FINISHED

Great news for fans of classic cyberpunk anime! Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 is a fully completed series. It ran for 26 episodes from 1998 to 1999, delivering its entire narrative arc. So, you can dive in and enjoy the full story of the Knight Sabers without worrying about an unfinished cliffhanger.

Watch Order

Diving into the Bubblegum Crisis universe can be a bit tricky due to its various iterations. To fully appreciate the rich world and its evolution, here’s a recommended watch order for the entire saga, including the original OVAs, prequels, and the Tokyo 2040 reboot:

Original Series:

  • Bubblegum Crisis OVA (1987-1991): Start with this foundational series. It introduces the core characters, the dangerous Boomers, and the futuristic city of Mega-Tokyo, setting the stage for everything that follows.
  • Bubblegum Crash (1991): This serves as a direct sequel to the original OVA series, continuing the Knight Sabers’ fight against rogue Boomers.
  • A.D. Police Files (1990): A prequel that explores the origins and operations of the A.D. Police, offering a darker look at law enforcement in the Bubblegum Crisis universe.

Reboot Series:

  • Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 (1998-1999): A reimagining of the original story with a fresh take on the characters and themes, set in a new timeline. While it shares conceptual similarities, it stands as its own distinct narrative.
  • A.D. Police: To Protect and Serve (1999): A spin-off series that expands on the A.D. Police within the Tokyo 2040 universe, exploring different facets of their work.
  • Parasite Dolls (2003): A standalone side story that delves deeper into elements introduced in A.D. Police: To Protect and Serve, focusing on a specialized police unit.

Similar Animes

If the blend of high-tech action, dystopian futures, and compelling characters in Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 captivated you, then these similar anime might be your next obsession:

  • Ghost in the Shell Series: A seminal cyberpunk franchise known for its deep philosophical themes, intricate world-building, and groundbreaking animation.
  • Cyber City Oedo 808: A gritty and stylish cyberpunk OVA series set in a crime-ridden future Tokyo, following three convicted felons forced to work for the police.
  • Dirty Pair: A fun and action-packed series following two “trouble consultants” known for their destructive problem-solving in a futuristic setting, often leaving chaos in their wake.
  • Gunsmith Cats: Follows a skilled female bounty hunter and her explosive-expert partner in Chicago, offering high-octane action with a unique flair for firearms and car chases.