Gunsmith Cats Review by Rashad Moore
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	Audience:	13+
	Genre:	Action
	Contains:	mild graphic violence, intense gunplay, language, mild fanservice
	Rating:	B+

Based on the Kenichi Sonada manga, the Gunsmith Cats anime, while flawed, still delivers smooth and well-choreographed and directed action comparable to current action movies, a reasonably intellegent, (yet predictable) story and two charming, smart, and sexy heroines worth watching. Gunsmith Cats lives up to the manga, while some characters were left out(such as Bean and Misty.) but throws new ones into the fray as well. Gunsmith Cats is definitely one short, but sweet anime and a treat for fans of the manga or anime fans in general as it serves up a light and action-packed romp through Chicago.

Our heroines, Rally Vincent and Minnie May are the most well-known bounty hunters in the city of Chicago. One day, an cocky ATF agent requests Rally and May's assistance for a gun-smuggling case. Unfortunately for them, It turns out to be an offer they can't refuse. But they soon find themselves up against something much bigger than they bargained for, such as battling gangsters to a deadly female Russian assassin. Will Rally and May reveal the truth and find out who exactly is pulling the strings?

Right from the start you are immediately thrusted into Sonada's Quentin Tarentino style depiction of an America full of car chases and intense shootouts. The artwork is very beautiful, especially the backgrounds, which features an extremely faithful, well-depicted, and exact vision of Chicago. (even better than 1991's "Riding Bean.") Sonoda went all out for detail in the anime.(Check out the ending credits and see for yourself.) Even the spectacular opening animation expressed Sonada's style perfectly. The characters themselves are also a highlight, but like "Oh My Goddess!" some of the characters from the manga are never seen on the anime. But some new ones were created just for the anime. The highlight had to be the main villainess herself, Radinov, who definitely ranks as one of the baddest villains in anime history. (Just see what she does to an entire ATF safe house in 5 minutes!) Rally and May themselves also steal the show and are well portrayed as the smart, sexy and very likable heroines they are, and the theres the cocky, smooth-talking ATF agent, Bill Collins(another Kaji look alike!), who provides some comic relief as the agent who just can't seem to leave Rally alone. (Almost similar to the relationship between Priss and Leon on Bubblegum Crisis.) The action itself is just as smooth and fast as everything else, with scenes cool enough to make you want to rewind and see again, such as the gun battle at the end of episode one and a very well-choreographed car chase at the end of episode two. Gunsmith Cats is a solid tribute to more Hollywood style action. The only major problem is that within a series contained within only three thirty minute episodes is that the experience feels more like an appetizer in preparation something much bigger. Not to mention the animation quality sinks come the third and final episode(which was more slow in pace than the first two episodes.) Even the unsatisfying ending was left open for even more stories.

Like I have already mentioned, the animation is excellent. The action flows very smoothly. From the many recognizable buildings and settings of Chicago, to Rally's Shelby Cobra, the action and detail is faithfully retained and well-depicted from the manga and achieves a smooth style on it's own. The music itself matches the action extremely well. With a jazzy and funky score and opening theme composed by Peter Ernske. The only problem is that it seems faded out during a few scenes.

Gunsmith Cats was one of the first anime I have ever watched, and it drew me in completely. While the entire experience leaves you begging for more, it will probably be the coolest (and not to mention different) 90 minutes of anime you will ever watch.

Image not created by animetek. Nov 99 review by Rashad Moore