Kyoushoku Soukou Guyver (1989)

A choice quote from this series: "I don't want her to know... that my body is surrounded by a bio-booster monster."

“Kyoushoku Soukou Guyver” is a six-episode OVA that feels cliche and generic in just about every aspect, and yet somehow executes these generic parts nicely enough to deliver an enjoyable watch.

The plot is structured well, and has two stories/settings running parallel to each other: a slice-of-life with a bunch of ordinary high school students, and a sci-fi thriller about a secret organization aiming to dominate the world with people that can transform into monsters. These two settings intersect near the end of the first episode, ... and we spend the rest of the episodes bouncing back and forth between the two, as they become increasingly intertwined. Both settings are trope-laden, but they’re developed well for a six-episode runtime. Also, since the plot is rather straightforward, and not convoluted as is the case with a lot of the OVAs coming out around this time, it’s easy to watch and follow along with.

The four main characters are both simultaneously generic and reasonably developed. They’re generic in that their backgrounds and roles are typical, but the way they interact with each other and change over the course of the series is refreshing and relatable. The antagonists are also relatively well developed, as we are given insight into their feelings about the events taking place, as well as their relationships with each other. On the other hand, side characters do not receive much development, and are barely there. I assume some of these characters play larger roles in the sequel OVA, and are basically present just to give their names and say a few lines here and there.

The series largely plays out like a serious action-thriller, but there are a handful of unintentionally humorous scenes. For instance, the main character’s power armor has two laser cannons in its chest, so he literally flashes the enemy as he fires at them. There’s a hilarious scene towards the end with two bug-like monsters sharing an emotional moment before one of them dies. Also, and this may be more annoying than funny, but the main character’s best friend is constantly shouting his name throughout the series, like it’s the only thing he can do.

There are a few questionable narrative choices, such as exposition dumps, and some stuff just doesn’t make sense when you think about it. As an example, when the humans transform into monsters, their clothes rip off. What happens when they transform back; are they just naked? Also, their clothing bills must be insane because they keep destroying what they’re wearing all the time.

The whole thing feels like an animated tokusatsu. The opening and ending themes sound like they’re straight out of a show like “Kamen Rider,” and the singer for both themes often performs songs for tokusatsu series as well. The Guyver armor and kaiju-like monster designs also look like something that would be at home in a series like that.

As far as technical aspects go, the character designs are simple (for the human characters), but they’re nice and reflect the characters’ personalities well. The monsters/Guyver armor designs look good. The animation is limited at times; during some of the fights, stills are often used, and also dramatic scenes are played three times, which is something seen often in anime from around this time period. There are a lot of flashing lights in this series, so that’s something those sensitive to those kinds of things need to be aware of. The background music is forgettable. The opening and ending themes are decent and fit the tone of the series well, but they also are not that memorable. The voice acting is okay, but some of the voices don’t fit the characters well. Especially Agito’s voice, which sounds too old for a high schooler, and I felt that Mizuki’s voice is kind of whiny.

There are some issues with the subtitles. For instance, they put a character’s name in the subtitles even though it isn’t said in Japanese, inadvertently spoiling the character’s identity and relation to another character. They also inexplicably translate one character’s name as “Molmot,” but he is actually just being called a “morumotto,” which means “guinea pig” — it’s not a name.

As for objectionable content, there’s a lot of graphic violence, gore and death. There are a lot of arms getting cut off, monsters exploding, etc. The violence is not as exaggerated as in, say, “Baoh” or “Riki-oh,” but it comes pretty close.

Overall, this is a solid series with a good character dynamic and a well-structured, although typical, plot. Fun to watch and recommended, especially if you like tokusatsu-type shows.

Firstly, I would just like to say that this anime adaptation of the Guyver manga is incomplete. Therefore it leaves you unfinished at the end and you will have to read the manga if you want to see the rest. So depending on the person, the score may be lower if having to continue the story via reading the manga is a critical negative to you.

The story of this anime is actually quite believable in that there is this secret corporation, called Chronos, that plans on obtaining world power (similar to the "Illuminati"). Unlike other anime that rely on magic and supernatural, this one is ... scientific and also often makes references to the unknown of beasts and aliens.
The art has a retro look to it and would seem to be this anime's weakest aspect (because it is old). Although if you really like action anime, I'd say don't let the art stop you from enjoying this epic anime. The action is great and I really enjoyed the idea and concept for Guyver.
However, I will say that, despite being old, the art style is really spectacular. Which makes me wish more modern anime could adapt this kind of art.

This anime has pain and sacrifice. Suffering and loss. As well as friendship, in both sides of good and evil. Characters have their personalities and qualities; and the bonds between main character-Shou and his precious father and friends are interesting and powerful. Even the enemies have their desires to protect one another. Since enemies also have back-stories, they have reasons to fight for each another.
I really enjoyed this anime because it has a well thought out plot and story; and from this, it also makes good use of its characters. The pacing is incredibly well done and the action is nice. If you like action anime, watch Kyoushoku Soukou Guyver.

The Guyver Volume 1 is the first six of a twelve episode series loosely based on Yoshiki Takaya's manga. The anime has gained a huge cult following over the years. This was mainly due to its graphic violence which can be brutal at times. To the best of my knowledge the manga spawned this particular series, two live action films, and a 26 episode remake that was released in 2005. Some fans actually hail this version as the best. I on the other hand just can't agree with that.

The Guyver is a sci-fi action series which in my view succeeds in two areas. This would ... be in the action scenes and with some of its characters. The battle scenes can be very brutal on some occasions. The action scenes consist of hand to hand combat plus battles with advanced weaponry. The Guyver armor itself has some interesting abilities. The wearer can slice enemies to pieces or completely annihilate them on the spot with different weapons, which adds variety to the battles.

The main character Sho is very believable because his personality seems genuine. Sho doesn't possess the typical shonen mindset consisting of the super bad teen that loves to fight and overcomes all near death odds simply by believing in himself. Sho is forced to battle with combat ready soldiers. However, he doesn't possess the slightest bit of training. He gains all of his experiance in the heat of the moment. Also, luck plays a factor at times. I think the storytelling is well presented in this area, and it gives the series a realistic feel.

There are plenty of characters introduced with only a few that actually serve a purpose. The villains are a mixed bag for the most part. The generic Zoanoids are mainly cannon fodder and lose their appeal very early. The real threat comes in the form of other Guyver units, as well as an advanced group called the Hyper Zoanoid Team 5.

The Guyver is an all out action series for the most part, but it takes other measures to try and be a little more than that. The plot is rarely boring, and the events that take place are mainly to display the Chronos Organizations links throughout the country: such as media manipulation and even mass mind wiping. These overwhelming advantages works in Chrono's favor heavily against Sho.

The series does several things right but has its flaws, and animation and artwork happens to be among them. The animation tends to suffer by the sixth episode. The animation during the opening credits was actually used as a battle scene. I find this approach to be very lazy, and some of the character designs for the Zoanoids are downright atrocious. The artwork only gets worse later in the series. The English dub isn't bad, but translations could have used some serious work. Definitely watch this with subs.

Not exactly one of my lows, but for those whom remember the original VHS releases will definitely be greatly disappointed, because songs are either changed or completely removed altogether. The original Guyver theme song can only be heard when watching the Japanese version with subs. The English version plays a very generic song that even people new to the series may immediately despise.

The series also has a problem with its episode presentation. It isn't the least bit subtle when delivering the episode titles. Here's an example, episode five is titled "Death Of The Guyver"; as if the writers couldn't come up with a bigger spoiler. This is what adds to the predictability and after episode three there is very little in the way of suspense, simply because the episode title already alerted the viewer on what to expect.

I know of several anime fans whom consider this series a classic and even a must see, but this is nostalgia playing a huge role because many cite this series among the first they seen over 20 years ago. I really don't feel the same way at all. I will never shower a title with praise simply because it opened new doors for me. I just find that type of attitude to be strange.

I mainly recommend this version only to serious anime fans whom must see everything anime related. If you don't fall into that category and you're more picky. Then your time is better spent with the remake. The 26 episode series remake which also goes by The Guyver surpasses this version in character development, character usage, story depth, plot, animation, artwork, and soundtrack. After watching this version again I have to say it's just not on the same level. This is also considering that the remake also has its flaws.

Highs: Brutal and very vicious action scenes, believable main character

Lows: Predictable, some crude artwork