Bubblegum Crisis (1987)
The legendary cyberpunk anime OVA where four armored women take on a corrupt megacorporation and its rogue biomechanical creations in a ravaged future Tokyo.
Bubblegum Crisis - Series Information
- Original Title: バブルガムクライシス
- First Air Year: 1987
- Last Air Year: 1991
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Animation, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (43 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 1
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: Japanese
- Spoken Languages: Japanese
- First Air Date: February 25, 1987 (United States - TV-14), February 25, 1987 (Germany - 12), February 25, 1987 (France - 10), February 25, 1987 (Australia - M), February 25, 1987 (Spain - 13)
- Alternative Titles: 吹泡糖危机 (CN), Hurricane Live 2033 (US), Bubblegum Crisis - Die Cyberpunk Saga (CH), バブルガムクラッシュ (JP)
- Production Companies: ARTMIC, DARTS, Youmex, Anime International Company
- Production Countries: Japan
Bubblegum Crisis - Plot
MegaTokyo 2033: Tokyo was left flattened as a result from a great earthquake. A new city, MegaTokyo, was then recreated due in no small part from the aid of a multi-million dollar company, Genom Corp. Genom created and mass-produced biomechanical creatures called Boomers to aid in the restoration of MegaTokyo. When the Boomers began to run out of control, the ADPolice at first tried to stop them, but they proved to be far more difficult to deal with than was first imagined. Under the ever looming Boomer threat, a group of four girls from varying degrees of society banded together. Calling themselves The Knight Sabers, they were the only ones with enough firepower and resourcefullness to defend the fledgling MegaTokyo from Genom and it's berserk Boomers.
Bubblegum Crisis - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the Knight Sabers in action:
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Bubblegum Crisis - Cast & Crew
Main Cast
- Kinuko Oomori
- Akiko Hiramatsu
- Yoshiko Sakakibara
- Michie Tomizawa
- Nozomu Sasaki
- Kenyu Horiuchi
- Toshio Furukawa
- Shuichi Ikeda
- Masaharu Sato
- Kiyoshi Kawakubo
Writers
- Toshimichi Suzuki
- Hidetoshi Yoshida
Bubblegum Crisis - FAQs
What is Bubblegum Crisis about?
Set in MegaTokyo 2033, Bubblegum Crisis follows four women who form a vigilante team called the Knight Sabers. Clad in powered exosuits, they battle rogue biomechanical creatures called Boomers — originally built by the mega-corporation Genom to help rebuild the city after a devastating earthquake.
Where can you stream Bubblegum Crisis?
Bubblegum Crisis is available to stream on Peacock Premium and Peacock Premium Plus. Free viewing options include Pluto TV (with ads), Plex Channel, and Darkroom. Check JustWatch for the most up-to-date availability in your region.
Is Bubblegum Crisis worth watching for anime fans?
Absolutely. Bubblegum Crisis is a landmark of late-1980s cyberpunk anime, blending hard-rock soundtracks, striking power-armor designs, and a gritty dystopian atmosphere. Its influence on the genre — from Ghost in the Shell to later mecha series — makes it essential viewing for anyone interested in anime history.
Why was Bubblegum Crisis cancelled after only 8 episodes?
The original run was cut short due to a contractual and financial dispute between the production companies involved — primarily between Artmic and Youmex. The series was originally planned for 13 episodes. The conflict prevented completion, leaving the story unfinished and prompting later follow-up projects.
Is Bubblegum Crisis based on a true story or source material?
Not a true story — it's an original OVA production. However, it draws heavy inspiration from films like Blade Runner and Mad Max, as well as the rock band The Police (whose name inspired the AD Police). The cyberpunk aesthetic and corporate dystopia themes reflect broader 1980s science fiction culture.
How many episodes does Bubblegum Crisis have?
The main series consists of 8 episodes across one season, released as an OVA (original video animation) between 1987 and 1991. There is also a collection of 17 additional special episodes. The series was originally planned for 13 episodes before production disputes cut it short.
What are similar anime series to Bubblegum Crisis?
Fans of Bubblegum Crisis often enjoy Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex for its cyberpunk depth, Dimension W for its sci-fi action, and Kuromukuro for its mecha thrills. Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Alternative Architecture is another strong pick for fans of the powered-suit and dystopian-future aesthetic.
What is the content rating for Bubblegum Crisis?
Bubblegum Crisis carries a TV-14 rating in the United States, indicating content that may be unsuitable for children under 14. The series features action violence, mature themes, and a dark cyberpunk atmosphere consistent with that rating.
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