I considered dropping the Violence Jack OVA’s after watching the travesty that was Slumking, but this was a surprising improvement. ‘Evil Town’ is set several months after the apocalypse in a small-scale underground area, split into three separate areas due to infighting. Jack is re-introduced after being found buried by some of the residents who are seeking escape. He still isn’t a fully fleshed out character but at least he talks now and has an actual personality, even if it is a bit thin. Similarly, the other characters also have something resembling a personality too, and the main villains manage to say more than a few words. You know, this is one of the few times I’ve watched a post-apocalyptic show where the dystopia actually FELT like a dystopia. Everyone out for themselves, cold atmosphere, a feeling of no hope etc.
The animation and art were an improvement on Slumking, and there was a great fight scene at the end between Jack and the main villain Mad Saurus which was pretty damn cool.
The main problem with Evil Town? Well, it’s hard to recommend something that was so unpleasant to watch. When you are recommending something to a friend you talk about the positives, and with Evil Town it’s so dark and miserable that it’s a hard sell. Its basically 50 minutes of characters being put through misery, with scenes of graphic rape and violence. This was honestly one of the most cynical things I’ve ever watched.
An improvement on Slumking sure, but you’ll have to think long and hard about whether you really want to watch this one. If you do, make sure to watch it subbed.
