirax without a prescription cost crestor
Thank you ever so for you blog article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Great blog.Much thanks again. Really Great.
Muchos Gracias for your blog. Will read on…
order flexeril generic flexeril price purchase toradol pill
strongest over the counter allergy order zaditor 1 mg online cheap best allergy pills for adults
This article is a true game-changer! Your practical tips and well-thought-out suggestions hold incredible value. I’m eagerly anticipating implementing them. Thank you not only for sharing your expertise but also for making it accessible and easy to apply.
Great, thanks for sharing this article post.Really looking forward to read more.
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the wealth of invaluable information you consistently provide in your articles. Your blog has become my go-to resource, and I consistently emerge with new knowledge and fresh perspectives. I’m eagerly looking forward to continuing my learning journey through your future posts.
I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the wealth of invaluable information you consistently provide in your articles. Your blog has become my go-to resource, and I consistently emerge with new knowledge and fresh perspectives. I’m eagerly looking forward to continuing my learning journey through your future posts.
Your storytelling prowess is nothing short of extraordinary. Reading this article felt like embarking on an adventure of its own. The vivid descriptions and engaging narrative transported me, and I eagerly await to see where your next story takes us. Thank you for sharing your experiences in such a captivating manner.
Say, you got a nice article. Will read on…
absorica online buy accutane 40mg pill cost isotretinoin 10mg
I value the blog post.Much thanks again. Much obliged.
Enjoyed every bit of your blog article.Really thank you! Much obliged.
I couldn’t agree more with the insightful points you’ve articulated in this article. Your profound knowledge on the subject is evident, and your unique perspective adds an invaluable dimension to the discourse. This is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged.
My website: Жену с другом
Your writing style effortlessly draws me in, and I find it nearly impossible to stop reading until I’ve reached the end of your articles. Your ability to make complex subjects engaging is indeed a rare gift. Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I want to express my appreciation for this insightful article. Your unique perspective and well-researched content bring a new depth to the subject matter. It’s clear you’ve put a lot of thought into this, and your ability to convey complex ideas in such a clear and understandable way is truly commendable. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and making learning enjoyable.
I appreciate you sharing this article.
Muchos Gracias for your article.Really thank you! Really Cool.
Great blog post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.
I couldn’t agree more with the insightful points you’ve articulated in this article. Your profound knowledge on the subject is evident, and your unique perspective adds an invaluable dimension to the discourse. This is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic.
Your passion and dedication to your craft radiate through every article. Your positive energy is infectious, and it’s evident that you genuinely care about your readers’ experience. Your blog brightens my day!
This is one awesome post.Thanks Again. Awesome.
Very good post.Really looking forward to read more. Awesome.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog article.Much thanks again. Fantastic.
Awesome blog post.Much thanks again. Want more.
Very informative blog post. Want more.
Im obliged for the blog article.Thanks Again. Awesome.
rogaine tablet – rogaine medication proscar 5mg uk
I really liked your blog.Really looking forward to read more. Really Cool.