Variable Geo

The idea of busty waitresses kick-boxing the snot out of each other for prize money, with the added hook that the loser has to strip for the audience sounds like grind-house trash, but surprisingly, this three episode OAV series from 2001 is actually pretty good for such an obvious high concept exercise in fan service. The animation quality is top- notch, as is the fight choreography and action animation, and the dark science fiction back story is quite sharply thought out. This twist in the plot is what makes the otherwise silly proceedings bearable, since the opening is pretty predictable. But once the action gets going it is quickly revealed that the late founder of the fight tourney has financed a comeback to the ring thanks to some mad science research going on in a secret wing of her company. And it's up to our plucky fighting femmes to stop things from getting out of hand! The mix of horror-SF in a fighting tourney series is a surprise and a welcome one. There are a few gazillion high school / martial arts / tourney format series out there and usually the fun lasts until about into halfway the first episode, by which time it becomes obvious that every succeeding show will be more of the same until the final showdown, ho-hum. This one actually keeps the interest thanks the unexpected plot directions. Worth a look.

Out of all the animes that came out in the U.S. in the year 1999, this is one of the most bizarre, yet enjoyable anime mini-series. Based on the popular Japanese all female fighting game series, Variable Geo (or V.G. for short) is a popular national sport in a semi-futuristic Japan. The rules are simple: if the fighter loses, they have to strip and embarrass themseleves in front of a viewing public. But it's run by a corrupt corperation with an alterior motive, which I don't wish to spoil.

Overall, it's a good mix of all kinds of genres in addition to stylish animation and character designs.

10/10