Bubblegum Crisis [Season 1 Episode 1 to Episode 8]

Bubblegum Crisis: A Cyberpunk Classic That Still Packs a Punch

If you’re into cyberpunk, killer robots, and an all-female squad of badass mercenaries, Bubblegum Crisis is a must-watch. This 1987 OVA series, produced by Youmex and animated by AIC and Artmic, is a cult classic that blends futuristic action with a distinctly ’80s aesthetic. Set in MegaTokyo in 2032, the story follows the Knight Sabers—Priss, Sylia, Linna, and Nene—as they battle rogue robots (called “Boomers”) and the shady mega-corporation Genom.

The Good, the Bad, and the Boomers

The first eight episodes of Bubblegum Crisis are a mixed bag, but when they hit, they hit hard. Fans online are divided—some adore the series for its style and music, while others feel it hasn’t aged perfectly. One thing everyone agrees on? The soundtrack slaps. The synth-heavy tracks are pure ’80s gold, and tracks like Konya wa Hurricane are still bangers decades later.

Episode 8, in particular, stands out as a fan favorite. Why? Because it finally gives Nene, the pink-haired tech genius of the group, her time to shine. For most of the series, she’s the comic relief, but in this episode, she steps up in a big way. Fans on MyAnimeList and Reddit rave about the scene where she “tools up” with a gun, calling it one of the most memorable moments in anime history. One user put it perfectly: “I just can’t get the image of this plucky pink-haired almost-bimbo young woman carefully and methodically tooling up in a Die Hard situation out of my mind.”

The Knight Sabers: More Than Just Cool Outfits

The characters are a big draw. Priss, the tough-as-nails biker chick, is a fan favorite, but Nene steals the show in Episode 8. Some fans even joked that Priss is an “apewoman” (thanks to Nene’s hilarious roast), but her no-nonsense attitude makes her iconic. Sylia, the mysterious leader, and Linna, the disciplined fighter, round out the team, though some fans wish they’d gotten more development.

The animation, while dated by today’s standards, is still impressive for its time. The action scenes are fluid, and the cyberpunk aesthetic—neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and gritty alleyways—feels like a love letter to Blade Runner.

The Flaws: A Story That Could’ve Been More

Not everyone is sold on the storytelling. Some fans felt the plot was too episodic, with little overarching narrative. One Reddit user summed it up: “The music and animation are fantastic, but the story just didn’t seem all that special.” Others pointed out that the series was supposed to have 13 episodes but got cut short due to production issues, leaving some threads unresolved.

Still, the charm of Bubblegum Crisis lies in its unapologetic ’80s vibe. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and that’s part of its appeal. As one fan put it: “It never stopped being fun, and it maintains a unique and elusive ‘cool factor’ many other animes strive for and totally fail at.”

Final Verdict: A Must-Watch for Cyberpunk Fans

If you’re new to Bubblegum Crisis, go in expecting style over substance—but what style it is! The music, the action, and the sheer ’80s-ness of it all make it a blast to watch. Episode 8 is a standout, proving that even a “sidekick” like Nene can steal the spotlight.

So, grab some popcorn, turn up the synthwave, and dive into MegaTokyo. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming Konya wa Hurricane for days afterward.

Rating: 8/10 (for the vibes alone).

What’s your favorite episode? Drop a comment and let’s argue about whether Priss or Nene is the real MVP. 🚀