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Have you ever heard of someone called Masamune Shirou? No? What about Ghost in the Shell? If the answer is yes, well, you should also know that Black Magic M-66 is the first and only OVA directed by Masamune in 1987 (and based on his manga from 1983).

The animated adaptation has a short runtime of 45 minutes so, as always, the watcher has to realize that something has to be sacrificed in order to wrap up the story. The "confusing plot" that most critics point out it's just their inability to piece together a story without the media telling them every single bit of information ... so don't pay too much attention to those who point out such a silly statement.

I found the direction very straightforward and easy to understand but once again, people are mistakingly pairing Black Magic M-66 with James Cameron's movie The Terminator, which is quite silly if we consider that the original story and manga came earlier, in 1983. Yes, probably the story presentation was mildly influenced later on, but the core story of the killer robot is already in the manga which is earlier. Don't fall for false narratives that try to downplay the production.

Animation wise it's pretty well made, fluid and detailed, especially the mechanical aspects of the robot, as you would expect from Masamune Shirou. I just have to say, though, that what I loved most was the soundtrack, with the ending song "Finally" by Yuki Kitahara that's forever stuck in my brain and brought me to tears (manly tears, mind you!) for its 80s essence. A must watch.

Story: 1/2
Direction: 1.5/2
Animation: 1.5/2
Characters: 1/2
Music: 2/2
Bonus points: 1/2

Final score: 8/10

Oh boy! Yoshiaki Kawajiri + 1980s city horror noir = absolute masterpiece. At least in my book. Yōjū Toshi, the 1987 OVA, has it all: extreme violence, occultism, demons and monsters, a moody blue-tinted cityscape, erotism, oneiric storytelling, and dark, uncompromising themes. And every bit of it is conveyed through the lens of one of the finest anime directors of that era.

Critics often knock the story and pacing, but that’s just modern sensibilities clashing with a fragmented, 80s-style narrative. Like most productions of the decade, Yōjū Toshi demands that you go with the flow. Treat it as a leap of faith, and the rewards are ... immense: stunning visuals, an oppressive, immersive atmosphere, fluid animation, and a musical experience that perfectly complements the madness on screen.

Kawajiri is the undisputed king of late 80s and early 90s cult anime (hell, even early 2000s!). Starting as a key animator in the late 70s, he went on to direct not only Yōjū Toshi, but also Makai Toshi Shinjuku, Midnight Eye Gokuu, Cyber City Oedo 808, Ninja Scroll, Vampire Hunter D, X, and many more. Yōjū Toshi is a prime example of his directorial vision but it wouldn’t work without top-tier animation, which the OVA delivers in spades.

The music by Osamu Shoji is another highlight, perfectly syncing with the animation. From the jazzy notes of The Black Guard to the rock-driven beats of Awakening Dreams, the soundtrack heightens every scene, making the OVA not just a visual experience but an audio one as well. This OVA is a must watch and I can't care less about hater. Just know this: if you love dark stories and you're not part of a "modern audience", you'll love every bit of it.

Story: 1/2
Direction: 1.5/2
Animation: 1.5/2
Characters: 1.5/2
Music: 1.5/2
Bonus points: 1.5/2

Final score: 8.5/10

A premise is necessary here. Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei is a 1987 OVA based on Aya Nishitani’s novel, which was later adapted into a Famicom game and ultimately gave birth to the Megami Tensei series. This is not Shin Megami Tensei, but the earlier fictional work that started everything. For those unfamiliar with Nishitani’s output, it’s important to understand that he is a novelist whose stories are deeply rooted in witchcraft, occultism, demon summoning, and explicit violence. If these themes are not for you, do yourself a favor and look elsewhere. There’s no need to dismiss or dilute the legacy of this franchise.

With that ... out of the way, let’s talk about the direction, handled by Mizuho Nishikubo. Given the challenge of condensing Nishitani’s short novel into a 40-minute OVA, Nishikubo does everything possible to hold the narrative together. If the story feels underdeveloped or abrupt, the issue lies more in the format than in the execution; reading the original novel and then revisiting the OVA makes this abundantly clear. From this perspective, the adaptation remains faithful to the source material and successfully conveys the bleak, oppressive tone Nishitani intended.

The animation could certainly have been stronger, but it gets the job done where it matters most. Key scenes are effectively emphasized through deliberate color choices and careful composition, helping to reinforce the occult atmosphere. The soundtrack is subtle and atmospheric but lacking standout melodies. It still is cohesive and effective in tying the scenes together.

If you’re a Megami Tensei fan who wants to understand where it all began, Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei is essential viewing. If, on the other hand, you have no interest in 1980s anime or in the franchise itself, then you shouldn't even be reading this review. Out of my sight!

Story: 2/2
Direction: 1/2
Animation: 1/2
Characters: 1.5/2
Music: 0.5/2
Bonus points: 1/2

Final score: 7/10

Outlanders is a 1986 OVA adapted from Johji Manabe’s manga, blending comedy, science fiction, and fan service in a way clearly aimed at viewers who have a fondness for this particular era of animation. That said, it is far from the ideal entry point for those looking to explore late Shōwa–era productions, though it is a title you will inevitably want to experience sooner or later.

Directed by Sukehiro Tomita, the OVA feels like an experiment that may have cost him his momentum as a director, as he would later return primarily to scriptwriting. The overall tone is aggressively comedic and chaotic, openly attempting to emulate ... the Urusei Yatsura formula, though without fully capturing its timing or charm. Some scenes land effectively, while many others miss the mark, resulting in an uneven viewing experience. Still, the animation remains consistently enjoyable across its 50-minute runtime, with a handful of steamy moments sprinkled in to keep the viewer’s attention engaged.

Outlanders would have greatly benefited from a multi-episode format, as many OVAs of the time received, allowing more room to flesh out the characters and properly develop the relationship between the strong-willed heroine and the reluctant hero. You may love it or you may not, but if you’re in the mood to lose yourself for under an hour in a slightly silly, over-the-top space opera, Outlanders is absolutely worth a watch.

Story: 0.5/2
Direction: 0.5/2
Animation: 1/2
Characters: 1/2
Music: 1/2
Bonus points: 1/2

Final score: 5/10

Soukihei MD Geist is a strange and uncompromising 1986 OVA steeped in war themes and unafraid of extreme violence. Often overlooked by so-called anime fans who struggle to recognize strong animation even when it’s right in front of them, MD Geist is in fact a showcase of raw technical skill and unapologetic attitude.

Directed by Kouichi Oohata, who also handled the mechanical design, storyboards, and the story itself, the OVA clearly reflects its creator’s strengths and limitations. While it is far from being a masterpiece of writing, credit must be given where it’s due. Oohata’s background as a mechanical designer defines the project, as proven by ... his impressive résumé, which includes Top wo Nerae!, Angel Cop, Seijuuki Cyguard, Genocyber, Tokyo Vice, and many others.

As expected, the narrative suffers from the constraints of its 40-minute runtime and wastes no time on elaborate build-ups or character development, opting instead to plunge headfirst into the action. And that is precisely where MD Geist truly shines. The action sequences are the heart of the OVA, featuring brutally animated mechanical suits that remain impressive even by today’s standards.

Characters and factions are barely sketched out, but that’s hardly the point. This is an OVA to be experienced for its violence, oppressive atmosphere, pounding soundtrack, and sheer mechanical spectacle. Turn your brain off, go with the flow, and enjoy the carnage. Haters be damned.

Story: 0.5/2
Direction: 1/2
Animation: 1/2
Characters: 0.5/2
Music: 1.5/2
Bonus points: 2/2

Final score: 6.5/10

A three OVA series, Tatakae!! Iczer-1 it's an experimental piece of animation that came out from Japan between 1985 and 1987. Its a blend of sci-fi, horror, mecha and unapologetic erotism. A mixture that defined the 80s and early 90s OVA scene in Japan.

Hirano Toshiki, the director, worked on major productions in different roles such as animation director for Macross: Do You Remember Love? and Urusei Yatsura 1981 series, but also as a storyboard and character design for Megazone 23. He went on to direct other OVAs like Kyuuketsuhime Miyu, Project Zeorymer and a couple of modern ONAs, a non-negligible portfolio even though not the ... first of the class. The direction in Iczer-1 it's pretty good even though the action scenes might not be considered that memorable. The animation, on the other hand, it's not consistent but quite satisfactory to watch when it's well exectued, with creepy creatures and erotica-themes tailored for an adult audience.

Background music it's okay, even though not outstanding in any department while the ending it's what you would expect from that era: guitar riffs and catchy heroic tunes. A solid anime to watch if you're a fan of the 80s productions: mecha and a sexy heroine, what's not to love there?

Story: 1/2
Direction: 1/2
Animation: 1/2
Characters: 1/2
Music: 1/2
Bonus points: 1/2

Final score: 6/10

Genmu Senki Leda is a 1985 OVA that perfectly captures the experimental spirit of Japanese animation from that era. While it is by no means the first isekai, it stands as one of the strongest examples of the genre of the decade, thanks to its striking aesthetics, solid fantasy foundations, and the presence of a beautifully designed warrior heroine.

Directed by Kunihiko Yuyama (whose notable works include episodes of Ginga Tetsudou 999 and Yattodetaman, as well as the 1986 film Windaria) the OVA places a strong emphasis on oneiric imagery and dreamlike transitions, which blend seamlessly with the narrative. For a production released in 1985, the ... animation is remarkably fluid and vibrant, with bold colors that bring its fantasy world to life, making it both visually credible and aesthetically captivating.

The soundtrack is arguably one of the OVA’s greatest strengths. Its pervasive 1980s-style synthesizer score amplifies the sense of wonder and melancholy that runs throughout the story. Overall, Genmu Senki Leda is a must-watch for animation enthusiasts: despite some pacing issues, it delivers a well-crafted and concise experience that knows when to end and never outstays its welcome.

Story: 1.5/2
Direction: 1.5/2
Animation: 1.5/2
Characters: 1/2
Music: 1.5/2
Bonus points: 1/2

Final score: 8/10

This is my first review on MAL and I was prompted to write it for this anime since it's sadly underrated. I must clarify that I never had the chance to read the manga, so this review is not comparative with the source material but only related to the anime itself. Being a three minute for episode kind of show, it requires attention to details because the jokes are so fast paced that you can miss them. Knowing japanese probably helps a lot but still, I can't understand other reviewers writing that the "jokes don't have the time to land". They actually land with perfect ... timing, and usually it's not only what's said, but also what's being shown. The anime is full of references not only to the medium itself, but also from the videogame world. It's a fun ride and since the episodes are three minutes long, you can binge watch it and have a great time.

Personally, it's a 9/10 experience: fun, fast and quirky. If you know the anime and videogame world, you will find it really enjoyable. Don't let a "not recommended" review stop you from watching this show.