A.D. Police [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 12]

A.D. Police (1999) – A Cyberpunk Gem That Still Packs a Punch

If you’re into gritty cyberpunk anime with a side of existential dread, A.D. Police (1999) is a must-watch. Set in the same universe as Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, this 12-episode series dives into the chaotic world of Mega-Tokyo’s A.D. Police—a special unit tasked with taking down rogue Boomers (think killer androids with a penchant for destruction). At its core, the show follows Kenji Sasaki, a hotheaded officer whose reckless approach to policing lands him in hot water—until a fateful encounter with his new partner, Hans Kleif, forces him to rethink everything.

The Premise: A World on the Edge

The year is 2038, and Mega-Tokyo is a neon-lit dystopia where technology is both a blessing and a curse. Boomers, originally designed to serve humanity, frequently go haywire, turning into violent machines. The A.D. Police are the last line of defense, but their job is far from glamorous. Kenji Sasaki, our protagonist, is a lone wolf who’s lost multiple partners to Boomer attacks. His arrogance and refusal to work as a team make him a liability—until he’s paired with Hans, a German cop with a mysterious past.

The dynamic between Kenji and Hans is the heart of the series. Hans isn’t just a replacement partner; he’s a mirror forcing Kenji to confront his flaws. Their relationship evolves from mutual distrust to reluctant camaraderie, and it’s this slow-burn character development that keeps the story engaging.

Why It Stands Out

1. Cyberpunk Aesthetics Done Right
   The show nails the cyberpunk vibe with its dark, rain-soaked streets, towering skyscrapers, and a soundtrack that oozes late-’90s synthwave. The animation, while dated by today’s standards, has a raw, unpolished charm that fits the dystopian setting perfectly.

2. More Than Just Action
   While the Boomer battles are intense (and often brutal), A.D. Police isn’t just about explosions. It explores themes like humanity’s reliance on technology, the ethics of artificial life, and the psychological toll of policing a world where the line between man and machine is blurred.

3. A Prequel That Stands Alone
   Even if you haven’t seen Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, A.D. Police works as a self-contained story. It sets up the world and its conflicts without relying on prior knowledge, making it accessible to newcomers.

What Fans Are Saying

Though discussions about A.D. Police are scarce these days, the show has a cult following. Many fans praise its bleak tone and mature storytelling, calling it a hidden gem of late-’90s anime. Some argue that the pacing can feel uneven—especially in the middle episodes—but the strong finale makes up for it.

One recurring point in fan discussions is how Kenji’s arc feels realistic. He’s not a typical hero; he’s flawed, stubborn, and often unlikable. But that’s what makes his growth satisfying. Hans, on the other hand, is a fan favorite for his calm demeanor and hidden depths.

Final Verdict

A.D. Police might not be as flashy as modern cyberpunk anime, but it’s a solid, thought-provoking series with a lot to offer. If you’re into dark sci-fi with a focus on character drama, give it a shot. Just don’t expect a happy ending—this is cyberpunk, after all.

Rating: 8/10 – A flawed but fascinating dive into a world where humanity and machines collide.

Have you watched A.D. Police? What did you think of Kenji and Hans’ dynamic? Drop your thoughts in the comments!