Parasite Dolls [3 episodes]

Parasite Dolls: A Cyberpunk Gem That Slaps Hard (Even If No One Talks About It)

Let’s cut to the chase: Parasite Dolls is the underrated cyberpunk OVA you didn’t know you needed. Released in 2003 as a three-episode series (each 30 minutes, so you can binge it in an afternoon), this AIC/Imagica joint dives headfirst into the Bubblegum Crisis universe—but forget the bubbly pop and mechs of the original. This is the gritty, neon-drenched underbelly of Megatokyo, where androids called “Boomers” aren’t just tools—they’re ticking time bombs, and the Branch (a secret AD Police unit) is the only thing standing between chaos and… well, more chaos.

First off, the vibe is chef’s kiss. Think Blade Runner meets Ghost in the Shell, but with that early-2000s anime edge that hits different. The art style is dark and moody, with rain-slicked streets, flickering holograms, and Boomers that look equal parts human and horrifying. It’s not flashy, but it’s atmospheric—you can almost smell the ozone and cheap ramen in the air.

The characters? They’re messy, they’re flawed, and they’re real. Take Buzz, the gruff Branch officer stuck with a Boomer partner (yes, you read that right). His arc is all about trust—can you rely on something that’s technically a machine? Then there’s Michaelson, who’s questioning where the line between human and robot even is anymore. These aren’t your typical “heroes”—they’re just people trying to survive in a world that’s falling apart at the seams.

Now, let’s talk about the episodes because each one hits different. Episode 1, “A Faint Voice,” kicks things off with a Boomer gone rogue—classic cyberpunk fare, but with a twist: this Boomer isn’t just killing people, it’s singing. It’s creepy, it’s sad, and it sets the tone for the series: Boomers aren’t just villains. They’re victims too, trapped in bodies they didn’t choose, programmed to obey until they break.

Episode 2, “Dreamer,” dives deeper into identity. A Boomer starts having dreams—dreams of being human. Wait, can androids dream? The Branch has to hunt it down, but as Michaelson gets closer, he starts to wonder: if a machine can feel, is it still just a machine? It’s the kind of question that sticks with you long after the episode ends.

But the real star is Episode 3, “Knights of a Round Table.” This one ties everything together, and let’s just say the ending is wild. The Branch uncovers a conspiracy that goes all the way to the top, and the line between good and evil gets so blurred you’ll need a map. Fans on MyAnimeList (the few who’ve seen it) are still arguing about the final scene—does it mean hope? Despair? Both? That’s the beauty of it: it doesn’t hold your hand. It makes you think, even if you’re just sitting there like, “Wait, did that Boomer just… cry?”

Let’s be real, though—this show isn’t for everyone. The violence is graphic (think blood splatters and Boomers melting into goo), and there’s some implicit sex that’s definitely not kid-friendly. But if you’re into mature themes, complex characters, and stories that make you go, “Whoa, that’s deep,” then this is your jam.

So why isn’t Parasite Dolls more popular? Beats me. Maybe it’s because it’s short, or because it’s part of a bigger franchise, or because everyone’s too busy watching the latest shonen hit. But here’s the tea: this OVA is a masterclass in cyberpunk storytelling. It’s tight, it’s intense, and it doesn’t waste a single second.

If you’re tired of anime that plays it safe, give Parasite Dolls a shot. It’s not perfect—some of the dialogue is a little cheesy, and the pacing can be slow at times—but it’s bold. It asks big questions about what it means to be human, and it doesn’t give easy answers. Plus, the Boomer designs are chef’s kiss—equal parts cool and terrifying.

In a world where cyberpunk is often reduced to “neon lights and robots,” Parasite Dolls reminds us that the genre is about people. It’s about the choices we make, the lines we cross, and the fact that sometimes, the monsters we fear are the ones we create.

So grab your favorite energy drink, dim the lights, and dive into Megatokyo. You won’t regret it. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the singing Boomer. That part still gives me chills.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Underrated, unapologetic, and way cooler than it has any right to be. If you love cyberpunk, add this to your watchlist now. You’re welcome.

— A fan who’s still thinking about that ending.

P.S. If you watch it, hit me up. We need to talk about Episode 3. Like, seriously.

(P.S.S. Yes, I know it’s 20 years old. Good things never die—they just get more underrated.)