Metal Skin Panic MADOX-01 by Shinji Aramaki (1987)
There’s a whole genre of YouTube videos that showcase mechanical designs from classic ’80s and ’90s…
Classic Anime OVAs
Starting in the ’80s, direct-to-video original video animations (OVAs) offered animators an avenue for exploration and experimentation. OVAs ran the gamut, from action and sci-fi to more mature material, and their low cost led to a boom of releases that popularized anime around the world.
12 posts
Appleseed by Kazuyoshi Katayama (1988)
Along with Black Magic M-66, Bubblegum Crisis, and Project A-Ko, Kazuyoshi Katayama’s adaptation of…
Macross II: Lovers Again by Kenichi Yatagai (1992)
Given that it was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the original Macross series, which w…
Macross Zero by Shōji Kawamori (2002)
Produced for the Macross franchise’s 20th anniversary, Macross Zero is a prequel to the original Su…
Cyber City Oedo 808 by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (1990)
When it comes to cyberpunk anime, odds are that Akira and Ghost in the Shell are the first titles t…
Goku Midnight Eye by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (1989)
Another “classic” anime OVA from late ’80s. Given both its stylish animation and ultra-gratuitous c…
Zillion: Burning Night by Mizuho Nishikubo (Review)
Influenced by Walter Hill’s “Streets of Fire,” this OVA is a prime example of cheesy ’80s sci-fi/action anime.
Iria: Zeiram the Animation by Tetsurō Amino (Review)
Thanks to its exotic-looking visual aesthetic, this sci-fi/action anime title is an overlooked gem from the mid ’90s.
Macross Zero, Episode 1 by Shōji Kawamori (Review)
Even if you finish the episode a little confused on the plot (and you will), you’ll still be blown away by the episode’s visuals.
Macross Plus: The Movie by Shōji Kawamori (Review)
It successfully combines high-tech action sequences with some interesting, if not moving human interest stories.
Black Magic M-66 by Hiroyuki Kitakubo (Review)
Overall, it’s not a terrible anime; it just feels really rushed.
Vampire Princess Miyu by Toshiki Hirano (Review)
More than once, I was left scratching my head and wondering what was going on, with no help from the dialog.