"The Hard BOUNTY HUNTER" review: A masterpiece anime that realistically depicts the world of bounty hunting

"The Hard Bounty Hunter": A deep dive into the masterpiece OVA of the 90s

The OVA "The Hard Bounty Hunter", released on May 1, 1996, is based on the manga of the same name by Tetsuya Saruwatari, and is an unforgettable work for fans of 90s anime. This work is known for its unique world view, charming characters, and high quality action scenes. Below, we will introduce detailed information and reviews of this work, as well as recommended points.

Overview

"The Hard Bounty Hunter" is an OVA based on the manga by Tetsuya Saruwatari, directed by Shunji Ohga and produced by JC Staff. The release format was an OVA, and it was released on May 1, 1996. It's a short, 47-minute episode, but packed with dense content.

story

The story is set on the future of Earth. The protagonist, a bounty hunter named Johnny Black, spends his days chasing bounties. One day, he sets his sights on a huge bounty on the head of Don Falcone, the boss of a major crime organization. However, it is not just powerful enemies that stand in Johnny's way. Johnny's own past and his ties with his comrades are also depicted as important elements of the story.

character

Johnny Black

The main character is a bounty hunter. He is calm and collected, and has the strength to remain unfazed in any situation. It is suggested that he has been involved in some major incident in the past, and the mystery will be revealed as the story progresses. His voice actor is Rika Fukami.

Don Falcone

The boss of a huge crime organization. He is ruthless and will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He is Johnny's greatest enemy, and his presence heightens the tension of the story. His voice actor is Banjo Ginga.

Sarah

Johnny's partner and an information gathering professional. Her presence supports Johnny's actions. Her voice actor is Yumi Touma.

Background

The production of "The Hard: Bounty Hunter" took place during the OVA boom of the 90s. Unlike TV series, OVAs allow for greater freedom of expression, and this work was produced taking advantage of this characteristic. Director Shunji Ohga has directed the film with meticulous attention to detail in order to bring out the best in Tetsuya Saruwatari's original work. In addition, coupled with the production skills of JC Staff, the film has a very high quality of visual beauty and action scenes.

Evaluation and Impressions

"The Bounty Hunter" was one of the most highly acclaimed OVAs of the 90s. In particular, the high quality of the action scenes was highly praised by anime fans at the time. Johnny Black's character was also appealing, and many viewers were intrigued by his past and the background to his actions. The confrontation scene with Don Falcone was full of tension and thrills, and was well worth watching.

However, some viewers felt that the short length of just one episode was not enough. The story unfolded too quickly, and some said they wanted to know more about the characters' backgrounds and the worldview. However, it could also be said that the short length of the series condenses the charm of the work.

Recommended points

Quality of action scenes

The action scenes in this work were highly praised among the OVAs of the 90s. Johnny Black's fighting scenes are realistic and exhilarating to watch. The final battle with Don Falcone is full of tension and thrills, making it well worth watching.

Character Appeal

Johnny Black's character is calm and strong, but he also has past trauma and ties with his friends. His humanity draws the viewer's sympathy and gives the story depth. Characters such as Sarah and Don Falcone are also unique and add excitement to the story.

The appeal of the worldview

Set on a future Earth, the game's cyberpunk-esque worldview is visually stunning, with meticulous design details in the cityscape and character costumes that add to the game's appeal.

Related works and recommendations

If you enjoyed "THE HARD BOUNTY HUNTER," we also recommend the following titles:

"Black Jack"

This anime is based on the masterpiece manga by Osamu Tezuka. The main character, Black Jack, is also a character with his own rules, and you will be intrigued by his actions and background. The action scenes are also worth watching, and the medical-themed story is a fascinating work.

Cowboy Bebop

A story about a bounty hunter set in the future of space. Like Johnny Black, the protagonist Spike Spiegel is also a character who acts while carrying the trauma of the past. The action scenes are of high quality, and the music and visuals are also attractive.

Ghost in the Shell

This work depicts a cyberpunk worldview. Like "The Hard BOUNTY HUNTER," it is set on the future Earth, and the story delves deeply into the relationship between technology and humans. The action scenes are also impressive, and it is recommended for viewers who like philosophical themes.

summary

"The Hard: Bounty Hunter" was one of the most highly acclaimed OVAs of the 90s, and the quality of its action scenes, the charm of its characters, and the charm of its worldview draw viewers in. While the short length of just one episode may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied, it could also be said that the brevity of the story condenses the charm of the story. Other related works that are recommended include "Black Jack," "Cowboy Bebop," and "Ghost in the Shell." These works also have their own unique charms and will capture the hearts of viewers.