Anime
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AD Police (1989) by Tony Takezaki & Toshimichi Suzuki
Set in the same universe as Bubblegum Crisis, AD Police follows an elite task force specializing in handling rogue Boomers—cybernetic beings designed for labor and combat that sometimes go berserk. Detective Leon McNichol and his squad navigate the dark underbelly of MegaTokyo, uncovering corruption, corporate conspiracies, and the ethical dilemmas of cybernetic augmentation. With its gritty, noir-style storytelling, AD Police explores themes of law enforcement in a cyberpunk dystopia, the dehumanization of technology, and the blurred line between man and machine. It serves as a darker, more grounded counterpart to its parent series.
Akudama Drive (2020)
In a futuristic Kansai ruled by a totalitarian regime, a group of criminals known as Akudama are hired to pull off a high-stakes heist. As they navigate a city filled with neon lights, oppressive law enforcement, and advanced technology, a seemingly ordinary girl gets caught in their chaotic world, blurring the lines between justice and anarchy.
Akira (1988)
In a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, biker gang member Kaneda finds himself entangled in a government conspiracy when his friend Tetsuo develops uncontrollable psychic abilities. As Tetsuo’s power spirals out of control, the city teeters on the brink of destruction, uncovering dark secrets about human experimentation and the enigmatic project known as Akira.
Angel Cop (1989-1994)
In a near-future Japan, a brutal special forces unit called the Security Force hunts down terrorists threatening the government. As agent Angel investigates, she uncovers a conspiracy involving psychic assassins, corporate corruption, and foreign interference, revealing that the true enemy may be the very system she serves.
Appleseed (1988)
In a post-war utopia called Olympus, humanity coexists with advanced bioroid androids designed to maintain order. Deunan Knute, a skilled soldier, and her cyborg partner Briareos become entangled in a political struggle as they uncover the hidden flaws of this supposed paradise, questioning the balance between freedom and control. The Appleseed franchise has spawned multiple adaptations, including Appleseed (2004), Appleseed Ex Machina (2007), and Appleseed Alpha (2014), each offering a unique take on Masamune Shirow’s cyberpunk vision.
Armitage III (1995)
Set in a future where Mars has been colonized, Armitage III follows Naomi Armitage, a highly advanced "Third Type" android, and her human partner Ross Sylibus as they investigate a conspiracy involving the elimination of these humanoid machines. As Armitage uncovers the truth about her origins and the growing conflict between humans and androids, she begins to question her identity and place in society. The series was followed by Armitage III: Poly-Matrix (1996), a compilation movie with reworked scenes, and Armitage: Dual-Matrix (2002), a direct sequel that explores Armitage’s life years later as she struggles to protect her family while facing new threats.