Gunsmith Cats, A fun romp that needed more.

Gunsmith Cats the OVA, is a three episode adaptation of one of the many adventures of gunsmiths/bounty hunters Rally Vincent and May “Minnie” Hopkins. This 3 long OVA covers the titular gunsmith cat's struggle with being blackmailed by the ATF and combating the Russian assassin, Radinov. It is not a complete adaptation of the Manga, but more of a short look into the Gunsmith Cats experience.

Gunsmith Cats begins with stylized opening in the same vein as Cowboy Bebop, though Gunsmith Cats’ choice in music hits a much more triumphant feeling, full of action and fast paced all throughout, giving off a feeling that describes Rally and May perfectly. These girls go through the world with nary a feeling of dread in their hearts, always ready to face the odds and come out on top with a smile and ready to kick back after a long day at work.

Character wise, each member of the cast feels unique and with easily identifiable characteristics. Rally being the strong and always, or at least tries, in control of the situation at all times, while May is the small resourceful gremlin that more than proves why she is Rally’s partner and closest friend. Even the major supporting cast are fun to be around despite their limited screen time. Becky, the Gunsmith Cats lawyer, has to deal with the fallout of Rally’s ‘deal’ with the ATF and isn’t afraid to be included in their deadly chase through Chicago’s highways. Bill, ATF agent and frenemy to Rally, plays a wannabe suave cool guy that works only to piss rally off but does genuinely like the girls, even if he is closer to an antagonist early on. Though antagonist wise, Radinov serves as a perfect foil to the girls. Being a no nonsense villain that tears through everything and everyone she goes against and badly wounds Rally before finally being put down. Akin to the terminator in terms of raw ability and tactics, she upped the ante in the best way compared to normal gang members in the first episode.

Being made in the late 90s Gunsmith Cats has that old 90s aesthetic that isn’t seen much anymore, but has a nostalgic appeal to older fans. Being an OVA however, it has a significantly higher budget than the average anime and that higher budget is shown in great detail, with guns, cars, and environments being lovingly crafted with all the detail those animators could muster. All that detail elevates it’s action sequences and makes them great to look at even decades afterwards.

Gunsmith Cats was once a series that could only be found on YouTube, with captions for the original Japanese translations paired with English dubbing, though it’s quality is less than great. It is thanks to efforts by animeigo.com that the series can now be purchased in high definition, alongside Japanese and English audio, three different subtitles, and commentary by Kenichi Sonoda, Arai Masahiro, Kazaana Takanori, Mori Takeshi, Satō Hiroki, Matt Greenfield and Tiffany Grant, and many more bonuses if one purchases the premium set. At 40 dollars one might find it a bit on the pricier side, but the bonuses to soften the blow just a tad. Though if one does not want to add it to their collection all three episodes are still available on youtube.com.

Gunsmith Cats is a short but fun ride all the way through. With fun characters, action sequences and a great soundtrack, it’s a gem for any anime fan with it’s only flaw being that it leaves the audience wanting more Gunsmith Cats actions. With the fact that it’s easy to find on YouTube there really is no reason for someone to watch this short fun adventure through the streets of Chicago.

 

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