Cybernetics Guardian
Entry updated 9 September 2024. Tagged: TV.
Japanese Original Video Animation (OVA) (1989; original title Seijūki Saigādo). AIC. Directed by Koichi Ohata. Written by Riku Sanjo. Voice cast includes Takeshi Kusao, Hirotaka Suzuoki and Hiromi Tsuru. 43 minutes. Colour.
In 2019 Adler (Suzuoki) fondly regards the City of Cyber-Wood: "a forest of steel, a gigantic concrete life form with Technology its blood"; laments that it suffers from a "malignancy", namely "Cancer, that slum home for human waste"; and asserts that his Alpha Project will soon deal with that problem. However, fellow Scientist Leyla (Tsuru) has a more peaceful solution. Discovered in 1995, Astenite is "capable of absorbing human psycho-wave energy", also known as "life energy", transforming "the instinct for survival within all living things into physical energy". This has many medical benefits, but she has incorporated into a "Guard Suit" (see Powered Armour), enabling it to neutralize any attacks and perform bloodless arrests (see Crime and Punishment).
As Adler wants the slum dwellers wiped out, not reformed, he sabotages the suit as Leyla's boyfriend, John Stalker (Kusao), tests it: John survives with minor injuries, but is abducted by the Doldo Brethren and told a "magnificent destiny" awaits him. They are a cult (see Religion) worshipping the Lords of Doldo, who "will surely destroy this impure world". Their leader, the scientist Dr Volks, explains he has used Astenite to build armour that will turn the wearer into Saldo, "Doldo's supreme god of Destruction": it will be worn by someone with a "murderous hate-filled heart". However, John – who grew up in Cancer – is a good person and after some rampaging his regret at Saldo's actions eventually stalls it; the Brethren's attempt to use Leyla to manipulate him only causes John to gain more autonomy. However, Adler now reappears wearing his powered armour – presumably the Alpha Project – which has Cyborg elements: the two battle, with John eventually gaining full control of Saldo and defeating Adler.
The Anime ends with Leyla and John driving off together. It was revealed earlier that Volks has been implanting "seeds of hatred" into Cancer youth, hoping to resurrect a pantheon of Doldo gods; he has been successful, so leaving the option open for sequels (which were not taken up). The cluttered plot and short runtime means characterization is limited and much of the worldbuilding is vague – presumably this would have been filled in had there been sequels – whilst the fight scenes are unremarkable. However, the brevity, fast pace and occasional good animation means watching Cybernetics Guardian is a modestly agreeable experience. RoboCop (1987) was doubtless an influence. [SP]
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