With its unique premise, Bullbuster sets itself apart from other mecha anime like Mobile Suit Gundam. Instead of a traditional war story, Bullbuster takes a comedic approach, satirizing monster-battling Super Robot shows. The anime follows a struggling company that specializes in oversized pest control, adding a fresh twist to the genre. Fans of mech anime can look forward to the fall 2023 release of Bullbuster, which promises to be entertaining and unconventional. A trailer on the Kadokawa Anime Channel on YouTube offers a glimpse into the show, highlighting its focus on office and company drama, reminiscent of cult classics that have experimented with similar ideas. Bullbuster challenges genre conventions with its parody elements, promising an exciting and humorous viewing experience.
Bullbuster Pokes Fun at Classic Mecha Battles
According to the (translated) synopsis on its official website, Bullbuster has a unique premise:
The trailer gives a glimpse into what happens when hot-tempered mecha pilot Tetsurou Okino is confronted by an accountant who points out, "We're spending too much on ammunition. We're clearly exceeding our budget!" Beyond the battles against monsters, Bullbuster's main focus seems to be about bringing together a group of diverse personalities who must not only fight the infestation but also find a way to recoup their expenses. While Okina and the other pilots are eager for action-packed mech battles, accountant Kintaro and tired office lady Miyuki provide a different perspective by highlighting the importance of securing funding and acquiring weapons for the iconic Bullbuster.
The tone of Bullbuster sets it apart from other Real Robot shows, which usually assume that the military or arms companies will cover all expenses for bullets and repairs. Instead, it bears resemblance to cult mecha shows like Patlabor and DaiGard. Patlabor portrayed a Japan where giant robots were so common that police officers were criticized for wasting money by shooting a single bullet. Similarly, DaiGard, like Bullbuster, depicts a corporate robot that serves as both the savior of humanity and a bureaucratic nightmare.
Given that the last Patlabor movie was released in 2002 and DaiGard had its moment in 2000, Bullbuster is a well-timed continuation of more realistic mech shows. Studio Nut, best known for bringing Youjo Senki to the screen, is behind the adaptation, ensuring that Bullbuster will deliver plenty of spectacle. The trailers confirm that it won't all be mundane office work, as Okina's robot engages in intense battles with mysterious monsters. Mech fans should mark their calendars for October 4th, as Bullbuster promises an exciting experience – even if Hato Industries has to deal with the costs afterwards.
Source: Bullbuster website, KADOKAWA Anime Channel (YouTube)