In exactly the same format as the last time I did this in 2022, I'm starting with a brief overview on the form itself, before jumping into the actual review (and will use this structure for each of the seven posts) - meaning, you can skip this 😀
Hope you enjoy this batch also, and as I often mention, I'm keen to hear any suggestions you might have for future OVA-weeks 🙂
- An animated film or series made for release on video, rather than for broadcast/theatrical screening
- Generally, high budgets that can mean visual qualities are better than a typical television series
- No fixed length, nor broadcast time-constraints when it comes to storytelling
- To some extent, created outside regulation – and so they have a reputation for 'anything goes' when it comes to restricted content
- Often (but certainly not always) based on original scripts, rather than being adaptations
- Long wait times between episodes/installments for some OVAs
- First OVA to be described as such was 1983's Dallos from Mamoru Oshii
- The ONA (Original Net Animation) is an obvious more modern equivalent
Bio Hunter (Baio Hantā) 1995
Again, like a lot of OVA releases out there, this contains a fair share of graphic violence and some sexual content, so bear that in mind if you're not up for either.
And it did seem that at times there were some interesting things hidden beneath the shock-tactics stuff. Or maybe it isn't all about attempts to shock the audience… but I tend to go into a lot of OVAs expecting a bit of "extremes for the sake for extremes".
In any event, Bio Hunter is scripted by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Wicked City, Ninja Scroll etc) so that might suggest tone and content, but Fujihiko Hosono (Crusher Joe) wrote the manga, and the anime might stay pretty close to the source, I'm not sure.
Here's the premise, adapted from wikipedia:
Two scientists are attempting to distribute the cure for a demon virus, however, one of them has become infected. So begins his battle with himself, as he attempts to not only control his emerging demon side, but also to save the lives of others by wielding its great strength.
It did feel unusual to see two molecular biologists (Koshigaya and Komada) as the leads, which was a nice bit of variety, but of course, neither are clichéd 'helpless nerd' characters either, and both function in an action-setting quite well.
I can't really discuss the hypothetical validity to any of the scientific aspects, but there is a little bit of detail in this OVA.
One thing I liked was that conflict within Komada, whose fear of losing his humanity was shown nicely, since it both informed his decisions and remained a thread of tension throughout the film. It would have been nice to see even more of that.
When talking about fan-service for Bio Hunter this is mostly about violence and gore.
And in a completely run-of-the-mill approach for horror (and a lot of action films too), it's mostly inflicted upon women.
In the end, Bio Hunter did have me a bit curious about the manga, since the short film felt like a good set up for more storylines.
In terms of a recommendation, this is perfect for fans of Yoshiaki Kawajiri and probably the supernatural/horror genres, but if I were to compare this to a somewhat similar OVA like Twilight of the Dark Master, then Bio Hunter seems like the lesser work.
3 Stars
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