Biohunter

BIOHUNTER (1995)

Format: 58-minute featurette

Rating: R (BN, AC, GV)

American Production: Urban Vision Entertainment

Japanese Production: Toei Animation, et al

Grading
Premise:	C-
Story:	C
Writing:	C
Character Design:	B
Animation:	A-
Artistic Merits:	B+
English Dub:	C
Musical Score:	C

Humor Content:	C
Action Content:	B
Drama Content:	C+

DVD Presentation:	not reviewed
DVD Extras:	not reviewed

OVERALL:	C+

Synopsis

Two college professors/molecular biologists, who call themselves biohunters because they struggle to contain and defeat a supernatural plague called the Demon Virus, find themselves in great danger when they assist a pretty young woman in finding her grandfather, a famous psychic who has run afoul of a politically powerful man. Fortunately for them, one of the biohunters has been able to control his infection with the Demon Virus, which means that he can do semi-controlled transformations into a demonic form. This proves useful when the case turns out to have everything to do with their mission and with stopping a serial killer of young women.

Quotes

“I’m professional when I date my students.”

The Long View

Biohunter is really just an excuse to have some graphic demon-fighting-demon action. Although the technical merits are top-rate and the portrayal of the Demon Virus is visually intriguing, there is little substance or creativity to the story or writing and the premise is shaky. The two lead characters are somewhat interesting - the one college professor apparently dates his students, the other is worried that he doesn’t dare associate with women lest his (literal) demonic side gets the better of him - but all the supporting characters are generic and lacking any significant character development. Some would also question the strength of a presentation that requires a running narrative, though it does help keep the production short and tight. Although it might not be the most thrilling anime you’ll ever see, Biohunter does not drag and isn’t boring.

The graphic content of Biohunter is strong but not overwhelming; those used to violence-filled R-rated films should have no trouble with it. The nudity is minimal and not really of the fan service variety, so those looking for such things may be disappointed. The action scenes are pretty good, enough so that, combined with the high production values, it makes the production worth seeing if you’re a male action junkie who goes in for stories with a supernatural bent. I seriously doubt that many female viewers would appreciate it, however, since one female character in the story is a tease and the rest are all just victims. No good female role models here!

Biohunter is made by the same people that made Ninja Scroll and Wicked City, and it shows in the artistic and animation style. It is not, however, in a league with either of the other two.

DVD Extras

Reviews are based off of VHS copies and Action Channel broadcasts, so details on DVD extras are not available.

Principle English Voice Actors

Role	Voice Actor
Mary	Barbara Goodson
Tabe	Barry Stigler
Mikawa	Jamie Hanes
Komada	Matt McKenzie
Koshigaya	Matthew K. Miller
Bokudoh	Mike Reynolds
Sayaka	Sherry Lynn
Boss	John Hostetter