Exploiting the Usual Archetypes
Anime Review

by Monica Ho

"The only person who can whip Carrot in this world is... ME!"

-- Tira Misu, from Bakuretsu Hunter Episode #3

So what are some of the most popular male and female archetypes in anime? Lets see . . . the male archetypes are: the seductive and gentle bishonen, the masculine and undaunting warrior, and of course, the woman-chaser with the hidden sensitive heart. As for the females, well . . . the margins are greater, but at the extremes are the cute, helpless miss goody-two-shoes and the barely-clothed crazier-than-hell S&M queens.

If you watch the anime series Bakuretsu Hunter, you won't miss out on any of the above mentioned prototypes. Bakuretsu Hunter is about a secret group of five "Sorcerer Hunters" in a magical land called Spooner Continent. The Hunters, under the guidance of the goddess Big Mama and the ecstatic angle Dota, travel around the land saving people from evil sorcerers. The members of this secret group are:

• Carrot Glaze: The persistent women-chaser who is willing to go through hell and high water to get the girl. Like Lady Amore from Episode #2 says, "He may be ugly and pathetic, but his stamina might very well be necessary to make the perfect man!" However, the shallow Lady Amore overlooked the other side of Carrot that makes him extremely lovable: his subtle sensitivity and understanding. In Episode #5, Carrot meets a girl whose whole life lasts for only one day: she begins as a young girl at dawn and becomes an old woman as night falls. As the plot unravels, the story reveals Carrot's truly admirable nature in the way he accompanies the girl throughout her one-day experience. Besides his "evil" thoughts, Carrot is also unique in that his magical power manifests as he absorbs other people's magic and transforms into a massive, bullish monster.

• Marron Glaze: As Carrot's younger brother, Marron is his exact opposite. While Carrot is impulsive and wild, Marron, an enchanting bishonen with long, black, flowing hair, is calm and mature. As the brains of the group, Marron is also a powerful Eastern magic user. It's hard to believe Carrot and Marron are brothers, and they often tease each other -- Carrot calling Marron "Depressed" and Marron calling Carrot "Hopeless". But watch on and you'll see that they care deeply for each other.

• Chocolate Misu: With the hots for Carrot, Chocolate is an uninhibited girl who expresses herself freely to her claimed true love. Usually Chocolate is a sweetheart who chases after Carrot and gets jealous when she sees Carrot with another woman. But when trouble arises, Chocolate will transform from an ordinary girl into a cold and seductive S&M queen! Wearing a police hat and a sexy, tight outfit, Chocolate defeats her enemies with a foot-long needle and metal threads. For all those anime villains who must wait patiently at the side while the female heroes transform, Chocolate's transformation is definitely worth the time! Thumbs up for the great costume and the awesome alter-ego!

• Tira Misu: Chocolate's younger sister, Tira, is a timid girl who hides underneath thick glasses and a Puritan-ish overcoat. Naive-looking and extremely proper, Tira also likes Carrot, but denies it because she cares for her sister. Of course, like Chocolate, Tira transforms to full battle gear in threatening situations. As she takes off her glasses and strips off her overcoat (and more), Tira transforms into a wild, erotic S&M queen whose choice weapon can be at times a whip or a broom. Tira and Carrot has a very interesting relationship in that when Carrot turns into a mad monster, only Tira can whip him back to himself (quite literall)y. She does so by becoming a S&M queen, giving the monster Carrot a good beating!

• Gato: A strong and chivalrous warrior, Gato is your typical hero. As of Episode #6 (up to what I've seen,) there hasn't been much development on his character. But I'm sure that'll change as the story progresses.

Bakuretsu Hunter mixes humor, adventure, and romance. Co-created by Akahori Satoru of Maze and Bakuen Campus Guardess, the underlying light sexual themes (already edited for television from the original manga) makes Bakuretsu Hunter a wild ride for audience of both sexes. The art/graphics are above average, though not excellent, but there are some very fresh and hilarious moments that make this series different from others.

The odd composition of the Sorcerer Hunter group allows for quite a few plot twists, so the story line ranges from gentle and moving to your typical action and adventure style. However, because every episode is a story by itself, the quality of the series has its ups and downs depending on the episode. To my knowledge, Newtype Animation has subtitled up to 26 episodes, with a few skips in between. Bakuretsu Hunter is a definite must see!

Also, recommended is the Bakuretsu Hunter CD Single. It contains the opening and the closing titles, both up-beat techno dance tunes very fitting for the anime series!

Here's a list of the first 6 episodes:

• #1, "The Flirting Bridge of Love" - The Sorcerer Hunters must defeat a monster who feeds on young girls . . . Watch for the awesome transformation of Chocolate!
• #2, "The Life Demanding Red Flower" -- A queen on a quest to create the perfect man . . . by combining the strength of Gato, the beauty of Marron, and the stamina of Carrot.
• #3, "Unwritten Laws Of Light and Dark" -- Yikes! Chocolate and Tira meet their match! An even crazier S&M queen in a Playboy Bunny outfit!
• #4, "The Firework Competition of Love" -- Poor Carrot, he can never get the woman.
• #5, "A Dreamy Girl at the Lakeside" -- A very moving story about Carrot and a girl with just one day to live.
• #6, "Heresy of Love is Crystal" -- The group must hunt a dangerous man who just wants to protect his own sister.

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