Ask John: What are Noir, SoulTaker and Boogiepop Phantom?

Question:
I was wondering if you knew what the shows Noir, Soultaker & Boogiepop Phantom were all about. Do you know if they’re going to be brought over any time soon?

Answer:
For at least a brief time, all three of these anime series were scheduled for American release. AD Vision’s recent retraction of their announcement of the American license to Noir has seemingly returned this series to the ranks of import only titles for at least the time being.

Boogiepop Phantom, the English language title for Boogiepop wa Warawanai (Boogiepop Never Laughs), is the oldest of the three series, having broadcast 12 episodes early in in 2000. Created by Kouji Ogata and animated by Triangle Staff as a follow-up to Serial Experiments Lain, Boogiepop Phantom has a lot in common with the abstract, high-concept style of Lain, but is also a completely original title unlike anything else. Boogiepop Phantom is ostensibly a supernatural horror series about a specter of death known as Boogiepop Phantom that stalks Tokyo area high school students. In fact, the series is an experimental animation that uses sound, and lack of sound, and varying visual styles to create an unnerving, avant-garde style that’s confusing, shocking, sometimes gruesome, and often challenging. In fact, sometimes you’ll even wonder if there’s something wrong with the picture or sound quality of the copy you’re watching; the show is just that highly stylized. The series runs the gamut of presenting supernatural events; X-Files style conspiracy theories; distinctly Japanese themes of alienation and peer pressure; drug abuse; insanity and alien invasion. The Right Stuf International is currently working on translation of the series for American release.

SoulTaker just recently concluded its 13 episode broadcast on June 27th. Created with export in mind, Pioneer had announced the domestic home video distribution rights, and McFarlane Toys the domestic action figure toy rights for the American market before the series had even premiered in Japan. SoulTaker is another highly visually stylized series, although in a very different style than Boogiepop Phantom. SoulTaker relies heavily on an angular, post modern evolution of traditional anime style, and makes extensive use of lighting and shadows. In fact, viewers are virtually never given a full, unobstructed, well-lit view of any of the main characters during any of the series’ episodes. SoulTaker is a futuristic action/horror in the style of Guyver or Devilman, with an emphasis on action rather than graphic violence. SoulTaker is also a virtual amalgamation of every other influence and genre imaginable. The astute viewer will notice in SoulTaker the influence of everything from Kunihiko Ikuhara’s directorial style from Utena to the choreography and editing of John Woo to the cinematography of Dario Argento. The version of SoulTaker that will debut in the US probably sometime next year will be a “director’s cut” version featuring alterations and new footage different than the version of the series that recently concluded on Japanese television.

Noir has the potential to become the next fan favorite anime series, and seems a sure bet for American localization. Heavily influenced by French cinema, from Jean-Pierre Melville’s Le Samourai to Luc Besson’s La Femme Nikita, Noir is an action/suspense story about a pair of female assassins- one a professional and one a coldly efficient yet sympathetic amnesiac teen, and the mysterious ancient organization that seems to simultaneously condone them and seek to exterminate them. Like other top-notch anime productions, Noir features instantly appealing character designs; an enthralling, carefully crafted story that plays to the intelligence of the viewer; incisive dialogue; rapturous music; and completely convincing, exciting, ruthlessly violent yet elegantly presented gun fights and violence with an accompanying massive body count. The European setting and lack of distinct Japanese cultural references, immediately identifiable action appeal, and perfectly meshed production elements all contribute to Noir’s vast potential for success with Western audiences.