Eightman After [Episode 1]

Eightman After Episode 1: A Retro Cyberpunk Throwback That Hits Hard

Let’s cut to the chase—Eightman After Episode 1 isn’t your average modern anime. This 1993 OVA feels like a time capsule, but in the best way possible. From the moment private detective Hazama Itsuru starts digging into that cyborg parts heist, you can tell this show’s got grit. And when he crosses paths with Sachiko Yokogawa—yes, the original Eightman’s love interest—things get personal fast.

First off, the vibe is so 90s cyberpunk. Think rain-slicked streets, neon signs bleeding into dark alleys, and that “future-noir” edge that makes you feel like you’re watching a lost Blade Runner spin-off. Fans on MyAnimeList aren’t wrong when they call it “heavily western-influenced”—the hardboiled detective stuff, the questions about human vs. machine, even the way technology’s gone rogue (thanks, Biotecho Corp.) all scream classic sci-fi. But here’s the kicker: it doesn’t just copy those vibes—it owns them.

Hazama’s no hero with a cape. He’s a guy with a gun and a mission, and when he gets fatally wounded by that unknown cyborg? That’s when the real Eightman energy kicks in. Sachiko’s not just a side character either—she’s the heart of this episode. Working at Biotecho, she’s tangled up in the mess from the start, and her connection to the original Eightman adds this layer of nostalgia that hits different if you know the old series. But even if you don’t? It still works.

Let’s talk about the action. The fight scenes are raw—no flashy CGI, just good old-fashioned hand-to-hand (and cyborg-to-cyborg) brawls. When the new Eightman shows up? Chills. That transformation sequence? Chef’s kiss. And yeah, some fans might roll their eyes at the “damsel in distress” trope—commenters on MAL called out that “forever getting caught girlfriend” bit—but honestly? It fits the retro feel. This isn’t trying to be woke; it’s trying to be a throwback, and it nails that balance between camp and cool.

What really stands out, though, is the art. For a 1993 OVA, the animation holds up. The character designs are sharp—Hazama’s gruff detective look, Sachiko’s determined gaze, the cyborgs’ menacing metal frames—all of it pops. And the color palette? Moody blues and grays mixed with bursts of neon? It’s like watching a comic book come to life.

But let’s get real—this episode isn’t perfect. The pacing’s a bit fast, and some plot points feel rushed (hello, that sudden cyborg attack!). But for a first episode, it does exactly what it needs to: hook you. By the end, you’re left wondering: Who’s behind the heist? What’s Biotecho hiding? And most importantly—what’s next for Eightman and Sachiko?

Here’s the thing about Eightman After Episode 1: it’s not for everyone. If you’re into slice-of-life or high-school rom-coms, this isn’t your jam. But if you love retro cyberpunk, gritty action, and stories that make you think (even just a little) about what it means to be human? This is a must-watch. It’s a love letter to 90s anime, to classic sci-fi, and to the original Eightman series.

So grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and let Eightman After take you back. Because sometimes, the best futures are the ones that look like the past. And this episode? It’s proof that old-school cool never goes out of style.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A solid start to a series that’s equal parts nostalgic and fresh. Can’t wait to see where it goes next.

P.S. If you’re a fan of Snatcher or early cyberpunk? You’ll be obsessed.