In this article we’ll look into the world of Get Backers, the early 2000s series that asked, “What if superpowered buddies ran a retrieval service?” But does this dynamic duo’s adventures still hold up in 2024? Let’s find out!
The Story:
Get Backers centers around a simple yet intriguing premise. Here’s the lowdown:
- Ban Mido and Ginji Amano run the “Get Backers” retrieval service in Shinjuku
- Their motto: “If it was taken, we’ll get it back!”
- Ban has the “Evil Eye” that causes hallucinations, while Ginji can generate electricity
- Each job uncovers deeper mysteries, especially about Ginji’s past in the Limitless Fortress
What makes Get Backers stand out is its perfect blend of action, comedy, and urban fantasy. The series starts with seemingly straightforward retrieval jobs but gradually unveils a complex world of superpowered individuals, shadowy organizations, and the mysterious Limitless Fortress.
Character development shines throughout the series. Ban and Ginji’s friendship forms the emotional core, with their contrasting personalities (Ban’s cynicism vs. Ginji’s optimism) creating both humor and depth. The supporting cast, including frenemies like Dr. Jackal and Shido Fuyuki, adds layers to the story and world.
The show tackles themes of friendship, redemption, and the power of human will. It manages to balance its more serious plot elements with plenty of comedic moments, often stemming from the Get Backers’ perpetual broke status.
The Look:
Get Backers’ visual style is a great example of early 2000s anime aesthetics. The character designs are distinct and memorable – Ban’s spiky hair and purple glasses, and Ginji’s blonde hair and perpetual ahoge are instantly recognizable.
The action scenes are where the animation really shines. Ban’s snake-like fighting style and Ginji’s electric attacks are fluid and impactful. The series does a great job of visualizing the various superpowers, from Thread Master Kazuki’s string techniques to Himiko’s poison perfumes.
The urban setting of Shinjuku is well-realized, creating a believable backdrop for the fantastical elements. The Limitless Fortress, in particular, is a visual highlight, its imposing structure and mysterious interiors adding to the series’ intrigue.
While some CGI elements might show their age, the overall visual style of Get Backers has a charm that holds up well, especially for fans of early 2000s anime.
The Sound:
Get Backers’ soundtrack complements its urban fantasy setting well. The opening theme, “Yuragu Koto Nai Ai” by Naomi Tamura, is an energetic rock song that captures the series’ mix of action and emotion.
The background music enhances each scene, from tense standoffs to comedic moments. The various battle themes do a great job of ramping up the excitement during fights, while softer tracks underscore the more emotional scenes effectively.
The voice acting in both Japanese and English is top-notch. Nobutoshi Canna and Jason Liebrecht both capture Ban’s cool, snarky attitude perfectly, while Shotaro Morikubo and Chris Patton nail Ginji’s shift between goofy and serious moments. The chemistry between the main cast helps sell their evolving relationships throughout the series.
Sound effects for the various supernatural abilities are punchy and satisfying, adding impact to the visually impressive battles.
Why It Matters:
Get Backers holds a special place in early 2000s anime history for several reasons:
- It successfully blends urban fantasy elements with shonen action and comedy.
- The series popularized the “superpowered buddies” dynamic that would become common in later anime.
- Its mix of episodic adventures and overarching plot provided a template for many subsequent series.
- The Limitless Fortress arc is often cited as one of the more intriguing mystery plots in action anime.
While it might not have reached the same level of mainstream popularity as some of its contemporaries, Get Backers has maintained a dedicated fanbase over the years.
Is It Worth Watching in 2024?
Get Backers still offers an entertaining watch, especially for fans of urban fantasy or buddy comedies. Here’s why it might be worth your time:
- The chemistry between Ban and Ginji makes for a fun and engaging central duo.
- The blend of comedy, action, and gradually unfolding mystery keeps the story interesting.
- The varied superpowers and abilities make for creative and exciting fight scenes.
- At 49 episodes, it tells a complete story without overstaying its welcome.
- The urban fantasy setting offers a nice change of pace from more traditional shonen settings.
However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The animation, while generally good, might feel dated in some aspects compared to modern anime.
- The early episodes’ “job of the week” format might feel slow to some viewers before the larger plot kicks in.
- Some character archetypes and comedy bits might feel cliché to viewers familiar with more recent anime.
In conclusion, Get Backers remains a solid choice for anyone looking for a blend of action, comedy, and urban fantasy. It offers creative battles, an intriguing overarching mystery, and a central friendship that’s genuinely endearing. Whether you’re revisiting Shinjuku for nostalgia or checking out the Get Backers service for the first time, Ban and Ginji’s adventures are worth retrieving in 2024. So grab your car keys (if you haven’t pawned them yet), charge up your electricity, and get ready for a retrieval job like no other!
