No, what this anime is about is a political scenario much like those that one might expect from Ghost in the Shell; a terrorist organization, an anti terrorism organization and how they tackle a situation. Seems too similar to GitS perhaps but Angel Cop differs enough that the background being similar adds to the appeal since it doesn't feel like a rip-off - at least not to me. Yes - both have dominant female chars and similar organizations structure but the execution is very different.
We have the politicians, we have the organizations, and we see how the clashes between these three parties are sorted out, which side gains in on the other and so on. The anime does a fine job of giving details alongside that makes one understand the situation a little more - the six ep length does not allow for extremely intricate chemistry anyways. And inching to the last two episodes we do get a decent finale.
I like the anime. It is not one of the best, but certainly something I'd recommend to people knowing their interests. However, with its positives, there ARE certain negatives as well.
The story is more or less discussed above - I don't want to give spoilers so yes - no lengthy synopsis. Providing analysis: It is a fine paced story, with a definite and well defined plot that is suitably covered in six episodes. It doesn't have a lot of plot twists, scenes that make your mouth gape for seconds but it doesn't bore you and make you wonder "what the hell is happening?" either.
And that is what I feel as the reason people don't rate it decently. No, it is not going to give you a mouth watering twist, or a super suspense ending, or just bring things together so that they make your heart throb for the finale... no. It has a conclusion, yes. But will it make you jizz in your pants? No. That is not their purpose. Having said that, it is not as if they didn't work on the ending AT ALL. I'd say it is a matter of taste but people portray it as far too less.
The art is old. If you are expecting a combination of crisp art, vivid colors and perfectly fluid animation like Shigatsu wa Kimino Uso then sorry, you are looking in the wrong place. HOWEVER, no one is saying the animation is BAD. The color scheme is dull, yes - the backgrounds monotonous at times, but the character designs are good, the animation is fluid and detailed at times where it needs to be. Fighting sequences are not over the top and the over all anime doesn't irk you (as some people do when seeing the original "Berserk" after the remade movies). The best comparison to this animation would be '8 man after' another similar classic. So, keeping in mind the time it was released, I'd say the animation is really good.
And it is a little hard to put the sound category... it isn't outstanding, but it works well. The sound effects are good, the music is old school - which I really like and complementary to the scene playing. So over all fine music.
Now the main reason I kind of enjoy these kind of shows is how they managed the character development. The char's are good - those in the anti terrorism unit seem professionals, capable, each having their own personality, their own traits. They didn't give us the time to see much into their background, what coffee they like, had they trauma's in the past but the anime didn't fixate the personalities to 'muscle man' 'hacker' 'thief' which in my opinion is good! Angel especially is given time to develop from the typical bass ass female (that I don't honestly dislike) to a more considerate female; her personality changes perspectives which is good. However they did give Raiden - the other main char, a personality that was... erratic. Not a taboo, but it felt a little hard to digest in the start. That might make me not give it a perfect rating in the category perhaps but it did yea, the anime did have some good chars.
So good professional chars, a political story that is well wrapped up and starts well and ends well... an anime that I enjoyed watching and again, while not on the top of my recommendation list, it still has its place. If you don't like the 80's atmosphere, catch phrases that sound too funky or childish now (which were very acceptable in their time) and are expecting something very fresh, then this anime will disappoint you. HOWEVER, IF you are looking for an old school anime with entertainment through a mature plot line, and believable chars that captures the environment and ambiance of its time, then yea - I'd say you watch it.
Thank you for reading and feedback is always welcome!
