Sci-Fi Series Inspired By Blade Runner A Major Milestone For Anime In America
In the early 90s, anime was a mostly unknown storytelling medium in the United States. Then, thanks to the introduction of several animated series from Japan, like the Blade Runner-esque series Bubblegum Crisis, the medium was introduced and popularized in Western cultures. Bubblegum Crisis played a crucial role in expanding the appeal of anime beyond Japan, paving the way for the broader acceptance and appreciation of the medium in America.
Bubblegum Crisis
In 1991, AnimEigo debuted Bubblegum Crisis in North America, releasing it on VHS and Laserdisc in its original Japanese format with English subtitles. It was one of the first series to be brought over from Japan without editing and including English subtitles. Its initial broadcast in the US occurred on PBS affiliate Superstation KTEH during the 1990s and later on STARZ!’s Action Channel in 2000.
A Ground-Breaking Anime
More than helping to introduce Americans to anime, Bubblegum Crisis stands as an influential work in the realm of cyberpunk original video animation (OVA), captivating audiences with its futuristic dystopian setting and high-octane action. Allegedly intended for a 13-episode run, the series was unfortunately cut short to just eight episodes, yet its impact resonated far beyond its limited release window.
Produced by Youmex and animated by AIC and Artmic, Bubblegum Crisis follows the exploits of the Knight Sabers, a formidable all-female group of mercenaries equipped with powered exoskeletons. Their primary adversaries are rogue robots known as “boomers,” who set the stage for intense battles and gripping storytelling.
Drew Inspiration From The Best Of Cyberpunk
Inspired by iconic films such as Blade Runner and Streets of Fire, Bubblegum Crisis skillfully combines elements of noir, science fiction, and cyberpunk aesthetics. The humanoid boomers draw inspiration from various sources, including the replicants of Blade Runner, the cyborgs of the Terminator franchise, and the Beast from Krull.
The Odd Title Does Have Meaning
But why would a series about female mercenaries based on sci-fi classics like Blade Runner be called something like Bubblegum Crisis? In a 1993 interview, original writer Toshimichi Suzuki shed light on the cheerful but cryptic title, explaining its metaphorical significance. Bubblegum Crisis is a reflection of a world on the brink of collapse, something that could metaphorically be compared to a chewing gum bubble grown so big it’s poised to burst.
Took Years For A Dub
While the series was originally introduced with the original Japanese vocal work and English subtitles, Bubblegum Crisis was eventually dubbed into English. Starting in 1994, AnimEigo, in collaboration with Southwynde Studios based in Wilmington, North Carolina, produced an English dub, which was subsequently distributed on VHS and Laserdisc formats. This marked the beginning of efforts to make the series more accessible to English-speaking audiences.
Streaming On Peacock
In 2004, a digitally remastered compilation of Bubblegum Crisis was released on DVD, offering bilingual audio tracks and additional production content. AnimEigo later achieved crowdfunding success through Kickstarter in November 2013, enabling the release of a collector’s edition Blu-ray catering to dedicated fans. After that, a regular edition Blu-ray became available on September 25, 2018, widening the series’ accessibility to an even broader audience.
Bubblegum Crisis is currently available to stream via Peacock.
