A Flashback: A New Release of Riding Bean, the Retro OVA
Retro Anime enthusiasts, start up your motors! A new release from AnimEigo has brought the beloved 1989 OVA Riding Bean back to life, introducing a beloved 80s action anime series to a broader viewership. With beloved anime series like My Neighbor Totoro and Akira making a lasting impression on popular culture, the 1980s were a golden age for the genre. OVAs were also popular during this time, and Riding Bean is proof of their continuing appeal.
Riding Bean: An Exciting Journey Through Action of the 1980s
Riding Bean is back with an Animeigo release on September 10th, available on Blu-ray and streaming sites including Google Play and Amazon Video. The OVA takes us to the streets of Chicago and was written by the renowned Kenichi Sonoda (Otaku no Video and Riding Bean's pseudo-followup, Gunsmith Cats). We follow the exploits of the affable Bean Bandit, a pro getaway driver with a taste for exhilarating activities. With his accomplice, Rally, Bean accepts any task for which the payoff seems appropriate. When their paths intersect with Chelsea Grimwood, the daughter of a well-known company president, cops and vicious thugs get involved in a high-stakes chase.
A Nod to 1980s Action Heroes in Riding Bean
The vibe of legendary action films from the 1980s is echoed in Riding Bean. Bean exudes confidence and a carefree attitude, embodying the charm of renowned personalities such as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. But Bean can express himself more exaggeratedly and dynamically because he's animated. This, together with his friendship with Rally, makes the title character remarkably endearing in spite of his dubious morality.
Hand-Drawn Animation's Allure
Riding Bean demonstrates the timeless appeal of traditional hand-drawn animation, even when contemporary anime has reached astounding new heights in animation. The action scenes and vehicle chases in the OVA are especially visually stunning. Even with its genius, there are a few obvious inconsistencies that draw attention to the limitations of the technology of the time. Even so, the animation is still breathtaking to watch.
An Old Fashion with Outdated Details
There are shortcomings with Riding Bean. Some antiquated components, like as fanservice sequences, might not be relatable to spectators of modern anime. The OVA also has the feeling of being an incomplete pilot for a longer series. It's obvious that this is just another day in Bean and Rally's lives; it lacks the significance and resolution of a whole story.
An Influential Legacy
There is no denying Riding Bean's impact, even with its flaws. Gunsmith Cats, Sonoda's follow-up to the OVA, has characters and concepts that fans of the original will remember. The fact that Riding Bean's legacy is still inspiring upcoming generations of anime creators is evidence of the franchise's enduring popularity.
An Essential View for Fans of Retro Anime
Riding Bean takes viewers on a nostalgic trip through the heyday of action anime. This rerelease is a must-watch for everyone who enjoys hand-drawn animation and action films from the 1980s. When it drops on September 10th, don't miss this throwback gem!
