A.D. Police: A Cyberpunk Gem That Still Packs a Punch

Let’s be real—cyberpunk anime can feel like a dime a dozen these days. Neon lights, rogue androids, gritty cityscapes… we’ve seen it all, right? But every now and then, a show comes along that reminds you why the genre works so well when it’s done right. For me, that show is A.D. Police: To Protect and Serve (Season 1, 1999).

Set in Mega-Tokyo a few years before Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040, this 12-episode series dives into the messy, high-stakes world of the A.D. Police—a special division tasked with taking down rogue Boomers (mutant cyborgs called VOOMERS, because why not add extra edge?). The main guy is Kenji Sasaki, a hotheaded cop with a habit of flying solo. When his partner Paul gets seriously hurt on a mission, Kenji’s forced to team up with Hans Kleif, a no-nonsense German officer he initially clashes with (think bar fights and snarky one-liners).

First off, let’s talk about the vibes. This is classic late-90s anime at its finest: dark, moody, and unapologetically violent. The animation from Anime International Company (AIC) has that retro charm—think sharp character designs, fluid action sequences, and a color palette that leans hard into blues, grays, and neon pinks. It’s not as flashy as modern cyberpunk, but that’s part of the appeal. It feels real, like you’re right there in the rain-soaked streets of Mega-Tokyo, watching Kenji and Hans chase down a Boomer that’s just torn through a mall.

What makes A.D. Police stand out, though, is its focus on the people behind the badges. Kenji isn’t some perfect hero—he’s reckless, guilt-ridden, and scared of getting close to anyone because he doesn’t want to lose them. Hans is the opposite: methodical, calm, and hiding his own secrets. Their dynamic is the heart of the show. You start off rolling your eyes at their bickering (seriously, their first meeting is a bar fight—iconic), but by the end, you’re rooting for them to have each other’s backs. It’s the kind of buddy-cop chemistry that feels earned, not forced.

The plot moves fast—each episode throws a new Boomer threat at the team, from a rogue construction droid to a serial killer cyborg. But it’s not all shootouts. The show digs into the ethics of AI and humanity: Are Boomers just machines, or do they have feelings? What happens when technology outpaces our ability to control it? These questions aren’t new, but A.D. Police asks them with gritty sincerity. There’s a scene in Episode 5 where Kenji has to take down a Boomer that was once a human girl, and it’s gut-wrenching. You feel his conflict—he’s supposed to be the good guy, but is he just a killer too?

Now, let’s get real about the flaws. The pacing can be wonky at times—some episodes feel rushed, while others drag a bit with unnecessary subplots. And let’s not forget the 90s anime tropes: random fan service (looking at you, the scene where Kenji walks in on Hans showering), cheesy one-liners, and a villain that’s more “generic evil corporation” than memorable bad guy. But honestly? These flaws add to the show’s charm. It’s like watching a cult classic action movie—you don’t care about the plot holes because you’re having too much fun.

What really surprised me, though, was how much the show stuck with me. The final episode, where Kenji and Hans have to take down a massive Boomer that’s threatening the city, is intense. The music swells, the animation goes all out, and you’re on the edge of your seat wondering if they’ll make it. But the best part isn’t the fight—it’s the quiet moment afterward, where Kenji finally admits he needs Hans. It’s a small scene, but it hits hard because you’ve watched their friendship grow from hatred to respect.

If you’re into cyberpunk, buddy-cop stories, or just want to watch something that feels like a throwback to when anime was unapologetically cool, A.D. Police is worth checking out. It’s not perfect, but it’s authentic. It doesn’t try to be deep— it just tries to tell a good story about two guys trying to do the right thing in a world that’s falling apart.

So grab some popcorn, turn down the lights, and dive into Mega-Tokyo. Kenji and Hans are waiting—and trust me, you won’t regret joining their ride.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A retro cyberpunk banger that’s equal parts action-packed and heartfelt. Perfect for anyone who misses the days when anime didn’t take itself too seriously but still had something to say.