Synopsis:
The time is year 2032. The place is MegaTokyo. A mercenary group of four women in high-tech hardsuits known as "Knight Sabers" take on the treacherous GENOM corporation. GENOM is responsible for the production of powerful and destructive androids known as "Boomers". Leading the Knight Sabers is Sylia Stingray, whose father was a scientist eliminated by GENOM. Sylia used her father's research to create the Knight Sabers' revolutionary hardsuits. Other members of the Knight Sabers are: Linna, whom Sylia recruited for her strength and reflexes. Priss, the rock singer and heavy assault specialist. Nene, the expert hacker with a day job at the AD Police. Aside from carrying out their own agendas, the Knight Sabers also accept outside jobs if the price is right.

Review:
Bubblegum Crisis is supposed to be the anime that revolutionized the state of anime in America. It's considered the cyberpunk classic, etc etc. I'll tell you now, Bubblegum Crisis is over-rated. It's not really bad, but it's also not nearly as fantastic as the hype proclaims.

Bubblegum Crisis is a series, but not in a strict sense. Each episode can stand on its own, but watching them in sequence only makes the Bubblegum Crisis experience more encompassing. The general plot can be summed up in a phrase -- Knight Sabers vs. GENOM. The first 3 episodes are so-so to okay, at some points even bordering on boring. Fortunately, episode 4 onwards really packs the punches. Bubblegum Crisis is predominantly an action-oriented anime, but there is also a good portion of emotional situations and even a bit of humor.

The art and animation are very good. They don't look the least bit stale even though Bubblegum Crisis's production dates back to the 80's. Music is given a lot of emphasis. Every episode has a different opening and ending theme. There are even songs exclusively for the action sequences. My main gripe is the lack of character background and development. Bubblegum Crisis doesn't really share anything about Linna, Nene, or Priss. It would have been very interesting to know why or how they came to be Knight Sabers. There is a bit of history on Sylia, but also not that much. The English dub is basically okay. Even the English versions of the songs are pretty neat.

If you're expecting to see one of the best anime series in existence, you'll be quite disappointed. But if you just watch Bubblegum Crisis for what it is, you may actually be entertained.

Miscellanies:
Hmm... I wonder why the title is "Bubblegum Crisis"?

Screenshots:

Shopping - click on title to purchase:

Rightstuf Bubblegum Crisis (Remastered Edition Box set)
AnimeNation Bubblegum Crisis (Remastered Edition Box set)
Amazon Bubblegum Crisis (Remastered Edition Box set)