D.N.A2 ~An emotional journey to trace the memories of a lost person~

A comprehensive review and recommendation of D.N.A2 ~That guy I lost somewhere~

■Overview of the work

"DNA2: The One I Lost Somewhere" is a 12-episode anime series that aired on Nippon Television in 1994. It is based on a science fiction manga by Masakazu Katsura, animated by Madhouse and Studio Deen, and directed by Junichi Sakata. The story follows Karin Aoi, a DNA operator from the future who travels back in time to the past to rewrite the DNA of a man known as the Mega Playboy (Megapre).

■ Story

In the future, 63 years from now, it has been discovered that DNA gives people unconscious behavioral instructions, and technology has been established to control human behavior by rewriting DNA. However, due to population growth, the country is plagued by overpopulation, to the point that a law has been created that makes it punishable by death if you have more than two children. Meanwhile, it is discovered that a Mega Playboy (hereafter referred to as Megaplay), who possesses DNA that captivates women, has already left more than 100 children. Fearing that the Megaplay DNA, which is possessed by more than 100 people, will spur population growth, the government decides to send "DNA operator" Karin Aoi to the past to rewrite the DNA of the man who was the first to possess Megaplay DNA.

However, the man, Junta Momono, was unattractive and unattractive to women, far from being a Megapre. Karin was supposed to have completed her mission as planned, but she had mixed up the bullets that rewrite DNA (DCM bullets), and Junta began to show signs of awakening to the Megapre. This story begins with Karin and Junta's meeting, and depicts Junta's awakening to the Megapre and its effects, as well as Karin's struggle to complete her mission.

■ Characters

Junta Momoo

A 16-year-old boy attending Ayukoma Private High School, his family runs a watch shop. In the future, he is known as a mega playboy and is considered a huge nuisance for fathering over 100 children. However, in the present, he suffers from a unique constitution that causes him to be allergic to women, and is characterized by the fact that he vomits when he sees a naked woman or anything similar. Junta's character changes greatly before and after his awakening as a mega playboy, and he is at the center of the story.

Aoi Karin

Karin is a DNA operator from the future who was abandoned by her parents at the age of 3. She longs for a sweet home with cute pets and a wonderful husband. Karin has a strong and cheerful personality and struggles to complete her mission, but her growth is depicted through her encounter with Junta and his changes.

Tomoko Saeki

She teases Junta for playing around with other girls, but is drawn to Junta as he awakens to his Megapre, and falls in love with him. Although her personality is not exactly nice, it is implied that she is the one for Ryuji. Michiko's character symbolizes the effects of Junta's transformation into a Megapre.

Ami Kurimoto

A childhood friend of Junta's, she runs a soba restaurant called "Kurinoan" across the street. She likes Junta and cares for him, but because they've been childhood friends for so long and Junta doesn't see her as a woman, she can't open up about her feelings and instead sticks to being a caring wife. Ami's character portrays her pure love for Junta, but she is also confused by his changes.

Kotomi Takanashi

Ami's best friend, she is a member of the rhythmic gymnastics club. She suffers from a unique condition that makes her fart when she gets nervous. She is extremely vulnerable to Mega-Pressure, and after seeing Junta fight in his Mega-Pressure state, she has fallen for him. Kotomi gets a makeover to impress Junta, and is portrayed as a character whose impression suddenly changes.

Ryuji Sugashita

He is handsome and rich, but a playboy with a womanizing personality. Due to the influence of Megapre, Saeki, Ryuji's true love, falls in love with Junta and seeks revenge. Ryuji's character symbolizes the changes in human relationships caused by Junta's transformation into Megapre.

Someya Kakima

As Junta's friend and someone who supports him in his daily life, Someyagaki's character plays an important role in portraying the relationships around Junta.

Ichikawa Ichigo

Junta's friends and the people who support him in his daily life, Ichikawa's characters also play an important role in portraying the relationships around Junta.

Good morning

Oharu is the computer in Karin's time machine, and is very intelligent, answering all questions accurately. The computer has a name and a personality. Oharu's character is portrayed as a support for Karin's mission.

Yokomori

Karin's superior, who gives her instructions from the future via space-time communication. Yokomori's character is portrayed as overseeing Karin's missions.

forest

He is the mastermind behind this incident and belongs to the Environment Agency. He is the one who tried to turn Junta Momoo and his descendants' DNA into psychic soldiers that he could control as he wished, in order to create a world that was easy for him to live in. He is also the one who switched the DCM bullets that Karin was supposed to take. Mori's character is portrayed as someone who operates behind the scenes of the story.

Kawasaki Rurara

A descendant of Junta who was brainwashed by Mori, Rurara is a key character in the story. Rurara's character symbolizes the impact that Junta's transformation into a Megapre will have on the future.

■ Production staff

Many talented staff members were involved in the production of this work. The project was planned by Hidehiko Takei and Shigekazu Ochiai, the series was composed by Tatsuhiko Urahata, the character design was Kumiko Takahashi, the mecha design was Takeshi Koike, the art director was Yoshimi Umino, the color designs were Kumi Akiyama and Osamu Mikasa, the cinematographers were Masahide Okino and Jin Yamaguchi, the music was Fujio Takano, the sound director was Shigeharu Shiba, the producers were Shinichiro Maeda, Hiroshi Okada, Hiroshi Hasegawa, and Masao Maruyama, and the director was Junichi Sakata. These staff members worked together to create the unique world view and story of this work.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme is "Blurry Eyes" by L'Arc~en~Ciel, with lyrics by hyde, music by tetsu, and arrangement by L'Arc~en~Ciel. The ending theme is "Single Bed" by SharanQ, with lyrics by Tsunku, music by Hatake, and arrangement by Toriyama Yuji and SharanQ. These songs are important elements that add to the atmosphere of the story.

■Subtitle

The subtitles for each episode are as follows:

• Episode 1: Karin, the Girl from the Future
• Episode 2: The birth of Megapre! Junta
• Episode 3: Ami on the Night of the Festival
• Episode 4: Who is the necklace for? Michiko
• Episode 5: I can't tell anyone! Kotomi
• Episode 6: What did Junta do to Kotomi?
• Episode 7: I want to give you everything!
• Episode 8: You've always been by my side
• Episode 9: The bullet hits Ryuji in the chest...
• Episode 10: Dangerous Ryuji's Dangerous Ability
• Episode 11: Don't become a Megapre!!
• Episode 12: Bye-bye Mega Playboy

■ Evaluation

"D.N.A.2 ~That Guy I Lost Somewhere~" is a work that features a unique setting, attractive characters, and a meticulously drawn storyline. It has been particularly praised for its skillful incorporation of science fiction elements such as DNA rewriting while also strongly emphasizing elements of a coming-of-age drama.

The protagonist, Junta Momono, is portrayed as a character who changes greatly before and after awakening to Megapre, and his growth and conflicts are at the center of the story. Junta's unique constitution of being allergic to women and the changes in the relationships around him as he becomes Megapre are all very unique, and are elements that draw viewers in.

The character of Karin Aoi, a DNA operator from the future, is also fascinating, and her strength and cheerfulness, as well as her growth through meeting Junta, are depicted. Karin's character serves as a contrast to Junta's transformation into a mega-pre, and adds depth to the story.

In addition, many other unique characters such as Tomoko Saeki, Ami Kurimoto, Kotomi Takanashi, and Ryuji Sugashita appear, and their relationships and drama add excitement to the story. In particular, the impact that Junta's transformation into a mega-pre on the relationships around him leaves a strong impression on viewers.

The production staff of this work has also been highly praised. Professionals from various fields, such as character design, mecha design, art direction, and music, came together to create a rich worldview for the work. In particular, the opening theme "Blurry Eyes" and the ending theme "Single Bed" are important elements that enhance the atmosphere of the story, making them memorable songs for viewers.

Overall, "D.N.A.2 ~That Guy I Lost Somewhere~" is praised for its unique worldview that combines science fiction and teen drama, its attractive characters, and its detailed story development. The episodes and character settings that leave a strong impression on viewers, as well as the high technical skills of the production staff, make this a work that is even more appealing.

■Recommendation

"D.N.A.2: That Guy I Lost Somewhere" is a recommended work for those who like science fiction and youth dramas. In particular, it is a must-watch work for those who are interested in the unique setting of DNA rewriting and the theme of awakening to Megapre. In addition, one of the attractions is the story development that focuses on the unique characters and their relationships, so it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy the elements of a youth drama.

Furthermore, the high technical skills of the production staff and the quality of the theme song and music have also been praised, making this a recommended series for those who want to enjoy the completeness of an animated work. The episodes and character settings that leave a strong impression on viewers, as well as the detailed story development, make this series even more appealing.

Overall, "D.N.A.2: That Guy I Lost Somewhere" is praised for its unique worldview that combines science fiction and teen drama, its attractive characters, and its detailed story development. The episodes and character settings that leave a strong impression on viewers, as well as the high technical skills of the production staff, make this work even more appealing. Please give it a watch.