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The beginning of the series revolves around country girl Linna, who's
come to a Tokyo recovering, with the help of Genom, from the earthquake
of six years ago. Linna is working for that very organisation, and
in her spare time follows up the stories of the Knight Sabers she's
read on the net. She strikes gold almost immediately as Priss
nearly runs her down on her motorbike. Linna's persistent dogging
of Priss pays off, and she's asked to join the Sabers, to the slight
chagrin of Nene, by Sylia, who's looking for a more suitable partner
for Priss.
I never like labouring the influence of Neon Genesis Evangelion, but
BGC2040 is a prime example of an anime made in a post-Eva world. There's
lots of disfunctionality, obsession and secret agendas, such as Sylia's
mental instability where boomers (the 'voomer' debacle thankfully
appears to've been buried) are concerned. Priss is even more self-centred;
Dr Raven is now Nigel, an introverted mid-twenties mechanic who
appears to be Sylia's bit of rough. Daley is altogether slyer,
less go-lucky; and Mason is no longer entirely the loyal servant of
the scheming Genom chairman Quincy, who is only kept alive by life-support
technology. Many a significant look is exchanged, and there's lots
of subtle details and sexual tension.
Also, the high-tech takes more of a backseat to characterisation.
I could go on for hours, but I've got no space. The dub is good, Laura
Chapman giving Sylia that unstable edge, and the rest of the ADV regulars
do the business. The animation occasionally betrays its TV origin,
but is otherwise nice, and the old soundtrack has been dumped in favour
of some ambient and techno-rock that fits the new style perfectly.
Christine M Auten can actually sing, but so far there's only one brief
snatch of Priss and her band. Shame, but this still ROCKS.
9/10 - They did the original proud, and they didn't stick
"Flash" on the end of the title. ;)
The Ed Says:
I'm not a huge fan of 2040 - for me it exaggerated the originals premise
to the point where they broke its credibility. The earlier episodes
are by far its best, with some excellent set pieces (though never
any that approached the original's directional finesse) and some intriguing
ideas behind Sylia's origins, but for me it all fell apart when they
recreated the hardsuits (very, very badly) and created events so monumental
that any hint of a shadowy underground war against a mysterious foe
are blown wide open, making it simple 'good vs. evil' fare that you
can see anywhere.
BGC 2040 has many, many supporters, and a good deal of them never
saw the original. My disappointment lies not with the series of itself,
but with the wasted premise, atmosphere and mystery that made the
original so memorable.
That said, this is still one of the better releases in the UK, and
worth buying if only to draw your own conclusions.
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With two flavours of BGC to choose from, you're spoilt for choice.
Why not take a look at the original OAV, especially eps 5-8...