Burn Up Excess

Burn Up Excess is a captivating, action-filled anime that aired from 1997-1998. This 13-episode series is a cherished product of Japanese animation filled with comedic elements, characterized by its novel use of cyberpunk subculture, and exciting science fiction.

The show is a spin-off of the original OVA series "Burn Up W" and maintains the franchised engaging balance of humor, action, and flare, keeping anime enthusiasts glued to their screens. It steps into the speculative future, taking us to Tokyo, set in the near future, where technology has made significant leaps and bounds, creating a technologically advanced world. This world, however, is not a utopia. It's a place where crime and corruption are rampant, and it's up to some unexpected heroes to keep things in check.

The focus of Burn Up Excess is on Team Warrior, a clandestine, peculiar, and highly argumentative police unit that has been tasked with combating the ever-increasing waves of crime. This eclectic squad is composed of distinctly diverse and eccentric individuals. From the lighthearted, exuberantly extroverted, and materialistic Rio Kinezono, who does everything with a flair for drama; to the quiet and serene Maya Jingu, who is amicable until stirred into her fierce mode; to the tech-genius and hacker, Lilica Evett, whose intelligence saves the day many times; and the shrewd, sharp-witted leader, Maki Kawasaki, who guides the team through various challenges. Finally, there’s Nanvel Candlestick, an inventor who develops advanced weapons and gadgets, and Yuji, a cross-dressing undercover officer, each contributing their unique skills and quirks to the team.

These characters deliver a rich array of personalities and generate engaging dynamics, providing refreshing punctuations of humor while solving varying cases. Each character is also equipped with her personal powered armor suit, which gives the girls incredible superhuman abilities and firepower to fight against formidable adversaries. However, in their off-time, they're as human as they come, frequently engaging in hilarious situations, providing moments of levity and bonding, increasing the audience's attachment to them.

The narrative of the show is episodic, with each episode focusing on a standalone mission or case that Team Warrior must resolve. While dealing with high-stakes and often dangerous situations, the show never fails to interject humor at the right moment, keeping the atmosphere light and entertaining. Additionally, sprinkles of character development and background are linked with the ongoing cases, providing depth to the characters, making them relatable and human. The exploration of their pasts, motivations, and aspirations gives the viewer a chance to connect with the characters at a deeper level.

In terms of aesthetics, Burn Up Excess shines with well-drawn characters, vibrant environments, and the meticulous detail in animation that was prevalent in the late nineties anime. The action sequences are impressive and lively, with each stroke of animation bringing out the power and immensity of the battles. Furthermore, the technological and cyberpunk aspects of the show were well received as they added an intriguing edge to the narrative.

Of course, no anime would be complete without a captivating score, and Burn Up Excess doesn’t disappoint. The music within the series matches its varied tones, with energetic opening themes, background music that heightens the adrenaline rush during intense scenes, and more melancholic tunes for the emotional moments.

Finally, one of the defining characteristics of Burn Up Excess is the underlying theme of friendship and teamwork. Despite their differences and occasional squabbles, the members of Team Warrior always come together in times of crisis, showing the importance of unity in overcoming adversities.

Overall, Burn Up Excess is a distinctly flavored blend of audacious action, memorable characters, and well-timed comedic instances. This entertaining anime series delivers an enriching viewing experience with its well-crafted narrative, colorful animation, and a balanced mix of humor and heart. It's a must-watch for anime fans who appreciate action-comedy series with proactive, complex female leads and a rich atmospheric setting.