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

All-round evaluation and recommendation of D.N.A2 ~That guy who was lost somewhere~

■Overview of the work

"D.N.A2: That Guy I Lost Somewhere" is an OVA based on the original manga by Masakazu Katsura and was released by Bandai Visual in 1995. The three-part OVA was produced to complement the story of the TV anime version, and tells the epic tale of Karin Aoi, a DNA operator from the future who travels back in time to rewrite the DNA of Mega Playboy (Megapre).

■ Story

63 years into the future, in a world where DNA has become a technology that controls human behavior, overpopulation has become a serious problem, and strict laws have been enacted that punish people with death if they have more than two children. Meanwhile, a man known as a Mega Playboy (Megapre) is discovered to have left over 100 children, and the government dispatches DNA operator Karin Aoi to the past to solve this problem. Karin's mission is to rewrite the DNA of Junta Momoo, the first man to carry the DNA of a Megapre. However, Karin mixes up the DCM bullets and is unable to rewrite Junta's DNA, and Junta begins to awaken as a Megapre. This unexpected turn of events will depict the relationship between Karin and Junta, as well as their impact on the future.

■ Characters

The protagonist of this work, Junta Momono, is a 16-year-old boy attending the private Ayukoma High School, and was raised in a family that runs a watch shop. Junta suffers from a unique constitution that causes him to be allergic to women, but he has a kind-hearted personality and cares for his friends. Karin Aoi, a DNA operator from the future, is a strong woman who was abandoned by her parents at the age of three. Although she falls in love with Junta at first sight, she is torn between her mission and her own feelings. Characters with unique personalities, such as Rinko Saeki, Ami Kurimoto, Kotomi Takanashi, and Ryuji Sugashita, add excitement to the story, depicting their relationships and growth.

■ Production staff

The film features a stellar cast including director Junichi Sakata, character designer Kumiko Takahashi, mecha designer Takeshi Koike, and music by Fujio Takano. Animation was handled by Madhouse and Studio Deen, with planning and production handled by Nippon Television and Paohouse, and production cooperation provided by Bandai Visual and Movic.

■Cast

Junta Momono is played by Keiichi Nanba, Karin Aoi is played by Mina Tominaga, Rinko Saeki is played by Megumi Hayashibara, Ami Kurimoto is played by Hiroko Kasahara, Kotomi Takanashi is played by Hekiru Shiina, and Ryuji Sugashita is played by Takehito Koyasu. The voice actors' performances, which bring out the individuality of each character, are also superb, adding depth to the story.

■ Theme songs and music

The opening theme was "Blurry Eyes" by L'Arc~en~Ciel, and the ending theme was "Single Bed" by SharanQ, both of which were huge hits in the music scene at the time. In particular, L'Arc~en~Ciel's "Blurry Eyes" was loved by many fans for its rock-style feel that matched the atmosphere of the series.

■ Evaluation and recommendation

The appeal of "D.N.A2 ~That Guy I Lost Somewhere~" is the storyline that skillfully incorporates sci-fi elements such as time travel and DNA manipulation. It explores the growth of the main character, Junta, his love life with Karin, and the deep themes that make you think about the impact on the future. Also, don't miss the relationships and conflicts between the unique characters. The three episodes produced as an OVA not only complement the story of the TV anime version, but also allow you to enjoy the story from a new perspective.

This series is especially recommended for fans of sci-fi anime and time travel stories. It is also great for those who enjoy character development and romance. Additionally, fans of L'Arc~en~Ciel and SharanQ can enjoy the theme songs. Overall, the story, characters, music, and production staff are all of a high standard, making this a must-see for fans of 1990s anime.

■ Additional information

This work was released in five volumes on VHS and Laserdisc. The three episodes produced as OVAs expand the story in addition to the episodes of the TV anime version, allowing you to enjoy a deeper worldview. Also, for fans of the original manga, it is valuable as a work that recreates the worldview of the original in anime form.

In addition, new episodes have been added to the OVA version, depicting in more detail the relationship between Junta and Karin and their impact on the future. In particular, the third episode of the OVA, "I Will Never Forget You," is a touching episode depicting the farewell between Junta and Karin, and is loved by many fans.

This work is one of the most representative works of the 1990s anime scene, and is a must-see for fans of science fiction, time travel, and romance anime.