Koroshiya 1 The Animation: Episode 0

The criteria this time is no criteria. This is the final list in my Obscurities series. If there is any criteria, it's that I think you should watch these despite their quality, popularity, or even my rating, because you should see 'em. There's some good, some bad, and some real head-scratchers in here. It's mixed bag time in here!

Ascend: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9816
Return to the surface: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/9517

Tags: Old, Obscure, Oldtaku, Retro, Underrated, Hidden Gems

The OVA market dried up as straight to video releases became a thing of the past, which is unfortunate because a lot of interesting and unique anime were released in this format. The point of the list is to feature worthwhile OVAs that are more than just fanservice or shoddy extras for TV series. Sigh, due to the explicit content warning feature, I've excluded Mezzo Forte, but it would be on here otherwise.

Anime where a Live Action version predates the anime

Every cinema or direct to video anime film that came out in 2002.

2001: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34837
2003: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/34840

Disclaimer: There are a few hentai movies, that could be counted as well:
- 69 Pink Riders 2 (2002)
- Happy Day (2002)

Standalone Avant Garde anime films with a duration of 45 minutes or more.

Counting summaries (Re:Cycle of the Penguindrum, Maroko), alternative versions (Shoujo Kakumei Utena Adolescence Mokushiroku, Alexander Senki), multi episode compilations (Genius Party) and long OVAs (Tenshi no Tamago).

Hitman, Contract Killer, Assassin, Bounty Hunter, Hired Gangster...
Here is a compilation of blood and tears


Rules of this list :

- The plot has to revolve around the HITMAN JOB. Being chased by one counts. Better if the Hitman is the main character. It doesn't have to be always the main focus but just having a assassin arc isn't enough.

- No sci-fi, No super-power, No supernatural, No fantasy. It has to be REALISTIC.

- Only pure ACTION, blood, chase scenes, explosions, firefights, crime, revenge, mafia.

- Contemporary period.

- Using GUNS (Some exeptions are made, if the spirit is still close to the other criterias).

- Maximum 2 anime per franchise.


PS: If you are not afraid of the H3ntaï tag, also check : Mezzo Forte and A Kite

Anime series that covers all of the original source they're based on, with some notes.

Part 1: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/16812
Part 2: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/19939
Part 3: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20122
Part 4: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20258
Part 5: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20709
Part 6: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/20940
Part 7: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/21451
Part 8: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/21523
Part 9: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/29835
Part 10: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/35847
Part 11: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/39870
Part 13: https://myanimelist.net/stacks/42460

OVAs made in the 2000s and beyond that carry on the spirit of the 80s/90s OVA -- a fun, standalone story told in a short amount of time, supported by great production values.