Gunsmith Cats ova Review

Story & Playability

Expanding further into the mid 1990s, I stumbled upon a series that was one of the early purchases I had made. A story about two young ladies that run a gun shop and do some bounty hunting on the side as well. A story that, sadly, was only given a three episode OVA treatment with no sign of any further animation to be seen or heard from.

The story? Gunsmith Cats. Simply speaking, Gunsmith Cats follows Irene "Rally" Vincent, the gunslinger and driver, and "Minnie" May Hopkins, the explosive expert of the group, on their quirky adventure after being dragged into the greater scheme of a whirlwind of political corruption and gun dealing. The setting? Chicago, Illinois, USA! Now, normally one would expect a plentiful amount of Engrish and stereotypes laden within a series that's setting takes place in America, or any place with another language that's outside of Japan. Well, Gunsmith Cats is not the case. Not even remotely! It's rather obvious by the level of detail to the city and to numerous items associated in it that the team working on Gunsmith Cats did their research and made sure it was correct. Gunsmith Cats, which I shall refer to as GSC from here onward, is probably one of the few series out there that shows just how painstakingly hard the staff worked on this product. It is truly believable that the story takes place in Chicago and even more so that these are suppose to be English-speaking characters.

Another aspect I really wanted to touch on is the usage of weapons and vehicles in this series. While I'm not a gun nut or a motor head, I can obviously tell a great deal of detail was put into the knowledge and construction for both, making it all the more of a treat to watch. This is furthered by the interesting characters we are introduced throughout the three episode run and the enjoyable little plot we are given. The only true complaint I can offer in terms of story is there just is not enough. The manga itself spanned for several volumes and spawned a sequel (Gunsmith Cats BURST), so we know there is plenty of source material to work with. However, sometimes a little goes a long way and in this case it goes for miles. GSC doesn't stay for long, but it keeps us entertained with a fast pace story, some hard hitting characters and overall a very enjoyable experience, mixed in with a dash of fan service here and there and a little blood along the way too. I cannot express enough how many times I've watched this series over and over. It's an enjoyable ride and the best part is it's all under 90 minutes. Some may not like that, but to me I felt it flowed perfectly from the start to the finish.

Rating: 9

Graphics

GSC really shines in the artistic department. This series is over 15 years old and it still can hold it's ground and then some with most modern animated series. From the shadowing, to the character detail, to how gorgeous Rally's Cobra looks (seriously it is one gorgeous car), to the mechanics of the guns and explosives, to the chase scenes and gun fights. This anime truly shows off some absolutely top quality animation. Characters flow nicely and each are given distinct detail, right down to the hefty American stereotype. There are plenty of gorgeous environments we are introduced to and interesting locals throughout Chicago that we get to see in the 3 episode experience.

For a very long time, GSC was one of my favorite animated shows and while after a recent viewing has shed light on the fact that the show has definitely aged, it still looks so darn good after all these years. By far the strongest aspect about this show is it's art.

Rating: 8

Sound

Sound, as it seems to be with all ADV related series, is a mixed bag. However, I want to talk a little bit more about the English dub in a positive light than I did with my previous review. The series is, surprisingly, well dubbed. There are fairly obvious signs throughout the series that this is an earlier work, as quality with certain characters dips during certain scenes. There is a scene in which Becky, sort of an assistant to both Rally and May, is involved with a car chase and is absolutely terrified, screaming like a mad woman. The subbed version was very nicely covered while the American was full of loud, annoying screams. This certainly isn't a terrible thing, but it shows just how far dubbing has come since the series release Stateside. Yet still, a great deal of credit needs to be given to the accuracy paid to the script and the nice additions provided throughout the series. This is one of ADVs best works from the early years.

As for the original dub, it's incredibly well done. Michiko Neya provides the vocal work to Rally Vincent and Kae Araki handles May Hopkins. While both women aren't nearly as dyanmic as Amanda Winn Lee and Kimberly Yates (Rally and May respectively), they were the better choice. They function very well together and make for a wonderful tag-a-long experience, where as the English dub can have you wanting to reach for the remote at times.

Another note I want to pay to is the fantastic opening of the series. I seriously cannot stress enough how much I love the opening of the series and how well it fits within the rest of the show. This is probably one of the most creative openings I have ever seen for a animated movie. The rest of the series follows a very similar musical style, but it's the beginning that really pulls us in.

Rating: 8

Fun

Gunsmith Cats, your tale is a bit tragic. Your prequel (Riding Bean) was cut off before anymore of it could be made and the only adaptation your work has been given has been a 3 episode OVA. Yet, when all is said and done, it's more than enough. There is some incredible high quality production in this series that is lacking in quantity, and I would take that any day of the week. Your a wonderful action packed show that's funny and smart at the same time. The only problem is you leave us wishing for more, and that may not be so much of a problem to begin with.

Now, it's time get back down into the Ruins!

Rating: 9

Final Verdict

8.6667 (very good)

Reviewed by CyanideBlizzard, Apr 25, 2011

Comments

fallenkaze Apr 25, 2011

I've honestly never heard of GSC before, and probably wont watch it anytime soon, but at least now I know of it, so its officially on Kaze's long,long,long,long list of anime to watch!
angelxxuan Banned Member Apr 25, 2011

I remember this, long ago I watched it. it's like a classic before it's time, it's hard to believe that it didn't get more love, or at least a rekindling of love due to the notion of all the fun they could have, they could even branch in another person to come in and take control of it. really nice review, now I'm in the mood to break out my old stuff as well with all these older reviews of things going by.
MisaSasekage Moderator Apr 27, 2011

I've never heard of this anime before, though I have seen the title around. Nice review Blizzard-kun^^
alex4k4lish0v Oct 10, 2011

Now You've done it... I just had to clear the next 90 minutes of my schedule so I can rewatch this series, it's been too long. The manga is amazing as well, I highly recommend it. In terms of technical accuracy (firearms and cars), both the manga and the anime are nothing short of spot on. Pause the anime in the opening credits when you see the cut away of Rally's gun (CZ 75) and compare it to a exploded technical diagram; its that good. Sometimes this series may go a little over the top, but that's part of what makes it so enjoyable too.

Excellent review, CyanideBlizzard. You have made me break my rule of internet silence.

Back to lurking I go.

page 1 of 1 4 total items

Only members can post replies, please register.