Hyper Police

Hyper Police is an unforgettable anime television series produced by TV Tokyo back in 1997. Based on a manga by Minoru Tachikawa, it panders to the imaginative elements of the science fiction genre and sweeps the audience into an intriguing world of fantastical creatures, post-apocalyptic landscapes and captivating conflicts.

The narrative of Hyper Police unfolds in an intensely reimagined version of Tokyo set in the 22nd century. A catastrophic event has devastated the world, causing the human population to decline significantly, while the community of beasts and mythical creatures, known as 'Next', has proliferated extensively. By now, the 'Next' not only share the remaining world with humans but also significantly influence societal structures, living in harmony and tension. Even more excitingly, these 'Next' are endowed with extraordinary powers and abilities that add an extra dimension of thrill to the show.

At the center of the show is the life and journey of a half-cat, half-human bounty hunter named Natsuki Sasahara. Just being 17-years old, Natsuki is still in the process of learning the ropes of her occupation and showing signs of both her feline surfaces and unrevealed supernatural abilities. Her work-life becomes increasingly chaotic and hilarious as she joins the security firm ‘Bokuto Police Station’ with her partner, Batanen, a werewolf. The two of them are perpetually found hot on the heels of criminals, relying on their wit, strength and mutual camaraderie to bring them to justice and claim their bounties.

The series continually pushes its characters into engaging investigations, dealing with fugitives and resolving complex situations, exposing them to both their personal and professional dilemmas in an unusual world. Throughout the series, the viewers are often found grappling with the interesting dynamics and equations among the humans, beasts, creatures, and hybrids living together. The different mythical and genetic classes of ‘Next’ alone are fascinating to follow, and they bring unpredictable elements into the storyline.

Hyper Police strikes a fine balance between high-octane action, supernatural sci-fi elements and moments of comedic relief. The character designs showcase the conspicuously Japanese aesthetics, with Natsuki’s cat ears and tail making for a visually delightful and engaging protagonist. The animation quality used might seem a little dated for some, given the show was produced in the late nineties, but that doesn't take away from the dynamic action sequences and the richly detailed world-building in the show.

The supporting cast of Hyper Police also shines, offering a myriad of characters with diverse backgrounds, traits, and abilities. They provide expanded insight into the society in which the series is set and offer alternate perspectives on the conflicts at hand. Moreover, the dialogues are well-conceived, moving smoothly between serious discussions, quick-witted comebacks and occasional snips of humor.

Hyper Police's lasting appeal comes from a fusion of several elements: the intricate, exciting storyline set in an unusually reconstructed world; diverse characters navigating this world; captivating action scenes that keep the audience on the edge of their seats; and the addition of humor that lightens the tone and adds dimension to the characters.

Moreover, this series is not just a whirlwind of fights and chases. It also sprinkles in some romantic sparks, adding to its multifaceted charm. Over the series, the diverse, complex relationships form and evolve in interesting, often convoluted ways, with the fluctuating dynamics being as engaging as the main storyline itself.

The show crafts an engaging blend of genres, resulting in a viewing experience that's unforgettable. Whether it is the thrilling chase of criminal elements, the comedic interludes or the simmering undercurrents of romance, Hyper Police offers a diverse mix appealing to a broad audience. Despite being produced in the late 90s, the unique world-building, the richly layered narrative, deftly crafted characters, and the eclectic mix of genres maintain the series' relevancy and appeal, making it worth a watch for any anime enthusiast who appreciates classic science fiction blended with elements of comedy and romance.