Gunsmith Cats [3 Episodes]

Gunsmith Cats (1995): A Nostalgic Shot of 90s Action

If you’re craving an anime that’s equal parts car chases, gunfights, and unapologetic 90s cool, look no further than Gunsmith Cats. This three-episode OVA (original video animation) from Studio Pierrot, based on Kenichi Sonoda’s manga, is a love letter to classic action flicks—think Lethal Weapon meets Thelma & Louise with a Japanese twist. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to watch two badass women take down crime syndicates while rocking leather jackets and driving muscle cars?

First off, let’s talk about the vibe. Set in Chicago (yes, actual Chicago—no Tokyo stand-ins here), the series follows Rally Vincent, a sharp-shooting gunsmith and bounty hunter, and her partner Minnie May Hopkins, an explosives expert with a penchant for pink hair and chaos. Their dynamic is pure fire: Rally is the calm, collected leader, while Minnie is the hyperactive wildcard who’d probably blow up a building just to make a point. Together, they run “Gunsmith Cats,” a shop that doubles as a front for their bounty-hunting gigs. And trust me, their cases are anything but boring—we’re talking drug rings, Russian mobsters, and enough bullets to supply a small army.

What makes Gunsmith Cats stand out is its attention to detail. The animation is crisp for its time, with fluid car chases that feel straight out of a Hollywood blockbuster. The weaponry? Obsessively accurate. Sonoda, a former gunsmith himself, ensures every firearm—from Rally’s custom Colt Python to Minnie’s grenade launchers—looks and functions like the real deal. It’s the kind of detail that makes gun nuts (and action junkies) geek out. And let’s not forget the cars: Rally’s 1967 Shelby GT500 is a character in itself, roaring through Chicago’s streets like a metal beast.

But it’s not all explosions and shootouts. The OVA sneaks in some surprisingly heartfelt moments. Rally’s backstory—she’s a former child prodigy with a knack for guns—adds depth to her tough exterior, while Minnie’s loyalty to Rally shows there’s more to her than just a love for bombs. Even the villains have layers: Natasha “Bloody Angel” Radinov, a former Russian spy turned mob enforcer, is equal parts menacing and tragic, her cold demeanor masking a past she can’t escape.

Now, let’s get to the fan chatter. Over on forums like MyAnimeList, fans are split but mostly nostalgic. One user raved, “This is the definition of a guilty pleasure. The action is over-the-top, the characters are iconic, and it’s just fun.” Another noted, “The 90s aesthetic is unbeatable—from the soundtrack to the fashion, it’s like a time capsule.” Critics, however, point out the short runtime (each episode is ~30 minutes) leaves little room for character development. “It’s a shame we only get three episodes,” one reviewer lamented. “Rally and Minnie deserve a full series.”

But here’s the thing: Gunsmith Cats doesn’t need a 24-episode arc. It’s a tight, punchy action flick that knows exactly what it is. It’s not trying to be deep or philosophical—it’s trying to entertain, and it succeeds. The dub, by ADV Films (a staple of 90s anime localization), is surprisingly solid, with voice actors who capture the characters’ sass and grit. And let’s not overlook the soundtrack: a mix of rock, jazz, and blues that perfectly complements the Chicago setting.

Is it dated? Sure. The animation style, the fashion, even the references to 90s pop culture—they all scream “throwback.” But that’s part of its charm. In an era of overproduced isekai and slice-of-life shows, Gunsmith Cats feels refreshingly unpretentious. It’s a reminder of when anime was just… cool. No complicated lore, no power-of-friendship speeches—just two women kicking ass and taking names.

So, if you’re in the mood for a quick, adrenaline-fueled ride, give Gunsmith Cats a shot. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun—and sometimes, that’s all you need. Just don’t forget to buckle up. The car chases alone are worth the watch.

Final Verdict: 8/10. A must-see for action fans and 90s anime nostalgics.

P.S. If you love this, check out Sonoda’s other work, Cannon God Exaxxion—more guns, more mechs, more chaos.