The appeal and reviews of "VIRUS - VIRUS BUSTER SERGE": Exploring the depth of the action and story

"VIRUS -VIRUS BUSTER SERGE-": The story of a man who fights viruses

■Overview of the work

"VIRUS - VIRUS BUSTER SERGE -" is a 12-episode TV anime series that aired on TV Tokyo in 1997. It was based on a video game, directed by Masami Ohbari, and produced by PLUM. It aired from October 2nd to December 18th, 1997, for 30 minutes every week. This work depicts the exploits of the special team STAND, who fight against a virus that has infected the combat robot "Zigurudo."

■ Story

The story begins with the frequent occurrence of accidents caused by the combat robot "Zigurdo". The cause of these accidents was a virus that infected the central computer of "Zigurdo". Zeinel Corporation, the manufacturer of "Zigurdo", dispatches the special team STAND to deal with the virus accidents. Meanwhile, Surge has infiltrated Zeinel Corporation to avenge his friend who was killed by someone at Zeinel several years ago. Caught in the battle between STAND and the virus-infected "Zigurdo", Surge instinctively puts on STAND's weapon, VG (Variable Via), and defeats "Zigurdo". However, as Surge tries to flee the scene, he is captured by STAND's captain, Raven. When Surge confronts Raven, a strange emotion is awakened in him, which turns out to be Surge's lost memory. In order to find out what this emotion is, Surge decides to join STAND and fight the virus.

■Explanation

"VIRUS" is a long-awaited anime work produced by director Masami Obari. While sharing the worldview of the TV game "VIRUS", director Obari has opened up a new world for "VIRUS" in this highly anticipated work. It skillfully combines elements such as the threat of viruses, STAND, Surge, and Erica, and is characterized by a story development that draws the viewer in.

■Cast

• Surge: Shinichiro Miki
• Erica: Mayumi Iizuka
• Raven: Hirotaka Suzuoki
• Joichiro: Nobuyuki Hiyama
• Marcus: Keiichi Namba
• Milly: Haruna Ikezawa

■ Main staff

• Director: Masami Obari
• Series Composition: Kazuhiko Souma, Jiro Kaneko (Akeira Promotion), STUDIO G-1
• Art director: Shunichiro Yoshihara
• Director of photography: Katsuyuki Otaki
• Animation producer: Masaru Umehara
• Produced by Mirai Keikaku, Polygram, Sotsu Eizo

■ Main Characters

• Surge: The protagonist of the story. He is supposed to be an ordinary citizen belonging to the lower class, but after a certain incident, his lost memories resurface and he begins to display the abilities of a special specialist. He is then encouraged by STAND's captain, Raven, to join STAND and join in the eradication of the virus. As his lost memories are restored, Surge's reason for being becomes clear.
• Erica: The only female member of STAND who is deployed in practical operations. She has a proactive and avant-garde personality, and serves as a good partner to Surge, who has just joined STAND.
• Raven: The leader of STAND. He is known for his calm and collected leadership, but his past is mysterious.
• Joichiro: The best martial artist in the squad. He's also a speed freak, and always exudes a fierce aura around him.
• Marcus: He's easygoing and has a great sense of fashion, but he's also an excellent marksman.
• Milly: An operator at STAND HQ. She is second to none when it comes to using computers. Her cuteness has made her a mascot.

■Subtitle

• Episode 1: CUT THE OAT PUPPETS (1997/10/02)
• Episode 2: THE PATH VIA HELL (1997/10/09)
• Episode 3: WE STAND ALONE (1997/10/16)
• Episode 4: DEEP DOWN EXPOSURE (1997/10/23)
• Episode 5: INCUBATING THE SUCCUBUS (1997/10/30)
• Episode 6: BEHOLD CHANGE OR DIE (1997/11/06)
• Episode 7: ANOTHER BOY MISSING (1997/11/13)
• Episode 8: BEHOLD CHANGE OR DIE II (1997/11/20)
• Episode 9: REACTIVATE THE BODY (1997/11/27)
• Episode 10: The Struggle Within (1997/12/04)
• Episode 11: BLEND THE STRENGTH (1997/12/11)
• Episode 12: TO HAVE AND TO HOLD (1997/12/18)

■ Theme songs and music

• OP1: Rainy Day and Day
  • Lyricist: Kenji Furuya
  • Composer: Takeshi Furuya
  • Arrangement: Dragon Ash
  • Sung by: Dragon Ash
• ED1: Heavenly Blue
  • Lyricist: Miyu Yuzuki
  • Composer: Takao Kisugi
  • Arrangement: Yoichiro Kakizaki
  • Sung by: Ran Takano
  • TM: Toshiyuki Omori

■Detailed review

"VIRUS - VIRUS BUSTER SERGE -" is one of the most notable anime works from 1997. This work depicts the exploits of the special team STAND, who fight against a virus that has infected the combat robot "Zigurudo", and is characterized by a story development that skillfully combines elements of science fiction and action. In particular, the story centered on the growth of the main character Surge and the recovery of his memories has the power to draw viewers in.

Surge begins the story as an ordinary citizen belonging to the lower class, but after a certain incident, his lost memories resurface and he begins to display his special specialist abilities. This is what makes Surge's character so fascinating. Also, the sight of Surge joining STAND and working to eradicate the virus leaves a strong impression on viewers. As Surge's lost memories are restored, the reason for his existence becomes clear, which is an important element that draws viewers into the story.

Erica is the only female member of STAND who is deployed in the field, and is characterized by her proactive and avant-garde personality. Erica, who acts as a good partner to Surge, plays an important role in supporting his growth. Raven is the leader of STAND and takes command with a calm and collected attitude, but his past is shrouded in mystery, which draws the viewer's interest. Joichiro is the best martial artist in the unit and is also a speed freak. Marcus stands out for his light-hearted attitude and fashion sense, but he is also a skilled marksman. Mirei is an operator at STAND headquarters and is a character with high computer skills. These characters each show off their own unique personalities and add excitement to the story.

The story of "VIRUS" continues with the fight against a different virus in each episode. Episode 1, "CUT THE OAT PUPPETS", depicts Surge's first encounter with STAND and his fight against the virus-infected "Zigurudo". Episode 2, "THE PATH VIA HELL", depicts Surge joining STAND and working to eradicate the virus. Episode 3, "WE STAND ALONE", depicts the deepening of the bond between Surge and Erica. Episode 4, "DEEP DOWN EXPOSURE", depicts Surge's lost memories gradually coming back. Episode 5, "INCUBATING THE SUCCUBUS", depicts the fight against a new virus. Episode 6, "BEHOLD CHANGE OR DIE", depicts Surge's growth and determination to eradicate the virus. Episode 7, "ANOTHER BOY MISSING", depicts Surge's past. In episode 8, "Behold Change or Die II," the battle between Surge and STAND intensifies. In episode 9, "Reactivate the Body," Surge fully recovers his memories. In episode 10, "The Struggle Within," Surge's inner conflict is depicted. In episode 11, "Blend the Strength," the bond between Surge and STAND deepens. In episode 12, "To Have and to Hold," Surge grows and the virus is eradicated.

The theme songs and music of "VIRUS" also enhance the appeal of the work. The opening theme "Rainy Day and Day" is written and composed by Furuya Kenji, and arranged and sung by Dragon Ash, enhancing the atmosphere of the work. The ending theme "Heavenly Blue" is written by Yuzuki Miyu, composed by Kisugi Takao, arranged by Kakizaki Yoichiro, and sung by Takano Ran, enhancing the excitement of the work. These songs stir the emotions of the viewer and increase their immersion in the story.

■Reasons for recommendation

"VIRUS -VIRUS BUSTER SERGE-" is a work that boasts a storyline that skillfully combines elements of science fiction and action, and attractive characters. The storyline, which centers on the growth of the main character Surge and the recovery of his memories, has the power to draw viewers in. Each episode also sees the protagonist fight a different virus, drawing viewers' interest. The theme song and music also add to the appeal of the work, stirring the viewers' emotions and increasing their immersion in the story. This work is recommended for those who like science fiction and action, and for those who like stories that depict the growth of characters.